OK reader, now it’s your turn.

In last week’s column, I introduced myself to you and briefly described the five-year journey that brought me to Baldwin County. Now, I want to hear your stories.

As photo editor at Gulf Coast Newspapers, I’ll be spending my days on the highways and back roads of Baldwin County, searching out photos and stories to share with our widespread audience.

Having worked in small towns in four states over recent years, I can say I was initially a bit intimidated by the idea of telling the stories of Baldwin County.

This is, by far, the largest coverage area I’ve ever had the pleasure of working in.

Baldwin County is, at 2,027 square miles, larger than Rhode Island and the Grand Canyon, and roughly the same size as the state of Delaware.

That’s big.

And looking over any community calendar, it’s clear for anyone to see there aren’t many slow news days around here.

Along with the endless stream of events, there are more stories to tell here than I’ve ever encountered.

To say the workload here will keep me busy, will likely be quite the understatement.

But this isn’t really work to me.

I look forward to seeking out stories and photos from every corner of the county.

The opportunity to tell the stories of the people and communities that surround me is what wakes up every morning.

And while it’s also kept me up many nights over the past few years, I would have a terrible time adjusting to another carrier if I ever left.

When I packed up my belongings last month and prepared to leave Selma, a town I called home for twelve months, it occurred to me home much fun this job truly is.

Looking over boxes of photos — both framed and unframed — I am reminded of how much joy this work brings me.

Yes, it can be stressful, but there is nothing else I would rather be doing.

My purpose for this column isn’t to boast about my opportunity. It’s actually a call for your help.

You know this area far better than I. You know whose story needs to be shared, or what events need to be photographed.

Let me know.

I’m excited to get to the office every day to work alongside editors at five local papers to provide coverage, as they have always done, of everything happening from Orange Beach to Bay Minette.

Every day, we receive calls, email and messages informing us about people and places all around Baldwin County whose stories need to be told.

Don’t get left behind.

There is a lot to celebrate in and around Baldwin County, and with your help, I want to do my part to tell as many stories as possible.

Jay Sowers is photo editor of Gulf Coast Newspapers. He can be reached at jsowers@gulfcoastnewspapers.com.