DECATUR -- Students of James Garner and Jennifer Longstreth's media classes got a rare treat Aug. 14 and 16 when Mike Eckels, Decatur reporter and photographer for the Westside Eagle Observer, walked into their classroom to talk about life as a journalist.
"When I was sitting in my English class in 1975, I often wondered why I needed all this," Eckels said. "But 45 years later, when I took this reporter's job, I found the answer to those early questions."
Eckels came to the newspaper on April 22, 2013, as the Decatur correspondent, working out of the Gravette office at the time.
Before he took this job, he had the opportunity to write three books (one published) on aviation history at pilot training programs at Drake Field and the Arkansas Air Museum.
"One significant event that brought me to this moment occurred in 1991 when I volunteered for the Arkansas Air Museum in Fayetteville," Eckels recounts. "My first project was organizing a 50-year reunion of pilots who trained at Drake Field from 1939-1940. I became so interested in the subject that I decided to write about it. Four years later, my first book was published."
Over the years, Eckels worked on newsletters, informational signs for the aircraft displays and even a manual on operations for the 2006 Airfest airshow. His ever-expanding interest in writing led Eckels to obtain a degree in graphic design from Northwest Arkansas Community College in Bentonville in 2010. In his last year, Eckels was asked to help with the school newspaper, "The Eagle."
"My friend was the editor of the NWACC's school paper and had trouble finding reporters and photographers," said Eckels. "I agreed and worked on the newspaper's staff during my last year in college. Little did I know at the time where this venture would lead me."
On April 22, 2013, after two interviews by Observer editor Randy Moll, Eckels was hired as the Decatur reporter and photographer, replacing Janelle Jessen who transferred to the Herald Leader in Siloam Springs.
Eckels recounted his daily and weekly work schedule to the Longstreth's media students.
"I cover everything Decatur," Eckels said. "The Decatur City Council, school board, chamber, sports and any other events which take place in Decatur. Sometimes I have to sit through three- or four-hour long council or school board meetings which get tiring at times but it is part of the job. I will do what it takes to cover the story."
One of the best tools the reporters use is the Freedom of Information Act, or FOIA. The FOIA allows reporters and citizens to obtain information from government agencies and other public entities. This helps keep these entities accountable for their spending of public money and their operations.
One aspect of his job that Eckels enjoys is covering Decatur sports. Since most of his experience was confined to writing history and feature articles, he had no experience in covering sports.
"If someone had told me that I would cover sports some day, I would have told them they were crazy," Eckels said. "I never went to any of my high school sporting events even though two longtime friends, Trey Trumbo and Lynn Waldron, played on the basketball team. Since taking this job, I found I loved these assignments so much that I can't imagine not doing it."
For Eckels, learning the rules of football, soccer, track, baseball and softball was an adventure. Since basketball was one of his favorite sports, it was easier for him to relearn. Now he translates that love of sports into his photographs and stories, something most of Mrs. Longstreth's students can relate to since most were athletes he has covered over the last four years.
"I am fortunate enough to have had some great teachers helping me with this transition so to speak," said Eckels." I have to give credit where credit is due. If it wasn't for John Unger (athletic director) and the rest of the Bulldog coaching staff, I think this experience would have turned out differently."
The final question of the day proved to be the most interesting of the session. One student asked how many pictures does he take to get a perfect shot.
"Last night (Aug. 15) I went outside to take pictures of the lightning storm that went through the area," Eckels said. "I took 300 shots to get only one lightning photo. When I shoot sports, I can take 50 shots of Desi (Meek) or Destiny (Meija) to get one shot I can use in the paper."
Mike Eckels finished his presentation by imparting a few words of advice for Mrs. Longstreth's media students.
"If you think you may never use the lessons you have learned in school, think again," Eckels said. "You may not use them after graduation, after college or in everyday life, but someday they will come back and they will become a part of your life. Never give up and remember this important lesson: Every day is a learning experience and, when you stop learning, life ends."
General News on 08/23/2017