It is not a goodbye

Jacqueline Hough

Editor

This journey began five years ago because my son made a wish on his 12^th birthday –could I move closer to him?

At the time, I lived four hours away in North Carolina. Accepting the offer to come to the Herald-Advocate was one of the best decisions I have ever made.

I have lived in many different places, but no place has affected me like Marlboro County.

When I was named news editor in 2018, I never could have imagined the amazing people I would meet and the experiences I would have through the newspaper and Pee Dee Life magazine.

Thank you for the privilege and honor to be able to cover the news and happenings of this county.

And when Champion Media purchased the Herald-Advocate on September 30, 2021, I was happy to be part of the newspaper’s new chapter.

Earlier this year, I was named editor of this newspaper and words can’t describe how it made me feel to have a part in the legacy of the Herald-Advocate.

But now, I have some bittersweet news. I am leaving the Herald-Advocate after five years and 291 newspapers.

On the one hand, I excited about the next chapter of my life and career, but on the other hand, I don’t want to leave the safety of this office. An office that started in the back corner on the second floor of Shiness on Fayetteville Avenue but is now in the little gray building with the red door on West Market Street.

To the readers of the Herald-Advocate, thank you for your support. You are the reason why I put in up to 70 hours a week to ensure you knew what was happening in the county. I couldn’t do it as well as I wanted but I tried my best.

This newspaper isn’t just 12 pages of newsprint, it is so much more. It is the heart and soul of this county. I hope you will continue to subscribe, to submit articles, and to purchase ads. We are fortunate to have a local newspaper. Many communities like ours have become news deserts.

To my past and current coworkers, thank you for your love, memories, laughs, and the countless ways you have changed my life.

To Dan and Elisabeth McNiel, thanks for taking a chance on a quiet Stephen King cat-loving too many books person.

And last but certainly not least, to my partner in crime and Road Junkie buddy Bennie Miles, thanks for always having my back and being down for whatever adventure I suggested.

You are one of the most talented, creative, and selfless people I know.

You gave up your Tuesday nights every week to make sure I wasn’t alone during those late hours and made sure what I wrote made sense. I am honored to have worked with you and to be one of your closest friends. This isn’t goodbye because I am not moving away from the county, but I am leaving the Herald-Advocate.

My last official day in the office will be Aug. 25, with Aug. 28-Sept. 1 being used for a much-needed vacation.

As I move on to the next chapter of my life, I will carry the lessons and experiences I have gained from being a part of this newspaper.

I will forever be grateful for the opportunities I have had here and for the wonderful people who have made this experience so special.

Again, I am not saying goodbye, but instead, I’ll see you around. Somewhere.