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Today's sweet story on beekeeper, Rueben Schubah, is another great contribution from KAKE-TV's Larry Hatteberg.
So, where did I meet this guy who keeps sending me these wonderful stories from Wichita? Actually, we were introduced by a serial killer. Odd, but true.
First, a little about Larry. The guy is a Wichita institution. He's been at KAKE-TV since 1963! Do the history lesson: JFK was president; The Beatles were all the rage; Coca Cola released it's first diet drink, TAB; and Larry was doing the news for KAKE in Wichita, KS.
When a guy has been around and good at what he does this long, it's easy to see how he became a Wichita news legend.
It seems everyone in Kansas knows who Larry is, including some very dark souls. A very sick and twisted man who went my the initials, BTK, terrorized Wichita for over 30 years. 10 people died before police finally arrested Dennis Rader in 2005. During that time, Rader actually sent taunting letters to members of the media like Larry Hatteberg. In fact, Larry received so many that police became suspicious, looking at Larry in a funny light. He submitted to a DNA test to clear his name.
Larry is no killer, but he became an expert on one. And, that is how we met. As the BTK story picked up steam in 2005, my CNN Executive Producer, Christian DuChateau, suggested that we book Larry for my show. Christian once worked at KAKE and knew that Larry was the guy to tell this story. He was right. I had Larry on a number of times bringing us the latest on the story, explaining the terror that seized this fine city of 300,000 until Rader was caught.
Fast forward to November 2006 when I launched DarynKagan.com. I received the nicest email from Larry. "I doubt you will remember me," he began. (Oh, they sure do grow their legends humble in Kansas) "but, I came on your CNN show a number of times talking about the BTK serial killer."
The thing is, Larry wasn't writing to recount memories of the dark. No, he was celebrating the light. Turns out Larry's real passion is telling stories that inspire.
This is what he wrote: " I'm so happy you are producing these stories.
My feeling has always been that television's great power is to
'inspire'....and on the evening newscasts, we seldom do a good job of that. The 'people' stories are those that the viewers remember. They are the kinds of stories that have a 'shelf' life....and more important...they are
the stories that give viewers hope!"
"I have been producing a segment on our station called "Hatteberg's People", since 1974. It runs every Sunday evening in our 10 p.m. Newscast. For me, it has been a creative outlet....like no other. The people who I have profiled have lifted my spirit, given me hope, made me laugh and cry....but always made me think."
"When we graduate from high school and college, we think...."Great, no more teachers." Except that now, almost every person who I profile becomes one of 'life's' teachers. I've received an education from these people that is priceless! That's why I just wanted to wish you great success with your latest endeavor. I'm glad someone has the power to make these things happen on a national/international scale."
That's it. Just wishing me well. No pitch. Just a pat on the back. I went to the KAKE website, looked at the stories, and knew I wanted them on DarynKagan.com. Larry and the generous KAKE management have made that possible.
Now, the competition is on between Larry and me as to who has the better end of this deal. I get the biggest thrill out of showcasing excellent storytelling. He would say he gets a bigger kick out of seeing his stories up on DarynKagan.com.
It's actually getting kind of silly. We're beginning to sound like those overly polite animated Goofy Gophers, Mac n' Tosh. "Thank you!" "Oh! No, no! Thank YOU!"
It looked like Larry had one-upped me the day that flowers arrived at my house. My blog entry today is my bouquet of appreciation right back at 'ya, Larry.
Of course, the real winners are all of you who now get to see and experience Larry's stories far beyond the reaches of Wichita, KS.
For me, it's an affirmation that from even the darkest of places and associations can come a ray of light. A twist as sweet as the Beekeeper's honey.
--Daryn.
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