The end of an era

August would have been the start of my 25th year as an editor at the Frontiersman. But today — May 29, 2026 — is my final day with this newspaper. And today is also the day the final print edition of the Frontiersman hits local mail boxes and grocery store racks.

It’s the end of an era for both me and the Frontiersman.

While everyone wants to round the bases for the final time on their own terms, it’s somewhat bittersweet that I made it to the final inning with this newspaper that has been a huge part of my life for more than half my life. The relationship started long before I was named sports editor during the first week of August 2002. I say relationship, because I am sure there were many (many, many) times over the years my wonderful, actual, wife of nearly 21 years thought I was married to the Frontiersman after all of the long days and late nights.

My first byline in the Frontiersman was in 1993. I was a student at Palmer High School. It was about an innovative class schedule PHS had adopted. Palmer High English and journalism teacher Sandi Johnson was my first mentor. For whatever reason, she saw something in me and urged me to give journalism a shot. I’ll forever be thankful.

I’ve been lucky to have more mentors and colleagues along the way who have helped me navigate a business that has become more difficult to sustain with each and every day. The world of print journalism is tough, and trying to weather the storms has been brutal. The Frontiersman is not alone, Print edition papers big and small are not as relevant as they once were. The industry has changed so drastically for so many reasons.

As someone who loved to pick up that Sunday paper packed with sections that was thick enough to drop and kill a bug, the fall of the print product has been sad to see. I was a part of the newsroom team that produced the Frontiersman’s first Sunday paper in 2002, after we expanded to three editions. Now I am leading the newsroom that is producing the final Frontiersman print edition after more than 79 years.

This is a place I grew up. I am fortunate to have worked with so many people, many who I still consider friends. I met my wife while I worked here, and the Frontiersman was well represented at my wedding. Our daughters Alyson and Abigayle were born during my time at the Frontiersman. And when we lost Alyson, everyone at the Frontiersman was there for us. Our community was there for my family too.

I had the chance to meet and get to know so many great people. As managing editor I branched out. I appreciate everything from all of the reporters, both staff and freelance. I dove into a new world for a sports guy, with government and other local issues. I had the chance to meet and interact with Robby Robinson, an investigative journalist at the Boston Globe who was portrayed by Michael Keaton in the movie "Spotlight."

But my first love (in journalism) will always be sports.

There are so many great memories. All of the state champions, all of the historic events. High school sports. Youth sports. The Mat-Su Miners. Alaska Avalanche junior hockey.

I loved it all.

I had the chance to write about local standouts, and Valley athletes at the college, professional and Olympic level. There are the former Miners who spent time in the majors who know me by name. There were the kids of kids I knew in high school. And lately, there have been the kids of kids I covered in sports.

I was able to create an annual college scholarship, the Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman/Mat-Su Sea Hawkers Student-Athlete of the Year, thanks to the Mat-Su Sea Hawkers. I was able to add radio to my career, broadcasting hundreds of games and dozens of state contests on stations throughout the state while hosting my radio show, the Valley Sports Huddle, for more than a decade.

I was even inducted into the Alaska Association of Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame. Still trying to figure that one out. But at least I can claim the worst vertical leap of any basketball hall of fame member anywhere.

Not trying to brag. I’m just thankful for all of the good things during my time with this paper.

And most importantly, i want to thank everyone along the way.

Thank you to my current and past colleagues.

Thank you to the past publishers and editors who have guided me.

Thank you to all of the local school administrators, activities directors and coaches.

Thank you to all of the athletes who have given me way too much to write about.

Thank you to the members of our community who have been staunch supporters of this paper.

Thank you to my family for all of your support, and my friends who are like family.

And thank you to our readers for your continued loyalty to the Frontiersman.

It’s the end of an era, but I hope community journalism continues to thrive in the Mat-Su.

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