By Craig Marx, Editor

I’m delighted to introduce myself to the community of Antigo as Craig Marx, Editor of the Antigo Times. Also known as the Antigo Shoppers’ Guide, the Antigo Times is heading in a direction that is both cutting edge and community friendly at the same time.

The Antigo Times is on the verge of launching a new website and social media campaign in addition to renewed local news coverage in the Monday printed edition. Combining the likes of Facebook with the Times’ own website, the frequently-updated, 21^st Century news postings will be the new source for Langlade County to keep up with breaking action.

I’ve always enjoyed writing ever since I was young man. After graduating from Antigo High School in 2004, I spent my college years in Milwaukee while also bartending on the side. One day, however, I found myself bored and up and moved at random to beautiful New Orleans. That may have been one of the best, if not rashest, decisions I had ever made.

My time in Louisiana was amazing. Bartending on Bourbon Street in the French Quarter for over five years, I met some of the most amazing people I’ve ever know and learned a little bit about life as well. Actually, I learned more than a tad about the best and worst of humanity. All in all, it was an experience that changed me into the man I am today.

After moving back to Wisconsin following the opening of a sports writing position in my hometown, I fell back in love with my true passion – writing. I’ve been a sports nut for quite a while now, and the fusion of the written word with my own sporting views and reports was an indescribable match.

I would have to say college football and hockey are my two favorite sports, but if I had to pick one sport to watch for the rest of my life on television it would be golf – at least it is most often gorgeous wherever they are playing. Reporting on everything from Little League to the mighty Green Bay Packers themselves, the real joy of the profession is the positive effect it has on the families and athletes of local sports.

Covering the Red Robins through a variety of different, local sports gave me a sense of pride, and is a duty that I will not relinquish despite my new job title. If there is one thing that has always impressed me with this community it is its love of sports. Even in the midst of tragedy, Antigonians rally behind their Red Robins with determination and maroon and white grit.

The Antigo Times has given me an immense opportunity to help this town stay locked into the news, sports, and event coverage it deserves, whether through weekly print or palm-of-your-hand technology. As your editor, I promise to provide for the community quality stories that will be relatable and accurate. Stayed tuned for the re-launch of the Antigo Times on May 16th.