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LoftisI’ve gotten in the habit of looking at my “memories” each morning on Facebook. On a recent morning, a memory popped up from 10 years ago.
“First impressions: Maybe the best decision I have ever made.”
The original post, on May 29, 2014, was referring to my first visit to Carroll County. I had accepted a job as managing editor of this newspaper over the phone a week or two earlier. I’d never been to Carroll County and knew next to nothing about it, but I knew it had to be a better situation than the one I was in.
It’s safe to say it was love at first sight. And 10 years later, that feeling has only grown stronger.
I’ll celebrate my work anniversary in a couple of weeks, on June 23. Our former publisher, Bob Moore, insisted that I give my previous employer a month’s notice.
My time in Carroll County has flown by, but a lot has happened. Both personally and professionally, these have been the best 10 years of my life.
I’ve been a professional journalist for about 35 years now — longer if you count the work I did for a little weekly paper while I was still in high school. I’ve worn a lot of hats — everything from a one-man sports staff to managing editor of a national trade publication covering the for-hire trucking industry to a sports staffer at a major metro daily. Before I came here, I was managing editor of a smaller daily paper, with a newsroom staff of close to 20 people.
I’ve had a good career and I’m proud of the work I’ve done at every stop along the way.
But nowhere have I found the kind of professional satisfaction that I’ve found right here in Carroll County.
When I arrived in 2014, I was excited and optimistic. But if you’d told me then that 10 years later, I’d still be here and be the majority owner of this newspaper, I’d have probably recommended you seek professional help.
It’s a tough time for newspapers, and we aren’t immune. But we’re working hard and we’re doing OK. As a matter of fact, I’m even more excited and optimistic than I was 10 years ago. I can’t wait to see what the next 10 years will bring.
One thing is for certain: I’ve found everything I was looking for, and I’m not going anywhere.
It’s good to be home.
•••
Scott Loftis is editor and publisher of the Carroll County News. His email address is SLoftis@CarrollCoNews.com.
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