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Editor
Rob Sigler has been the editor of the Leader-Call since September of 2005. Prior to that, he worked 15 years as the sports editor and associate editor at the Picayune Item in Picayune, Miss. He began his journalism career at the Valley-Times News in Lanett, Ala. after finishing his studies at Delta State University where he majored in history and journalism. A northern California native, his parents moved the family to the Mississippi Gulf Coast in 1978 where he graduated from Harrison Central High School in 1983. A die-hard 49ers fan, he is a sports junky that also pulls for the Saints and the Boston Red Sox. He also enjoys family gatherings, touring Civil War battlefields, and Mardi Gras, but most of all, spending time with his daughter, Arden.
Rob's email address at the Leader-Call is: editor@laurelleadercall.com
First of the year
That growling you hear? My stomach. Like many Americans this time of year, I'm going through that first of the year ritual of trying to lose some poundage. Not that I want to, but I need to. We've got a little competition going on here at the paper to see who can lose the most percentage of weight between New Year's Day and Easter. I'm not the type to count calories and all of that, but rather try to eat healthier and stay away from the fast food (my one vice). Wish me luck.
Other first of the year issues...
The local elections are over and there are new faces in familiar places, particularly in the Sheriff's Department. We at the paper would like to wish Sheriff Hodge and his staff the best of luck and look forward to working with them as they combat crime and protect the citizens of Jones County on a daily basis.
The first edition of Oak Street magazine, a publication of the Leader-Call, has been very well received since it came out in December. Copies are available at the LL-C office on Beacon Street. We are currently working on our second edition and it will come out in the Spring. Thank you to all of you who have told us how much you enjoyed the first edition.
The NFL regular season has been over for a few weeks, and as most of you know, the Saints did not make the playoffs — despite have what appears to be a very talented team. One of my first blogs predicted a post-season and Super Bowl contention for the the Black & Gold. Didn't happen. Maybe this year.
Our website continues to be very popular with the public. Our page views for 2007 were incredible. The addition of video late last year has really upped the daily page views. We have a lot more planned for 2008 on the website, so stay tuned.
January 15, 2008 11:08 am
'The Blog Returns'
Yeah, I haven't blogged in about two months, which I apologize for. During that time, a lot has changed. For instance, the Saints, who I predicted would go to the Super Bowl, lost four straight but have rebounded to win their last two. Saints in the Super Bowl? I'm backing off that statement. Maybe the playoffs.
My Red Sox, however, are in the World Series. Red Sox Nation!!
If you've noticed our on-line edition has also changed some. We recently added video and became the first newspaper in the state to have a weekly newscast. We've also added video stories and highlights from local football games. These additions have been well received by the public. The credit should go to our newsroom staff because it has truly been a joint effort. We have some other ideas also in the works, so be sure to look for more on our website.
October 23, 2007 04:27 pm
Sticking with the Saints
Yeah, OK. So the Saints didn't exactly look like world beaters Thursday night in the season opener, but keep in mind the team they were playing, where they were playing and it's only the first game of the season.
I'm sticking with my prediction. SUPER BOWL - SAINTS, in the same breath.
Some thoughts from the news world:
• As we were preparing to put Friday's paper together, news editor Jason Niblett continually received phone calls from readers claiming the roach problem at West Jones Elementary is worst than what we reported in Thursday's edition. Officials say the issue has been taken care of, but by the volume of calls, the roach problem may not have been stomped out completely. Of course, none of these people who called would go on the record and tell us how bad they believe the problem to be.
• The ongoing saga at Sunset Gardens cemetery continues to make headlines. You have to feel for the survivors of those buried there who want their loved ones treated with dignity and respect. There's more to this story that will appear in future editions.
Stories to look for this weekend:
• A group from a local church is planning a relief effort for victims of the earthquake that hit Peru last month and is looking for help from the public.
• The City of Sandersville has some good news for folks looking to relocate to that town.
• Results from the annual Little Brown Jug game between the bricks and all of the local high school football scores.
September 06, 2007 10:38 pm
Blogging - the New Frontier
Hanging out with the "sports guys" on a Wednesday night as Federer and Roddick volley it out at the U.S. Open (Hope Andy can pull it out), I decided now may be a good time to post my first blog.
My bio says plenty about me, so I'll skip the intro and get straight to the point — if there is a point to a blog. That thought is for another time. Point — THE SAINTS ARE GOING TO THE SUPER BOWL.
Think I'm bonkers? Maybe so, but ...
They have the offense. The defense is much better and they're solid in special teams. Most of all they have a coach and a system that everyone has bought into.
SUPER BOWL-SAINTS. This is my prediction as the season kicks off against the Super Bowl champs.
Some random thoughts:
• Laurel High School is the best venue to watch a high school football game — especially against rival Hattiesburg. The history of the stadium is incredible. To me there is none better. When I was the sports editor in Picayune, I always checked the schedule to see where the Maroon Tide would play the Golden Tornadoes. Go support the local team Friday, whether it's Laurel or any other. There's nothing like Friday night football in Mississippi.
• No one wants to pay taxes, but they're necessary. Is a sports eightplex necessary? Of course not. Could it be beneficial to Laurel and Jones County? Of course it would. Is it worth raising taxes? That's the issue. Hopefully such a decision won't be a detriment to other necessities in Laurel.
• V.P. Barbour — could be. There has been talk that our esteemed governor could be considered a running mate on the GOP presidential ticket. I believe Barbour would be a wise choice considering his appeal on the national level following Hurricane Katrina. He also has the experience of dealing with Washington and knows a thing or two as the former GOP chairman. I personally wouldn't want Barbour to leave Jackson for D.C., simply because of all the work still left to be done following the devastating hurricane.
• Call Roger Federer The Terminator. He is a machine — not a man (straight sets over Andy).
September 05, 2007 11:25 pm
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