Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Happy anniversary, to me -- or: when will my sentence be commuted

As of today, Wednesday, March 6, I have been working with the Picayune for seven years. It's hard for me to believe it's been this long, though sometimes it feels as though I've been here forever.

Because of this momentous occasion, I've been taking a little time to reflect on some of the things we've, and I mean the collective we, not the editorial we, have been through since 1995.

One of the things I remember best about when I started, other than ending a four-month period of being unemployed, came in December when the Curley Wolf football team completed a perfect season and brought home a state title. What makes this particular event even more memorable is how cold it was that day. But what a day it was.

However, there has been almost as much tragedy as triumph during my stint here. Such as the time Prescott High School burned. Unbelievably, the fire occurred on April Fool's Day, which brought out the scepticism in some, until they saw the smoldering remains themselves.

We've also been through natural disasters, including the tornado of March 1, 1997, a day few will ever forget. This was followed by the blizzard of 2000 and the ice storm of 2001  weather-related events forever etched in our collective psyches. There have also been a few floods caused by heavy rainstorms, and a number of droughts during the summer when any rain would have been a godsend.

Personally, 97 was a rough year for me, as I wound up getting divorced. Part of the reason, to be blunt, was the amount of time I worked. In trying to provide for my family, I forgot they also needed me around now and then. It was a hard lesson to learn, but one not to be repeated.

One of my fondest memories is of the 1999 Wolverettes, as they played for the state championship in basketball. How can anyone forget questionable officiating in the first quarter taking Prescott's girls out of their game. Those girls were special, not only as a team, but as individuals.

This was followed by my throwing them a pizza party. I was a bit astonished at how such dainty young ladies could eat so much. But it was well worth it, and I'd do it again. I spent so much time chasing them around the state I came to think of them as surrogate daughters, and ask about them whenever I meet their parents.

We've also had baseball teams go to the state playoffs, though no state trophy has returned from the diamond yet. Speaking of baseball, the Little League teams have also done remarkably well, with Prescott hosting important tournaments during the summer.

During this period we've had to say goodbye to more than we ever wanted to. People who have helped Prescott become what it is are no longer with us. It has caused me to pause and think about those who are still here, still making their contributions to make this a better place to live and work. To you, I say thanks and keep up the good work.

Some of those no longer with us died at the hands of others. Such is the case of Chester Hooker, who was beaten to death with a piece of wood. His killer remains free in spite of the efforts of the Prescott Police Department and Arkansas State Police. No solid clues were left behind for the law enforcement officers to work from.

Then there's the humorous side of things, such as the Asteroid story which hasn't died yet. This was nothing more than an April Fool's joke some people didn't get, and wound up in a panic over. (By the way, the asteroid never hit, but still could.)

Oddly enough, I never expected to be here this long. Don't get me wrong, it's been interesting being here, but I've always thought of journalists as being professional hobos, never staying anywhere more than a few years and always looking for the next big story.

In truth, I have looked for other jobs during this time, and have turned down several for whatever reason. I turned one job offer in Texas down three times, and have not regretted it once. There have been a couple, though, I've questioned myself about. This, however, is only human, as we tend to wonder if we've made the right decision after it's too late to do anything about it.

I don't plan on making the Picayune the final stop in my career. I'd like to have the chance to advance, possibly travel more and expand my professional horizons.

In the meantime, though, you're stuck with me  blemishes, bad habits and all.