It has been about 10 months since I took over the role as editor of the Times Journal and I have witnessed many changes both in my job and, here recently, in my personal life.

Last winter, this newspaper purchased the Russell Register just a few months after starting my new role. The acquisition and merger of the Register with the Russell County News brought Russell County a new Saturday newspaper in the Russell County News-Register.

We’ve continued to produce the Saturday newspaper along with the Times Journal on Thursday and remain committed to bringing Russell County all the local news that affects people’s lives.

After the passing of owner/publisher David Davenport in May we here at the paper received another shock.

We’re continuing to deal with the loss the best we can as we push forward with this newspaper. We remain committed to doing what Dave would have wanted and bringing quality work to you each week.

But there also is another side to my life. When I’m not at work, or at meetings, public events or sporting events I enjoy spending time with my family and my wife of more than two years, Jerica.

Now here is where I get to brag a bit. Jerica graduated from Lindsey Wilson College in December with a degree in middle grades English and Social Science and subsequently began the task of searching for a teaching position.

As we all know, many school districts are financially strapped and therefore the prospects of hiring new personnel are slim to none.

As she and I searched online for potential job openings at the middle school level she found and applied for several positions in the Lake Cumberland area.

Her first in-person interview came at neighboring Cumberland County for a 6th grade Language Arts position, a position that was right up her alley. The interview was last week ... and she got the job.

The excitement that I and our family has for her went through the roof. This is what it is all about. Going to school and earning a degree and then being able to do the job you want to do. I couldn’t be more proud.

I know the Cumberland County Middle School recieved a top notch, up and coming member of the faculty and judging by this week’s trip to Burkesville, the folks she will be working alongside couldn’t be any better.

Anyway, I just had to mention how proud I am of her as she did everything right and was rewarded for it.

While I am forever a Russell Countian and a huge proponent of our school system and local sports teams I now have a soft spot in my heart for Cumberland County and the folks that gave my wife a shot to prove her worth ... they won’t regret it.

 Have a great week!

- Derek