I wanted to take a moment to tell everyone -- whether we agreed, disagreed, argued or took the same side -- goodbye. I will miss Stoddard County, as over the past three and a half years, I have come to consider it more home than the place where I sleep.

I will miss the greatness of the people here. It seems that no matter where you go in Stoddard County, someone is more than willing to offer a helping hand, a friendly word, or even just a smile. Coming from a town where people no longer even look each other in the eye when passing on the street, that quality will be greatly missed.

Although, my leaving the newspaper does not mean I will never come back to Stoddard County. Having been here as long as I have, I will probably visit often.

I wish nothing but the very best future for this newspaper and the people who read and live in Stoddard County. It's hard to say goodbye to something you have come to love so much but know that I'll miss you all!

Sacha Champion