Thanks so much, Randy. You're too kind. I'm just grateful for the opportunity to tell stories about the tremendously creative and artistic souls that abound in this area.

It's TRUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And he's slippery, too! Every time I send someone to Maryville break his fingers he either escapes or types with his toes.

You said it WanYe. I've been trying to pin him down for that full body message he promised me at the last Waynestock meeting to no avail.

Steve IS the Weekend Section and we are SO fortunate to have him. Glad to see him get the recognition he deserves. Though it's a thankless job as being a writer is, our community does love him and would be lost without him, but don't tell him that.

Steve also risks local wrath by clearly articulating a decidedly progressive analysis of public policy struggles. He is especially clear about bigotry and self-righteous posturing.

It is important for people who agree with him to say so to his employer, since the "others" do not hesitate to demand that he be fired.

Steve interviewed me for a project and asked such good questions....things I had to think about. It felt less like an interview than a really good conversation. We artsy types appreciate him!

Steve is smart, sincere, curious and honest -- and a very fine writer, too. Add all that to being a fundamentally decent and caring guy, who gives a tremendous amount of time and energy to building and sustaining a sense of community, and you've got a great journalist and a real local treasure.

(Much respect also to Wayne, Rusty and MTE -- all these guys do their own things in their own ways, and I'm thankful for all of them. A local arts scene needs a lot of support to thrive, and all of them contribute to that in significant ways.)

Steve's personal story of challenges and struggles already marked him as a good guy to me. The fact that he is a good journalist who finds ways to get new and interesting angles in his stories makes him a good (and necessary) read.