For three and one-half years I have worked for this newspaper. I’ve covered city government, the schools, the legislature and written about the people who live here.

Occasionally, I’ve witnessed great things and watched as my fellow humans reaffirmed my faith in humanity.

Once in a while I covered a protest, too.

But I can honestly say that in my 30-plus years in the industry, I’ve never regretted working at a newspaper.

But everything changes.

And it’s with a deep sense of sadness that I’m announcing this will be my last column for the Moore American.

I’m changing jobs and, because of that change, won’t be filling this particular spot of your newspaper anymore.

Others will take my place, but rest assured the American will continue to cover Moore, Cleveland County and the rest of the state.

Beacuse I still belive that a community needs a newspaper. People need to be able to see what their goverment and their fellow residents are up to. And a newspaper like the American should be the vehicle to deliver that news.

It seems every day now, there are stories of newspapers dying and closing and journalists being laid off left and right.

And while that may be the case with the large, metropolitan dailies, it’s not the case here in Cleveland County.

Your newspaper is solid.

As is your community.

Moore is blessed with intelligent, capable leaders and officials who — I believe — are honestly trying to make things better.

Sure, they screw up once in a while.

And yes, they’re call on their mistakes.

But overall, the city of Moore is lucky. It has a solid tax base, growth is continuing, its schools are first rate and its governmental leaders know how to work together.

I don’t always agree with them, but I do respect them.

Thinking about the past three years makes me smile, when I realize just how much positive change I was able to witness and write about.

But thinking about the future makes me even happier, when I realize just how positive that future can be.

My hope for Moore — and its newspaper — is continued growth and success.

Both entities have worked hard and both deserve it.

Good luck.