The Frederick News-Post is reporting that after seventeen years, The Gazette is closing its doors in Frederick County. From jobs lost to quality news coverage, this is a real shame all the way around and any way you look at it. The Gazette has been a force for reason and rational thought in the tumultuous (and unfortunately over-politicized) climate that public schools face in Frederick County.

For my part, I would like to thank The Gazette for their years of reportage and service. They have been very good to Frederick County Public Schools and Thurmont Middle School. Specifically, The Gazette wrote and carried four separate news articles about me over the last six years. Do them a favor and give them some clicks, likes, and shares for me! Thanks very much for all of the years of service that The Gazette contributed to our community and public schools.

• "Podcasts help engage students," from October 11, 2007
• "Gaithersburg artist isn't 'tooning' around," from September 12, 2011
• "American history assemble! 'Folks' is not your parent's tall tale,'" from May 7, 2012
• "Crowd urges Frederick commissioners to give more money to schools," from May 8, 2013