Dear friends in the Miss-Lou,

For the past 18 years we have made our home here in this wonderful community.

We have been blessed with lifelong friendships that we will always treasure, and business relationships that we have been honored to serve. Never, ever, did we expect to leave our home here.

But, never say never. There is always His plan, in His time. I’m a great believer in that and have said it to people often. But I’m not so sure I really, really believed it strongly enough, until now.

Through a quick series of events, it became very clear to us that it was time for us to leave Natchez. This beautiful, amazing community that we love so much, that embraced us and has been our home for so many years, will become the stepping stone to our new home in Brookhaven.

It was my husband’s parents’ home and now it is ours, a gift from two incredible people who continue to give to their children even after they are gone.

Coincidentally, I received an interesting job offer in Brookhaven, so it became hard not to see the signs!

But what would happen to the two radio stations that have been such a huge part of our life for the past 18 years? Who could take care of them, nurture them, make them even better than ever before?

That too, became very clear. There was someone I knew who could take the ball and run with it.

Sam Jones is not only a talented announcer, but since he once worked for me in the past, he knows the station and how to make them prosper. He cares about the community and his knowledge of the Internet will take Big River Broadcasting to the next level. Sam and I haven’t always seen eye to eye. After all, he is considerably taller. But, I do feel that he is extremely qualified and will be a wonderful general manager for KFNV and KWTG.

Mike and I also added Hannahbelle Southerland and Leah Adams to the staff to round out the team that includes last, but not least, Eddie Ray, The Gatorman.

So, now I am at peace with leaving not only our home in the Miss-Lou, but our home at Big River Broadcasting. It’s has been a labor of love, and I hope and pray that our efforts have made some small impact on this community we love so much.

To our many friends, clients and our dearest friends who know who they are, thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your kindness and friendship over the years. We will miss you.

Desiree Smith

Vidalia resident