From the editor

For as long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to tell stories. What started as a toddler’s land of make-believe where every imaginary friend had a name, a home, a background, and a career eventually grew into an insatiable desire to write. As I came of age, I realized perhaps my skills would be more suitable in non-fiction, and landed on journalism as a hobby, then as a 12-year-long career at the local newspaper.

When Owen County Community Programs Administrator Dan Brenyo presented the idea of a magazine celebrating life in Owen County, I jumped on board with a frenzied passion, collecting story ideas and spending hours in front of my computer screen attempting to design a magazine fit for the people who have given me endless opportunities and shared their stories with me over the years: the good, the bad, and the ugly. At some point, I’ve covered it all.

But this time, things will be a little different. In the newspaper business, I was taught that “if it bleeds, it leads.” Meaning others’ misfortunes are what sells. Unfortunately, those are also the stories that I’m confident caused me to begin prematurely graying.

In this magazine, you won’t find the latest mugshots from Jailtracker, photos from a two-vehicle accident on Main Street, political advertisements, or a list of indictments from the Owen County grand jury. Instead, our mission is to entertain, inspire and inform the local and regional community with a unique variety of articles that provide something of interest for everyone while supporting local businesses, non-profit and civic organizations, tourism, and the arts.

We’ll shine a spotlight on the community’s volunteers, include essays from published authors and poems from nationally-renowned writers, offer up tips on hunting and fishing, take a glimpse into the past, and share some of our favorite dishes, all in an attempt to remind residents of Owen County why this place matters and to introduce visitors and newcomers alike to our little corner of paradise.

Luckily for all of you, this isn’t the Molly Haines show. Having been deep in the trenches of this community for so long, I know where the talent lies and immediately took to Facebook Messenger to beg for their contributions. Because they are each true Owen countians, they heeded my calls without question. The members of the Owen County Tourism Commission and I are eternally grateful to each of you for helping pull this first edition together in a few short months.

As for the members of the tourism commission, each has played a unique role in getting this magazine off the ground, offering advice, support, and ideas. The current commission — Holly Bowling, Tammy Wolcott-Barrett, Lindsey Tirey, Mike Haines, Jenni Duncan, Shadoe Perry, Shanna Osborne, and Darla House-Webb — has made it clear that they want to see Owen County thrive and become a retreat for those who need a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. We hope this magazine will help contribute to those folks’ decision to visit “Sweet Owen.”

I won’t be using this space every quarter. Instead, I’d encourage each of you to drop us a line and let us know what you love about Owen County. Maybe you know a good fishing hole we’re not familiar with or want to recommend a menu item at a local restaurant. Or maybe you’d like to brag on a civic organization or volunteer. Whatever it is, we want to hear from you. Send those letters to sweetowenmagazine@gmail.com by Jan. 26, 2022, to make the March 1 issue.

Merry Christmas, happy New Year, and thanks for reading.

Molly A. Haines