Publisher's Point Of View
Robert Allan Hooftallen

I apologize for my absence here, but I've been caught up in what is becoming a new era for me personally and the Endeavor- the business, the news and advertising medium.

That's because there is an enormous amount of forward mobility taking place here and there are embryonic plans for new horizons.

But most of all, this column is without question the biggest single sap of my time during the week. There have been times when it has absorbed 12-15 hours of my production time over a two or three day period.

The Endeavor has been blessed, and I say that in the true sense of the word, with the presence of a lifelong newsperson. It's Paul Heimel. The guy who gave me my first opportunity in this business in 1993.

He and I have kept a close personal relationship through the years, but never had the opportunity to work so closely together, so in that regard we are getting reacquainted.

And there's a lot to learn. So much has changed in news gathering, reporting and producing since those days of waxers, razor knifes and "line corrections."

Paul's abilities in this industry are pretty well-known around here and his reputation isn't exaggerated. He's a great "news man."

Those abilities are tangible assets that will most assuredly improve the content, style and look of the Endeavor.

What's bigger than that, both for me personally and for the Endeavor, are his good, oldfashioned values, his blue-collar work ethic and his relentless pursuit of excellence.

His presence, as well as my own growth and the growth of the other people involved in this endeavor, will most assuredly put our commitment to excellence back on track.

I expect continued improvements, that you will all notice, every week.

We have what it takes to deliver the news tastefully and accurately and we are totally committed to doing so.

It's time to deliver.