A Final Prairie Notebook

Posted

Sometimes the timing is just right.
That’s how I feel about my retirement, which will be Nov. 1. It’s time. I’m ready.
After some health battles, it’s time to hang up the notebook and relax. Of course, that comes with the flip side of giving up something I have dearly loved.
I’ve spent 37 years as a journalist, the last four here in Moody County. There have been countless interesting stories, lots of work and most of all, tons of wonderful people along the way.
I don’t really have a favorite Flandreau story, although there have been some amazing ones, including the Purple Heart that went to Sylvan Vigness 73 years after he earned it. This past summer, the Flandreau Friday event sticks out as a really well-done community get together. And I’ll never forget watching Don Duncan made anise candy for a story on the Flandreau Bakery tradition.

There have been a lot of stories that happen every year, too. Flandreau and Colman are really good at parades, it turns out. I have been amazed at how many there are each year, the number of people who show up and the entries that offer entertainment. I think the Flandreau holiday parade last year was a highlight and has always been a favorite.
Covering news in Flandreau has been interesting, and I hope people in town have been informed by the stories. There’s a lot going on and being aware and involved is never a bad thing. Keep tabs on what is happening because ultimately, it is your government.
Thank you for making me feel welcome here and helping me when I didn’t know names or information I needed. There are good people in all areas of the community and county.
Thanks for making me smile over the sweet stories, the milestones and the people who have been featured in these pages. Thanks for being friendly. I’ve enjoyed every one of you.
Thanks to my co-workers who have been more than patient and understanding with me as I learned and kept relearning.
Everyone should get the chance to end their career in a small town. It’s really where folks are genuine and it has a storybook-like charm all of its own.
I’m going to just enjoy my family and live the life I’ve been lucky to be given. But I’ll swing through town now and then. I’ve got plenty of relatives here.
And I’ll never forget how good the people were to me.