For past several months, Leader Publications has worked with the City of Dowagiac and Dowagiac DDA to find an office for the Dowagiac Daily News in the city it covers.

We have a location (the train depot downtown), a desk (located in the old ticket booth) and some signs (created by our talented graphics department).

All it needs now is the paper’s community editor (that would be me).

Thankfully, the last piece of the puzzle is finally falling into place.

Beginning on Monday, I’ll be holding regular office hours at the train depot. My weekly schedule will be as follows:

Monday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Tuesday: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Thursday: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Friday: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

I’ll occasionally be out of the office even during these posted hours, as I may be out in the field covering a story or a breaking news event. However, we will let visitors know when this occurs, and I’ll try to make it back in as soon as possible.

Personally speaking, I can’t wait to settle into the new office. I think it goes without saying that the train station is one of the loveliest buildings downtown, which is saying an awful lot considering its neighbors. Not only that, but working in a building with such a rich history surrounding it is such an incredible honor, and makes me that much more committed to serving the people of this city.

More importantly, though, this new location is about all of you. In this new location, The Dowagiac Daily News can better serve its readers. Not only can you stop by and submit physical photos or information, but you can also speak to me face-to-face about concerns you have about the paper or offer story ideas you would like to see covered.

I also want to take this opportunity to thank everyone from the city who made this new office space possible. I can honestly say that Dowagiac is by far the most gracious community I have had the privilege of covering, and you’ve made my job a lot easier than it has any right being.

Whether you have a hot story tip you want to share or just want to stop by to say hello, I encourage you stop on by.

Ted Yoakum is the community editor for the Dowagiac Daily News. Call him at (269) 588-1040. Email him at ted.yoakum@leaderpub.com.