New editor makes return to weekly newspaper chain

By Trevor Busch
Sunny South News

“The more things change, the more they stay the same.”

That tired old chestnut is still rather apropos as I make my return to the Alberta Communities Group, our chain of five weekly newspapers in southern Alberta, which is part of the Alberta Newspaper Group, LP. This includes the flagship Taber Times, the Vauxhall Advance, the Bow Island Commentator, Westwind Weekly News and Sunny South News.

I’m returning to the communities group as managing editor of the chain following a two-year stint as city editor at the Lethbridge Herald.

Many readers in all of these markets will have seen my byline or read one of my stories over the past 15  years, so hopefully there isn’t too much deja vu. My main focus on the editorial side will be Taber and area, so this will be familiar ground for me to take up the pen and pad, perfect the shorthand and churn out some top-notch stories. That being said, I’ll be keeping an eye focused on the happenings in all of these various markets, and if you have any story ideas or events you’d like to make us aware of, please don’t hesitate to reach out via email at editor@tabertimes.com or by phone at 403-223-2266.

With the departure of former editor Cole Parkinson, we’re currently on the hunt for candidates to fill an open reporter position at the Times in Taber. While someone with a background or training in journalism would be ideal, we are willing to train the right candidate with strong writing skills and a passion for local journalism. Any graduating high school students interested in taking on the challenge? This could be the start to a rewarding career path.

On the writing side, I’ll be bringing back the The Last Word, my semi-regular book review, as well as focusing coverage on the Town of Taber and various boards and commissions, as well as features, columns and editorials.

I’m happy to be back covering the issues that matter in our great communities, and you’ll see my face – familiar to many of you – covering at various events throughout the region.