So long, thanks for all the fish

Amongst geeks a common answer to questions that start with "What is the meaning of" is 42. It also happens to be a common answer around the Democrat-News newsroom.

Today is the last day of my employment at the Marshall Democrat-News. It has been a great experience. Marshall - all of Saline county - is a friendly, welcoming community with very special qualities.

In terms of tech, Marshall is light years ahead of many other cities and towns. Fiber-optic internet is available throughout the town. This provides many opportunities for citizens and businesses.

In the past year, we have shared some tragedies. Cory Gilliland was lost in the Salt Fork Creek and Randall Davenport passed while on duty at the fire station. We lost John Norris to a train.

Each of those men left a hole in the community. And although I didn't know them personally, covering those tragedies gave me some insight into their lives. I wish I had the opportunity to have known them.

For those stories and some of the successes, like Marshall Cultural Council's Bob James Jazz Fest, I will take a piece of Marshall with me.

I became involved with MCC during the first meeting in the library in August 2010. The town had just learned of the impending closure of the theater and Democrat-News forum posters discussed options.

Fortunately, the Thompson's bought the theater and a group of anonymous posters met to discuss a Jazz festival. I covered the meeting. Within two weeks, I was a board member and proud to have worked with MCC to bring about the first Bob James Jazz Fest.

Marshall is Music!

Truly.

This community has more opportunities for musical education, training and performance than most. Marshall has more artists of every discipline than most communities. Talent is not lacking here. From Bob James to DJ Sweeney to Josh King, Marshall has exported world class musicians.

Embrace that. Marshall is Music. It is something to be proud of.

I am not going on to another paper. I will spend the summer doing some web design work and finishing a book I have been writing. Then I start law school at MU this fall.

Thank you for allowing me into your lives.

I have my towel. The answer is 42. I'm off to find the question.