The editorial team at The Free Press has been under a bit of a transition period over the last year. Angela Treharne said goodbye to the paper this spring after many years as editor. Reporter Tamara Hynd left shortly after to work at one of our sister papers in Nelson. And now, after two years with The Free Press, I am taking a year long break to embark on a new adventure: parenthood.
Being a mom may not come with strict deadlines or having to cover last minute weekend events, but I am certain it will be the most intimidating, and most rewarding, job I will ever have.
While I have only spent two years at the paper, it feels like much longer – and I mean that in a good way. I started as a reporter, eager to cover relatively positive and community-focused news after coming from the Lower Mainland. After a year reporting I was given the opportunity to move into the advertising department. Always ready for a challenge, I learned a whole other side of the business and gained a new appreciation for anyone, anywhere, working in sales. But this winter, I couldn't have been happier to move back to the editorial department where I felt at home; reporting, writing, editing and taking on the task of laying out The Free Press each and every week.
In the short time I have been lucky enough to call myself editor, our weekly newspaper has learned, changed and grown right along with me. Although I am sad to be saying goodbye – even if it's just for a year – I know I am leaving it in good hands.
Katelyn Dingman recently relocated from Ontario to join our team. She has spent the last two months working as a reporter and will take over as editor in my absence. Katelyn may still be new to the area, but I know how excited she is to be here and how much she has loved immersing herself in all things Fernie since arriving.
Sarah Kucharski will be The Free Press' newest roving reporter. Hailing from the Lower Mainland, she is also new to town, fresh out of journalism school and ready to get her feet wet.
Not only will Katelyn and Sarah have our hard-working team at The Free Press supporting them, but I have no doubt that all of the friendly people in Fernie, Sparwood, Elkford and the South Country will greet them with a smile. The pair will bring a fresh perspective to the paper and I'm looking forward to seeing where they take it.