The New Era - All about Sweet Home since 1929

Photographer Mark Ylen shocked multiple zip codes earlier this month when he announced he was leaving the Albany Democrat-Herald after 26 years to take a position with Samaritan Health.

I couldn’t let his momentous departure pass sans comment, being the sole New Era staffer who worked with him for most of his reign.

Many Sweet Home residents would likely recognize Mark’s face, as he has made many, many trips to this community to cover events of consequence – parades, football games, festivals and more.

I met the news of his departure with equal parts relief and funereal sadness. He...