Back in 1975 I was still in college and beginning to dabble in what would become my first career of radio. In October of that year, I located a subject that I thought would be appropriate for my new friend Ken Barhorst, Sports Editor at the Sidney Daily News, I wrote a quick article and forwarded it to him, resulting in my first ever byline when it appeared a few days later.

That began a 40-plus year professional relationship between the two of us where we were in regular contact, mostly related to discussing and sorting out the local sporting scene. We also shared many road trips to events that we would both be covering. Those were the best times we had together.

In 1990, I departed the local radio station and Ken offered me a weekly sports column opportunity which is what really got me going on the newspaper side. This lasted for about a year and and I followed with periodic contributions for the remainder of Ken’s tenure. When he retired, the relationship continued with Bryant Billing. A few years back my sports columns began to run weekly once again. However, that is coming to an end with this installment.

For multiple reasons I have decided not to continue past today. I want to thank the current staff of the Sidney Daily News that has made me feel so welcome including Bryant, Melanie, Luke, and Natalie, in addition to Ken Barhorst who helped me launch almost 50 years ago.

The biggest thank you must go out to the readers of my work whose feedback was meaningful, appreciated, and encouraging. Many of them thanked me for helping guide them on an enjoyable journey down memory lane as many of my pieces were historical in nature.

There have been lots of highlights along the way. Let me say that the top highlight for me personally was being in Cleveland back in 2016 when Fort Loramie‘s Jared Hoying came to town as a member of the Texas Rangers. Days earlier he had become the first homegrown Shelby Countian to play major league baseball. I’ll never forget interviewing him on the field behind the batting cage. This was a fine young man whom I had known since his birth and he was in the big leagues. Wow, it doesn’t get any better than that.

The next several months could include at least one surgery. I’ve been getting all sorts of helpful advice from folks who have gone through joint replacements. The entire picture should be clearer by the end of this year. I still plan to be a visible part of the area sports scene and hope to continue attending many events. You’ll see me courtside in both Piqua and Troy this weekend.

Thanks again for a great ride, and it’s nowhere close to being over. I’m glad I never left Shelby County. I still love it here.