By JEFF JELLISON
Reporter Publisher
Just a little over 10 years ago, I published the first edition of the Reporter. I had no newspaper experience and the venture was a walk of faith. The first issues were weekly publications that focused entirely on Sheridan, a small town located in northwestern Hamilton County.
In the beginning, things were difficult, and it was a real financial struggle. I remember an evening going to the pantry in my kitchen looking for something for dinner. All I had was a package of Ritz crackers and no money in my pocket to go to the grocery.
That evening I sat on the kitchen floor, shared the package of crackers with my dog, Annie, and prayed. I knew for the newspaper to be successful, I had to turn it over to God, and I had faith that God would provide.
Today the Reporter is the largest distribution newspaper published in Hamilton County with nearly 10,000 subscribers. Our pages are full of advertisements, and daily we publish news from the county’s eight communities. Isn’t amazing how God provides when we show faith?
Throughout the past 10 years, I’ve been blessed to meet many good people, and God has opened many doors for the newspaper and myself.
Recently, God opened new doors for me personally. I announced my run for Coroner in the upcoming Primary Election, and most recently, was appointed Chief Deputy at the Hamilton County Coroner’s Office. Public service has always been at the center of my life, and the appointment provides additional opportunities to continue my walk of faith.
So, with all that said, I’m announcing today that I will no longer serve as the publisher of the Reporter. My wife, Monique, and I have sold the newspaper effective Jan. 1, 2022. My efforts will now focus on my campaign and helping to lead the Coroner’s Office into the future.
The newspaper will be owned by Stu Clampitt and a small group of local investors.
Stu has been my friend and right-hand man for many years. Stu has played a vital role in the Reporter’s success.
With new ownership, I don’t expect big changes. Hall of Fame sportswriter Richie Hall will continue as sports editor. Isaac Taylor will continue with layout and design. These individuals are the best-of-the-best in the local newspaper business.
Your favorite columnists, Janet Leonard, Sharon McMahon, Amy Shankland and Fred Swift will remain on board. I’ve been blessed to have the opportunity to work alongside them.
I would like to say a special thank you to Perry Williams. Perry has been my lifelong friend, and a contributor and loyal supporter of the newspaper. Perry always provided me with encouragement during the difficult times.
Finally, I would like to say thank you to the subscribers for reading the Reporter, the advertisers for financially supporting the newspaper, and the local community leaders, service groups, schools and coaches for providing content.
With my final keystrokes as a newspaper publisher, I’ll simply end with this: The world around us is part of a greater plan – God’s plan. Although times look difficult, there is peace in faith and success in God’s strength and power. There is no doubt in my mind the Reporter, Hamilton County’s Hometown Newspaper, is a perfect example of God’s work.