After almost 10 years in the publisher's seat at the Grayson County News - Gazette this Friday, August 9th will be my last day. Most days; however, it doesn't seem possible to me that I could've been a member of this fine community for that long.

However, the day has come and today, Thursday, August 8th, will be my last edition as publisher as I am changing seats to take a publishers seat at a 6-day daily in Sweetwater, Texas. Serving as my replacement through the transition of leadership will be Dealton Brown from Glasgow.

For someone who has never lived anywhere very long in her life, I think the record before coming here was 4 years because my family moved around so much, it is difficult to let go of everything and everyone you know.

I know for some of you whom have never been very far from or never lived anywhere but Grayson County it will be hard for you to fathom moving anywhere, especially as far as Texas.

There are no words or sentences that can describe my true emotions at this moment. I have spent more time in this town and in this job than any other time in my life I have grown as a person...married....had a child...all while I was part of your community.

I do want to take one last opportunity to thank some local citizens that have made my life here a bright spot.

I want to thank the entire staff of the Grayson County News-Gazette, past and present, for their hard work. Twice a week these individuals work very hard to gather and give you, the reader, the news, sports and community happenings that are most important to you.

These dedicated individuals think of their job as a passion and delivering the goods to the customer is their number one priority. Sometimes there are mistakes and sometimes we weren't able to cover everything that is important to everybody, but I will say this it isn't from lack of effort and commitment. I want to wish each of them good luck in their lives and careers.

I want to publicly recognize and thank the members of the Grayson County Jaycees. I have been a member of this organization since its reestablishment in 1993.

Through this organization, I have met many wonderful people all over the world. Right here at home, I've made life long friends through working hand and hand with them.

Charter President Jennifer Carmine and I have been through many Jaycees trials and tribulations together and is devoted to helping make the place she was born and raised better for all those living here. If I only knew 100 Jennifer's what a wonderful place this world would be. I can honestly say if you want something done in this community this is the civic organization that can get it done. Unless you've been a member you can't understand the magnitude of the unselfish devotion and unselfish giving these members bring home to Grayson County.

There are sooo many Jaycees that I could mention, but I'm afraid I would forget someone who has done something spectacular, so I think it is just best to say thank you to all of you for all that you do and have given.

While living here I had my first child this past April and if any of you are first time parents, getting through the rough spots can be rough. I can tell you there are people devoted to your needs and your children. I hope that no matter where I go I can find the professionalism and care that was given to my family by all of the staff of the Leitchfield Pediatric Clinic. Dr. Sanjay Shah, nurses Stephanie Priddy and Rhonda Willcuts has made our road to parenthood a smoother one.

Someday I hope that I can someway thank Tammy's Playschool, owned and beautifully operated by Tammy Embry, and the wonderful ladies of Gail Lampton and Dawn Lampton who so graciously took care of my infant son during the day. You all are wonderful and I know he will miss you.

My husband Matt Theiss, my son Evan and I want to thank Grayson County and its people and its businesses for being so gracious, kind and giving to our family over these past years. We will miss each of you and look back with more than fond memories on our old Kentucky home.