Well, it's been nearly two weeks since I've rejoined the staff here at The McDonough County Voice.
In some ways, it's like I never left.
There are a lot of familiar faces in the office, as well as coaches still in the area from when I left nearly three years ago.
But there are a number of new faces, mainly the entire news staff with the exception of Lainie Steelman. My main goal with the current staff is no different than other staffs before. I just want to be a team player, help out where and when I can to help make The McDonough County Voice the best it can be.
I appreciate how they've welcomed me in as part of the staff. They are a very solid group of people and have my complete and utmost respect.
I'm working on getting reacquainted with the coaches, as well as meeting the new coaches and administrators. The Fall season will be here before you know it. High School golf will begin in just over 7 weeks - and the first WIU and H.S. football games are just nine weeks away.
I'm getting used to the drives from Astoria to Macomb again. When you've done it for 20-plus years, it's as easy as riding a bike - except for the painful gas prices...
From July 7-13, I'll be back in Canton for one more week, running the sports desk for my buddy Stephen Shank, so that he can get some vacation time in and get his batteries recharged for the upcoming year. Then, Scott Holland here at The Voice will take some well-earned time away at the end of July. Once August hits, it's go time.
In the meantime, if you have any story ideas, feel free to drop me a line. My e-mail is sburget@mcdonoughvoice.com I am also on facebook and Twitter.
Until then, keep reading, keep smiling and take care.
Friday, June 27, 2014
Tuesday, June 3, 2014
I'm back
When Michael Jordan returned following his first retirement from the Chicago Bulls on March 18, 1995, the announcement came in a two word press release that simply said "I'm back."
OK, so I'm not Michael Jordan. But as of Monday, I too could use those same two words as I rejoined the staff at The McDonough County Voice as a sports writer.
When I left The Voice some 1,030 days ago, back on August 6, 2011, I was in need of a change. Since that time, many things have happened in my life: a few good, but in all honesty, the majority not so much. All the same though, I do have to admit that it's been a great learning experience. That's what life is all about. It's not always sunshine and roses.
For a time after I left, I definitely did not miss the daily grind that the newspaper business is - and can be. I needed that time away - and it gave me a different perspective on things.
But that started changing this past fall, when I started doing some correspondent work for The Voice and the Canton Daily Ledger, mainly H.S. football games on Friday nights. Those Friday Night Lights ignited something in me that I hadn't felt in some time. That continued into basketball season and then into the spring. It made me realize how much I missed the writing aspect - talking to players, coaches, etc., the meeting of a deadline obligation, the challenge of it all.
When the chance came for me to get back into writing on a more permanent basis, I was excited for the opportunity - and extremely thankful and appreciative to the staff at The Voice in being so supportive. A lot of familiar faces remain from the time I left previously and they've welcomed me back with open arms. I can't thank them enough. A lot of new faces are there as well - including sports editor Scott Holland. I can't thank them - and him - enough for the opportunity to put my 20-plus years experience to work for the people of McDonough County an surrounding areas.
I look forward to seeing many familiar faces - and meeting a lot of new people - as I begin this journey anew. I hope everyone joins along for the ride.
I'm back.
OK, so I'm not Michael Jordan. But as of Monday, I too could use those same two words as I rejoined the staff at The McDonough County Voice as a sports writer.
When I left The Voice some 1,030 days ago, back on August 6, 2011, I was in need of a change. Since that time, many things have happened in my life: a few good, but in all honesty, the majority not so much. All the same though, I do have to admit that it's been a great learning experience. That's what life is all about. It's not always sunshine and roses.
For a time after I left, I definitely did not miss the daily grind that the newspaper business is - and can be. I needed that time away - and it gave me a different perspective on things.
But that started changing this past fall, when I started doing some correspondent work for The Voice and the Canton Daily Ledger, mainly H.S. football games on Friday nights. Those Friday Night Lights ignited something in me that I hadn't felt in some time. That continued into basketball season and then into the spring. It made me realize how much I missed the writing aspect - talking to players, coaches, etc., the meeting of a deadline obligation, the challenge of it all.
When the chance came for me to get back into writing on a more permanent basis, I was excited for the opportunity - and extremely thankful and appreciative to the staff at The Voice in being so supportive. A lot of familiar faces remain from the time I left previously and they've welcomed me back with open arms. I can't thank them enough. A lot of new faces are there as well - including sports editor Scott Holland. I can't thank them - and him - enough for the opportunity to put my 20-plus years experience to work for the people of McDonough County an surrounding areas.
I look forward to seeing many familiar faces - and meeting a lot of new people - as I begin this journey anew. I hope everyone joins along for the ride.
I'm back.
Tuesday, May 27, 2014
Karaoke review (May 24)
It was a pretty quiet Saturday night at The Boomerang in Astoria. A great night for me to expand my karaoke horizons with some songs definitely out of my comfort zone.
The "set list" this go-round was as follows...
"Hey Bartender" - The Blues Brothers
"Centerfold" - J. Geils Band
"The Letter" - The Box Tops
"Vehicle" - Ides of March
"The Night Chicago Died" - Paper Lace
"I Hate Myself for Loving You" - Joan Jett and The Blackhearts
"Money for Nothin'" - Dire Straits
"Ain't No Sunshine" - Bill Withers
"East Bound and Down" - Jerry Reed
"My first, my last, my everything" - Barry White
My voice was OK the next day, I'm just not sure about people's ears that heard me LOL ;)
Not sure when or where I will be warbling next... maybe Macomb? Lewistown? We'll just have to wait and see :)
The "set list" this go-round was as follows...
"Hey Bartender" - The Blues Brothers
"Centerfold" - J. Geils Band
"The Letter" - The Box Tops
"Vehicle" - Ides of March
"The Night Chicago Died" - Paper Lace
"I Hate Myself for Loving You" - Joan Jett and The Blackhearts
"Money for Nothin'" - Dire Straits
"Ain't No Sunshine" - Bill Withers
"East Bound and Down" - Jerry Reed
"My first, my last, my everything" - Barry White
My voice was OK the next day, I'm just not sure about people's ears that heard me LOL ;)
Not sure when or where I will be warbling next... maybe Macomb? Lewistown? We'll just have to wait and see :)
Monday, May 26, 2014
It's about time
It's amazing what happens when you have a little time to think.
In my case, the thoughts turned to me starting up my blog that I began over almost four years ago.
A lot of things have happened since my last post nearly three years ago - some good, some not so much. And so many things have change technology-wise, it's hard for this country boy to keep up LOL ;)
Anyway I'm in the processing of knocking the dust off this blog and start anew.
Stay tuned.
In my case, the thoughts turned to me starting up my blog that I began over almost four years ago.
A lot of things have happened since my last post nearly three years ago - some good, some not so much. And so many things have change technology-wise, it's hard for this country boy to keep up LOL ;)
Anyway I'm in the processing of knocking the dust off this blog and start anew.
Stay tuned.
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