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Rumor Runner
Frequent Poster
USA
252 Posts |
 Posted - 03/13/2008 : 5:59:36 PM
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I have been reading substantial information in the Kalamazoo Gazette about the fatal fire in Centreville two weeks ago. However, it appears that neither Three Rivers or Sturgis Newspapers feel this is "newsworthy" information.
Does this seem odd or strange to anyone else?
The RUMOR RUNNER attempts to verify and chase down a variety of rumors in and around St. Joseph County. |
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pepa
Obsessed Poster
1323 Posts |
Posted - 03/14/2008 : 11:44:22 AM
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Censorship?
quote:
***"I DONT' GIVE PEOPLE HELL, I JUST GIVE THEM THE TRUTH AND THEY THINK IT'S HELL" - Harry S. Truman***
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BBB
Active Poster
168 Posts |
Posted - 03/14/2008 : 12:18:12 PM
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The Journal probably did not have enough space to cover a story like that. They are busy tracking down major crimes in Fawn River Township such as political signs and there usage. Any municipality or township who's number one concern is placement of signs needs to thank god they live in such a safe environment. Many places are dealing with methamphetamine, sexual assault, and theft. If I move I am going to move to Fawn River Township...I will some how manage to live with those dangerous political signs.
"You have enemies? Good. That means you've stood up for something, sometime in your life." - Winston Churchill |
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PreciousPea
Newbie
USA
8 Posts |
Posted - 03/14/2008 : 12:23:51 PM
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I was pretty sure I saw an article featured on the front page of the Sturgis Journal?
"I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do." ~Edward Everett Hale |
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Rumor Runner
Frequent Poster
USA
252 Posts |
Posted - 03/14/2008 : 9:04:47 PM
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Yep..you saw one or two stories and then it drops off the radar completely. BBB you crack me up; as I read that article where Fawn River Township claims that those political signs are the worst thing over there. Hilarious!
The Kzoo Gazette has had constant coverage of prior court cases, complaints filed by friends/family as many as 10 years ago. They keep this story on the front burner and our OWN local papers are busy covering stories of national importance like Brittney Spears....
The RUMOR RUNNER attempts to verify and chase down a variety of rumors in and around St. Joseph County. |
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silentTRobserver
Frequent Poster
763 Posts |
Posted - 03/14/2008 : 9:05:22 PM
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To put into persective the coverage of the fire. Both the TRCN and the SJ, are locally run papers with deep roots in their communities, and they tread a fine line between people trusting them to report news, and respecting people during difficult times.
On the other hand, with one notable exception, the majority of those who write for the KG don't have those deep inroads in our community. The KG also has a substantially larger budget which allows for more time consuming, investigative reporting,and they tend to be more aggressive when they see a story which will draw public attention. They're trying for the big prize, and care little about the effect of their reporting on the community so they are up for a little sensationalism.
Our smaller locals have reported this case accurately using the press statements issued by the local authorities involved. They haven't rushed to prejudgement because they know they must live in the community they report on.
First and foremost these small papers serve to share information with the community and both the SJ and the TRCN do a tremendous job covering our school sports teams, school activities and individual community events that papers like the KG are not interested in.
Comparing their reporting of this case is like comparing apples to oranges, and they have covered the facts as presented.
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Rumor Runner
Frequent Poster
USA
252 Posts |
Posted - 03/14/2008 : 9:09:13 PM
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Your point is well taken; and I was wrong to compare such a large paper with the smaller ones.
I was just worried that this story would fade into the background. While I feel for those who did love this child, I also think this needs to be a wake up call for everyone.
However, you were right to point out the difference in sizes of the papers....just a bit frustrating, I guess.
The RUMOR RUNNER attempts to verify and chase down a variety of rumors in and around St. Joseph County. |
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silentTRobserver
Frequent Poster
763 Posts |
Posted - 03/14/2008 : 9:15:57 PM
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To set your mind at rest RR. This case is not going to fall off the radar. To the best of my understanding both the DHS and the Children's Ombudsman are looking at the case, apart from the state police investigation.
There have been a lot of statements made to newspapers which were perceptions rather than fact, but this does happen which is why the approach of our local papers is probably better. They'll wait until there is an official report, not get themselves involved in 'trial by newspaper.' |
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Lockport
Frequent Poster
345 Posts |
Posted - 03/16/2008 : 07:19:27 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by Rumor Runner
I was just worried that this story would fade into the background. While I feel for those who did love this child, I also think this needs to be a wake up call for everyone.
This is a big wake up call for everyone and will continue to be for some time. Things are more complicated than they seem and the Gazette, while trying to report "breaking news" ended up reporting some things that were simply in error and had to back-track a little. There are tons of rumors floating around while investigators (police) are looking for facts. The press releases issued by authorities are facts, not opinions or rumors. If the local papers report the facts, they are providing a valuable service. Speculation sometime takes people away from the real issues--in the case, protecting vulnerable people by using resources provided in the community. People should trust their instincts: if something strikes you as "not right" concerning a child's or elderly person's situation, call Protective Services, in Centreville, 467-1250 or after hours at 467-4195. If, at a later time, the situation appears unchanged to you, CALL AGAIN. |
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cuzimrite
Frequent Poster
918 Posts |
Posted - 03/16/2008 : 08:58:30 AM
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| Yes, the local papers do wait until there is a press release. The problem with that is, you're not getting objective reporting. It's usually only one side of the story. It's rare when you'll see a "real" story written by a local journalist. But that's for another thread. |
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Lockport
Frequent Poster
345 Posts |
Posted - 03/16/2008 : 11:43:35 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by cuzimrite
Yes, the local papers do wait until there is a press release. The problem with that is, you're not getting objective reporting. It's usually only one side of the story. It's rare when you'll see a "real" story written by a local journalist. But that's for another thread.
You mean like an "investigative" report? Reporters can slant a story without being inaccurate, just by emphasizing certain aspects, while ignoring others. Unfortunately, just because it is or is not "in the paper" doesn't make it true or not true. |
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Buck
Forum Admin
USA
5724 Posts |
Posted - 03/22/2008 : 09:02:31 AM
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quote:
CENTREVILLE - Anthony and Marsha Springer have pleaded not guilty to allegations in a child abuse/neglect petition regarding the death of 16-year-old Calista Springer in a Feb. 27 house fire.
Calista, who was found chained to a bunk bed in an upstairs room, died of smoke inhalation. She was wearing sweat pants and T-shirt but had no sheets, blankets or pillows on the bed. An autopsy revealed she weighed 91 pounds.
On Thursday, St. Joseph County Probate Court referee Terry Evans said that arraignment of the Springers lasted only a few minutes. The Springers waived the reading of the petition Thursday. Evans said the next step will be setting a pretrial date for the neglect/abuse petition. He explained that this was a civil case, not a criminal case. The proceedings could determine what happens to Calista’s sisters.
Source: Sturgis Online Journal
The smallest minority on earth is the individual. Those who deny individual rights, cannot claim to be defenders of minorities. - Ayn Rand
The most basic human right is the right to self defense. Those who deny the right to self defense cannot claim to be defenders of human rights - Buck Hicks |
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Buck
Forum Admin
USA
5724 Posts |
Posted - 12/01/2008 : 12:23:20 PM
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quote:
Homicide charges filed in connection with death of Calista Springer
According to a news release from the St. Joseph County Prosecuting Attorney's office, Anthony and Marsha Springer, the father and adoptive mother, have each been charged with one count of Manslaughter and one count of First Degree Child Abuse.
The 3-B District Court has notified them to appear on December 15th at 8:15 a.m. for arraignment. Judge William Welty will be presiding. Manslaughter and First Degree Child Abuse each call for a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years. If convicted of both, either Defendant would have the right to serve the terms of imprisonment concurrently or at the same time.
The news release notes that "Both Defendants are presumed to be innocent of all charges until proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt and guilt cannot be presumed by the fact that charges have been brought against them." The investigation began when Calista was found dead, chained to her bed, after a fire on February 27, 2008 at the home the family shared in Centreville.
The news release says that "Numerous neighbors and citizens with helpful information cooperated with the team of investigators led by Detective Sergeant Michael Scott of the Michigan State Police, White Pigeon Post. Every avenue of potential evidence was pursued to the absolute limit. That evidence was the basis for the charges placed against the Defendants."
Source: River Country Journal
"The two enemies of the people are criminals and government, so let us tie the second down with the chains of the Constitution so the second will not become the legalized version of the first." - Thomas Jefferson |
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runnachick
Member
60 Posts |
Posted - 12/01/2008 : 1:00:42 PM
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| Bout time! It will be interesting to see what sentence they get....lets just pray they dont let them plea it down...I will be extremely disappointed. Those of us touched first hand by this barbaric act of cruelty (and lies)have not forgotten and while i believe in mercy, there must be justice. lets just see if Marcia uses the "i'm blind feel sorry for me" excuse...(which is only sort of true).... |
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Just me II
Member
USA
64 Posts |
Posted - 12/01/2008 : 7:10:52 PM
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| While I agree that it'a about time that someone was held accountable, my question is...what about the social workers and members of the "system" that failed Calista? Am I the only one that thinks something should be done about them? Was anything changed in the way they handle cases? Was anyone fired? Any other action taken? |
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cuzimrite
Frequent Poster
918 Posts |
Posted - 12/01/2008 : 8:13:56 PM
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Better be careful Just me II. You're calling for accountability at the County level. You may not want to cross that bridge. You could receive some insults from those that really want to kick these parents while they're down.
This incident has no winners-zip-nada-ZERO. |
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Fatal Centreville Fire
