You guys like me, you really like me
Most weeks when I work on these columns, it’s just me spit-balling, trying to come up with a topic that will help me fill this space for the week. I do try and make it funny and entertaining or even informative. A lot of times I try to use this space to say additional things about certain stories I have written, especially with sports.
I’m never quite certain how people feel about my personal column, but I did get a better idea last week. I also realized just how much people love this newspaper. We had an issue with our printing press machine last week, and the papers were several days late.
If you think people hardly read anymore, you should have seen how many messages and phone calls the front office received about late papers. I even had multiple people reach out to me on Facebook, asking me what was going on.
Thankfully, the papers did get printed, and people enjoyed the content. I thought our latest intern, Mercadees, did an awesome job with the Colby and Abbotsford signature ads for those kids that made it to the state track and field tournament in La Crosse last month.
My column was also conspicuously gone last week, as we made room for another intern Brooke - to introduce herself to the community.
She’s interested in pursuing journalism as a career, and she’ll be moving between multiple papers. So don’t be surprised if you see her in Colby or Abbotsford or Athens covering things here and there. I hope she sticks with journalism; we need more people to write stories.
Over the years I’ve learned a good story goes so far beyond the words and pictures. Those words and pictures can inspire, motivate and make a community come together. You just never know who might be reading.
I found that out a few days ago. I was eating in a cafe, and a lady asked me what happened to my column. She said she enjoys reading them, and even gets a good laugh now and again. It’s always nice to receive feedback, especially when it’s positive!
I think that’s maybe my biggest takeaway as a newsman, that it’s important to recognize the positive and the negative. It’s important to remember different people will have different reactions. So many stories that make front page news these days are just attention grabbing headlines that have nothing to do with the actual story. You see enough of that and you wonder if there’s anything good going on.
The answer, of course, is yes. There’s plenty good going on in the world today. All one has to do is look around and see that. I see smiling faces, kids having fun and people enjoying the summer and cookouts and Fourth of July fireworks.
I’ve had my own fair share of joy these past few weeks. I got to see my student-athletes do very well at the state meet, got to see Chase Oehmichen make it on the podium in the one mile, achieving a dream years in the making.
I’ve also been fortunate to receive invites to grad parties and have learned what future plans my newly graduated seniors are hatching. Some want to be doctors, some teachers, some welders. I wish them luck on their journey, and who knows, maybe down the road I get to cover their kids and their sports exploits? M USINGS AND G RUMBLINGS
ROSS PATTERMANN REPORTER
