Two big changes at the CVN are going into effect beginning in May. One is that we will resume printing with the Petersburg Pilot. The Juneau Empire, who has printed the CVN since 2019, is moving their press to Washington. Most readers are familiar with the Pilot’s format, which printed the CVN for decades before we made the change. We started printing with the Empire because we could print in color every week and shipping was easier and less expensive. We’ll go back to printing mostly in black and white. I’m happy to resume printing with the Pilot and to provide business to an independently-owned newspaper, of which there are precious few remaining these days.
The second change is that I’ve hired an editor, Lee Zion, to replace me. Zion moves from Pennsylvania to Haines this week. He’s got a long background working at community newspapers. He’s worked as a reporter, copy editor and editor at papers across the country. Most recently, he owned the Lafayette Nicollet Ledger in Minnesota for four years before giving it away to volunteer in Ukraine. He’ll bring a wealth of experience and a passion for small-town reporting and civic engagement.
As of June 5, I’ll have owned the paper for six years. During that time we’ve placed in the Alaska Press Club’s Best Weekly Newspaper category twice and won dozens of awards. I’m proud of the past and present reporters and staff. Thanks to all the engaged readers who have provided support and constructive criticism.
I’d also like to give special thanks to Larry Persily, Bonnie Hedrick and Tom Morphet for their advice to this young publisher who probably bit off a bit more than he could chew six years ago, but, with their help, has made it work, more or less. I’d also like to thank Jane Pascoe, who’s been instrumental in helping the business side of the paper run smoothly, and former reporter Max Graham, who put in tireless work here and became a great friend.
I’ve hired Zion because I’d like to take a break from running the paper and spend more time with my family during the next year as Ramie, Piper and I prepare for our newest addition, who is due to be born in mid-May. Ramie is taking a year off from teaching and we have plans to spend a few months down south next winter. We’ll remain in Haines until then and I’ll take another job in the meantime.
I’ll still be a presence at the paper as needed and may even contribute commentaries that one reader has described as my “attempt at humor” and another as “pretty funny.” I won’t say which one of those is my wife.