Don is back

I am back…

*Did not know you were gone.

I am back.

*So what?

I am back.

*No big deal.

It is to me after spending four months recovering from pneumonia.  Note, I said four months, not four days or four weeks.

They said that is because I’m old. Lots of things are not the same when we get old. Whatever, Mattijane and I are headed for an assisted living facility at River Walk in Noblesville.

Emmett, too. Emmett is our dog/family member.

We spent a lot of time looking for a facility. MJ said she would not go without Emmett. And oh yes, she told the people in charge, I also have a husband.

I am excited. It is time I retire. Actually, I still will be writing some page 1 columns. Sorry about that but that’s the way it is.

Some of you have asked if I missed covering sports events. Believe it or not, but the answer is no. After nearly 60 years. But, I have missed you readers. I miss the kids who play the games. I miss the coaches and athletic directors.

I left the sports department in excellent hands with Richie Hall.

I’m very proud of my son Jeff for taking the Hamilton County Reporter to be the No. 1 read newspaper in Hamilton County. Of course he has had lots of help from those of you who have provided photos, columns and stories.

I said a few years ago that the Reporter would grow only with the help of the great community it covers, Hamilton County, and that is exactly what has happened.

Lots of folks still are jumping on board, including recently three staffers from the other newspaper in town. I hope you readers and businesses take note of that.

We are the fastest growing newspaper in a state where most newspapers are dying. Together—our staff and you readers and merchants—are making newspaper history.

So, stay with us and come join us and the Reporter will become the most powerful newspaper in the history of Hamilton County. We’re not all the way there yet, but believe me we will be.

See, I told you I’m back!

I thank all of you at Riverview who gave me such great care. And most recently at Harbour Manor for helping me to try and walk again.