To a large extent, this newspaper is poised to grow and prosper amid the ever-changing media climate of the 21st century because of L. Glen Snarr, who stepped down Wednesday as chairman of the board of directors of Deseret News Publishing Co. His leadership over the past nine years has played a pivotal role in the paper's move to morning delivery and to a surge in circulation that continues to defy a nationwide decline for most newspapers.

The good news is that Snarr will remain as a member of the board, contributing wisdom born of more than 60 years of association with the paper — 72 years if you count the fact he was a paper carrier at the age of 12.

It is hardly an overstatement to say that Snarr has been connected with the inner workings of the paper since the days before the electronic media were a factor in news coverage. He originally joined the staff in the early 1940s, then was rehired after a stint in the armed services during World War II. He gradually was promoted from reporter to city editor to executive news editor. He left to become chairman of an advertising and public relations firm but was appointed to the paper's board of directors in 1978.

Snarr's nine years as chairman of the board have not been easy. He succeeded in moving the paper to morning circulation, despite an ongoing lawsuit with the Salt Lake Tribune's former owners, and despite a barrage of stories under that paper's former ownership that painted the News' intentions in the worst possible light. During that time, he hired a new editor, publisher and chief financial officer, and he never lost sight of the goal of securing a prosperous future for the newspaper.

His replacement, Ellis Ivory, has large shoes to fill, but he is highly capable. Ivory is best known to the public as the founder of Ivory Homes, which has been the state's top homebuilder for 17 years. He sold that business to his son five years ago. He's also well known for jumping into the race for Salt Lake County mayor last fall as the Republican candidate, after incumbent Nancy Workman had to withdraw in the midst of a scandal.

In his nine years as a board member, Ivory has proven himself to be a passionate advocate for the News. He told the staff Wednesday he sees an opportunity "to see some new heights in our circulation and in the respect the community has for this paper."

With his leadership, and with a new printing facility under construction and a favorable working agreement with the Tribune's new owner, there is little reason to doubt those goals will be attained. For you, the reader, that means many more years of quality reporting and stimulating writing, and a continuing relationship with a paper we hope has come to be a trusted friend in your home.