State Assemblyman Billy Jones presented retiring Adirondack Daily Enterprise publisher Cathy Moore with a citation at the newspaper’s front office Thursday morning. Today will be Moore’s final day on the job. (Enterprise photo — Lou Reuter)

SARANAC LAKE — “You get the truth out to people, and in this day and age, that’s sorely needed,” said State Assemblyman Billy Jones on Thursday, as he pre-

sented outgoing publisher Catherine Moore with a framed citation from the New York State Assembly.

Moore retires today after 31 years as publisher of the Adirondack Daily Enterprise. She has worked at the paper for 47 years. “You were four when you started?” asked Jones with a smile. Moore’s tenure as publisher tied that of John Ridenour, who held that position from 1918 to 1949. Moore’s successor has not yet been named. It will be only the third publisher transition at the 125-year-old newspaper since 1953.

As the staff of the Enterprise gathered around Jones and Moore in the newspaper’s Saranac Lake front office, Jones — wearing a black mask emblazoned with the state seal — read out the citation commending Moore’s decades of service and leadership.

“I just wanted to thank Cathy for all the years of service. We really need to support newspapers,” said Jones, who also presented her with a laminated copy of yesterday’s front page with her photo.

“We cover good things too,” Moore said, noting how the paper covers more than just politics and the pandemic. “Just look at today’s paper: It’s all about me.” She laughed through her mask. “I’m excited — but sad.”