Okay, so as I’m putting a wrap on this newspaper gig, I am taking advantage one more time to share…one more time! Here are a few reflections for you, our faithful subscribers; many who have become good friends of mine as well!

As a native Lexington Minutemen, I certainly never thought I would come to sit in this seat in Husker-land. I will forever claim Lexington as my home and ‘school’ but must admit I have grown to love much about ‘our’ Higginsville community.

As I ponder these past 5+ years and my work here: Please forgive me first of all for taking liberties with the English language and grammar; and for the oh so many elipses(…). I also apologize, sort of, for imposing my faith with prayers, and my sincere usages of “God’s Best” as I ended stories now and then. My faith was not intended to be an imposition on any one of you.I have indeed been truly blessed by so many of you and just having this opportunity.

I cannot tell you how much I appreciate certain individuals who helped me connect and get to know our town. Some deserve special mention – Teri Ray, Jeanette Dobson, and John Campbell come quickly to mind . Thanks to so many others -you know who you are – for all your assistance, friendship, and support in a myriad of ways. There were mayors, pastors, business leaders , city leaders, police, emergency responders, school administrators, teachers and on and on who helped me transition into this role somewhat easily.

Additionally my wife Sydney deserves KUDOS for her patience with my absence over the years. It was a hot summer August Friday when I responded to an ad in The Advance. Beverly Mackie (GM) and I conversed getting to know each other for about 90 minutes; ending with Beverly (who became a great friend in a short amount of time) saying, “Booker, the front page is yours starting Monday.”

Thank goodness for Bob Gibson and others who helped me learn the ropes around the office and our archaic technologies and processes. A short two years later, Beverly would be gone (deceased) to the great ‘Newspaper GM in the Sky’. Nearly immediately Megan Fisher would be placed in the General Manager role, where she sits to this day. Bob Gibson retired shortly thereafter – and Megan and I, with others around us would begin figuring out how this newspaper operation operated. It has been a wild, enjoyabl e chaotic ride, let me assure you. Frank Mercer, our boss, CEO and publisher in Russell, Kansas was there to advise and help …from six hours away! On a personal note , thanks to Frank for this opportunity to work for Mainstreet Media, and for his friendship and guidance. BTW, funny memory: I remember Beverly saying on day one: “There’s your office but you don’t need to be in it.” Suggesting she didn’t need me there, but rather out there in the community. That’s where I tried to be.

Megan (Fisher) Mackie who eventually married Beverly’s son Billy and has been an amazing office partner – as she learned and mastered the business aspect of the newspaper biz. Let me be clear she was the one doing all the ‘heavy lifting’. Aside from being the writer and community liaison, I have been very little help as we/she tackled all that business side of things (with her trusted sidekick, Liz Murphy).

Most don’t know that we/she took over the Lexington News business operations a few years back as well! (Fun fact): Megan and I realized upon her first day I had been her college Management professor back a decade or so previously! We developed a tremendous working relationship and friendship; and I am so appreciative of her. Thanks also goes out to Bob Florence, Joe Parmon and Dan Rumsey – as well as several other co-workers who came and went over my years.

Going back: That first summer of the pandemic was just gearing up as I came aboard, which made for very interesting and challenging times – with everyone in masks and distancing from one another everywhere one went!

I remember in those early days wearing a mask felt like I was a bandit walking into public places to meet people, businesses, organizations etc!

The pandemic left us fully entrenched in this social- media dominated culture which still exists; certainly a serious impact on the newspaper/print industry. Leaping to present day: with new ownership, we are enduring a tremendous challenge with the Lexington News, Higginsville Advance and Santa Fe Times – now physically and functionally essentially moving under one roof.

I have tried to share only neutral/positive type information about our Higginsville community. There’s enough negative dirt out there all around us, on our TVs and on social media. I chose the positive route; which I am certain some of you don’t agree with…. If that’s you, I’m sorry, sort of!

I will add that it was a good experience for me personally, more or less rediscovering “There’s positive, good things – good people and good life happenings all over. If we look – plenty of GOOD all around us.”

I wrote of this following concept in my life-story book recently published. I should have practiced it a bit more myself actually: In this society where we all exist and where everyone believes he/she is “RIGHT”, (advice) try using these simple three words before stating something which is in fact your opinion: “…before making a statement, always insert these three words,”IN MY OPINION…..” I shall let us each just ponder that!?!

Please (sincerely) keep and use my contact info below; let’s have coffee or a cocktail and continue communicating, I don’t like losing friends, relationships or friendships.

I leave you with these two favorite scriptures: James 1:2 ‘Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds’, speaks of Joy, Testing of faith, Life struggles, and Endurance.

(AND) Matt 25:40-45 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Speaks for itself huh – Love & Care for Others, and each other!

It was an honor and privilege to serve our community. Thanks again for allowing me to be part of your world. Please go get a subscription (or tell your neighbor to do so) – and continue to do so every year.

Lastly, THANKS to the Lexington Chamber for purchasing these three county newspapers to keep our local papers alive!

God’s best my friend, Booker 913.232.0244 – text / call dougbooker1955@gmail.com – email