Judge's ruling of case

handled better than story

It is unfortunate that Paul Krames (guest opinion, Nov. 14) relied on questionable reporting in this newspaper to castigate Judge Debra Heise for her ruling in the recent Boundary County case.

Reaction to the case was inflamed by a story based on one person's account of what went on in a meeting that person did not attend. That story violated basic rules of Journalism 101 and influenced subsequent stories as well as reader reaction.

It demonstrates two important principles: The power of the press and the need for readers to pay close attention. Stories based on the remarks of only one person should be taken with a grain of salt. When the sole-source story is about a disputed incident where parties on both sides have an ax to grind, it shouldn't be in the newspaper. When it is, readers should dismiss it altogether.

The judge in such circumstances is the only neutral party. Judge Heise is an experienced and fair judge. I trust her handling of this situation, especially in the face of distorted newspaper coverage.

MINDY CAMERON

Sagle