Milton, Magnolia split on Gazette coverage

By Scott Angus ( Contact )   January 18, 2008 - 6:10 p.m.

It's been an interesting week at the Gazette. We sometimes go weeks without upsetting anybody seriously. This week, we got people in the city of Milton and Magnolia Township hopping mad at us.

Hey, it comes with the territory.

And conversely, some people in Milton and Magnolia were happy with our coverage and subsequent editorials about their local controversies.

In both cases and communities, our reporters asked questions and shed light on the workings of small-town government.

In Milton, the controversy involved how the city plans to fill the police chief job after the former chief retired. Some residents and our editorial questioned the city's process and openness. Understandably and predictably, those involved in the decisions and their supporters pushed back.

In Magnolia, our reporter did an extensive story on concerns raised by some residents about the town board and its openness and responsiveness. An editorial followed, mostly encouraging the town to open up the process and urging everyone to be civil. Again, we heard from people who both liked and disliked our coverage and commentary.

It's tough to get calls and messages from people who don't like our work and believe we've been unfair.

We've reviewed our coverage, however, and think we did our best to bring important matters to light.

There's an old saying in our business that if you're not making someone mad, you're not doing your job. We did our job this week, I guess.

reader COMMENTS (9)
bandit04
Jan 22, 2008 at 9:56 a.m.
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Well Smokey...worked both ways...10-4 Good Buddy!

garyprimer
Jan 21, 2008 at 12:53 p.m.
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It was just a little bear bait.

bandit04
Jan 21, 2008 at 12:34 p.m.
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That a boy...garyprimer...keep the blinders on...don't question and don't ask...! You would fit right in both municipalities type of government...!

garyprimer
Jan 20, 2008 at 1:28 p.m.
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You seem popular with the lunatic fringe.

woulfe98
Jan 20, 2008 at 12:18 p.m.
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The Gazette has observed and covered the Magnolia issues for two years or more and the article written was long overdue----As I see it, reporters have to write the story....and this story was well done.

bandit04
Jan 19, 2008 at 10:01 p.m.
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Scott,kudos to you and your staff for being forthright in this particular case...which from experience I can say has not always been the case!!! Milton and Magnolia are two governmental groups that are trying to pull the wool over the eyes of the people they serve...change is necessary in Milton especially...this community is becoming too large for such small town and small time politics ... wake-up Mr. Mayor this is not a Grade School! It is a growing community with diverse needs and leadership... from the Mayor to the Administrator through the Department Heads... start focusing on the city's future not the status quo!!!

gotthat
Jan 19, 2008 at 3:18 p.m.
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If the facts and truth was reported, why would anyone have anything to complain about?

I mean, if there is something to be ashamed or embarrassed about... maybe they should have thought things out better.

I don't know, maybe I am misunderstanding this article.

danieljluebke
Jan 19, 2008 at 9:51 a.m.
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I am also a resident of Beloit and I appreciate the Gazzete's coverage of our area. It definitely makes the paper more professional.

ray53511
Jan 19, 2008 at 8:49 a.m.
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I read both articles and found the reporters to be very professional objective and straight to the point. They provide comments from both sides of the controversy.The entire Bliss COMM. family which includes the Gazette,Wclo,Wjvl, are always honest open and straight to the point as a Resdient of Beloit.I have always found your staff to be the best of the class. Thanks for the Great work and keep it up.

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