Dear Readers of The Rhino Times,

As I sit down to pen this farewell article, I’m filled with a mix of emotions. It seems like just yesterday when I embarked on the journey of owning and steering this beloved publication. Yet, here we are, at the crossroads of change and transition.

I have decided to sell the Rhino Times to our long-time journalist, Scott Yost. With John Hammer transitioning into retirement, Scott approached me with some great ideas to not only keep the paper going, but to make it even more relevant. I feel it is time for someone else to lead the Rhino Times into a new generation, and there is no one better than Scott Yost.

Reflecting on the early days, I remember the trepidation I felt stepping into the role of Publisher. I jokingly assured my high school English teacher that my contributions to the paper’s content would be sparse, but little did I know the profound impact this venture would have on me personally and on the community at large.

From “The Rhinoceros Times” to “The Rhino Times,” the evolution of our publication has been nothing short of remarkable. It was a vision born out of a desire to bring a fresh perspective to the local news landscape, a vision that resonated deeply with our team and our readers alike.

I will forever be grateful to John Hammer for presenting me with the idea of buying the paper. Although I have to admit getting into the newspaper business was not one of my more financially astute decisions, I have enjoyed my time learning about this industry, and I could not have imagined going through the learning curve without John’s wisdom and guidance.

However, our journey was not without its challenges. Controversies and uncertainties loomed, but through it all, we remained dependable in our commitment to delivering quality journalism. John Hammer, Scott Yost, and our dedicated editorial staff played a pivotal role, reporting on the issues that mattered most to our community, even when it meant taking a stance that wasn’t always popular with some of my friends.

The transition from a static print publication to an interactive multimedia platform was a testament to our adaptability and innovation. Embracing the digital age, we ushered in a new era of connectivity, bringing breaking news and analysis to our readers in real-time.

I’m immensely proud of the strides we’ve made, but none of it would have been possible without the firm support of our readers. Your feedback and your engagement have been invaluable. You’ve been more than just subscribers; you’ve been partners in this journey, and for that, I am profoundly grateful.

As I remove “Publisher” from my long list of job titles, I do so with a heart full of gratitude and a sense of optimism for the future. The Rhino Times may be changing hands, but its spirit, its commitment to truth and integrity will endure.

To our loyal readers, thank you for allowing us the privilege of serving you. Your trust has been the greatest treasure of all.

God Bless,

Roy E. Carroll