Author’s note: This column was written Tuesday, Oct. 24.

One year ago today, I walked into the doors of The Covington News for the second time in my life. Now, 365 days later, I have walked in and out of that same door too many times to count and can’t imagine it any other way.

I was approached by then-General Manager of The News Hosanna Fletcher on Sept. 16, 2016 asking for a meeting. I’ll be completely honest; I was not looking for a new job. I was completely happy where I was at the Lake Oconee News just an hour down the road and had just received a promotion at that newspaper. 

My mindset completely changed when I met with Hosanna. She was passionate about changing The Covington News and her passion was contagious.

One year later, I am happy to say I am just as passionate about The Covington News as she was and excited to see how it can continue to improve.

As I think back on my first day, week or month on the job, I never thought I would become so invested in the town. I grew up in Rockdale County, so there was no way I could fall in love with Newton County, right? Wrong! Newton County has become a piece of me.

Since I started, The Covington News has seen several changes. Not only have there been staffing changes, but there have also been design and coverage changes that some people might not have even noticed. The staff at The News is constantly working to be the leading news source for Newton County for its readers and there is an ongoing effort to make our product the best it can be.

As I look back on my start date with this organization I am excited to see how things have changed and how some things have remained the same. I am excited for the fact that I have memories to look back on.

As the annual events roll back around, I am reminded of what happened last year at the same events. I now have the ability to look back at the newspapers from the past year and see how I can continue to grow the coverage with each new year on the job.

Jackie Gutknecht is the managing editor of The Covington News. She can be reached at jgutknecht@covnews.com. Twitter: @covnewseditor