Epiphany is a word I don’t remember ever having used. I MAY HAVE belabored this missive, and what I want to get to is an invitation to you, my dear readers — each one of you and your concerns are important to us at the Register — to call, email, write or stop by anytime you have a story you think would be of interest to others.
However, it well describes what I felt a few days ago in an article about me entering my 50th year at the Register.
Among its definitions: “A sudden manifestation of the meaning or essence of something; A sudden intuitive realization or perception of reality.”
For years I’ve written about Iola and area folks, about the things they have done, plan to do and events that have affected their lives. Preparation of the stories often have led to friendships.
When I was the subject, I realized much better what it means to have your story told and in a venue that opens it to hundreds of readers.
I was flattered.
We at the Register work very hard to be accurate and thorough when writing about others, careful not to include anything that might be misinterpreted. Which brings to mind the senior housing complex zoning issue on North Kentucky Street.
After the planning commission meeting, Shirley Catron said she was disappointed that we hadn’t “told our side of the story” beforehand. That was an oversight that I tried to excuse, but it was in fact a mistake.
Each time we write about an issue that affects people, we should go a step beyond to make sure each side gets full airing. Eventually — better late than never — we did exactly that with the zoning discussions.
Mostly, it points out that even though I’ve written for newspapers since 1957 — and for the Register since 1964 — there always is a revelation of some degree to file away and keep in mind.
We’re eager for tips, and we will give each one careful consideration. If it’s of interest of you, it will be of interest to others — and we’d like nothing better than to have an opportunity to share it.
— Bob Johnson
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