EVERETT, MARCH 10: For the past two years, I have been behind The Everett Post. And last week, I said farewell to Everett for an adventure in Alaska.
Everett has been through a lot during my time here. With a mayoral election, federal policies impacting our community, ongoing projects such as the Multipurpose Outdoor Facility, and much more.
Through it all, I have been lucky to cover stories that the local community could benefit from. Whether it was getting to know our new police chief or how State policies impact our city, my goal was to bring a different layer of usefulness to the community.
My favorite stories to write were about people in our community making a difference. I got to speak to new business owners, nonprofit organizations, government officials, and artists.
Through these local voices, I learned more and more about the city many of you call home.
I came into the editor role really not knowing how I wanted to shape the publication. But I knew one thing was clear: my passion for local news.
Local news is struggling. We have seen examples of this time and time again with newsrooms being bought out, cuts to staff, and unrealistic expectations being placed on reporters and photographers.
But I have hope nonetheless. Local reporting is a service that you don’t realize how important it is until it’s gone. That is why investing in local news is more important than ever.
As I reflect on my time before and during my position as editor, one theme becomes abundantly clear. Having courage, passion, and heart is the only way to succeed- however that looks to you.
I want to thank everyone at North Sound Media who encouraged and supported me. And a special thanks to my coworker and friend, Elise, who has helped me tremendously.
And I want to thank all of the people who supported local journalism, one way or another. Whether you read our stories, sent us a press release, or were quoted, your contribution goes a long way.
Please continue to keep an eye out for news from the Everett Post as it continues to grow as a local source of news.
Written by Mikayla Finnerty