When a journalist is new in the community, it takes time for each to get to know the other.

To make the process easier for both of us, I want to tell the readers a few things about myself.

I’m glad to be in Marion for its proximity to my roots. I was born in Eureka and grew up in Assaria, a small town with a famous road sign. The population of Assaria at that time was less than 500. I’ve lived a number of places since, in communities ranging from Ellis to Colorado Springs.

Along the way, I’ve worked for newspapers at Atchison, Goodland, Hays, Kingman, Enid, Oklahoma, and now Marion. I was so ready to get out of Oklahoma that I drove back to Kansas going 70 mph on a 55-mph highway.

Journalism is my second career; my first was owning a child day care center.

Life as a journalist has taken me places I never imagined and changed my outlook on life in myriad ways. Some of those experiences we’ll probably talk about over time, but suffice it to say for now that some of those many stories have been exhilarating and others have broken my heart.

Outside the newsroom, I am the mother of two grown children and now reap the joy of having grandchildren. On some days, I wish I’d had the grandchildren first.

I enjoy getting to know the culture of wherever I’m living and will ask a lot of questions about such things. I’ll take in local events and enjoy the experience as well as the learning.

If you see me gazing at a building with a fascinated expression, it’s my love of history that is the inspiration. I also love dogs, glass etching and gardening.

I probably grilled my new boss at Marion more than most applicants have done during the interview process, but I wanted to ensure this is a place I will be happy. I fully expect to be happy here and am eager to get to know the people of Marion.

— Phyllis zorn