There is nothing like change to throw the chips in air.

Many already know there have been some changes in the air at The Reporter. I wanted to wait until all was settled to write about the next step for the newspaper and in my life.

I have been offered and accepted the position of regional editor for Sound Publishing, which means I will be overseeing the editorial side of the Kent Reporter and the Covington-Maple Valley-Black Diamond Reporter. I will also be working with the Tukwila Reporter, a new publication.

My main office is located in Kent at 19426 68th Ave. S., but, I will be at the Maple Valley office at least one day each week. I can be reached in Kent at 253-872-6600 ext. 5050.

My desk may be a little farther away, but I am still easy to find or call.

I came to the Covington-Maple Valley-Black Diamond Reporter two years ago, and it has been a remarkable ride — fun, fascinating and at times surprising. For such quiet little towns I fell into some wild stories and met an array of wonderful people.

I admit I came to this paper during a tough time in my life, but I have been sustained by the paper, the website and the people.

Journalism is a complex job, the newspaper business is at a crossroads, and I hope it matters to someone.

The  Covington-Maple Valley-Black Diamond Reporter is fortunate is so many ways because of the staff. My title is regional editor, but it is the staff of all the publications I work with that make these newspapers and website come to life and have meaning.

The  Covington-Maple Valley-Black Diamond Reporter is not only lucky, but blessed with the best in depth reporter I have ever worked with – Kris Hill. She lives in Maple Valley and she started this paper. Kris is the heart of the paper and always has been.

Beginning April 25, reporter Tim Martinell will be writing stories as the newest staff member for The Reporter. He is an Eastern Washington University graduate who has already shown the skills of a seasoned reporter.

On the sales side Rhonda Madison took over as sales manger in December with the team of Brenda Cantelon and Risa Anderson. It doesn’t get better than those three.

The Covington-Maple Valley-Black Diamond Reporter is lucky in so many ways.

For myself, I will still be around. Shooting and covering, but I expect Tim and Kris will be moving me out of the way – I can see that coming.

It’s been a two year journey, and I hope the odds are still on my side and I can add some of what I do to the Kent Reporter.