As often is the case in the newspaper industry, when change comes, it comes fast. This has been the case for me recently.

This column will be my last for The Port Arthur News as I have been offered an opportunity that my wife and I just can’t pass up. It’s an opportunity to move closer to our grandkids and family, and advance professionally.

It’s an exciting change that we are greatly looking forward to. Unfortunately, with that excitement there is a deep sadness as well.

When moving to the Port Arthur area a little more than seven years ago, I had no idea the positive impact this community would have on me. We grew to love every minute of living in Southeast Texas.

We made some fantastic friendships that I sincerely hope will continue, even though we will be 1,200 miles away.

I have had the sheer honor of working side by side with some of the very best co-workers at The Port Arthur News. They have become a surrogate family to us.

Yes, my haters will rejoice with this news, I have no doubt. But even to them, I only have love to share.

We may disagree and have a difference of opinion on any number of issues that our community has seen. And that is A-OK. Ultimately, we all want the same thing for our community, and that is to be better. However, we have different thoughts, views and opinions on how to go about seeing that to fruition.

You can bet, however, that we will be watching from afar the growth that is at the doorsteps of Southeast Texas. Growth, which if embraced, can be a lightning rod to the positive change we all seek. Brought about in ways none of us expected, but all hoped for.

Yep, Port Arthur and Mid County will always hold a special place in my heart. So I wish you all a fond farewell, as I bid you adieu. And leave you with one last quote by Dr. Martin Luther King.

Without love, there is no reason to know anyone, for love will in the end connect us to our neighbors, our children and our hearts.

 Rich Macke is publisher of The Port Arthur News.