At the end of this week, Tribune readers will likely notice some changes as our sports editor of almost three years leaves the Tribune for a new newspaper job in Dell Rapids, South Dakota, which is near the Sioux Falls area.

Micah Bader started at the Tribune on Jan. 2, 2013, and in the past almost three years has built a strong foundation for sports readers.

Micah has been a solid writer, whether it was about a sports story or something nonsports-related, and I am sad to see him go.

I think most people know that I am not a huge sports fan, but Micah had a way of pulling even people like myself into stories and getting me excited about our students and teams who are doing well.

Micah has also developed relationships with coaches and parents in the area, which are extremely valuable. We hope these relationships will continue in the future as we work to hire his replacement.

Micah leaves big shoes to fill.

He has been one of the most dedicated employees in the newsroom, sometimes foregoing even holidays with family to finish a big project here at the Tribune.

He can be credited with the development of our three-times a-year Sports Yearbook, as well as award-winning coverage.

Earlier this year, he took home three awards in the Minnesota Newspaper Association’s Better Newspaper Contest, including first place in Sports Reporting and second place for Sports Story and Sports Photo. The previous year, he won third place for Sports Reporting in our circulation category.

And he had awards in Iowa before he moved to Minnesota.

Awards and skills aside, the staff here at the Tribune have appreciated his down-to-earth and genuine personality. He’s the type of person who puts his best work into every assignment.

The Tribune is wishing Micah good luck on his new journey this week with a potluck. Though we are sad to see him go, we wish him the best.

 

Sarah Stultz is the managing editor of the Albert Lea Tribune. Her column appears every Tuesday.