Since time immemorial (OK, maybe not, but for a while now) our intrepid West Loop columnist and blogger AmySue Mertens has covered the neighborhood with her ear close to the ground, listening to community issues and putting things in a residential perspective that we sometimes miss.

It saddens us to say that this issue’s column will be her last. You can check out her neat piece on a tour of the CTA’s less-often-traveled tracks.

But West Loopers, we’re not abandoning you! We simply need another one of you to step up. If you feel like you’ve got a pulse on the neighborhood, we want you to write for us. We’re looking for someone to write a once-monthly column and a more frequent blog.

Yes, we pay, too.

If you’re interested, drop editor Ben Meyerson a line at bmeyerson@chicagojournal.com, or call him at (708) 613-3318.