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They say you always remember your first kiss.

The same could be true of your first newspaper. I came aboard as the editor of the Clemmons Courier in May 2023. My first story was the River Oaks Community Church’s 5K. I still remember driving up to Clemmons that Saturday morning. I had to park at West Forsyth because there were so many people and cars.

I was very proud of that first issue and subsequently every one since. We operate with a small staff, but the people that I worked with were dedicated and determined to publish a paper that would also make the people of Clemmons proud.

Small-town newspapers are getting fewer and farther between these days as alternative news mediums vacuum up eyeballs and attention spans. To be a part of keeping the Clemmons Courier not only alive but aloft is something that I will always cherish.

If we are being honest, the honeymoon phase never really wore off. Producing the Clemmons Courier has been the highlight of my week since taking over for my predecessor Marc Pruitt. Even with other tasks in my role as editor of the Salisbury Post, I could always look forward to compiling the Courier. The stories, the people and the memories were worthy of your attention and thus worthy of mine.

In a weird way, Clemmons, Lewisville and Bermuda Run became my home away from home. After a few months, I started to consider those residents as neighbors. I may not live in the area, but every time I got to talk to a new person from any of those three places, it felt a bit like talking to family. That’s just the way folks around here are.

However, it is time for me to pass the torch. The incoming editor, Robert Sullivan, and I have worked together for almost two years at the Salisbury Post. He’s a self-motivated and intrepid reporter, who knows the right questions to ask. His attention to detail is second to none among our ranks. During my time at the Courier, whenever I missed time for vacation, etc., he would fill in for me. A great replacement in my absence, Robert has proven himself capable and ready to lead.

All of us in the company are excited to see the direction in which Robert takes the Courier and we are confident that the paper is in diligent hands. We know he’s going to do a great job and that the Courier’s commitment to local coverage will continue.

So long and farewell from me to our valued readers. We would not be where we are without you.

Ciao,

Chandler Inions