Speaking Personally: A breather and an All-American celebration

Next week, America will celebrate her 249th birthday. In Willow Springs, you won’t be able to miss it. City leaders and non-profit organizations have come together to create nearly 12 hours of festivities all over town. We’ll parade. We’ll picnic. We’ll sigh and gasp over a fireworks display. We’ll honor our veterans.

 

As I have worked to prepare this issue of the newspaper focused on celebrating our American freedom, I am grateful, as always, for the freedom of the American press. I hope it is clear to you, dear reader, how seriously I take the responsibilities that accompany this freedom as I toil week-in and week-out to bring this paper to life. 

 

Lately, that toil has been more exhausting than usual. As I have written previously in this column, our office building has suffered multiple waves significant damage. Our beloved dog died in the middle of all that. With four kids in the mix, we have had illnesses and birthdays, soccer games and dance recitals, and so on.

 

It all came to a fever pitch last weekend as we headed toward our deadline for the June 18 issue. The venerable and ancient Mac we have been using since day one finally, finally bit the dust. This computer was a sword of Damocles hanging over heads. It was slow and ran outdated software at the best of times. It was a nightmare more weekends than not. And on Sunday night, just 16 hours before our press slot, it died for good. 

 

We had been tinkering around with a new software for years – waiting for life and work to slow down so we could launch it properly and cautiously. But last weekend, we had no choice. It was hard-launch the new software or bust. 

 

As you can tell, we did not go bust. 

 

For the upcoming weeks, the paper may look a little unusual as we get into the groove of the new technology. We welcome your feedback as we find our stride.

 

Next week, however, Ron, the kids, and I will be a little hard to reach. It’s our summer break. I hope we get a chance to catch our breath.

 

When we get back in the harness, we’ll be celebrating the Fourth with all of you. Come say hi if you catch me snapping pictures at the parade or wiping ketchup off my kids at the picnic. 

 

If you need to reach us between June 24 and July 3, email editor@howellcountynews.com.