I am excited and thankful to announce that the Rio Blanco Herald Times will have a new editor starting next week when Sean McMahon takes the helm of Rio Blanco County’s oldest business.
Sean and his wife Cris will be moving to Rio Blanco County from Kingman, Ariz. I’m excited for our readers as Sean has more than 35 years of experience in the newspaper business. He is excited about moving here and getting to know the people and the area.
I’m thankful to Mitch Bettis, our owner/publisher, and his family for a second opportunity to be the editor of my hometown newspaper. It has been a most humbling experience and I appreciate the opportunities he has presented that will allow me to continue contributing to the Herald Times, covering some sports, taking photos and selling advertising. I started writing wrestling stories more than 15 years ago when Glenn and Donna Troester owned the paper and kept hanging around, attending more events, meetings, games and taking pictures, then after Mitch and Meg bought the paper in 2001, they brought me on staff full time.
My education, experience and passion are in business marketing and that is the reason I love the Herald Times. The newspaper is in the business of promoting businesses. It has been doing it for more than 127 years, week after week, and I enjoy being a part of it.
Watching the youth of our county grow up brings me the most joy in this job and I’m happy to continue in a different role. Between my wife and I we have three grown children, five grandchildren and two more to be born this year, God willing, and I hope to have a little more time to spend with them as none of them live in Rio Blanco County.
About four years ago my wife and I expanded her business, as well as the hours of operation to 70 per week and we are planning to expand again, which will require more of my time.
I hope our readers and advertisers will help me welcome Sean and his wife to our county and I hope to see all of you up and down el Rio Blanco.
Thanks for everything and God bless you all!