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Experiences I Will Never Forget

newspaper editorEver imagine what it’d be like to drive a semi through a revolving door, squeezing the long 18-wheeler through the whirling panels without breaking or even smudging the glass? That was my dream on Oct. 13 — and it doesn’t end there. Once I got the semi through the door, my next challenge was to find my way home in Chicago traffic. Talk about a daunting task.

I, of course, don’t drive semi trucks. I don’t even know how to drive a stick-shift car — one of my New Year’s resolutions that never reached fruition. I also don’t know my way around Chicago, nor do I feel comfortable driving in big-city traffic.

That dream, I believe, characterized my upcoming departure from the Times Herald.

Believing in possibilities

Change is seldom stress-free, and leaving a career that’s become such a part of me is like trying to maneuver through revolving doors in a semi. Navigating the journey afterward is just as fraught with uncertainty.

What I had going for me in my dream, however, were my two passengers, who I think represented a support system that believed in possibilities. They jumped on board for the ride.

I woke up before I could pull away from the curb and into Chicago traffic, but I had already (magically) navigated the revolving door. I was on my way!

After nearly eight years as managing editor of the Oconto County Times Herald, it’s time for someone else to take the helm. As for my next journey, I certainly won’t be driving semi for a living! I’m starting my own business, Writer to the Rescue, “Saving the World One Word at a Time.”

Onto life’s next journey

I envision myself writing website content and blogs, newsletters, brochures and articles for online platforms and print publications. I am enrolled in the social media marketing program at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College, and in May I will earn my associate degree, giving me a fresh approach to content writing. Much has changed since I earned my journalism degree in the 1980s!

This edition hits the mailboxes on my last official day as editor. As I move on, I’d like to offer my heartfelt thanks.

I’m grateful to my colleagues who were instrumental in creating a product in which we take great pride. I’m grateful to the readers and advertisers who support our publication and to those who went out on a limb to write a letter-to-the-editor. I’m grateful to the news sources who have answered my questions, posed for my photos, and returned my phone calls and emails.

Treasured time as newspaper editor

I am honored to have had the opportunity to chronicle current events since 2009, and I enjoyed telling the stories of the people of the community.

I’ve had experiences I will never forget.

No matter where my dreams take me next, my stint as editor of the Oconto County Times Herald will be something I will treasure.

Editor’s note: Wolf River Media reporter Scott Williams will provide news coverage for the Oconto County Times Herald until a full-time replacement is found for Joan.

Author: Joan Koehne

Once a mild-mannered reporter and editor, Joan Koehne has taken on the persona of her alter ego, Wonder Writer, saving the world one word at a time. In 2017 she went up, up and away to launch a writing services business, Writer to the Rescue, a division of Packerland Websites. A 2017 college graduate, Joan earned highest honors and the Marketing Student of the Year award.

Joan Koehne

Once a mild-mannered reporter and editor, Joan Koehne has taken on the persona of her alter ego, Wonder Writer, saving the world one word at a time. In 2017 she went up, up and away to launch a writing services business, Writer to the Rescue, a division of Packerland Websites. A 2017 college graduate, Joan earned highest honors and the Marketing Student of the Year award.

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