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Kurt Johnson
My buttons were popping Saturday night in Lincoln, where my family and newspaper colleagues we’ve known for decades gathered to celebrate our heritage and a tradition of service through the newspaper industry.
Six people were inducted into the Nebraska Journalism Hall of Fame by the Nebraska Press Association and University of Nebraska College of Journalism and Mass Communications. Among them were my sister Lori Pankonin and her husband, Russ. Publishers, editors and UNL journalism faculty from this and previous generations filled the ballroom at The Graduate, though my role on this night was not as a publisher, but instead as a proud little brother and brother-in-law.
Russ and Lori personified the role of weekly newspaper publishers, earning the respect of their employees and community by publishing papers with hyper local content. Their newspapers celebrated and recognized good deeds, while also providing fair, balanced coverage of local government and controversial issues. They devoted their professional lives to an industry they truly loved, and did so in an honorable way.
The Nebraska Journalism Hall of Fame is a lifetime achievement award for those enshrined with the title, including former News-Register publisher Butch Furse. Russ and Lori had the honor of being the first husband and wife duo to be inducted together, which was a fitting tribute. They sold the family operation, Johnson Publications Inc., just last year, retiring along with my oldest sister, former Aurora resident/teacher, Brenda Brandt.
Saturday’s celebration was extra special for my mother, Elna, who cherishes her faith and family above all else. She too was a member of the Nebraska journalism family, serving in a sense as co-publisher for many, many years, quietly tutoring the next generation on how to serve your community by volunteering, caring and creating a sense of connection through the weekly newspaper.
I couldn’t help but feel my late father’s presence Saturday, in fact wearing one of his favorite ties. Dad was himself inducted into the Nebraska Journalism Hall of Fame in 2001, and his legacy lives on.
The Nebraska Press Association is like an extended family to the Johnson clan, so my heart was full to be part of such a splendid affair.
KURT JOHNSON can be reached at kjohnson@ hamilton.net
