Columnists, COLUMNS--FEATURE SPOT, Opinion, Scot Beard
 By  Scot Beard Published 
9:19 am Thursday, December 1, 2011

It is time for me to make a change

“Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance you must keep moving.” — Albert Einstein

They say time flies when you are having fun. My tenure at The Franklin County Times has flown by, so I guess I have had fun in my three years and four months as sports editor.

Actually, there is no guessing involved — I have had fun. I have had the opportunity to work with some great people here at the office. I have met many interesting people who call Franklin County home. I have also watched several excellent athletes who have given me some wonderful games to watch.

While I have enjoyed and treasured these experiences, it is time for me to move on to new endeavors. I am leaving The Franklin County Times to take a job in Tacoma, Wash.

The past few years have shown me how quickly life can pass you by.

My uncle, who was more like a brother, died of cancer nearly two years ago at the age of 44. In the past three years I have had two other family members fight cancer — only one of them survived.

This year I also went through a divorce. With my marriage coming to an end in only six years, and realizing how quickly the last 31 years of my life have flown by, I assessed my situation and knew I needed to make a decision.

I had the option of staying here and seeing where my career leads, or I could take a more proactive route and try to open up new opportunities. Since I have always had a bit of an adventurous spirit, the decision seemed obvious.

While growing up, the idea of moving away from home never bothered me. I have always been willing to go to where the best career opportunity presented itself. At this point in time that opportunity is in Washington.

As I finish up my final days here in Alabama, I have no doubt there will be some tough goodbyes — I have made too many good friends for things to end differently.

I know over the years I have upset some people in the county through my game coverage. Sometimes it is what I said in my stories and sometimes it was because I was unable to get to a particular game.

I also have little doubt I have angered some readers with my opinionated columns on the editorial page. I know my opinions are not always the most popular view, but I appreciate publisher Jonathan Willis giving me a platform to express them.

Thank you, readers, for inviting me into your lives and homes through the paper and our Web site. I have always tried to give you a good product, and while I know I have not always delivered, I appreciate your continued reading and support.

Although I am moving nearly 3,000 miles away, Franklin County will never be far from my mind. It is a special place I will never forget.

Also on Franklin County Times
County school board adopts $52M budget
Main, News, Russellville, ...
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
September 17, 2025
RUSSELLVILLE Franklin County Schools has adopted a $52 million budget for fiscal year 2026, reflecting a $2.5 million increase over last year. The bud...
Judge denies YO status for Phinizee
Main, News, Z - News Main
Bernie Delinski For the FCT 
September 17, 2025
FLORENCE — Youthful offender status was denied Tuesday for a 17-year-old charged with the death of a 13-yearold during what authorities said was a rob...
RCS passes $43.3M budget
Main, News, Russellville
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
September 17, 2025
RUSSELLVILLE -- The city school board has approved a $43.3 million budget for the 2025-26 school year. Chief Financial Officer Lisa Witt said revenues...
Program tackles stress of caregiver burnout
News, Records, Russellville
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
September 17, 2025
RUSSELLVILLE -- Many people deal with caregiver burnout. Kids and Kin childcare partner Marquita Wilson presented a program at the Russellville Public...
Flavil Wayne McCaig
Obituaries
September 17, 2025
Flavil Wayne McCaig Sept. 12, 2025   Flavil Wayne McCaig, 82, of Russellville, passed away Sept. 12 at his residence. He was born March 3, 1943, to Au...
Cultura Garden Club begins its year with roses and plans for fall
Columnists, News, Opinion
HERE AND NOW
September 17, 2025
The Cultura Garden Club held its first meeting of the year. President Cheri McCain presided. She provided information on projects and programs for the...
We can’t afford to lose electric vehicle industry
Columnists, Opinion
September 17, 2025
In Alabama, we understand what it means to build things that matter. We’ve long been home to builders and winners – our steel won wars and built the s...
Firefighters, cadets honor 9/11 with stair climbs
News, Russellville
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
September 17, 2025
RUSSELLVILLE – Firefighters and RHS JROTC cadets participated in a stair climb in recognition of the 24th anniversary of 9-11. Sgt. Grant Tarascou and...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *