My only foray into Texas was a quick three-day visit to Dallas. Paul and I visited the School Book Depository building and took a tour. As I leaned as best as I could to see out the window I said, “Nope. Not possible. I’m a good shot and I couldn’t have done that.” With those few words, I had solved the case. Lee Harvey Oswald couldn’t have done it alone.
I’ve met a few Texans since then, mostly in passing. Over the past two years, however, there have been three Texans who worked in the local media, two at the Star-Herald.
Charissa Bryce arrived in Scottsbluff with her dog, Shadow, to take on western Nebraska, but the call back home was too strong. Now, she’s making twice what I make, so I’m going to have to start begging her for money.
The reporters’ desks used to be spread throughout the Star-Herald and I liked it. Our editor moved us all to a four-desk hub in January, placing Charissa and I next to each other. Seriously, not a good decision. I’m not sure how we managed to get any work done.
Jacqueline Zabeth worked for the local television station, NBC Nebraska, better known as the enemy. Who can hate the enemy when the enemy is always smiling and saying things like, “Girl I know,” to you. You can’t.
Michael Catarineau came to Scottsbluff to work on the copy desk. His friend, Charissa, let him know about the job. When the opportunity arose, Michael moved off the copy desk and became the Ag reporter for the Star-Herald. But he, too, missed Texas and Whataburger. I’m not sure which he loves more.
Then, they all left. Here are some photos of my time with them. I enjoyed every moment, well almost every moment.
My first assignment with Charissa Bryce was shortly after she arrived at the Star-Herald. I had to write a story introducing her to the community. We went to her house and took this awesome picture with her then seven-year-old Golden Retriever, Shadow.
Shadow, Charissa Bryce’s majestic canine.
Jacqueline Zabeth worked for the enemy, also known as NBC Nebraska. On March 30, 2017 we both ended up at the same car accident on the corner of Avenue I and 42nd Street.
Charissa was not happy I took her photo during a lunch the Star-Herald held to raise money for the new dog park. I think she was in a bad mood that day after she realized she really wasn’t in Texas anymore.
Jacqueline decided to get some nachos for lunch while covering the 2017 Scotts Bluff County Fair. I believe her exact words were, “Oh my God. Look at how much food is here. I can’t eat all this. You guys have to help me.” Spike Jordan and I tried to help, but there was just way too much food.
On January 9, 2018 Sandra Reddish drove Charissa Bryce and me to Fort Robinson in the hopes of covering the commemoration of the Northern Cheyenne’s break out on January 9, 1879. Charissa and I had split up during our interviews. Sandra and I saw a figure walking toward us in the dark.
“Is that Charissa?” Sandra said.
“I don’t know,” I said.
I lifted my camera and pressed the shutter-release button. It was, indeed, Charissa.
This was one of the best days at work I have ever had. I was honored when the Northern Cheyenne said I could cover the story.
Since this was January 24, 2018, I’m sure Charissa and I had nothing better to do at work except goof off and take pictures.
Intrepid reporter Spike Jordan knew NBC Nebraska was having a tough time since they were short a couple of reporters, so he bought and decorated a cake for them. See, we even gave these Texans cake and they still left us.
Charissa volunteered to do the video for the 2018 Polar Plunge so I could take photos and write the story. It was a cold day for this young Texan, but she survived (It wasn’t that cold).
I love this shot of Charissa at the 2018 Polar Plunge.
Jacqueline and I both covered the Union Pacific Railroad’s event to teach about train safety and watch them catch people breaking the law at railroad crossings. We were supposed to ride in the engine, but ended up riding in a really old train car. Neither of us were happy about that last minute decision. In order to ride, we had to wear ear plugs, safety glasses, and a reflective vest. Jacqueline is attempting to hold her hair in place as it was a cold, windy day.
There was a purpose to this pose with a pork magazine, but I don’t know what it was.
Michael moved over from the copy desk to become our Ag reporter and agreed to come to Fort Robinson with me to cover the Commanding General’s Mounted Color Guard demonstration. Here, Michael painstakingly places a microphone on a rider for a video interview. When we got back to the office, he realized there were no batteries in the microphone, so he couldn’t use any of it. Lesson learned: always check your gear.
Michael Catarineau at Fort Robinson just before he started talking about being tired after a couple of hours of work and needing some ice cream.
I ran into Jacqueline Zabeth again in Gering at the 2018 Oregon Trail Days.
Just before Charissa Bryce moved back to Texas, she snuck this picture onto my desk. It’s one of the best gifts I’ve ever received.
It appears as if Michael is the only one having a good time at the Western Nebraska Pioneers baseball game. That’s because the score was something ridiculous like 22-7 and no one was watching the game anymore.
I learned during the baseball game that Michael also loves Absolutely Fabulous. And, really, you all should, too.
Michael takes time out of his busy schedule to pose with the Western Nebraska Pioneers’ mascot
Michael and I both covered the 2018 Scotts Bluff County Fair. I took the more interesting 4-H rabbits and poultry shows while he covered the boring goats and beef/cattle/cows/whatever you call things that moo.
A crappy cellphone picture of Bagheera, Michael’s cat. I got to play with him for an hour every day while Michael was away for a week. He also poops a lot, so much so that his litter box needs to be cleaned every day, Michael, not once a week.
I still like y’all even though you abandoned me.
I’m going to miss you guys. You made my days at the Star-Herald more interesting. I hope you find what you are looking for back home in Texas.