TOPEKA — Bob Johnson, longtime reporter for the Iola Register, was awarded the Gaston Outstanding Mentor Award at Friday night’s awards banquet for the Kansas Press Association.
Johnson was noted for his unflagging enthusiasm for journalism throughout his 54 years with the Register.
“Bob’s favorite saying is ‘Everybody has a story,’ and if you live in Allen County, Bob has done his best to pry it out of you,” noted Susan Lynn, Register publisher, who presented Johnson with the award.
“That’s because Bob understands the importance of community journalism and over the years has become the face of the Iola Register.
“As a mentor, one of Bob’s biggest gifts to the Register is that he regards each day as a gift. I’ve never seen him lose his temper. He never cuts someone short. He’s got the patience of Job.
“While those are admirable qualities in anyone, they are especially important in the news business where the job description includes asking strangers questions, sometimes putting friends in uncomfortable positions and digging beyond pat answers by asking hard questions,” Lynn said.
The Gaston award is named after Karl and Dorothy Gaston, longtime publishers of the Ellsworth Reporter.
