The Circle Banner - Anyone can love the mountains, but it takes a soul to love the pairie

As I embark on the New Year 2024, I can't help but remember all the challenges I have walked through this past year. I am still new to this career path of Newspaper Ownership and Editor. I have been learning as I go. With no formal training, other than on the job with the wonderful Mary Heide (previous owner). I have received many notes in the last year. Regarding our Banner and what you like and dislike. Areas that need to change or improve. I keep a list and I try to improve with each issue.

I just thought I would take a moment to let everyone know the struggles I have had in the year 2023. I know we all face challenges and tribulations daily and no one person has life easy. No one comes out of this life with our scars and tears. I moved home after my father (EDDYISM fame) passed away form COVID, while in the process of getting divorced. Not having a plan (job) I met with Mary and found my new passion. This new adventure has been great, and I love doing the Banner. To receive medical insurance, I also work "part-time" as a 911/Sheriff dispatcher. Dispatching the night shift has given me time to work on the Banner. 911 Dispatch is shorthanded, so this part time job has become more of a full-time job. In March I was hospitalized for extremely low hemoglobin (caused from a bleeding ulcer). My body was starving for oxygen. I slowly have been building my strength back from this. I am also in the process of remodeling a trailer to live in. I hired a (let's just say not qualified to change a light bulb) handy man. All his work has had to be redone. I had "DJ" put up a garage and my "Not so Handy- handy man" plumbed it in incorrectly so I will have to have the concrete removed and redone. The garage is beautiful. I since have hired a wonderful couple who have re-done everything he had done-to much to list. I got scammed on a dating app –story to follow later. I had to put my dog "Bug", ( my ride or die –went with me everywhere companion), to sleep in November he was having seizures (he was 14-15 years old) the medication did not help and this was just hard to watch. I put him down on Monday November 27th and our sister Bobbi Jo was life flighted to Sioux Falls hospital the next day, with pneumonia and retaining fluid. She passed away that next Sunday.

I am not writing this for sympathy or anyone to feel sorry for me, just know that we all face battles no one knows about. I battle with depression and anxiety. I just want you all to know I have not missed an issue. I have struggled to get them out at times. 2024 has got to be a better year, a wonderful co-worker, Dawn Switzer mentioned the poem "footprint" to me. I reflect on this daily. I jokingly say I am getting a piggy back from God and with my luck, its more than likely quick sand.

In 2024 I will be excising better choices health wise I am putting this out here to make myself more accountable. I will be making a valiant effort to improve the Banner using all suggestions. I am still learning, so if you have an idea, I would love to hear it. I am going to try and find an eager High school student to help me cover School events, another involved in 4H to help me with that arena. I want you all to know I am so thankful to be in this community. I don't know if I could survive this piggyback ride without all of you. GOOD BYE 2023. SO here is to a NEW YEAR, NEW GOALS, NEW BANNERS!!