The Indiana Publisher

Page 13 April 2021 who set up the precinct-by-precinct chart published after the elections. The ups and downs with Chrysler and later Metaldyne. Being managing editor on Sept. 11, 2001 and participating in the first special edition of the paper since World War II. Doing special sections for the Mayberry In the Midwest festivals that brought George Lindsay, James Best and others from that vintage TV series. It was all invigorating work. Poetic way to 'check out' Indeed, there have been so many interesting things, events and people to write about over the more than four decades I've been associated with this newspaper. But story opportunities aside, the times I've had working with very talented, passionate, caring people at The Courier-Times stand out most. They supported me so often and taught me so much. Too numerous to name. Too special to forget. Ever notice that life has a certain poetry to it? Here I am, "checking out" again and the managing editor who's provided a most enjoyable and happy land- ing for my career is a war veteran named Travis. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with this smart, passionate, funny and multi-tal- ented guy. My dad was a veteran of World War II. His dad's name was – you guessed it – Travis. The newsroom is in good hands under this young man's direction. Meanwhile, one of the last stories I did this week was about Beverly Matthews and her years at the Henry County Community Foundation. She worked for me when my wife and I were publish- ers of The Henry County News Republican. We saw then the beginnings of Beverly's brilliance and enthusiasm. Now, after her retirement from the foundation, we're not the least bit surprised to see the difference she has made for New Castle and Henry County. This is not 'goodbye' Time marches on. Cacophonies don't go away. They just change. But I still believe the times of our lives are best captured and recorded by The Courier-Times. I intend to continue supporting this newspaper and I hope you will, too. My wife and I have been subscribers since 1979, the year we were married. Growing up in Mooreland, I remember fondly the sound of this newspaper landing on our front porch. I couldn't wait to get it and see what another man named John Jordan had to say – the inspirational "Sports Party Line" columnist who wouldn't let polio get in the way of doing what he loved. When asked if I wanted to write an official "goodbye" col- umn, I hesitated. Goodbyes can be emotional. There's something too final about the word. And it seems, every time I write a "good- bye" column, I end up coming back anyway . So this time, instead of good- bye, I'd like to say thank you. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for the many times you have made my days at The Courier-Times with kind com- ments about my writing efforts. A writer is nothing without readers – and you have been the very best. Thank you Continued from Page 12 In the past 42 years, I've left this news- paper as many as five times under varying circumstances, only to return again and again and again. The Nina Mason Pulliam Environmental Journalism Award was created through a grant by the Pulliam Trust to the Hoosier State Press Association Foundation to recognize Indiana journalists for outstanding reporting on environ- mental issues. The award was part of the HSPA Better Newspaper Contest for the first time in 2018. The 2021 recipient will be honored this year along with the other BNC award winners. Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust $1,000 Environmental Journalism Award Hoosier State Press Association Foundation

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