It’s been more than a month since I started my new job here at the Lake Sun and it’s been a pretty hectic time for me. With moving my family and learning the ins and outs of a new organization, I’ve had little time to get outside our offices and meet people around the lake. So I thought I’d take a little time to introduce myself.
I’ve been involved in newspapers for nearly 20 years and I’ve been a publisher for nearly 10 of those years. I have to say that I love my job.
However, when I meet people and tell them I am the publisher at the newspaper, sometimes I get a blank stare.
Then the question is sheepishly asked:
So what exactly does a publisher do?
Good question. Heck, I didn't know exactly what one did until I became one.
Well the answer is that a publisher is essentially a general manager. He or she oversees all of the departments that make up a newspaper. A publisher is ultimately responsible for making sure that advertising and circulation numbers are healthy and that editorial is heading in the right direction.
So why do I love being a publisher? I have a number of reasons – but it is mostly because newspapers, done right, can make a positive difference in the community.  And I like feeling like I’m a part of something that makes a difference.
When the “new guy” comes on board, people wonder what changes he may bring. Well, there will be changes and hopefully positive ones. In the not too distant future, we’ll be redesigning our product – trying to make it more enjoyable for the reader. We’ll continue to concentrate on local stories, bringing you more lake news than any other source.
We’ll also be reaching out more to our readers, asking for more contributions, opinions and input. Some of these changes will be subtle and some will be obvious. But all will be done in an effort to improve your newspaper. If you like or dislike our changes, let us know, we can’t improve without your input.
To be honest, when we were approached about this position, my family and I didn’t know much about the area. We were living outside of Louisville and were concerned that in moving to the lake, we may have to give up some of the niceties that come from living near a large metropolis (shopping, entertainment etc.). On the other hand, we had lived in small communities before and enjoyed the quieter lifestyle.
Well, much to our surprise, we found that we can have the best of both worlds here. There’s peace and quite and plenty of shopping and entertainment. We’re an active family and we enjoy getting out.
We’ve never lived anywhere that matched the beauty of Lake of the Ozarks.
My wife is a professional photographer and she’s been in heaven taking pictures all around the lake. She can’t wait for the colors of the fall.
Moving is always a concern when you have kids in school. You worry that your children will able to make new friends and fit in. But it hasn’t been a problem. The kids were sold as soon as they saw the school facilities (especially the turf field - they thought it was really cool).
Our kids are into as many extracurricular activities as they can get into and there seems to be no shortage of them at the lake.
As has been the case since shortly after they began to walk - our nights and weekends are spent hustling them around to various games and events. We gave up our social life long ago - which is too bad because there is plenty of social life to be had here at the lake.
So bottom line, we’re pleased as heck to be here, settling in nicely and wouldn’t mind staying for a long while. Thanks for reading!