My vice: Buying, reading newspapers while I’m vacationing

I’m one of those folks who doesn’t take off a lot of days from work.

With more than 280 vacation hours banked over a period of five years, it was implied by Human Resources person I needed to start taking some time off.

Okay … I got the picture. So, I came up with a plan to venture back to the homeland of corn, soybeans, lush green lawns and 10,000 lakes.

Yes, I was in Iowa in January for my mother’s funeral. However, one doesn’t get much time exploring the back roads and old haunts when your trip is scheduled with events planned by the local funeral director.

This trip was different. For the past two weeks I spent visiting with college friends and old newspaper colleagues as well as enjoying chasing the elusive walleye on one of my favorite Minnesota lakes. It also was a time to make some new acquaintances as well.

There was one requirement I gave my travel companion. When we stopped for gas or food, I had to pick up copies of all the local newspapers.

He gave me this “weird” look … like you’ve got to be kidding me. I told him, it’s my vice. I don’t travel anywhere without picking up local newspapers. During all my travels, I always set aside money for buying newspapers.

He just shook his head and gave a hearty laugh. I told him I was dead serious. When we stopped, I bought the local newspaper and placed it in my newspaper bucket.

After a few stops he began asking me before leaving every gas station and restaurant, “Did you remember to get your papers?”

I’d smile and say, “Yes indeedy.”

Why do I pick up copies of other newspapers? I have several reasons.

First, I like supporting other newspapers and the journalists in those communities who record the first copy of local history. Without a local newspaper, who will tell those stories of triumph or sadness.

Second, it helps give me a perspective of the important stories happening out of the spotlight of state, national and world news.

Third, one should never judge a community by just passing through it on a highway. It’s nice to know challenges they may be facing may or may not be like ones occurring or may occur here in Socorro or Catron County.

Here’s a compilation of headlines from my travels:

Quay County Sun in Tucumcari, New Mexico: School five-year plan still has Tucumcari Middle School on the chopping block

Rural Messenger in Haven, Kansas: Mid-Kansas Cooperative continues to grow with the addition of five apprentices through the Kansas Farm Bureau

Northwest Iowa Review in Sheldon, Iowa: ‘It was the Worst I’ve ever Seen’ Floodwaters ravage hundreds of homes as rivers crest at record highs

Redwood Gazette in Redwood Falls, Minnesota: Redwood Falls Farmers Market is open Tuesdays and Saturdays

Paynesville Press in Paynesville, Minnesota: D&D Recycling closes doors after 36 years; Recycling habits change, while markets sour on recycling

West Central Tribune in Willmar, Minnesota: Double Blow; Kerkhoven on the verge of losing grocery, hardware stores in one swoop

St Cloud Times in St. Cloud, Minnesota: Two St. Cloud women turn junk into treasures

Star Tribune in Minneapolis, Minnesota: At-risk Karen teens a Ramey County Sheriff’s office priority

Storm Lake Times Pilot in Storm Lake, Iowa: FEMA mobilized in Cherokee, Sioux Rapids; Going door-to-door to assess damages

Here’s my challenge to those thinking about taking a vacation in the next couple of weeks before school starts: Pick up a copy of the local newspaper. You’ll never know what you might find entertaining to do or understanding the community’s local economic challenges.

It will be money well spent!