Joseph Wore Tennis Shoes:
Stories From Small Town Journalism
"An entertaining mix of Eureka! moments, belly laughs, guffaws, colorful reportage, and a few 'You have got to be kidding me-s.' This collection may also have you grabbing a tissue or two. So, if one type of story doesn’t spin your fins, then turn the page. It’s a good bet the next one will . . . Stroll through yesteryear and present day-ish with this eloquent and articulate glimpse into small-town Americana and a time when Joseph wore tennis shoes and everybody knew your name. It’ll bring a smile to your face and warmth to your heart . . . Joseph Wore Tennis Shoes is unlike anything we've ever read." PagesAndPaws.com. See full review here.
“Dale Kovar brings a refreshing and straightforward use of language to convey simple truths. His thoughts gently probe and prod the reader’s own experiences to create new insights.” – Dr. Scott Jensen
"Joseph Wore Tennis Shoes is a captivating collection of stories from Dale Kovar’s 50-year career in small-town journalism, blending humor, controversy, and heartfelt moments while championing free speech and community storytelling. A must-read for those who love authentic, behind-the-scenes tales from the newsroom." – NewInBooks.com
Now Available
in Paperback and E-book
Order Paperback Here
Order E-book Here
E-book available in Kindle, Apple, Barnes & Noble, and more
Weaving together reprints of original news articles, interesting feature stories, pointed opinion columns, plus colorful behind-the-scenes anecdotes, Dale Kovar recounts his 50-year career working at weekly newspapers.
Step into a time when truth mattered, small towns bustled, and local newspapers were the heartbeat of Minnesota's Main Streets. Joseph Wore Tennis Shoes: Stories From Small Town Journalism is not your typical media memoir. It's a deeply human journey through decades of headlines, deadlines, and stories that stuck long after the ink dried. It's a joyride, not an ego trip.
Showcasing his best writing in a variety of styles and spanning numerous topics, Kovar covers his ups and downs in the news industry with notes of lessons learned and personal ties to people and places. A fierce advocate for free speech, Kovar holds nothing back in criticizing the big media and government for their shortcomings. Throughout, his strong Christian faith is on display. Plus there are some just plain fun pieces as well.
From the top of a water tower to an upside down gymnast; from a day in kindergarten to a state political convention; from a six-overtime basketball game to an April Fool's front page; from getting burned by a phony letter to the editor to an actual office fire. Then there's the Dead Editors Society, and more!
It's real people, real towns, and real moments – told with sharp wit, deep compassion, and a little mischief. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll be challenged to think for yourself. In a time when truth feels negotiable, this book reminds us what it looks like to care – intensely – about getting it right. Rediscover a world where the stories may be small . . . but the heart behind them is anything but.
It’s for readers who enjoy true stories about real people. Makes a great gift!
New Updated Cover
(Same Book)
Take a peek at some sample pages here
Copies available at
WINSTED: Herald Journal
WATERTOWN: Hearthside Books
Order by phone at 320-485-2535
Paperback $18.63 (with tax = $20)
Ebook $3.99 (no printing & shipping cost)
ISBN 979-8992327403
Original Cover
Dale began writing a sports column for his hometown newspaper while he was in high school. After college and a newspaper-specific training course, he entered the field full-time and hasn’t left. He progressed through various roles of newspaper work, including 20 years as a minority owner. In January 2025, Kovar was inducted into the Minnesota Newspaper Association's Half Century Club.