Staffers said farewell to managing editor Jon Elliston this afternoon, gathering in the community meeting room to share stories and memories over chocolate cake. Elliston began writing for the Xpress in 2003 and his dedication and commitment to the paper will be greatly missed. After seven years of service, Elliston plans to work full time on a historical book project based on a series of articles that he wrote for the Xpress titled “Cruel Summer.” Here are few pictures from the fare-thee-well gathering. Jon, we will miss you!
More on Elliston’s departure:
Official announcement
The disclaimer’s take
![](http://www.mountainx.com/images/blogimages/Jon1.jpg)
![](http://www.mountainx.com/images/blogimages/Jon2.jpg)
![](http://www.mountainx.com/images/blogimages/jon3.jpg)
![](http://www.mountainx.com/images/blogimages/Jone4.jpg)
Thanks for reading through to the end…
We share your inclination to get the whole story. For the past 25 years, Xpress has been committed to in-depth, balanced reporting about the greater Asheville area. We want everyone to have access to our stories. That’s a big part of why we've never charged for the paper or put up a paywall.
We’re pretty sure that you know journalism faces big challenges these days. Advertising no longer pays the whole cost. Media outlets around the country are asking their readers to chip in. Xpress needs help, too. We hope you’ll consider signing up to be a member of Xpress. For as little as $5 a month — the cost of a craft beer or kombucha — you can help keep local journalism strong. It only takes a moment.
I hope the after party rocked more.