So I’m crossing the east-west divide.

No, I’m not heading back to Europe on some post-Cold War pilgrimage.

Far more humbly, after more than three years reporting for The Sou’wester, I’m traversing the Red River and taking the reins of its sister publication The Lance.

It was tough decision to make, on several levels, but three years can feel like a lifetime in the news business. Add to that a journalist’s appetite for discovery and education — and it just felt like the right time for a fresh challenge.

On one hand, it’s hard to leave "my baby." I was hired to write for The Sou’wester when it was launched by Canstar in 2009, so I think I’ll always feel like an overprotective parent (as you can probably tell, I don’t have kids.)

I know I’ll always feel a massive level of investment in the paper and especially in you — the readers — as it has been a colourful, eclectic, insightful and — at times — challenging journey. Many of you have made me feel like an honorary member of the community and I’ll always be grateful for that.

Dani Finch, a recent creative communications graduate from Red River College, is my replacement at The Sou’wester. After only two weeks on the job, she’s already making her mark, so the future looks bright.

Conversely, it’s a bit intimidating following in the footsteps of Arielle Godbout and her excellent coverage of southeast Winnipeg the past two years. She set new standards at The Lance, but I’ll do my best to live up to them.

Between 2006 and 2009, I spent periods living in St. Boniface and Windsor Park, so I have a familiarity with these neighbourhoods, but there is much terrain left to explore and I’m looking forward to the challenge.

There will always be a fair amount of crossover between The Sou’wester and The Lance, so I hope to stay in touch with readers in the southwest and look forward to getting to know those of you on my new beat.

On a symbolic level, I’m exchanging a sou’wester — a waterproof, oilskin hat worn at sea — for a lance — an ancient pole weapon or spear historically used by a mounted warrior. I just wish I knew what that meant.

So if there’s something on your mind, if you want to pitch a story idea or you just want to say hi, please email me at simon.fuller@canstarnews.com, visit The Lance Facebook page or call 697-7111. Cheers.