The news came last Thursday that Carole Ferguson is leaving us. Assistant News Editors Amanda Reiter, left, and Darrin Peschka reacted to that news with tears and screams; even Santa couldn't console them (nor could the half-price coffee the next day soothe them). (ANE Alicia Hoffman was too upset to visit with Santa). Here's the e-mail from John:Joe and I are sad to announce that Carole Ferguson will be leaving The Star. Carole has accepted the position of managing editor of the Redding Record Searchlight. Her last day here will be right after the first of the year. This is a wonderful opportunity for her and we are excited for Carole, and know she will make an excellent managing editor in Redding. Their gain is definitely our loss. Carole started with us as a copy editor in 1999 and became news editor in 2003. She manages the largest staff in the newsroom while spending most of her time each day working hands-on on tomorrow's paper and making sure we make deadline. Silas Lyons, editor in Redding, which is the other Scripps-owned paper in California, had this to say about Carole in announcing the appointment to his staff: "She has a genuine commitment to community journalism and a passion for what we do. She also understands exactly what it takes to get the paper out every day. Those of you who interviewed her had great feedback. ... I'm absolutely thrilled to have her coming on board in such a critical role for our newsroom. I think you'll find her to be an able leader and a valuable colleague." I know she will provide excellent counsel to Silas, a young, dynamic editor (I gave him his first job out of college ... a few years ago). Sometime between now and her departure we will squeeze in an appropriate good-bye. --John
