Admission up front: I really don’t enjoy writing columns, which accounts for why this is my first such effort of 2020.
I recognize that goes against the very nature of my position, as some editors love writing columns just so they can enjoy hearing their own voice read back, while others pen columns because it’s almost expected that the editor weigh in on tough topics in their community.
In Graham County, that has not really been an issue. Lately, the most controversial topic has been the debate over allowing alcohol sales on the ballot and you, dear readers, have more than contributed your thoughts (letters, op-eds, speeches at public meetings) to that cause.
You did the job for me.
Additionally, we have a lineup of columnists each week who contribute their own opinions for your consumption, which alleviates stress (“The opinion page is full; I don’t need to write a column this week!”) and frees me up to focus on the day-to-day operation of this newspaper. For all of that, I extend my gratitude.
At the time this column is published, The Graham Star is in another time of transition. Within a month, we will have both a new staff writer and office
manager in place, both ready to make this newspaper excel in our little corner of western North Carolina.
However, during the search somebody has to write stories for the newspaper. The current office manager has been a huge help, but the majority of the stories have came from one keyboard.
You guessed it.
With that in mind, I want to personally apologize for corrections you will find on page 2 of this week’s edition of The Graham Star. When it’s a one-person show, mistakes are bound to happen, but that’s no excuse. I pride myself on proofing this entire newspaper each week, making sure what you pick up and read each week is legible, English and, most of all, error free.
On behalf of the 65-year history of this newspaper, I want to thank each of you for sticking this out with us. Transition and change is just the way of the world today – not just in journalism, either – but it never gets easier.
Stay tuned. The Star’s best days still lie ahead.
Kevin Hensley is the publisher and editor of The Graham Star. He can be reached by phone, 479-3383; email, editor@grahamstar.com; or on Twitter @KevinHensleyCNI.