Chances are this will be the last edition of The Times Record under the ownership of Sample News Group. It was announced last week a deal had been reached that sees Reade Brower’s RFB Enterprises acquiring Sample publications in Maine — including The TR. The deal is expected to close Sunday and we will become part of Alliance Press, with whom we already share a building at the Brunswick Industrial Park.

As has been reported by the Portland Press Herald, Brower now owns every daily paper in Maine but one. Yet, newspaper consolidation is happening across the nation. With many papers being bought out by private equity and hedge funds, I find TR ownership under someone with a connection to our state that is both personal and professional a much better option.

I am optimistic for The TR’s future under our new ownership, and happy that this paper will once again be a Maine- owned business whose principal is a Camden resident.

As George Sample said, “Reade is a true believer and innovator in community journalism and has the focus on the needs of these communities.”

It’s not unusual for new ownership to install new management, and I’m sad to say The Times Record will be losing one of our brightest lights — Michelle Lester.

Michelle has been one of the strongest publishers I’ve worked for — one who never shirked at making hard choices, yet still made the team of The Times Record feel like a family. She helped to instill within us a sense of purpose as a community paper. She was often the face of The TR when serving on Brunswick-area nonprofits — including the Brunswick Downtown Association, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Bath/ Brunswick and the Brunswick Rotary Club.

Michelle had been publisher for less than three years, but she left an indelible mark on this paper, and made it a success. I have been proud to work for her, and proud to call her a friend.

I’m going to borrow a page from a former editor of mine, Mo Mehlsak who now works at The Forecaster, who experienced a similar transition in January. I asked some of us at The TR for their thoughts on Michelle. Here’s what they had to say:

“Michelle has a remarkable way of teaching from her 30-plus years of newspaper experience. I have been a very fortunate recipient of that experience and hope that her legacy of fairness and community spirit continue on at The Times Record.”

— Mark Shipsey, advertising director

“Michelle engaged the community by reaching out to business leaders forming positive relationships which benefited both their business and our newspaper. Michelle fostered a staff team environment so we all felt our jobs — our contributions — mattered, and was what makes us successful.”

— George Reichert, circulation manager

“ I first met Michelle when I came in to interview for the Brunswick reporter position. I was trying to remain business like — curbing my enthusiasm for having a shot at writing at the paper I grew up with in my beloved home town. That quickly became impossible as Michelle and Managing Editor John Swinconeck immediately made me feel at home. Our business talk quickly became friendly banter as Michelle’s warm character and infectious laugh sealed the deal for me — these were the people I wanted to come to work with every day.

“During my time at The Times Record, Michelle was a constant source of positivity and encouragement. No matter if the wifi was down, my laptop was no longer talking to the printer, or if I had only gone home a few hours before returning to my desk, Michelle was there — believing in the paper, believing in those she worked with and believing in this community. There was hardly a local business event I didn’t cover where I didn’t see Michelle there. Through the paper, she had quickly become a fixture and a positive force in the community.

“I hate that this sounds more like an obituary, but it does feel like the end of an era. I can’ t imagine the office the same without her presence, although I’m sure the community will continue to reap the rewards of her personality and dedication to the place I have loved these 48 years. As a local, you know we don’t take so quickly to people from away and in my column, I’m not always kind to such folks. But if there’s such a thing as the region adopting a daughter from away, I would say Michelle has earned her place. Keep reading, my friend. Every Def Leppard reference I write, will be for you!”

— Douglas McIntire, Times Record columnist and former staff writer

“I’m very fortunate I’ve had the opportunity to work with Michelle, because she is a great example of passionate leadership. From the moment she took on the challenge of publisher of The Times Record, Michelle offered employees and readers much-needed enthusiasm about the newspaper’s role in the community. She has thoroughly committed herself to reinvigorating The TR, and cementing its place in the Midcoast. I will always be grateful for the time I’ve been able to learn from her, and look forward to watching her continued successes in the future.”

— Rob Montana, Managing Editor

“Thank you Michelle for three great years, your passion and devotion to the paper, staff and community has inspired us all here to give our best every day. The incredible newspaper that we put out five days a week is a testament to the leadership, hard work and dedication you have shown since day one. I will miss you and our mutual love of good food and Christmas decorations with Snowmen in them.”

— Stacy Wight, business manager

The Times Record has weathered many changes over the years — from the merger of the Bath Daily Times and the Brunswick Record, to the sale of the paper by the Niven family. I am certain that The Times Record will continue to be a successful paper and a voice for the southern Midcoast for years to come.

Thank you, Michelle, for lighting our way.