Growing up, the only family I ever really knew was my parents and my two older brothers.
The rest of my family lived in the country my parents left to find a better life. My brothers and I would often travel to Scotland with my Mom, as Dad stayed behind and worked his two jobs. The hardest parts of those month-long stays with my grandparents were always the goodbyes.
I grew up saying a lot of goodbyes, so you’d think it would be a pretty easy thing for me to do. Well, it’s not.
Effective Monday, I will no longer be the local editor of Oswego Patch. I’ve accepted a promotion with our growing company that will have me overseeing all of our sites in Kendall and Will counties, including Oswego Patch, as well as Joliet Patch, which launches May 31.
This site has been like another child to me since its birth in December 2010. I’ve raised it with lots of TLC through many late nights. Today, Oswego Patch has become the online gathering place for our community. That would not have been possible without the sources, supporters and readers that contact me almost every day. I wish I could thank all of you individually!
Along the way, I’ve come across some of the most amazing people—people who think of their neighbors and community before themselves. People like that live in every town, but I’ve never met as many as I have in Oswego.
On Monday, Oswego Patch will be the child of Andre Salles. He’s been the local editor at Montgomery Patch since it launched in February 2011. Before coming to Patch, Andre worked for the Aurora Beacon News and has covered the area for nearly 10 years. So, in other words, the site couldn’t be in better hands.
A lot of people have asked me over the last week, “Does this mean you’re leaving Oswego?” I’m not sure if that’s a hint or a question, but the answer is no … never.
This incredible community is where my wife and I intend to raise our two children. I can’t imagine ever having to leave it. So, you’ll still see me around town, and when you do, stop and say “hello.”
Thanks for everything, Oswego.
Jacobsen Lawn Service
6:47 am on Friday, May 25, 2012
Congrats on the promotion! Oswego Patch will be in great hands with Andre. See you at the Dairy Hut!
Brenda Zych
7:00 am on Friday, May 25, 2012
Congratulations on your promotion. You did a wonderful job!
Shannon Antinori
7:07 am on Friday, May 25, 2012
Congratulations, Steven!
Wendie
7:10 am on Friday, May 25, 2012
Congratulations on your promotion! You will be missed, especially the outstanding job you did reporting on the schools!
Cathy Crawford
7:17 am on Friday, May 25, 2012
The best of luck in your new endeavor Steven. You will be missed :).
Ilia Rivera
7:18 am on Friday, May 25, 2012
You have done a fantastic job. Congratulations in your promotion!
Paul Lark
7:25 am on Friday, May 25, 2012
The best of luck Steve.
Does Mr. Salles know what he's getting himself into here in Oswego?
Carrie
7:25 am on Friday, May 25, 2012
Congrats!!! I've enjoyed reading your work each day and you will be missed.
Rebecca
7:42 am on Friday, May 25, 2012
Congrats to you & best of luck! Have enjoyed reading your pieces! :)
Donna Thill
8:01 am on Friday, May 25, 2012
Thank you for the tremendous coverage of Plank Jr High. I appreciate it. Best wishes.
russ harrison
8:03 am on Friday, May 25, 2012
Good Luck and keep up the great work in your newest position.
Jean
8:12 am on Friday, May 25, 2012
Congratulations & Good Luck in your new job! I've enjoyed reading your articles!
Alette Anderson
8:14 am on Friday, May 25, 2012
Congrats and best wishes.
LNewman
8:16 am on Friday, May 25, 2012
Good Luck!
KRM
8:19 am on Friday, May 25, 2012
Good luck Steve in your new position! And thank you for all of the hard work you have put into the Oswego Patch!
Jeannine Zupo
8:35 am on Friday, May 25, 2012
Thanks, Steven. Congrats!!! You have served us well through the UPS and downs. Be well.
Jennifer Smith
8:37 am on Friday, May 25, 2012
Congratulations...well deserved Steven! Your voice will surely be missed!
John Graff
8:42 am on Friday, May 25, 2012
Steven; I would like to offer my congratulations on the news of your promotion. You and your "child" have been integral to raising the level of debate on any number of issues in Oswego. It has been a pleasure and we look forward to your ongoing success!
Katra Knoernschild
8:48 am on Friday, May 25, 2012
Congrats Steven on a well earned promotion, and best of luck to Andre as he takes over.
Evelyn Santiago
8:49 am on Friday, May 25, 2012
Congratulations, good luck and glad that your staying in Oswego for the long haul!
Natalie Stevens
9:10 am on Friday, May 25, 2012
Congrats Steven! Thank you for all you've done for the Oswego Patch! Best wishes for the future!
Shannon Greene Robb
9:25 am on Friday, May 25, 2012
Congrats Steven! I've loved watching you grow this site. Thank you for staying true to your voice. Thank you for all you have done (and do) for the community (and ACA!)! I look forward to watching you take the world by storm! Best of Luck!
Jan Alexander
9:27 am on Friday, May 25, 2012
Thanks Steven for all your hard work and dedication and may you have continued success. You are a rare commodity in the news industry of today and we wish you the best always.
Robyn Vickers
9:30 am on Friday, May 25, 2012
Congrats, Steven, and best wishes in your new position.
Brian Feldt
9:40 am on Friday, May 25, 2012
Congrats Steven!
Cari Barcas
11:20 am on Friday, May 25, 2012
Thanks for all of your hard work and dedication over the past year and a half in Oswego, Steve. You've left an indelible mark on the village in your time as local editor, and I'm thrilled to see the impression you make on sites throughout Kendall and Will counties. Three cheers for Steve!
Bob Wyngard
1:56 pm on Friday, May 25, 2012
Well done, Steven. Your service to the Oswego Senior community has been much appreciated. You are still welcome for lunch, photos, and lively chats. Best wishes ! !.
Bob
Pat Stiles
2:39 pm on Friday, May 25, 2012
Congrats Steve, and welcome Andre. We lost a great one only to have another Great one take his place.
oCoMiK
2:45 pm on Friday, May 25, 2012
Good luck SJ! If only you could of just down a mediocre job with the Oswego Patch but no you just had to excel and get promoted. :-)
Danielle
9:26 pm on Friday, May 25, 2012
Congratulations and best wishes. I have enjoyed the Oswego Patch and look forward to following the Joliet Patch! I wish you success in your new role!
Keeprunning
9:44 pm on Friday, May 25, 2012
Thanks for all you've done for Oswego Patch! Best of luck to you and we look forward to seeing you in town.
Steven Jack
10:43 pm on Friday, May 25, 2012
Thanks for all the kind words everyone. They mean so much to me!
Bruce Grider
10:58 am on Sunday, May 27, 2012
The Grider Family @Valley View Farm have enjoyed your work with the Oswego Patch .We wish you continued success.
Jane Enviere
11:00 pm on Sunday, May 27, 2012
Congrats! Best wishes to you in your new position!!
Dawn Aagesen
1:17 pm on Tuesday, May 29, 2012
A very well deserved promotion! Congratulations! You will be missed, but I know Andres will do a great job.