What a crazy year for Bothell and Kenmore, right?

Since last September, I’ve had the honor of covering these two quickly developing cities as they transition from drive-by suburbs of Seattle into full-blown destinations.

From the opening of McMenamins, the continuing saga of the Saint Edward Seminary, the opening of Capps Club, all the political drama on the Bothell City Council and the devastating fire downtown, it’s enough to keep any reporter on their toes.

When I graduated from CWU and took an internship at the Yakima Herald-Republic last summer, later landing a job at the Reporter, I had no idea what was in store.

It’s been rewarding watching both the region and the cities I covered grow.

When I was younger, I would always head over to Seattle to skate around and hang out. The only thing I knew of the Northshore area was that one of my friends got a job in Kirkland and lived in Bothell.

Since then, I’ve come to know the thriving communities and some of the people who live here, many of whom may be reading this.

I’d like to thank everyone who let me talk with them for all the stories we’ve ran during the past year. Our job wouldn’t be possible if it wasn’t for the great people who fill us in on what’s happening around town.

This was my first full-time, post-college job and I was recently hired at a paper in Lewis County, where I hear I’ll be covering lots of flooding over the winter. Fingers crossed my new house isn’t in a flood plain.

Who knows what the future holds though, and maybe I’ll bump into some of you down south.

Thanks again, and best of luck.