So Long, Troy, and Thanks for All The Memories

No one will argue the past 12 months or so have been a wild ride here in Troy.

Right before I took over as editor last December, Troy residents elected a new mayor. Many residents didn't like Janice Daniels, so they recalled her on Nov. 6. Then, a new mayor was sworn in, and then another one three days later.

Now, residents are gearing up for a special election to vote for another new mayor in May while Council recently welcomed a new member to its ranks.

And Patch was there, from being the first news source to break the story of Janice Daniels' viral anti-gay Facebook status more than a year ago to covering the judge's decision last week to order a May 2013 special election to replace Daniels – and everything in between.

But it hasn't just been politics thrusting Troy into the regional and national spotlight over the past year.

There was a murder, tragic and gruesome. We covered it starting the minute Troy Police announced Patrick Mikes was missing. I helped search for his body in the woods and corn fields of Montrose Township (and came within 30 feet of finding it). When Troy Police charged Mikes' son with his murder, we were there.

Then there was construction of the Troy Transit Center, which was nearly stopped in its tracks a year ago by a split vote on City Council. Members of council then compromised and came together to approve a scaled-back version of the original design. Just last month, the city broke ground on this project.

And while Troy has made headlines for controversial things over the months, there are also very many positive things bringing Troy into the spotlight, too. Earlier this year, the city was named one of the nation's top 100 best small cities in which to live, and it was again named the safest small city in the Michigan (and 19th safest in the entire country).

It is obvious that there is a lot of good happening in the community of Troy, too. From neighbors who take time to serenade a mother with cancer to the numerous organizations like Troy People Concerned that help people in need in the city, there is so much good happening in the city that it's all but impossible to cover it all. It warms my heart to see it, and it makes me proud to have been at least a small part of it.

Yes, I've covered just about every "beat" in this great community, and though I've had a blast working here and getting to know all the city council members, city administrators, residents and, of course, the absolutely wonderful readers of Troy Patch, it is time for me to move onto a position that will also let me concentrate more on the most important thing in my world: My 7-year-old son.

I sincerely thank each and every one of you for helping Troy Patch to become in a year what is, without a doubt, Troy's best source for news and information for the community. It has been a pleasure and an honor to serve as editor of Troy Patch, and I look forward to watching it continue to grow from afar.

Thank you for welcoming me into your community, and thank you for all the memories. And please, do not hesitate to contact me at jenanesi@gmail.com if you should need anything.

Merry Christmas. :)

Jen Anesi
Troy Patch Editor, 12/2/11-12/21/12

Note: While Patch works to find a new editor for Troy Patch, please direct all questions, concerns and news tips to fill-in editor Kristen Skladd (kskladd17@hotmail.com). You may also email troypatch@patch.com.