Time for a change....

I've been working at the Greene County Daily World for more than five years now. I started out as a stringer in the fall of 2004 and started full-time in May 2005.

Wow! Time flies...

Anyway, when I first started working full-time I covered Eastern Greene School Board, Newberry Town Council, Bloomfield Town Council and Bloomfield School Board.

I learned a lot from my first encounters with covering local government. Overall, I've had positive experiences and have met a lot of great folks.

My son, Ramsey, would often accompany me to the Newberry meetings. It was during these small-town meetings, that I learned a lot and everyone was always so kind. To this day, I get hugs from one of the Newberry Town Council members. (Chris, you're as sweet as they come!)

I've covered Bloomfield for almost five years now. It's funny because as a Linton grad and resident I was a bit afraid that I wouldn't be accepted in Bloomfield.

That's the farthest thing from the truth!

The people in Bloomfield have always been kind to me. I still remember my first time covering Bloomfield School Board. I didn't know anyone and I was a nervous wreck. But, Kelli, who is secretary to the superintendent, took care of me. She made me a 'cheat sheet' that had everyone's name and place on it.

That simple gesture was the best gift I could get at the time!

Since that day I've been covering the Bloomfield School Board. I've reported on the change in superintendents/principals, learned about AYP, been welcomed into the school for stories and photos and much more.

It's been a great learning experience. And I'm so glad that I was handed the opportunity. (Except on the nights when the meetings went on and on and...)

I also started out covering Bloomfield Town Council. I've reported a lot of change during these meetings. There's been an entire change in the council, an on-going sewage waste water treatment plant issue, fire department ups and downs as well as news of the good.

I got to know the old council --Eric Harrah, Janet Basye and Gary Sweeney. And now I know the new council -- Roger Doane, Aaron Hamm and Jo Ann Carmichael.

It's been an interesting time covering these meetings. There's always something new to learn.

I've also been a staple at the Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce meetings.

And I'm happy to report the last time I was there I felt like a part of the gang. The conversation was interesting, the people were friendly and the table was packed!

A couple years back there was a change at the paper. The change affected my meeting schedule and that's when I added Linton to my Bloomfield meetings.

All together I had six meetings. For two weeks of the month I would attend Bloomfield meetings and then jump to Linton for the following two weeks.

My schedule's kept me hopping the White River and it's been an interesting time as a reporter.

But, I must report that all good things must come to an end. And once again it's time for change at the Greene County Daily World.

So, this is my opportunity to thank all of the folks in Bloomfield for welcoming me into their homes (Red, I'm talking to you!) and into their lives.

All of my Bloomfield meetings are being handed over to Nick Schneider -- who covered Bloomfield a while back.

At this point I will continue covering Linton and if anyone in Bloomfield wants to chat, provide a news tip or anything of that nature I'm all ears.

Thank you and I still hope to see you around....

Timberly is a staff writer at the Greene County Daily World. She can be reached by e-mail at tferree@gcdailyworld.com or by phone at 1-800-947-4487 or (812) 847-4487.