Russ and Lori Pankonin, pictured in center, former publishers of The Imperial Republican, Grant Tribune-Sentinel and Holyoke Enterprise, were formally inducted tinto the Nebraska Journalism Hall of Fame in ceremonies in Lincoln, Nebraska, Oct. 22. They are the first husband and wife to be inducted. The Pankonins worked as a team during their 39-year journalism careers, selling the family newspaper business to Montana-based Mullen Newspaper Company in November 2021. Lori Pankonin credited her parents, Loral and Elna Johnson, from whom they purchased the newspapers in 1999, for instilling in them the importance of volunteering, caring and sharing. Others inducted into the Hall of Fame last month were Tim Anderson, a 30-year journalist and former University of Nebraska-Lincoln journalism professor; John Bender, a UNL professor of journalism; Lee Ostdiek, owner/editor of the Blue Hill Leader; and, posthumously, Tom Southard, a long-time sportswriter and sports columnist for the Kimball Observer for more than 50 years. Presenting the awards were Nebraska Lt. Gov. Mike Foley, pictured at far right; NPA president Kevin Peterson, second from left; and Shari Veil, dean and professor at UNL College of Journalism & Mass Communications, at left. — Kirk Rangel | UNL College of Journalism & Mass Communications