Farewell, Franklin County

    Goodbyes have never been my strong suit. I really don’t like them and tend to get sad when it comes time to bid farewell. But just like death and taxes, they’re inevitable, and this is my goodbye to Hampton and Franklin County.
    I covered this community and its people for the past three years. I joined Mid-America Publishing in 2013 writing the news for the Sheffield Press and Pioneer Enterprise, and six months later I moved into the editor position at the Hampton Chronicle. Both jobs are ones I will never regret.
    Since starting here, I’ve covered tornadoes, court cases, rodeos, local government, concerts, fairs, town celebrations and everything in between. I’ve watched the community grow with new businesses and adapt to change by welcoming its burgeoning Hispanic population. I’ve seen numerous fundraisers realize their goals to improve the quality of life here. All the while, I’ve remained impressed.
    Each community is unique. Hampton and Franklin County are no different, and it’s certainly a special place with special people.
    I tend to get nostalgic when it’s time to say goodbye. I only remember the good things and forget the bad, which is the only silver lining to leaving. There have been many good memories for me here and I’ll remember them fondly.
    Mostly, though, I think of the people. I’ve met so many great folks over the past three years and built tremendous relationships through my job. No matter how positive or negative a story might have been, people here trusted me to tell their stories. I will never forget that and greatly appreciate it.
    For the past decade or more, critics have whitewashed the newspaper industry by claiming it’s dead and outdated. I respectfully disagree. Working at a small weekly publication has allowed me to realize the impact of my reporting. Whether it was someone commenting about a story I wrote or seeing an article pinned to the wall somewhere, it’s reaffirming to know that people still appreciate what we do. That’s why I got into this business and it’s likely why I’ll stay.
    I wish I could make a list of everyone that deserves thanks for treating me well while I was here. Unfortunately, it would be too long and you would get bored reading it. But know this: I’ve never taken your kindness for granted and will forever remember the lessons I learned here.
    When I graduated from college three years ago, I packed up my car and said goodbye to my best friends for those four years. I drove away while they stood there watching me, knowing things were never going to be the same as they once were. I got choked up as they slowly disappeared from view and thought of all the memories we made.
    I know I’ll have the same reaction when I watch Hampton get swallowed by the horizon in my rearview mirror next week. Thank you for welcoming me into your community and letting me tell your stories. It’s been absolutely wonderful.
    Nick Pedley has served as the community news editor of the Hampton Chronicle since November 2013. He will be returning to northwest Iowa to help run his family’s two newspapers.