Gazette welcomes Michael Dakota back
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Observant readers will have noticed the return to The Gazette of a familiar byline. Michael Dakota, who was a Gazette photographer in the mid-1990s, has returned to our family.
Michael first came to Emporia in August 1993, four years after earning his degree from Kent State University. During the next four years, he was a familiar face at festivals, rodeos, ballgames as well as fires and other breaking news.
He left Emporia in 1997 to return to his Ohio roots. He spent the next 12 years working for Record Publishing Co. and its group of nine newspapers that published on different weekly schedules.
In his free time, Michael sought out lighthouses wherever he went and self-published collections of his photographs. To see some, check out blurb.com.
Michael won’t find lighthouses in Kansas, but he’s already found time to visit the water.
After arriving in Emporia late last week, finding temporary housing and shooting Olpe’s Downhome Days, the Americus Save the Pool fundraiser and Hand in Hand Hospice’s butterly release at the David Traylor Zoo, Michael and his daughter, Devin, headed to John Redmond Reservoir in Coffey County.
On Page 1 is one of several beautiful sunset shots he captured at the lake.
Meanwhile, Michael’s wife, Kathy, and their three children — 8-year-old Wyatt and 10-year-old twins Avery and Noah — are in Ohio working to sell their house before making the move to Kansas.
When you see Michael, please take a minute to stop, say hello and welcome him back to the Sunflower State. And if you have photo ideas or tips, don’t hesitate to e-mail him at photodesk@emporiagazette.com or call the newsroom at 342-4805.
We’re happy to have Michael back at The Gazette, and we believe readers will enjoy his contributions.
karmadog (anonymous) says...
I think it is wonderful that Mr. Dakota and his family will be returning to Emporia. I am curious however, how the Gazette can afford all of this new talent. First there was the appearance of a new column by New York Times best selling author and Emporian, Antonia Felix, and now the return of photographer, Dakota. I recently heard word on the street that the Gazette would be letting Mr. Kelly go at the end of July due to financial troubles meeting payroll. I'm hoping this was a very poor rumor as Patrick Kelly provides insightful work and a good balance to the more conservative voices of Gwen Larson and Mrs. Walker, thus a well rounded newspaper. Not to mention that Mr. Kelly is the institutional and community memory for the newspaper, having been employed by the Gazette since 1966. This is a wealth of information not easily replaced and often subtle to detect but most likely a glaring, gaping hole in the print if suddenly removed.
July 14, 2009 at 11:13 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
karmadog,
Don't know if those rumors you heard are true but if Patrick has been @ the Gazette since 1966,(43 years) don't you think he deserves a little retirement time?
July 15, 2009 at 11:38 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Pestage (anonymous) says...
Congratulations, Emporia!
You've got some real talent in Mr. Dakota. Having worked with Mike for the past 12 years, I can say he's among the best in his profession.
July 15, 2009 at 1:45 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )