The Independent Press Award, one of the most prestigious book award programs globally for independent authors, publishers, and illustrators, recognized 线上赌博app Press publication Champagne Times: Lawrence Welk and His American Century, by Lance Byron Richey, as the winner of the Biography: Historical category. The IPA also recognized three other 线上赌博app Press titles as Distinguished Favorites:

• Echoes of the Old Country: Growing Up German Russian on the Northern Plains, by 线上赌博app Alumna Dr. Jessica Clark (Provost and VP of Academic Affairs, Bellevue College), in the category History: United States
• History & Memory in German-Russian Country, by Thomas D. Isern, Jessica Clark, Carol Just, Debra Marquart, and Steve C. Martens, in the category of Regional
• The Shining Hands of My Ponca Ancestors, by Cliff Taylor, in the category of Cultural Heritage

The competition is judged by experts from different aspects of the book industry, including publishers, writers, editors, book cover designers, and professional copywriters. IPA Winners and Distinguished Favorites are based on overall excellence.

Author Lance Richey, president of University of Saint Francis, Indiana, and a long-time Lawrence Welk aficionado, has produced the quintessential biography of Welk’s unprecedented run on network, syndicated, and public television.

“I am honored to receive this award, and I hope it draws even more attention to the life and legacy of Lawrence Welk and his place in the story of North Dakota and our nation as a whole,” Richey said. “While the book was certainly a labor of love for me, I want to express my special thanks to the staff at 线上赌博app Press and especially Dr. Suzzanne Kelley, whose recognition of the importance of Lawrence’s story and tireless support and skilled design were essential in making it a reality.”

From his childhood in a small, German-speaking immigrant community on the North Dakota plains to one of the richest and most recognizable entertainers of his generation, Lawrence Welk’s story is a microcosm of the national experience during the American Century.

Shirley Welk, daughter of Lawrence, said, “Dr. Lance Richey has done the impossible in this well researched and beautifully written book. He captured the tedium of my dad’s exhausting travel and one-nighters along with his exhilaration and fulfillment at the performances and dances that drove his career throughout our country.”

线上赌博app Press extends appreciation to Senator Robert Erbele, North Dakota District 28; The Friends of the Welk Homestead; and the State of North Dakota Department of Commerce for their financial and/or enthusiastic support of this publication.