About nine years ago, my mom called to tell me about a classified ad she noticed in the paper – the G****** I think it was. Thanks to her, I ended up at The News.

After years of creating ads and becoming a part of The News team, I bid farewell to this wonderful community of Kalona. It is with a heavy heart that I announce my departure from the newspaper.

I want to express my deepest gratitude to the readers, the advertisers, and subscribers of the paper, both loyal and new.  I also want to thank the newspaper team. I have grown to love and respect The News and my weird little work family here.  I appreciate every one of you and I will miss you.

As I look back on my journey at The News, I am grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to work on projects that have contributed to the growth and vibrancy of this publication. I hope it is not a cliché to say that it has been an honor to be a part of this community and this paper.

I will miss driving by the sheep, horses and ponies everyday. The little stretch of highway 1 between Kalona and home will always have a very special place in my heart.

Thank you so much to everyone for being a part of my journey.