When I took over the Bothell-Kenmore Reporter editor’s seat 5 ½ years ago, I was thrilled to be back in the area full time after working out of the company’s Bellevue and Kent offices for a few years.

I started my journey here in 1997 as sports editor of the old Northshore Citizen, and immediately embraced the Northshore. The sports people were solid. Everyone I met off the fields were top notch, as well, and  helped me along the way,  showed me around and made me comfortable with the area.

It’s been a long and enjoyable ride.

Now, I’ll be taking my reporter’s notebook, camera and journalism knowledge up the road to Redmond and take over the editor’s spot.

Sound Publishing’s Kirkland ace reporter Matt Phelps will take over my position and will keep things rolling with quality reportage. Former Bothell-Kenmore Reporter sports guru Tim Watanabe is working his magic to help with the transition, so readers are a lucky bunch with these guys on board.

The last 18 months of my tenure have been a wild ride of reporting on city council news, crime stories, schools happenings, sporting events and whatever else came my way. I did this mostly on my own, and I think I’m a better editor and reporter because of that.

Juggling many things at a time is the way of the world and I believe we should all try our hands at a variety of things in order to become stronger, more well-rounded individuals.

Whether it was during recent times or way back in 1997 and onward, I appreciate everyone in the Northshore area who gave me a story idea, allowed me to interview them and tell their story, supplied me with crucial information or pointed me in the right direction for sources in order to write the best stories I possibly could.

You know who you are. And there are many of you, so give yourselves a pat on the back for a job well done.

We were all in it together. Take care.