We grabbed the same table at the same bar in the same hotel we went to for 30 years; the faces have changed a bit, but mostly it was familiar names doing familiar things with the same old stories. Stan's long-time friend and fellow publisher in Hutchinson, Matt McMillen (right photo), collected the prize for publishing the best newspaper in the state; he'll take over as the Minnesota Newspaper Association president next year.The grinning gang above is from the Prior Lake, Savage, Shakopee and Chaska group. That's their boss, Mark Weber, back right. Next to him with the big grin and looking like Opie is Mark Olson, editor of the Chaska Herald. (Stan had his job in the 70s). His big news: he's getting married soon. We'll meet her at our kitchen table Sunday morning. And then there is The Ranger, who makes a comment from time to time on this blog when time and his inclination permit. He's claiming he's earned a 25-year gold watch from the company. So far no one has paid any attention to his whining.
The ladies in the front row are among the finest in writing and editing that the state has. They are all carrying documents to prove it.
So congratulations to all for the best reporting, best features, best. . . It was great seeing it all again, like some big giant time capsule.
