Perched on the platform’s edge east of the crow’s nest at the Jerauld County Rodeo Grounds, I raised the viewfinder of my Canon 5D and locked in my focus on the bucking bull about to explode through the chute. One of my favorite events to cover for the paper, the Foothills Bull Bash consistently provides ample opportunity to capture award-worthy photos — and I was ready. The rider gave the signal and I zeroed in on the bull as he leapt out of the shoot, holding down my camera’s shutter. Suddenly, my viewfinder went black and an ominous message appeared: “Error 20.”
Frantic, I turned my camera off, removed the battery and tried to get it going again, repeating this action several times until I realized I needed a back up plan. A quick dash to my office for an older, reserve, manualfocus camera allowed for some coverage of the Bull Bash, but not the quality of news photography I wanted for my readers.
Upon further investigation, I realized my camera was toast and in need of professional repair. With a large family photo shoot scheduled for the next day and homecoming week staring me in the face, I needed to get a new camera — and fast.
Biting the bullet, I made the investment into a new camera system but it wouldn’t arrive until Friday. How could the newspaper function without a quality camera for all of homecoming week?
It couldn’t. So with a hopeful heart and quite a few prayers, I reached out to a trusted, local photographer, Katie Jones.
Without hesitation, she graciously lent me her Canon 1D Mark III — a significant upgrade to my 5D — for however long I needed it. I was blown away at her generosity and trust, to hand over a tool of that caliber so that homecoming coverage would continue in the local paper. I was — and still am — overwhelmed with gratitude at her generosity.
Jones has been a frequent contributor to the True Dakotan over the years, with her beautiful images gracing the pages of the newspaper, showcasing a wide variety of school and community events.
Reflecting on all the times she has helped with photography, alongside her willingness to come to the rescue when I was in quite a bind, led me to reflect on the countless community members who give of their time and talent each and every week to make the newspaper what it is.
While I’d like to say I don’t take their contributions for granted, I will humbly admit that I don’t express my appreciation enough.
So to the community writers, photographers and news tip sharers, I extend a heartfelt thank you.
In this print and e-edition alone, witness the many voices that help the newspaper provide a vital bridge between people and events that shape their lives: Cuppy’s Corner, Pastor’s Column, Joyce Krueger’s photo of Holes for Haven Golf Tournament,SandyJones’ Letter to the Editor, stats and commentary from coaches Mike Schmitz and Becky Krueger.
This week in particular, I have more reasons to be thankful. Behind the scenes, while Delia Atkinson and Cathy Perry were out of town, Laura Kieser, Lynn Damm and Chris Schimke stepped up to help proofread this week.
Countless others I haven’t mentioned in this week’s edition have helped amplify and diversify this local paper through their contributions and I appreciate them beyond measure.
While owning and publishing a weekly newspaper in today’s world presents its own set of challenges, I am honored I’m able to provide a platform for individuals to share their experiences, opinions, art and ideas.
I’ve used the adage before, “It takes a village,” when describing the many people/talents/ideas required to successfully publish a quality newspaper every week. This especially rings true as of late.
Thank you for your willingness to lend a hand and support community news.
I can’t imagine doing this job anywhere else.