Moving to Worland and starting a job at the Northern Wyoming News was a fresh start out of college, and my first official job in the real world apart from officiating soccer and other smaller jobs for my parents. I was not sure how I would fit in at first.

Moving to a new place fresh out of college at 21 is not always the easiest thing, and I will admit that settling in to this town did take me longer than I expected.

However, through the kindness and motivation of the beats that I covered while here I was able to build strong relationships with the county, school districts and the town of Ten Sleep.

I want to thank each and every one of those beats and the stories that I was able to cover over these 2-plus years as you guys have helped me become a better writer and person covering the stories that matter to Worland.

I know everyone does not like the idea of a weekly paper; I have heard it a million times. However, the important fact is that this newspaper is able to get out as much local news as possible, without filling the paper with national stories, on a weekly basis.

On that subject, the main people that I would like to thank, however, are all of my associates at the newspaper, as they are some of the kindest, most hardworking people who introduced me well into the industry.

Throughout my time in Worland, I have met a ton of wonderful people, with a community that has the ability to come together in times of need.

From celebrating new and retiring teachers, moving the county library, and even celebrating my mom’s achievements as she was inducted into the Warrior Hall of Fame.

However, with COVID-19, I feel as a neutral, that a fracture within certain ideals in the town has developed into a separation that may be too far of a bridge to gap.

I know that I have not been one to express my opinion publicly during my time at this paper, but I also know that there is an ability to understand each other in such a small community when you take the time to help each other and listen to each other’s opinions.

I know everybody has their issues with masks and vaccines along with government overreach in certain situations, but I know that if everybody took the time to sit down and discuss an issue then there is a possibility to come to an understanding.

I understand facts are hard to discern during the internet age, and most people will only hear what they want to hear.

I feel that hearing both sides and being able to value each person’s opinions can help us move forward even if you still do not end up agreeing.

I know it seems slightly cowardice to call out these minute details as I move away.

I am not moving far however, Powell, in fact.

Moving to Powell will allow me to pursue my lifelong passion of sports and being able to finally combine my passion for sports with writing as I will be covering the sports scene for the Panthers and Trappers.

Take care of each other, take the time out of your day to ask each other how you are and last but not least please respect and listen to each other.

Thank you again for being a welcoming community throughout these last couple years, especially to the staff of the Northern Wyoming News who cares about telling the stories of this great small community.