There’s no doubt that this publication — an institution in this community — is dedicated to ensuring that stories of interest, from human interest features to crimes that the community needs to know about, are disseminated factually to our readers and the public through our print and online presence, which has grown over the last few years by leaps and bounds.

There’s a facet of our mission in community journalism that I and every reporter who writes for this publication holds near and dear to their hearts — and that’s contained in the U.S. Constitution, which offers us life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness as Americans.

The First Amendment to this sacred document is one of the most pivotal that has stood the test of time — “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”

The freedom of speech and the press is one of the most important elements to a healthy democracy — an element that we are most dedicated to at The Herald.

It’s our job to be the watchdogs of government for the people of our community. Amid the political, social and economic tension our nation and world faces today, newspapers are more relevant than they have ever been.

I’ve truly treasured my time here, and as I told my colleagues last week, I see our positions with the newspaper as ones akin to public servants, working for you and the people of this community.

My tenure as managing editor of this newspaper ends this week as a result of a decision of my own undertaking. My decision to venture into a new career is no reflection on anyone or any decision that’s been made at this newspaper. It’s one that I own and that’s solely my own.

The Herald is built on a rock-solid foundation of trust in this community, reporting the facts, issuing opinions that allow for thought-provoking action and the freedom of speech and the press.

I have no doubt that this publication will continue to prosper as it tackles the issues that are most important to you.

JORDAN MILES was managing editor of The Farmville Herald and Farmville Newsmedia LLC.