Wiener dog races tops 2004 list of editor’s favoritesI find it therapeutic, as editor, to compile our annual year-in-review story.From week to week the deadlines blur together, but it’s satisfying to page through the finished issues and remember the interviews and stories behind the stories.Fires, accident and crime are big news for a small-town weekly, but my personal favorites rarely qualify as "breaking news."Here are a few that make my list in 2004:oThe wiener dog races during Luverne’s Hot Dog night in July. What a hoot! For a first-time event, planners had no idea the event would attract hundreds of spectators and more than 30 vertically-challenged racers. o"How to Build a Better Brain." I know a story about a speaker sounds dull, but I loved every minute of speaker and author Hilary Stecklein’s presentation in August, because it made so much sense. For those who missed her speech and my story: Turn off the TV and read to children.oThe classroom meets the prairie. In October I photographed third-graders and high school science students studying life on the Touch the Sky Prairie.I was short on time on that press day as I left the office with my camera, but it turned out to be well worth the effort. It was a beautiful, crisp autumn day, and it was a delight to see students having fun and learning so much at the same time.oIn February I wrote about local people who can’t tolerate gluten — a common ingredient in nearly every store-bought food item. This story makes my list of personal favorites because I learned so much about food and the benefit of taking control of our own health. It made me appreciate the luxury of being able to cook with canned goods.oDuring the firemen’s open house this year, they demonstrated new "jaws of life" equipment on a car, showing how quickly they pry apart a car to free a victim. Predictably, kids have a way of hearing their own messages. A few weeks later my 3-year-old donned his red plastic firemen’s helmet and hollered, "I’m a fireman and I’m going to wreck your car!"oFinally, looking back through 2004, I’m reminded again how the news business offers special perks to reporters, even if they’ll never earn six figures.For example, I’m still raving about my mid-afternoon plane ride in Dave Paquette’s restored L-plane, and every time I view Luverne’s northern horizon, I fondly recall the day I climbed to the top to photograph welders inside the tank.Thanks, readers and sources, for a memorable news year, and stay with us for more adventures in 2005.
