Here we go again… Another election season is just about here, as the filing deadline for candidates seeking office in 2026 is set to expire on January 9.
We here at the News Journal have been keeping a close eye on who is filing for which seats in recent weeks, and we have been making a concerted effort to obtain the most accurate and up-to-date contact information for each of these individuals as we go along. This is imperative, as we will soon begin reaching out to inform candidates about important opportunities for advertising and future chances to participate in Q&A’s.
If you have filed to run for office in 2026 and you’re not sure if we have your contact info, then I urge you to e-mail me today at tsherman@corbinnewsjournal.com to let me know how we can best reach you.
We have shared many statistics in recent years about how important it is that political candidates do everything that they can to make sure they are represented in their local newspaper publication. The reasoning is very simple – newspaper readers go to the polls. This has been proven true over and over again, and it makes sense. Those who take the time to regularly read local news stories and stay informed about happenings in their community are obviously invested in what’s going on around them. They care, and they care enough to vote whenever elections are taking place. For this reason, it is truly in your best interest to use the newspaper as a primary platform to get your message out to the community. We look forward to working with you all very soon to make that happen.
In other news, last week it was announced that the Kentucky Press Association has begun a search for a new executive director as David Thompson has announced his retirement after 42 years of service.
It cannot be overstated just how much David has meant to the newspaper industry in Kentucky throughout his tenure. His leadership as executive director has benefitted all of us in some way or another, and it goes without saying that he will be leaving some rather large shoes to fill.
I remember the first time that I ever contacted David directly. I was in my first year working full-time as the sports editor here at the News Journal, and I was lucky enough to receive a few KPA Excellence in Newspaper awards for some of my early work in that role. I remember I was not able to attend that year’s KPA awards banquet because we had a local basketball team that was poised to win a pretty significant title at the same time that the banquet was taking place.
Once I had my awards in hand, I felt led to send David an e-mail to thank him and the rest of the KPA for the recognition. He responded, first informing me that I do not need to refer to him as “Mr. Thompson,” which I had done in my message. He then informed me that he couldn’t remember ever receiving a message from anyone thanking him directly for an award that had been won. He congratulated me and told me that he was sure I was very deserving. I have always remembered and appreciated his kindness in that moment.
In the years since, I have reached out to David on multiple occasions with questions about various different things. I have also had the chance to see and interact with him at other KPA banquets, as well as other special events that we both happened to be in attendance at. Every time I have seen him, he is always smiling. He has always been approachable, which I think is one of the biggest reasons why he has had so much success in his role as executive director.
I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate David on his upcoming retirement, and wish him the very best of luck as he moves ahead into the next chapter of his life. Also, best of luck to whoever ends up becoming the new executive director. It’s a big job, but I feel confident the KPA will put the right person in place to lead the organization into the future.
