After 13 years of owning The Colusa County Pioneer Review, I am turning this page of life and moving on. I was expecting to feel bittersweet or some exhilaration but, the truth is, I’m just feeling a bit numb and kind of wondering what comes next.
I took a few moments on Monday to reflect on my tenure here at the Colusa County Pioneer Review and realized it has been one hell of a ride. While there are many aspects of the job that I won’t miss – like the long hours delivering newspapers in the dead of night in the middle of a storm and sleepless nights. Yet, I know there are several things I am going to miss.
In the newspaper industry, there is excitement and a constant newness to the news business that keeps you engaged and constantly thinking. In a community like Colusa County, there is always something happening. There will always be political issues arising with every board agenda, and tragedy also strikes at regular intervals. We’ve been through floods, horrific accidents, fires, and tragedies beyond mention. Most of all, how can we forget the pandemic that played a huge role in our lives?
I have had the pleasure of sharing the accomplishments of our youth and community members: From the champion hog at the county fair, dancers at Disneyland, the crowning of Mini Miss, celebrating the youth of tomorrow, to championing our local economy through our entrepreneurial citizens.
It’s no secret, this publication has been struggling. Social media and big tech have put a strain on one of the most important industries we have as American Citizens: an industry so important that our nation’s founding fathers wrote it into the constitution. Here at the Pioneer Review, we have done some great work keeping our community informed and holding those in power accountable. We are more than just obituaries, a police log, and a crossword puzzle. We are your champions. We are your newspaper.
Facing our financial challenges, I considered forming a non-profit organization, and we had some support to build a community-owned newspaper. After much research, a non-profit wasn’t the solution. I’d be stuck with a large amount of debt that would crush me financially, and though we’d have a board of directors, a lot of the work would still fall on my plate. We would also have to compete for the limited generosity of donors, with other non-profit organizations such as the Friends of the Library, Friends of the Animal Shelter, youth groups, and community service organizations. So, the decision was made to sell the business.
I am passing the Colusa County Pioneer Review on to the new owner, Paul Scholl, of Messenger Publishing Group on Aug. 1. A publishing veteran of over 40 years, Scholl understands the community newspaper business and owns several community newspapers, including The Gridley Herald, Territorial Dispatch, Dixon Independent Voice, Carmichael Times, the West Sacramento News Ledger, and six additional Sacramento area publications.
I believe the Colusa County Pioneer Review to be in good hands. While change is difficult, some changes are necessary. I hope that our community gives Scholl a warm welcome and has the unwavering support from our business community.
I have been very fortunate to have a newspaper staff that stayed with me through the thick and thin, and by staff, I mean Susan Meeker. The reporting done by this publication wouldn’t have been possible without Susan’s hard work, dedication, and determination to tell the truth. I also want to thank our volunteer copy-editor Pam DaGrossa, who would give the newspaper a look over before we went to press. If it wasn’t for Pam, we’d have published a lot more minor spelling errors and mistakes. I have learned, and accepted, that sometimes, no matter how many eyes you have to look at the paper, mistakes will always happen.
I’d like to thank our delivery drivers, Ralph and Nancy Newlin. Not only are the Newlins some of the best landlords in the world, but they are also some of the best delivery drivers. Their unwavering support for this publication shows with their dedication to delivering this newspaper to the readers on their route.
I also want to give thanks to many of our contributing writers: Jennifer Correia, Tom Tripp, Kathy Craigo, Thomas Roach, Gerry Hernandez, and Henry Jewett, as they have kept us supplied with guest columns and comic strips.
I know there are hundreds of other names that I would like to add to the list, but there simply isn’t enough room to print them all. If you subscribed, advertised, offered advice, or provided a helping hand, thank you for your support during my tenure with the Colusa County Pioneer Review.
It has been an incredible journey serving as the owner and publisher of this newspaper, and I am truly honored to have been a part of this community.
However, the time has come for me to pass the torch and focus on my new venture, Stitches Embroidery & Customs. This business represents my passion for creating custom apparel, workwear, hats, banners, spirit gear, graphic design, flyers, fundraising apparel, and so much more. It’s a venture I’m excited to embark on and pour my heart into.
Though I won’t be at the helm of this newspaper any longer, I don’t want this to be a goodbye. Instead, consider it a “see you later,” as I’m just a phone call away. I invite all of you to get in touch should you have any custom apparel needs or ideas in mind. Whether it’s for personal or business purposes, I’d be thrilled to help you bring your visions to life.
Thank you once again for your unwavering support and trust throughout the years. I cherish the memories we’ve shared and look forward to staying connected in this new endeavor. Please feel free to reach out to me at (530) 701-3533 or email
orders@stitchescolusa.com for any custom apparel requirements or even just to say hello.
Wishing you all the very best, and until we meet again, take care and stay in touch.
Regards,
Lloyd Green Jr.
orders@stitchescolusa.com
WACM Media Inc., President
