Neil Richards graduated from Potosi High school in 1957. Neil’s life’s work was with “The Independent-Journal” on High Street in Potosi. He told the story many times of getting his first paycheck from “The I-J” at 4 years old. He was a second generation newspaper man, publisher, and editor. He worked full time at the paper after his graduation from high school in 1957 until his passing in 2017. He loved his community and Washington County and strived to serve them through “The I-J”.  Neil took pride in Washington County and the people who live and work here. He enjoyed the efforts and successes that he was able to share with the community through the pages of “The I-J”. The diversity of the people and the County were things he always enjoyed. Neil also liked to promote and recognize the youth of the community and their achievements. He also served for numerous years on the Washington County Library Board, several years as President. Under his watchful eye, the Library has grown, offering services and facilities to everyone. His goal was to have a library everyone could be proud of and appreciate for the vast services available. Mr. Richards was a pillar in the community and dedicated to serving the Potosi R-3 School District and its students as well as other school districts in Washington County.