This past April 1, I wrote a column that fooled many of you – until you reached its conclusion.
Yeah, it was a humorous April Fools column joking that I was leaving.
Well, fast forward to today, about 5½ months later. It’s not a joke. I really am leaving.
In fact, I’m actually already gone. So, this is your final “Coffee with Keith.”
Sigh. And it soon will appear in another Texas newspaper.
It’s true. I’m not retiring, but am moving on to the next – and hopefully final – career opportunity while being reunited with a former colleague and publisher. The offer came out of left field, and it was just too good to pass up.
So, this is it. Sigh. It’s been a great run for me – and for all of us – here at The Star. I’m confident I’ve elevated the quality of the product immensely through doing what a community newspaper is supposed to do – cover the community. I’ll say it one more time: The Boerne Star is your leading source of news and information in Kendall County, and I’m very proud of it.
Nobody has done it better in these parts. I trust you all know that by now.
I am turning the reins over to Zachary- Taylor Wright, who I hired as our reporter more than two years ago. Zach can and will do well – and I can think of no better replacement. He and Sports Editor Kerry Barboza have been my right-hand editorial men and have helped make me look very good here.
Please give and show Zach the same respect as you did me – even more so. He deserves this chance. … Sigh. There are so many people to mention in the next several paragraphs that I really don’t know where to start. I’ve made hundreds of friends in this wonderful community and many good, good friends. I’m going to miss all of you – and you know who you are. I really mean that.
But there is a shorter list of my close inner circle of people I will miss the most – the handful of “to the death” friends I’ve made here. … Sigh.
• To the Cibolo Center for Conservation and the Patrick Heath Public Library: All of you fine folks are treasures, and it’s been a true pleasure to know you and a privilege to work with you. Keep up the great work! Boerne is a much better place because you’re here.
• To Gather Boerne and especially Amy and Erin: Having a great place to get coffee, food and sweets across the street has been wonderful. But more importantly, the kindness and generosity you always showed me is something I will never forget. Keep moving forward – and keep those smiles on your faces!
• To Kim Blohm and her wonderful staff at the Greater Boerne Chamber of Commerce: Thanks for keeping our business community thriving and for helping this newspaper – and me – in the process. A relationship between the local chamber and the local newspaper is essential, and we’ve done so very well together. Thanks for having my back.
• To Baron Wiley: You’re the dude and a terrific colleague. Boerne Radio truly is one of the best stations I’ve ever listened to and enjoyed, thanks to you. May the force always be with you, and keep the faith, brother! And I’m turning the neighborhood watch over to you.
• To the Jones family: You make so many lives brighter at Christmastime with your incredible holiday displays. But, more importantly, you also brighten countless lives, including mine, through your testimony and love of our Lord.
• To Amy Story: Our BKCEDC is doing exactly what it’s supposed to be doing, thanks to you and your leadership and expertise. You’re a true shining star in this community, even if you don’t like your picture in the paper!
• To Emily Stroup, Laura Koerner and Greg Maxton: Fair Oaks Ranch is in great hands under your guidance and leadership. And Emily, you’re a gem of a great friend, a wonderful person, a true confidant and someone with an amazing future.
• To Christina Bergmann: You’re the kind of person every governing entity needs to have. Kendall County is blessed to have you. Thanks for keeping your head on straight and for always keeping me in the loop.
• To Olivia Burdick: Since I’m now in my 60s, I truly appreciate more than ever all you do for our senior community – and beyond – at Kronkosky. If I would have stayed here, I would have been a regular visitor. You’re one of the best and kindest CEOs – and friend – I have ever had the privilege of knowing.
• To Bryan Benway, Tom Price and the BISD trustees: Wow. You really do have the best school district in Texas – because of the hard work, dedication and care from you and the entire staff. Keep up the good work, and thanks for always being open and honest with me. It’s been a privilege. And Bryan, it’s been a blast working so closely together.
• To Kirsten Cohoon: You set the bar as to what a judge – any judge – should be by your awesome example. And that goes for how people in general should be, too. Thanks for being my very best friend in this town, a prayer warrior and a true community partner and leader. You’re the best!
• To my Boerne Star cohorts:
You’re more than my colleagues, you’re my true blue friends. Thanks for making the office a pleasant place to work. Thanks for the laughter, the support, the help and the love and prayers. I’ll truly miss you!
• To Zach: It’s an honor to have you follow in my footsteps. I hope I blazed the trail well and left you a great and downhill path to follow. I’m officially passing the torch on to you. Keep it blazing brightly, and remember I’m only a text or call away should you ever need anything.
• To the people of Boerne, Fair Oaks Ranch and Kendall County:
It’s been a true pleasure to serve you and partner with you. The Boerne Star is a great newspaper – and something you truly do need and for which you should be proud. Please continue to support it.
Community journalism is alive and well in these parts, and I’ll always treasure and savor my role here. About 350 newspapers were published under my tenure and leadership at The Star, and every one of them was put together with dedication and tender loving care – for you.
• To everyone: I wish you the best – and please wish the same for me. And remember, when our Lord closes a door, he always opens at least a window.
“He who heeds the word wisely will find good, and whoever trusts in the Lord, happy is he.” – Proverbs 16:20 God’s continued blessings to you all! … So, for the final time here … as always, thanks, thanks and more thanks for reading!
Sigh.
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