Well, today marks the beginning of my third year with the Silver City Daily Press.

Unfortunately, I won’t be a reporter there for much longer. I’m leaving the Silver City area to try my luck in our nation’s capitol. I depart on July 16.

The job with the Daily Press has been an incredible experience, and one I’ve enjoyed immensely. I think Joe Citizens in Grant County don’t realize how great they’ve got it: the Daily Press is one of the few remaining independent newspapers in the country, much less in New Mexico. Independent newspapers are committed to their communities in ways unheard of in the corporate world.

The Daily Press is also a great small business. It employs about 25 full-time workers, and about 40 part-time workers. Locally-owned, it keeps money inside the area, rather than shipping it out of state.

I’ve learned so much during the past two years, and have made some small but significant achievements. I owe that to the incredible residents of Silver City and Grant County. This is such a vibrant community, and I will aways consider it my home. The people here are so deeply committed to the area that my job was an easy one.

There are too many to thank: my editor, Dean Thompson, has been a consistent support and teacher, while the other members of the Daily Press staff have been incredible teachers, peers and colleagues.  Numerous government officials: with the city, county and state, as well as people at the Forest Service, Western New Mexico University, etc.

Frank Kenney has been a great friend during the past year — I’ll miss Wednesday coffee with him. In addition, Nicole Robbins quickly demonstrated her dedication to improving Silver City and helping its businesses, and I’ll miss her level head.

Online, I love the community of bloggers that call New Mexico home. The list is a long one, but there are a few people I’d love to give thanks to. John Fleck of the Albuquerque Journal has been the closest thing to a mentor I’ve had in the newspaper/blogging business. His blog is essential reading for insight into the science and climate of New Mexico. NewMexiKen has been an inspiration in the quality and quantity of his posts. I admire Heath Haussamen for his jump into the world of online journalism. Julia Goldberg possesses the kind of integrity and dedication I think we all wish we had. There are others, again, too many to list, but I wanted to single these folks out.

I also need to thank Amanda Marcotte, who runs Pandagon. She convinced me to make the switch to WordPress and got me set up with my Web host. More than that, she’s been a constant friend and supporter. This bog wouldn’t be what it is today if not for her.

I’m not sure what will happen with this blog: it might be gone this evening. I might keep it after I leave. I just don’t know. But, I want to thank you, my readers, for making me a part of your day.

I also want to thank my friends and family. I’ve made some amazing friends here in Silver City, and I’ll miss them all. What’s more, I’ll miss seeing my grandmothers, and my aunts, uncles and cousins. I’ll soon be living near my mother and sister, but I’ve spent the last 4 years here in Silver City with my dad. I couldn’t possibly say everything I want to say (mostly thanks for all his help), but I never would have thought we would have the kind of wonderful relationship we now share.

Last, but not least, I do want to thank Meredith: you’ve been the best friend I’ve ever had. You’re pretty much amazing.