Four years ago, I answered a help wanted ad which resulted in a new job for me as a staff writer for the Citizen-Tribune newspaper. The position was perfect, as I had gone back to college fulltime and needed a job that was flexible. I could also work from home and I enjoy both writing and photography.

Little did I imagine that I would still be here today. But the times, they are a changin’, not only nationally, but locally.

As the Citizen-Tribune’s editor, Gary Meyer, shares in his column this week, the newspaper is one of those changes. As he steps down at the end of the month, a group of Citizen-Tribune employees are assuming responsibility and continuing its publication. Along with some changes they’re excited to begin, the paper will have a new name, all of which will be shared with the community in the near future.

I’m not sure if I’ll be part of the newspaper’s new venture. I taught at St. Cloud Technical and Community College for 13 years before being laid off, and my goal has always been to return to teaching. It’s my passion, and the sole reason I went back to college to get my master’s degree.

During the past year I’ve been working with Rasmussen College on the revision of their graphic design program, as well as writing new curriculum for them. Beginning next month, I’ll also be teaching for them.

I don’t know if I’ll have time to continue writing for the paper, and I refuse to stay if I’m not able to give 100%.

I’ve truly enjoyed my time at the Citizen-Tribune. I work with an amazing group of people who are dedicated to bringing you a newspaper full of interesting and important local information.

I’ve met so many new people, many of whom have become my friends. I’ve learned more about people I already knew. I’ve discovered how incredible our young people are. I’ve laughed with people and I’ve cried with them. I’ve come to understand how much our local organizations give to the community and everything our local governments do for us.

Most importantly, I’ve learned we live in a great community filled with amazing people.

What does the Citizen-Tribune provide to you each week for free? Local news, including:

• Community happenings;

• Special events;

• Great things local civic and nonprofit organizations are doing;

• Resident achievements;

• Worship information;

• Local sports;

• Local school happenings;

• Local fundraisers;

• Local holiday happenings;

• Local government information;

• Local election candidates and results;

• Monthly meetings from three cities and seven townships;

• Local business information;

• Sales and great deals offered by local businesses;

• Photographs of local people;

• A place for residents to voice their opinions;

• A place for residents and businesses to offer thanks and congratulations;

• A placed to post legal information;

• A place to remember the life of a family member;

• A place to look for employment;

• A place to look for employees;

• A place to advertise your garage sale or a lost pet;

• And more

Put simply, the Citizen-Tribune provides you with a way to stay connected to your community. If you lose your local newspaper, you lose a lot more than you realize.

Please continue to support your community newspaper and your local businesses that make it possible. Read the paper and follow them on social media. Encourage others to do so as well.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to speak with me over the years and thank you to those who welcomed me into their homes and businesses. It’s been an honor to tell your stories.