You're no doubt reading today's spread by Bill Kibler on the horrific tragedy in which three local residents were senselessly murdered five years ago this weekend.
The seeds of the story were planted earlier this summer at a meeting of the United Survivors Support Group, which was organized and is run by Blair County victim/ witness coordinator Sue Griep.
We were invited to the meeting at the courthouse and accepted, knowing there would be negative feedback on how information in court cases is presented and how it affects grieving families.
I went with News Editor Margaret Moses, Assistant News Editor Mark Leberfinger and longtime reporter Phil Ray. We were joined by WTAJ-TV News Director Dave Kaplar.
It was a learning experience and quite moving as we fielded concerns from a dozen people representing several families who had loved ones taken by homicide.
There was raw emotion in the room, especially from those whose cases are still pending, and it was often aimed at us. That was expected, but we felt it was important to be there to answer questions about the media's responsibilities and to interact with the group.
We know practicing journalism can't only be done on the phone, and the families seemed to gain understanding, as did we.
In most murder cases, victims are asked by the prosecution not to say much publicly, which is why more information from the defense comes out prior to trial.
Some questioned headlines. Some wondered about selection and placement of photos, all of which has been and will continue to be considered going forward.
Some just listened.
Kaplar worked in Colorado at the time of the Columbine shootings and had participated in a similar forum, and his insights were particularly helpful.
On this night, the Mignogna family was there. Al Mignogna, their husband, brother, father and grandfather, was among the three people killed five years ago. One of his granddaughters, Megan, received a scholarship from the support group.
As the meeting closed, condolences were further extended and accepted, and both sides stood up with a better idea of what it's like to be in each other's shoes.
"This is a group," one member of a victim's family said, "that you don't want to be in."
Media members then shook hands and even embraced various family members, and we discussed the possibility of today's story.
The Mignognas were hesitant but ultimately agreed as did family members of the other two victims, Fred Rickabaugh and Stephen Heiss.
We thank them for sharing their story, as we know it will be well read by a community that supports them.
Mirror Managing Editor Neil Rudel can be reached at 946-7527 or nrudel@altoonamirror.com.
