Hello Greenville and Butler County. I have arrived. For those of you who may not know who I am, namely all of you, I am Rick Couch.

I have joined the wonderful staff of the Greenville Advocate to be your newest friendly neighborhood reporter.

However, before I get started I felt that it would be necessary to let you know a little bit about myself.

I am a very simple man.

I enjoy the simple things in life that give most Alabamians pleasure..

I have never met a fish that I did not want to catch.

I have never watched an Alabama football game that I felt was refereed fairly.

And yes, I am stupid enough to sit in a tree stand in freezing temperatures from time to time.

I am also a firm believer in the role of the local newspaper.

That is the number one reason that I am so thrilled to be one of the newest members of the Greenville Advocate family.

It is my hope that I will slowly, but surely become acquainted with each of you in order to do my part to further the community.

I believe that the hometown paper should feel like an old friend.

Through my work in the community I hope to quickly work into that role as well.

Your hometown is not so different from my own.

I grew up in Butler, Ala. where I learned many of the same values by which you were raised.

Among these values were hard work, and honesty.

I have carried these with me throughout my life and hope that they will become evident in everything that I do.

As Greenville grows, I hope to grow with it.

I hope to grow personally as well as professionally.

I feel that we have a great deal to offer each other.

That is why I am willing to do whatever it takes to help my new hometown in any way possible.

Though I am new to Greenville, the area is not new to me.

Through my many travels I became very familiar with several people from Butler County.

I have traveled to their homes where I was always welcomed with open arms.

Through this process I fell in love with the area.

For that reason when I saw an opportunity to start a career here I gave it my best shot.

Good fortune allowed me to accomplish just that.

Now that you know a little about me and how I arrived I hope that we can soon become good friends.

I can promise you that I will always do my best to keep you informed and entertained.

In return I hope to gain your friendship and trust.

Rick Couch may be reached at

383-9302, ext. 131 or

via email at rick. couch@greenvilleadvocate.com.