Over 800 articles, 500,000 words and counting

When I took over The Times in 2019, I was an avid newspaper reader, not a newspaper journalist. Just because you've eaten in a restaurant doesn't mean you can run one.

Michele was one of the constants as I began my new endeavor. She covered Dayton and Columbia county in a comprehensive way, as a citizen, friend, and civic member who cared about her community and journalism. You couldn't read her articles and say you weren't well informed about the issues.

Michele joined the paper in October 2015 after she and her husband, Mike, moved to Dayton in 2012, from the Tri-Cities. Before her time with The Times, Michele covered the Dayton and Columbia County area for the Dayton Chronicle.

Since she was hired by The Times former publisher Ken Graham, she has written over 800 articles.

"When I first met Michelle, I knew her writing skills were first-rate, and she obviously cared deeply about Dayton and Columbia County," said Graham. "Her thoughtful and accurate coverage of local entities, including city and county government, schools and the port and hospital districts, were a great asset to the newspaper during my time as publisher. She actually enjoyed going to their meetings! I know her talents will be sorely missed at The Times, and I wish her all the best in her retirement."

She gave voice to the commissioners, council members, directors, CEOs, administrators, service providers, sheriffs, prosecutors, lawyers, business owners, teachers, and all those who work, day in and day out, to make the county and town run. A key to her success is the effort she took to create strong working relationships with the people and organizations she covered.

"Michele has been an absolute pleasure to work with as a reporter for The Times, but also as a caring and thoughtful community member." Said Shane McGuire, CEO of Columbia County Health System. "She worked hard to understand and then relate our work to her readers in a way that could be understood. I always appreciated how she untangled our acronyms and industry speak in an intelligent and trusted manner, and she likely learned more about Public Hospital Districts than she ever intended to."

And all those meetings. Not the most glamorous beat for a paper but one of the most essential. If a subject was discussed, a decision made or a comment offered, it was reported on.

Michele also had to keep an eye on me, helping me learn AP style writing, know important dates and events, and become a better writer, editor, and publisher. She gave me input and suggestions, one leading to our partnering in the coverage of the Orozco trial. She convinced me to illustrate her article with my iPad drawings in the courtroom. A collaboration I cherish.

She has been an essential part of the Waitsburg Times family, and we all wish her the best in her retirement. Thanks for all you have done over the years!