I turned in my resignation as managing editor of the Great Bend Tribune a few weeks ago. The response I got back from the staff was “What are you going to cook for us on your last day?”
Wait! What? I’m the one leaving – and I’m cooking for you? The answer was “Yes.” So, I’m smoking a pork butt.
A while back, my good friend, GBHS classmate and then Tribune Publisher Judy Duryee needed help in her newsroom, and she asked if I was interested. I told her “No, thank you. I hadn’t been in the newspaper business for 13 years. I don’t remember how to run a newsroom.”
I’m having a hard time believing it’s been 13 months since I walked in the door. It’s been 13 months of driving from Pratt, my hometown, to Great Bend and then back home at the end of each day.
Thank you, Judy. I feel fortunate you offered me this opportunity. I especially appreciate your confidence – or was it desperation – you showed in me to do this job.
Newspaper has been an important part of my life for many, many years. My first job in the industry was as a carrier for the Pratt Tribune. (I won Carrier of the Year in 1970. I still have the trophy.)
My first real newspaper job was sports editor of the Pratt Tribune. From there I earned news editor positions at the Goodland Daily News and Hillsboro Star-Journal. My big break, so I thought, came when I was hired as sports desk editor of the Hutchinson News. It wasn’t great. (Here’s an interesting note – both the Tribune News Editor Susan Thacker and Sports Editor Jim Misunas were on the Hutch staff at that time.)
I later became publisher of the Pratt Tribune, El Dorado Times, as well as the St. John News, Barber County Index, Kiowa County Signal and two weekly shopper publications.
In case you don’t know, getting a position like this at the Great Bend Tribune is a big deal. The Tribune has been a trusted and respected newspaper for a long time. Probably longer than you and I have been alive. It’s the oldest business in Great Bend, established in 1876. That’s 149 years of getting the news to the community.
Funny thing is that locals love to bash the hometown paper. Pick a town in any city in the country. I promise you the locals are complaining about their newspaper. We know it and we live with it. But if the paper doesn’t get delivered they are upset they didn’t get it.
My “favorite” Great Bend complaint is about editorials against President Trump and the Republican party. I’m a registered Republican — I voted for Trump and don’t care that you know it. If I had found more positive opinions on him, I would have published them. They are difficult to find.
Great Bend and Barton County have so many positive things going on that are being spearheaded by a mix of both young and experienced elected officials, non-elected employees, educators and volunteers. From what I can see, the elected officials are doing a great job of looking out for their constituents. Some are more than willing than others to let you know about it, too.
How about the Great Bend Recreation Commission stepping out of its comfort zone to bring the Stone Ridge Golf Course back to life? What a boost that will be for the Great Bend Community. Kudos to GBRC Executive Director Chris Umphres, as well as his staff and board to at least investigate the possibilities.
USD 428, of which I am a graduate, does a great job of providing for its students. They have good facilities, excellent, caring personnel and strong administrators in place. Plus, how about this run in athletics the past few years!
Where I come from, the community college is thought of more as a hindrance than an asset. That is not the case here at Barton Community College. What a difference in public perception.
Great Bend and Barton County also have strong leadership in place at the Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development and Convention and Visitors Bureau. Retail in the area is very strong and continuing to grow. Now would be a good time to invest in some housing options as well.
Of course, all cities and counties have their issues and this one is no different. I applaud the law enforcement in the region for continuing the fight against drugs and stupidity. They are in for a battle but my money is on the good guys.
There is so much good here. If I was 10 years younger I would move here and make it my retirement place. But I’m not 10 years younger - that’s why I’m smoking a pork butt for my going away lunch.
— Keith Lippoldt
