Guest Column: Glad to have made it another year...

By Rick Kennedy Managing Editor, Helena Daily World

prayers, messages, and well-wishes that I received from friends and colleagues throughout the state and the country.

I am fortunate to have made many friends in and out of the media industry, which I have been a part of for 38 years now.

Of course, I am thankful to have additional days, and I want to take this opportunity to sincerely thank everyone for extending their concern for me and my family.

Elijah Mondy and his wife Belinda were my first in-person visitors, and they also provided my ride home.

Of course, Andrew Bagley came to visit me in Memphis, too, and he was in daily contact while I was away.

Through his efforts along with that of Monticello designer Kristie Nall, the important work of the Helena World and Monroe County Argus continued in my absence. My special thanks to both of them in keeping things going.

I had also received a couple of calls of encouragement from Helena Mayor

Christopher Franklin, who despite all the challenges he is having in city government found the time to call me and wish me well.

There was also a call from our Arkansas Press Association director Ashley Kemp Wimberley, who wished me a full recovery.

Too many to mention on Facebook sent their concern and well wishes. Longtime friends and colleagues like Jennifer Allen, Michael Jones and Otis Kirk to newer friends like Anne Christine Fuller, Martin Rawls, Philly Rains, and Terri Ann Hall.

Apparently, the good Lord was willing to grant me a bit more time on this Earth.

This column was originally published in The Helena World on June 28. Reprinted with permission.

Arkansas Press Association Convention

DoubleTree Hotel | July 20 – 22, 2023

THURSDAY, JULY 20

Noon Arkansas Press Association Board of Directors Luncheon & Meeting

5 pm Cocktail Hour & Hors D’oeuvres at the Arkansas Press Association Headquarters

7 pm – 10 pm Dinner at Cotham’s in the City & Live Music with Brooke & Mike

FRIDAY, JULY 21

8:30 am Breakfast Social with Omelet Station

Trade Show & Arkansas Newspaper Foundation Silent Auction Open

9:30 am Session: The Trailblazer’s Guide to Digital Subscriptions: Mapping a Path to Success

Presenter: Bridget Sibthorp-Moecker, BLOX Digital

10:30 am Mimosa Break in the Trade Show

10:45 am Session: Improving Healthcare in Arkansas Through Media & Medicine

Presenters: Preston Tolliver & Katie Leath, UAMS

11:45 am Break in the Trade Show

Noon Luncheon

Keynote Speaker: Janet Harris, Executive Director/CEO of the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute

2 pm Session: Photojournalism via Smartphone

3:30 pm

Presenter: Mark Humphrey, Associated Press

Panel Discussion: Maximizing Operational Efficiencies

Moderated by: Lori Freeze

Panelist: Tom White, Rusty Fraser, Jim Holland, Rhonda Overbey

4:30 pm Cookie Break in the Trade Show

5 pm Trade Show Closes

6 pm Honorees’ Reception

Featuring Arkansas Symphony Orchestra Harpist Alisa Coffey

7 pm Arkansas Press Association Honors Banquet

• Past Presidents’ Gavel Passing

• Installation of Eliza Hussman Gaines as President

• Presentation of Journalism Educator of the Year Award

• Presentation of Golden 50 Service Awards

SATURDAY, JULY 22

8 am Registration Opens

APA Past Presidents’ Breakfast (Invitation Only)

8:30 am APA Member Business Meeting & Breakfast

9 am

Panel Discussion: Breaking Stories Using FOIA

Moderated by: Sonny Albarado

Panelists: Tamara Johnson, Ellen Kreth, Andrew Bagley, Chris Fulton

10:15 am Break

10:30 am

Panel Discussion: Investigative Reporting

Moderated by: Sonny Albarado

Panelists: Hunter Field, Tony Holt, Rick Kron

Noon Arkansas Press Association Better Newspaper Editorial Awards Luncheon

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Little Rock Room block open for reservations