Fred Lynch retirement and B Magazine update

One comment I hear consistently from Southeast Missourian readers is how much they enjoy the photos that appear in the newspaper and semissourian.com photo galleries. Like painting a beautiful portrait, playing a musical instrument or writing compelling narratives, good photography is an art perfected with practice.

For more than 40 years Fred Lynch has contributed many photos to the Southeast Missourian that have captured historic events, fun moments and images that tug at readers' heart strings. There have been numerous comments online from readers and colleagues sharing their memories of Fred and his work. And if you're reading this column online, share your memories in the comments section.

Growing up my parents produced summer musicals for children. Fred Lynch was there nearly every year to catch youngsters singing, dancing and acting. The photo in the newspaper meant so much to the kids and their parents. There's nothing quite like hearing, "I saw your picture in the newspaper." Fred helped make those memories happen for many, both young and old.

Southeast Missourian assistant publisher Lucas Presson, right, stands with photojournalist Fred Lynch during Lynch's retirement party Friday, Aug. 24, 2018 in the Bullpen at the Rust Center for Media in Cape Girardeau.Ben Matthews ~ Southeast Missourian

On Friday, readers and colleagues gathered at the Rust Center for Media to celebrate Fred's incredible career in a retirement reception.

Rust Communications co-president and Southeast Missourian publisher Jon K. Rust referred to Fred as "a keeper of the flame" for those photographers who went before him.

"For 43 years Fred has always been somewhat on call when he's in town," Rust said. "A story breaks, and he may get a phone call about it, and asked to capture whatever is happening in photos. And he's done that, with utmost efficiency, capturing priceless memories."

Editor Bob Miller talked about Fred's consistency and willingness to try new things. From the "dark room" days of processing photos to, most recently, becoming certified to capture drone photography, Fred has adapted to change but maintained core values and dedication to work. Like another Fred, Fred Rogers or most notably called Mr. Rogers, Fred's dedication, familiarity and calming presence benefited all who worked with him.

Thanks for the memories, Fred. Like a good friend, you've been with us -- camera always in hand -- to capture wonderful memories and document the first draft of history for the Southeast Missourian. Congratulations to you, and we wish you and your wife Robin all the best in the next chapter.

B Magazine 2018 Newsmakers edition

The latest edition B Magazine will hit mailboxes and newsstands this week. This is the Newsmakers edition and features stories about people in Southeast Missouri who go above and beyond to make a difference.

We will recognize the 14 men and women from 5 to 7 p.m. Sept. 5 at First Midwest Bank, 1820 N. Kingshighway in Cape Girardeau. Cocktails and hors d'oeuvres will begin at 5 p.m. with the program scheduled to kick off at 6 p.m.

The reception is open to the public, but we request an RSVP to Heather Short at 573-335-3682 or hshort@onemidwest.com. Special thanks to First Midwest Bank, the Newsmakers sponsor.

You'll find other stories in B Magazine, including an analysis written by your's truly about the fuel tax that will appear on the November ballot.

One bit of information that did not make it into the story is an example of how funds would be distributed.

SaferMo.com provides an online calculator to estimate the amount each county and city will receive at full implementation.

For example, Cape Girardeau County and Butler County would each receive between $400,000 and $999,999 for road projects.

These estimates, according to Scott Charton, communications director for SaferMo.com, do not include the amount individual cities receive. That list is also available on the website.

Consider Cape Girardeau County as one example: In addition to the estimated amount the county would receive, the cities of Cape Girardeau and Jackson would receive $596,778 and $216,401.

That means the total amount between the county and its largest cities would receive an estimated $1.2 to $1.8 million.

Infrastructure improvements are not only key for residents but also to CEOs and site selectors looking to relocate or start a business. Along with the U.S. Senate contest, this should be one of the top issues for voters.

You can sign up for B Magazine's free weekly newsletter online at bmagazine.io. If you don't receive the print edition in the mail, you can subscribe for $25, call (573) 388-3680 or register online.

Lucas Presson is the assistant publisher of the Southeast Missourian.