Rumors of My Retirement Are Greatly Exaggerated

My journey continues in the news business, despite the speculation that I retired. Yes, it is true, I sold the newspaper and printing business to my daughter, Brittany and her husband, Jason R. Martin. That was October 1, 2023. They operate the only home-owned media company in Carroll County. I continue as the news editor and publisher emeritus.

My wife Teresa and I sold the business so the two of us can travel and camp, volunteer with Global Citizen Adventure Corps, and see those grandchildren.

We both continue to work part-time at the newspaper.  

I have worked full-time in the business for 45 years and 51 years of photography experience.

Rumors of my retirement are greatly exaggerated. In the last several months, when I have attended ball games, meetings, or other events, even with a camera and notepad in hand, people have asked how I like retirement. I was glad they could not hear my inward chuckle. I responded that it’s great to work part-time, only 40 hours weekly.

In 1972, I started photographing high school sports. With my Mamiya Universal film camera (on display in The Banner’s front lobby), extra rolls of Kodak Tri-X Pan black and white film, and a large flash, I made photos of my contemporaries who played sports at McKenzie High School. I was the school photographer during my sophomore, junior and senior years. (My brother held that position before my service). A roll of film had 10 exposures. Photography was still black magic, requiring film, a darkroom, and lots of skill to transform an image on film into a photograph.

Brittany Washburn Martin and Jason R. Martin represent the third generation and over 75 years of Washburns in this industry and who report to work at 3 Banner Row, McKenzie.

James Lloyd Washburn started in 1948 following his service in WWII in Occupied Japan. He worked for J. Frank Barlow. James and Karl Barlow were partners in the business after purchasing the newspaper from J. Frank.  James bought Karl’s shares. Just a couple of years later, James was diagnosed with a brain tumor that claimed his life in 1985. It was a three-year struggle for Dad.

James’ widow, Ramona, and sons, Jeff and I continued the business. Jeff and I bought the shares owned by Ramona (mom) in 2015. Jeff and I were equal partners. I purchased Jeff’s shares in 2019 and became the sole owner. On October 1, 2023, Brittany and Jason became the sole owners.

From a seven-year-old sweeping the floor for $1 per day, and a nine-year-old operating a hand-fed letterpress to being publisher was a journey of decades and one of great challenges and fun. But know this, I am working in a reduced work role, but not retired.