Moving day arrives for newspaper staff | Columnists

In his work life, the job my father most enjoyed was working as a mover. An observer of people, he said movers see everything you value — even what you hide under the bed — and meet you in a stressful time that exposes your true nature.

Time and again, I heard him say, “Moving really shows who people are.”

The staff at The News-Enterprise is about to take that trip of discovery.

For the first time since 1974, the business office is relocating.

Acquired 11 months ago by Paxton Media Group, the newspaper and its related services were valued commodities. With plans to consolidate three printing plants operated by the previous ownership, the building and grounds were not.

Since the acquisition, the newspaper has been a tenant at 408 W. Dixie Ave. and intermittently shopping for its next office. After looking at more than two dozen possibilities and reviewing three of four leases, we found that new home in the midst of a retail center.

This coming Thursday and Friday, the movers are coming to carry desks, file cabinets, chairs and untold related items to Suite 135 of 200 Sycamore St., near the center of what I consider Elizabethtown’s first modern shopping plaza.

Known these days simply as E’town Plaza, our neighbors include Price-less Foods, Ace Hardware, A-1 Vacuum, B-Fit and Big Lots. The storefronts serving as base for the newspaper operations previously housed a regional Girl Scout office and a mobility supply retailer.

We believe it suits our current needs quite well and will serve our customers also. The shopping center offers parking at the door.

Our main entrance has a handicap-accessible ramp and, when the signage is ready, it will be quite easy to spot us from the street.

Of course, you can continue to access the news, advertising, distribution and billing staff by telephone or email.

In fact, this coming Thursday and Friday on our moving days, email and phone will be the sole way to reach us. Both office buildings will be closed to customer traffic while the moving vans are present.

With some minor construction, painting, plumbing repairs, computer connections and sign installation still to come, I expect it may be after Memorial Day before everything is up and running. Kind of like when you move your household, we’ll be living out of boxes for a couple weeks.

With the many unique souls comprising a newspaper staff, it will be interesting to see how people react to the changes ahead. I’m sure Dad would have enjoyed watching.

Ben Sheroan is regional news director of Paxton Media Group. A Vine Grove native, he first joined The News-Enterprise staff in 1974 while still in high school. He can be reached at 270-505-1403 or [email protected].

Ben Sheroan is regional news director of Paxton Media Group. A Vine Grove native, he first joined The News-Enterprise staff in 1974 while still in high school. He can be reached at 270-505-1403 or [email protected].

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