New editor starting at Democrat

 Family members of slain white supremacist leader Eugene Terreblanche, carry the casket to the grave site on his farm situated on the outskirts of Ventersdorp, South Africa, Friday, April  9, 2010. A white supremacist killed in what has been described as a wage dispute with two young black farm workers was remembered Friday with nationalist anthems and flags and impassioned rhetoric as a divided South Africa contemplated the meaning of his brutal death.
Family members of slain white supremacist leader Eugene Terreblanche, carry the casket to the grave site on his farm situated on the outskirts of Ventersdorp, South Africa, Friday, April 9, 2010. A white supremacist killed in what has been described as a wage dispute with two young black farm workers was remembered Friday with nationalist anthems and flags and impassioned rhetoric as a divided South Africa contemplated the meaning of his brutal death.

Hello there.

I’m Lucie. Lucie Willsie, middle initial R.

I’m the new editor at the Democrat.

I just started about a week ago. I wanted to introduce myself and let you know I’m looking forward to being your editor.

I wanted to give you folks just the Reader’s Digest version about my background. I was born in Missouri, and many of my people still live across the state as well. I have a bachelor’s from the Mizzou Journalism School, as my dad had, and a master’s from Webster University in St. Louis in media communications. I have worked in newspapers for roughly 20 years or so. Name it and I have probably have written about it or taken a photo of it, from county fairs to government meetings, from business news to community events.

I’ve done a lot of things over the years working at newspapers. I remember one time when I joined a car club on its annual trip. I also organized photo shoots, met a bloodhound named “Daisy” who was dispatched to find two lost boys, and hunted down “lutefisk” at a “Scandinavian Fest.” One of my jobs was that of the “Mystery Diner,” which meant I would go to restaurants and then report what I thought of the meal. The newspaper paid for the meal, which was great, but not so great was the 15 pounds I gained.

I really enjoy the variety and getting to meet new folks and going to interesting events. And I look forward to meeting you all soon.

Personally, well, I work most of the time, but I do enjoy a good movie and a good meal.

Let’s see. What else?

Well, I am more a cat person than a dog person, but I do love most animals across the board. I even worked at the St. Louis Zoo at one point in time. I’ve also been on a pistol team. I also collect. I do love “antiquing.” I once bought a 16-inch orange cat figurine with big black eyes, so my taste is eclectic to say the least.

Now, I want to make sure I thank the great staff that has been working at the paper for you all these past years — especially reporters Michelle Brooks and David A. Wilson — since they all have been working without an editor for these past months. They did a great job and will continue doing a great job as they always have done. Also new to the staff is Carter Mulvihill, our new sports reporter. You will all get to know him soon.

And, although I haven’t met many of you folks, I have already found out how friendly and welcoming Californians are. Where else can I call up the president of a local organization and have her (in this case) be willing to meet with me on short notice so I can do a story for the paper?

Also, since you have been more than welcoming and helpful, I am going to ask you folks for a favor. I am still looking for a nice place to stay in California. So, if anyone has a place or knows of a place, I sure would appreciate you letting me know. And thank you in advance.

Our goal at the Democrat remains the same as always — to cover what’s going on in California as much as possible by highlighting local residents and events.

I do look forward to working with you all and think that this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.