On Rock County Humane Society executive director fired today

Posted on December 1 at 4:37 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

We removed the diplomat's post because it contained a profanity and an absurd allegation.
Scott Angus
Editor

On Lab Safety, Grainger combining supply lines

Posted on November 20 at 8:09 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

Flipside,
The time reference was only important in terms of how how long Lab Safety had to comment before we went to press. It did not have any implications for the rest of the story. The quotes from Grainger officials would not and did not change, and they were the basis for this story.

Scott Angus
Editor

On Lab Safety, Grainger combining supply lines

Posted on November 20 at 4:44 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

Yes, I will continue to defend the article. The disputed statement that was removed was not part of the article but was written separately by someone else to promote the podcast. I understood the sensitivity to that statement, so I had it removed.
The article itself is not flawed. It accurately reflects what was discussed at Wednesday's meeting, quotes Grainger officials extensively and addresses the critical and logical question about any possible impact on employment here.

Scott W. Angus
Editor

On Lab Safety, Grainger combining supply lines

Posted on November 20 at 4:16 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

Presses for the newspaper don't roll until 10:45 a.m. We can update Web stories at any time.

Scott Angus
Editor

On Lab Safety, Grainger combining supply lines

Posted on November 20 at 3:04 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

420 and others,
Please reread the article, and tell me what is inaccurate or "couldn't be further from the truth."
They are merging lines, and that clearly raises questions about employment. So we asked the question and gave the Grainger official's response.
To not ask the question would be to ignore the obvious.
We called Lab Safety for a comment several hours after the meeting, and we gave officials until mid-morning today to respond.
Scott Angus
Editor

On Lab Safety, Grainger combining supply lines

Posted on November 20 at 12:35 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

Gazette critics,
The meeting was held. The statements were made. The Gazette contacted Grainger officials and gave them every opportunity to provide context. The story reports what they said. Lab Safety officials chose not to return calls.
So we had two choices: Ignore the meeting and statements and pretend they never happened. Or do our best to report what was said and allow company officials to explain.
We are in the information business.
This story will play out over time, and we will cover it as it does.
For now, the facts are that Grainger and Lab Safety are combining two supply chains into one, and the impact on employment in Janesville is unknown. The story reports those facts accurately. There is no sensationalism, and we've offered as much context as company officials would provide.

Scott W. Angus
Gazette editor

On Gazette and radio stations cut back

Posted on November 3 at 10:22 a.m. ( Suggest removal )

Regarding the TIF question, an employment guarantee was part of the deal, and Bliss Communications CFO Rob Lisser assures me that we have met our obligation.

Scott Angus
Editor

On Tough times hit hard at Gazette

Posted on November 3 at 10:20 a.m. ( Suggest removal )

Regarding the TIF question, an employment guarantee was part of the deal, and Bliss Communications CFO Rob Lisser assures me that we have met our obligation.

Scott Angus

On Tough times hit hard at Gazette

Posted on November 3 at 8:35 a.m. ( Suggest removal )

Regarding story choices:

Bandit and Fool - We generally don't write individual stories to sell papers. That's unrealistic and shortsighted. Sure, some stories sell a few papers, but it's our long-term quality and consistency that make the difference to most of our readers, who are subscribers.
Sunday's story on the Vordermanns was an effort to look at what went wrong and whether police or mental health officials missed opportunities to help these people and possibly avert a tragedy. It also showed classic signs of a relationship gone bad. Others might now recognize those signs and take action before it's too late. We worked closely with the families on the story, and we hope it makes a difference. It was far more than a sensational story intended to sell a few papers.
We think substantive journalism such as this is important for any good local newspaper and creates loyalty in readers over time.
As for suicide coverage, we have a policy that calls for covering suicides only if they occur in public places, create public spectacles or involve public figures. We are consistent in that policy, regardless of requests from families or friends. That's only fair.

Scott W. Angus
Editor

On Tough times hit hard at Gazette

Posted on November 1 at 6:01 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

Localmatters,
I don't know all the details of the TIF agreement, but I don't believe any employment guarantees were part of it. I'll find out more Monday and provide more information then.

Scott