HOT PURSUIT

Over the years our newspaper has been called many different things, most of them pleasant and others, well, let’s just say they’re not printable. I’ve learned it all comes with the territory of putting out a newspaper and being in the public eye.
A recent item caught my attention right away. It came from Bud Peka of Owatonna. As you are likely aware, he sends poems that he has created throughout the year. They are frequently published in our newspaper.
The reason this most recent poem especially piqued my interest is because he sent it in two formats: printed version, which is included below, and an electronic version, which he actually sang the poem. And, quite honestly, the subject matter also helped put it right up there.
Here is the printed version:
“Steele County Times”
 
The newspaper of our county,
the Steele County Times,
reports on all the latest news,
and on the local crimes.
 
It has always gotten good reviews,
for coverage of local sports,
Rick’s column, “Hot Pursuit,”
and cases before the courts.
 
It comes out just one day a week,
we just can’t wait to read it,
we think that it is quite unique,
we enjoy it, and we need it.
 
We recommend it as a gift,
to those who have moved away,
tell me, how can you resist,
why not order it today?
Thank you!
 
Aside from this particular poem, Peka has written hundreds of others over the years. Approaching 96 years old, he began writing them when he was 7 at which time, he wrote one for his mother on Mother’s Day. “Her name was Rose, so I drew a rose on a card-size tan colored paper, then laboriously and as nearly as I could with my stubby No. 2 pencil, I wrote, ‘Happy Mother’s Day… Father, sister, brother, there is nothing like a mother,’” he said, adding it wasn’t much, but, of course, as any good mother would do, she liked it.
In 1955, Peka wrote some songs, which he still sings. One was a rock and roll song about a little town and the dances they had. Another song was a romantic ballad. One of his most prized songs is, “Glory, Glory, Glory, How I Found the Lord.” It can be heard on YouTube, “Bud Peka KOWZ FM.”
He said that he has written between 400 and 500 poems and songs. A few years back he printed a book containing about 200 poems. He enjoys writing about religion, current events, politics, drugs, guns and crime, dogs, nature, friends, war and “whatever inspires me.”
“I do it because I can’t seem to quit,” Peka told me. “I find it satisfying to read the end result and then share them with others who might enjoy them. Many folks have told me to keep them coming.”
Peka also shared an inspirational side to himself that we can all benefit from. “Enjoy every day that God gives us,” he said. “Show kindness to all. Christ told us to love God and to love our neighbor,” he added.
As 2021 comes to a close, it’s humbling for me as the publisher to see the excitement readers like Peka share about the Times. It has been an incredible year for us as our readership has grown substantially. When it comes to circulation, I’ve never experienced a year like this one.
While Peka has found a rather unique way to express himself, he isn’t alone in his feelings about the Times. We hear positive comments all the time from all ages, young and old. And Peka just might be one of our oldest readers.
Even one of our veteran staff members, who has been in the newspaper industry her entire life and worked for several different newspapers over those years, is often caught by surprise at how much people like this newspaper and are willing to say so.
A newer staff member was overwhelmed after working six days at the Steele County Fair this past summer. She jokingly said she could retire if she got just a nickel for every positive comment she heard from fairgoers about this newspaper.
I always tell people the reward of publishing a newspaper has nothing to do with money, but rather the heartfelt comments readers share with us and the excitement they show over their community newspaper. No money can buy the satisfaction I enjoy from listening to our readers who get thrilled every week about our newspaper. It’s invigorating for me and keeps me motivated to do what I consider as an important service to the community.
Bud Peka is certainly an inspiration to me as he should be for others with his passion to entertain other people. I feel fortunate and blessed to be able to go in hot pursuit of having a Bud in my life.