Those wonderful interns
Looking back over these past 55 years the Ol' Editor is faced with the fact that he could write a book. Some folks would buy it, some might even read it, and most would cuss it (just like the newspaper).
What have been the most significant achievements over those years — the federal reservoir, new U.S.-56 highway, creating a hospital district to accommodate owning St. Luke Hospital, the 14 years spend on the board of education? The OE points with pride that he served that time without getting his name on a bronze plaque. When the stadium was built it was often referred to in a snarling tone as "Bill Meyer's folly." Those folks enjoy it today. The same is true of saving Hill Grade and Bown-Corby. Both were waiting for the wrecking ball when they were given new life. Both are proud parts of our community today.
But the biggest source of pride has to be our journalism interns. Many came back for more months or years before going on to more prestigious positions.
We've kept track of them, and have a file folder on each one.
This week Kelly Humphries dropped in for a friendly chat (regretfully, the OE was out of the office). You'll recall Kelly as that tall spindly kid with a big smile who lived at the county lake. He was a good reporter, a gifted writer, and knew the AP style book better than most.
He was in Kansas to attend his mother's surprise birthday party. You also recall her, Kathleen Kelly the popular foods editor of the Wichita Eagle. She comes to Marion often, usually to attend public auctions. I won't divulge her age but it's "up there."
Kelly is with NASA as a communications coordinator or public relations person. He loves the job, and Houston, but said they had "a very busy spring" when the shuttle exploded. It was dreadful.
Kelly wishes the best for all in Marion and said "I'll never forget my wonderful summer here."
We won't forget Kelly, or any of those more than 50 others who came to Marion to attend what has been termed "The Bill Meyer school of journalism."
We're proud of that, and not ashamed to say so.
— BILL MEYER
