John Willoughby Contributor Since The Boston News-Letter’s first issue in 1704, newspapers have served as an organ for promoting free speech, providing a bridge for civic engagement among citizens in government affairs, and offering details on community happenings. The Madison County Carrier and The Madison Enterprise-Recorder are no exceptions to the history of the First Amendment right to print. Publisher Emerald Greene announced in the Aug. 27th issue of the Carrier that this Aug. 29th edition of The Madison Enterprise-Recorder would be the Recorder’s last for its namesake. Not to worry, though; the Greene family isn’t going anywhere, and neither is the Madison County Carrier or their purpose of providing real news to you. My name is John Willoughby, and you might remember me as a local news reporter for your local newspapers from 2017 to 2020. During my short tenure alongside my colleagues Rick Patrick and Mickey Starling, I’ve helped write news for The Madison Enterprise-Recorder 155 times over the course of three years. Why is that important? The “Recorder” namesake took its current form in 1933. Its roots dig deep in history, as The Madison Recorder was founded in 1865, making today’s Madison Enterprise-Recorder one of the longest-running newspapers in the State of Florida. On a personal level, there is a lot to be proud of regarding the Recorder. I helped tell numerous historical accounts in Friday’s history pages, and introduced you to countless number of military veterans in the Hometown Salute corner. I can never forget all of Madison County’s farmers and ranchers I interviewed from time to time - all featured in the Recorder. Of course, all of this will continue to be a staple in future weekly Wednesday issues of the Carrier. To top it off, my very first Florida Press Association award was for an article printed on the top fold of The Madison Enterprise-Recorder. The Madison Enterprise-Recorder was acquired by Tommy Greene in 1993 and has since graced newsstands across Madison County. Publisher Emerald Greene and Manager Cheltsie Holbrook have been outstanding stewards of The Recorders history. In a day where convenience is in the palm of our hands, neither Emerald, Cheltsie, nor any of their reporters or support staff have given up on pursuing factual and meaningful stories. The Madison County Carrier will continue to serve as a weekly newspaper for Madison County citizens, from Greenville to Lee. You won’t miss a beat of Cowboy athletics, civic and social news and many more human interest stories that keep Madison County engaged. Additionally, you will now have the opportunity to check for daily news updates on their website. I am grateful to Greene Publishing, Inc., for allowing me to write one more time in the historical Recorder. Sure, not everyone likes change, but I am positively optimistic about these new adventures for your hometown newspaper. Until then, I help bid a fond farewell to The Madison Enterprise-Recorder. I’m beyond proud to have had my byline in its long 159-year history. I encourage you to continue to support local journalism by picking up next Wednesday’s edition of the Madison County Carrier and logging onto www.greenepublishing.com for news updated daily.
