I’ve been the new editor of the Bashaw Star since July, so I suppose it’s time I officially introduce myself.
Bashaw is the third paper in my portfolio, I also serve as editor and reporter for the Stettler Independent and the Castor Advance. Needless to say, I cover a fairly large area.
Prior to my journalism career, I spent over a decade working in the fast-paced world of EMS as a first responder.
As I’ve alluded to in some of my previous columns, I left the ambulance in 2013 due to Post Traumatic Stress. After five years of treatment and struggles, I found a creative outlet for my mental health recovery: writing.
During the five years between leaving the ambulance service and beginning my writing career with Black Press Media, I became an advocate for mental health awareness, speaking to school groups about my struggles.
Eventually, thanks to my writing I ended up starting as a freelancer for Black Press, the Bashaw Star’s parent company, in Castor in 2018.
Over time, my responsibilities grew and I ended up starting to cover some Stettler stuff as well.
In the fall of 2021, when the then-editor of Castor and Stettler announced his departure, I had the opportunity to move to a staff position.
Initially starting as a permanent part-time regional reporter, that role lasted a matter of weeks before I became a permanent full-time reporter in Stettler and in Castor.
A year later, I was bumped up to editor for those publications.
When the previous Bashaw editor decided they needed to take a step back earlier in 2023, I was asked if I would take on the role as I had covered the community a bit as a regional reporter, to which I agreed.
Fortunately, I do not have to cover the community alone — Carson Ellis, is our Stettler freelancer and Mark Weber, the Lacombe and Ponoka reporter, both assist me, while Emily Jaycox, the former editor, remains with the publication in a staff-reporter role.
I plan on making it a priority to be present in the community as often as I can, though we will see how that works out as we descend into the depths of winter.
Regardless, between Krysta Unsworth, the new salesperson, and myself, we are planning on creating more of a presence in the community once again.
For events where I, or one of the others, can’t make it, we encourage the community to get involved. Send us a photo and a short write-up of the event so we can make sure it is front and centre in your community newspaper.
Unfortunately, if I don’t know about something, I can’t ensure it is covered.
If there are any questions, concerns or news tips about stories, do not hesitate to reach out.
I can be reached by email at kevin.sabo@blackpress.ca or by phone at 403-741-9921.
- Kevin Sabo is the editor of the Bashaw Star, Castor Advance and Stettler Independent newspapers