I have found it rare to have a colleague that is hard-working, but also finds time for fun and friendship. Spike Jordan is one of those people. Spike originally joined the Star-Herald as a copy editor before moving over to reporter. When long time ag editor Sandy Hansen retired, Spike stepped in to fill those shoes. Earlier this year, he moved on to be the editor of the Hemingford Ledger. I’m pretty sure he came back to the Star-Herald solely because he missed my awesomeness.
As a journalist, he has taught me a lot about copy editing, design, and digging deeper in investigative reporting. He has joined me on interviews, particularly one where we got to hang out with yaks, told tall tales, and educated me on the finer points of stealing cake. He has been there for me when my mental health issues strike at work and helped me along the way. So, with the help of fellow reporter Mark Gaschler, we spent several hours creating a welcome back gift for Spike to show appreciation toward him as only a couple of nerds could do.
Santa spent several hours on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2018, helping reporters create a memorable return for our friend, Spike, to the Star-Herald.
“I don’t know why Santa spent so much time wrapping my desk,” Spike said.
Mark Gaschler and I decided that since Spike was returning to work on Christmas Eve, he should have something to do to pass the time as there was little reporting being done that day. “This was a pretty good prank, “Spike said.
Everything on Spike’s desk was wrapped, even the individual chocolates he received.
While unwrapping all the things on his desk, Spike kept singing, “You better watch out, you better watch out, you better watch out, you better watch out.”
There are several reasons why Mark and I went to so much trouble to make Spike’s return a fun day. It is a fun prank. Spike is a damned good reporter. He’s also a fine friend. His investigative skills are top notch. I can ask him anytime to help with a story I’m working on and he always has great advice. He always knows how to lift my spirits and has kept me from meltdowns, breakdowns, and general despair. He’s kept me from walking out of the Star-Herald on more than one occasion. Wrapping his desk is the least I could do to say I value his friendship.
“I was gonna cry, but I’m not a wimp, so, not gonna do it,” Spike said.
Working with Spike is always fun and educational and I’m happy he is back sitting a few feet away from me.
Don’t talk to cops. Ever.
“What a warm welcome back,” Spike said. “The fact that people went to so much to inconvenience me….” His voice trailed off as he walked out of the editor’s office and headed to the back door for a smoke. We all smiled. Our friend and colleague was back, and we are all better off for it.