As those who read the paper last week will know, our longstanding editor, Greg Knill, has left the building.
And he leaves some big shoes to fill.
A quiet leader, Knill had his finger on the pulse of this community like few others, and his knowledge of its history was an important resource for the newsroom.
Then there was his writing in the form of columns and editorials. Award-winning writing, fittingly honoured the day after his last day with the announcement of the Ma Murrays. These are the B.C. & Yukon Community Newspaper Awards.
The Progress has won many Ma Murrays over the years, and this year we are finalist in two categories: Editorial and Columnist.
Both written by the newly retired Knill.
His two columns submitted: “Complacency is never the right response” about the ongoing opioid crisis how we should not turn a blind eye, and “Chilliwack school trustees should lead by example” about Trustee Barry Neufeld’s campaign of intimidation against a local DPAC chair, earned him the columnist honour.
His editorial on public art at the roundabout and the disappointing online response to that art, “Can’t we just lighten up?” won him the editorial honour.
On April 27, we’ll learn if he is first, second or third in those categories. All are an honour.
We are going to miss Greg Knill, but there are is no time for grieving. We are still producing two newspapers a week all as we bring you ongoing and voluminous online content.
Knill’s analysis of the news of the day will be missed by many in the community. We know it and we’ve been told as much.
But don’t worry. With the rest of our solid news team still in place, we’ll fill those shoes as best we can.
- Black Press