Monday, June 8, 2009

Vanishing Piece of Springfield

Popular Springfield blogger Jason Wert announced he will bring his site to a close today to focus on his work with an online ministry project tentatively called "The Prayer Channel."

"As I was praying and working tonight on the web aspect of a new ministry God has begun I knew that we’d reached the point where I didn’t have enough time between God, family and work to dedicate to continuing to run this site with same level of commitment" Wert said in what appears to be his final post as head of Life of Jason.

Wert recently won the 2009 Blogaroni for "Blog of the Year" at the Springfield Local Bloggers Association Awards ceremony. He also won "Best News Blog," "Best Local Coverage Blog," and "Blog Post of the Year."

I've only been aware of his site for about six months now, but it became clear to me quickly that he was one of this area's best reporters. In his "Thank You, Goodnight." post he thanked the past and present mayor, members of City Council and several other city officials for being open and available to him. In my opinion, the fact that he had so much to thank them for is a testament to his own effectiveness as a citizen journalist.

His coverage of City Council, his interviews in the last two (at least) election cycles and his personal take on the politics of the failure behind this session's Autism Bill (which was really great) all speak to his abilities, and the unique place his site has filled in the Springfield area.

Best of luck, Jason.
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2 comments:

  1. AnonymousJune 9, 2009 at 1:32 AM

    Jason's blog has long been one of the best of its kind in the Springfield area. His minute-by-minute description of the workings of City Council were invaluable to those who couldn't be there in person.

    I always found Jason to be knowledgeable, personable, and--if I may use the hackneyed phrase--fair and balanced. I have long marveled at the dedication of folks like Jason who--without pay and working the same long hours--report our City's business. We all wish Jason and his family Godspeed in their new endeavor and Springfield will be a less informed community with this loss. Good luck, Jason.
    Bob Stephens, City Council

    ReplyDelete
  2. JasonJune 9, 2009 at 5:31 AM

    Thanks Brian and Bob.

    ReplyDelete

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