Changing jobs happens every day. People decide they want a change and take steps to make it happen. Such is the case for Mike Norris.

Mike has served this paper well as sports editor. Wanting to try something different instead of sportswriting, Mike asked and was placed in ad sales position, vacated in May.

It’s been a typical summer of challenges associated with selling ads, and Mike has determined that selling ads isn’t for him nor with a young family is continuing to cover many night games in sports.

I am sad to see Mike go. He’s not only family, being married to my step-granddaughter. He’s a darn good sportswriter. His organizational skills of being able to pull together game information at the last minute and his rapport with coaches are second to none.

When he arrived in Marion nearly five years ago, he was fresh out of J school, ready to conquer the sports world. He soon endeared himself to this community and organization as well as becoming a member of the Bernhardt and Berg families.

Most who know Mike, like him. He’s conscientious and responsible on the job and a darn good family man.

With any luck, we can persuade him to continue at least part-time with the newspaper, covering some sports and writing features.

Regardless of his plans, we wish this young man all the best as he embarks on a new chapter of his life. Two new staff members have been selected and will be joining the paper in a couple of weeks.

— susan berg