I would have introduced myself sooner, but I can explain.
Two weeks ago is when I officially started working as interim editor for the Observer. The freak snow storms this month turned Highway 1 into so much of an ice rink that even the most hardened Zamboni drivers Canada can muster likely would’ve kept their distance. I was stranded in Chilliwack and hadn’t properly seen the office until last week.
Last week was a hectic affair as it was the first paper I’d written for and designed in going on six or seven years. Writing an introductory editorial was simply out of the question.
So here I am today. Hello. My name is Adam.
I’m originally from the States, having grown up and lived in Ohio for most of my life, graduating from Bowling Green State University journalism school and, about two years of freelancing later, landing my first full-time writing job at the Torrrington Telegram in Wyoming. After two years of wearing many hats (sometimes cowboy hats. There are pictures out there, somewhere), working as a reporter, photographer, videographer and occasional video anchor, I moved on to Wheatland. There I served as an editor for the Platte County Record-Times until I met and fell in love with the woman who would become my wife, and I made the big move up to B.C.
I’ve been blessed with work as a freelance writer for several years between my time at the helm of the Record-Times and now, and that time has put me in touch with clients all over the world. My work at the Observer is what I would consider getting back to my roots – print, community journalism.
With that being said, I hope to do justice to the Observer and meet and exceed your expectations as readers. I hold the work of Grace Kennedy and Karissa Gall in high regard and am humbled and honoured to have their support. The staff of Black Press as a whole have been nothing but encouraging and helpful during every step of this transition, and I am indebted to them for their kindness.
For however long I man the helm of the Observer’s editorial department, let it be a time of transparency and of truthful, accurate news, both good and bad. I’d like to encourage you all to let your voices be heard. If you have a story idea, please don’t be shy. I don’t care how small you think it is. If I think it’s something that will serve to benefit the community, I will absolutely take it into consideration. Call the office. E-mail me. Write a letter to the editor. Or stop by. We’re in the delightful little yellow heritage building by the Broken Whisk. It’s hard to miss.
I’m grateful to the communities of Agassiz, the District of Kent and Harrison Hot Springs for the warm welcome thus far. Thank you for your time. I wish you well on whatever you’re doing with the day, and remember to be excellent to each other.
adam.louis@ahobserver.com
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