Does anyone else feel like we’ve been on an emotional rollercoaster this week? Or is it just me?
Let’s recount for a moment what has happened in our town since Monday at 7:05 a.m. (when I started my workweek to news of a plane crash).
It was nearly three hours of digging to learn more about the incident and bring you the news you wanted. Working with partners, including both rural fire departments, the Transportation Safety Board and Sask. RCMP helped form the story.
One individual, unfortunately, succumbing to his injuries was a shock to the community. The second tragic incident of this type I’ve had to report on since arriving.
I asked Taylor if this was frequent here; it’s as bad as he could remember for such incidents. The individuals this time were not from here. That doesn’t diminish the sadness, but it doesn’t have the same effect on a community’s psyche as when it hits close to home.
That afternoon, many in the community were concerned about a scary situation at Pioneer Lodge. A fire had displaced our seniors from their homes.
Arriving on the scene to organize chaos and working closely with those to get the word out is our job in these cases. We could see the panic on social media immediately and worked to quell the fear.
Emergency services on the scene were also acutely aware of the concern. I’m thankful they quickly spoke with me and other media on the scene so we could help address the community concerns. Those mainly were, is everyone okay and where can I see my loved one? It was a great example of how we help in breaking news situations. Everyone was evacuated quickly, and thankfully, they were safe, which amazed me.
In reflection, that evening so much could have been worse. It could have been raining, it could have been minus 40, people could have been trapped or even killed. As one person said, it went about as good as a horrible situation could go.
Monday went from sorrow to panic to a sense of calm, knowing everyone would be okay. Tuesday led to sharing messages of hope and plans moving forward.
For those old enough to remember, Wednesday morning was a moment to reflect on a tragic day 23 years ago. We didn’t expect tragedy to hit close to home later in the day.
The RCMP informed the media of a heavy police presence around 7 p.m., and some chatter started on social media about it.
Our job in these situations is to do our best to get information for the public. They pay us to be the public’s eyes and ears. It’s a role I take seriously.
Upon arrival, I knew something big was happening because the same officers who gave us some information on Monday told us they couldn’t say anything that night.
I spoke with neighbours who, while in shock, were able to tell me three individuals were dead in the home.
So why don’t we report it, right then?
I’ve been questioned on that this week, I hope the following information helps you better understand.
Rumours and gossip aren’t news. If we run with a rumour and find out it was something different, or the numbers are off, or a myriad of other factors, we lose the community’s confidence.
Not to mention, notification of next of kin may not have occurred. Immediate family should never hear anything from the news first.
Lastly, and the RCMP know this, I personally would never burn a bridge with them. There is a process. We all have a role to play, and sharing facts as we know them was the best we could do.
I’ve been at The Meridian Source for two months as of Sunday. I’ve learned a few things about Lloyd since arriving. One of the big ones is people want to know what is happening. I promise we’re getting there.
We see it at the paper and I see when I’m in the community, our efforts are making a difference. We’re doing our best to get to things as they happen so you know what is happening in your community from a voice we hope you trust.
It’s emotional for us who do this job, too. We feel the pain in talking with individuals involved, we have our pulse on a community when they are scared and when they are happy.
Being constantly exposed to tragic situations in this role sometimes makes me find words of comfort. Something I want to share with you now.
Everyone will tell you, this too shall pass, it will get better, those are hard words to take in. We must remember that these individuals have family, friends, and loved ones who will never be the same. We need to gather behind them and show our strength as a community. It’s something I have seen in my time here: Lloyd rallies when they need to; some families need that right now.
Ultimately, when the national news organizations leave town, and we are back to face this world alone, we have to remember we have each other.
If you’re struggling, lean on someone, pick up the phone and call a friend. We have no guarantees in this world, but this bad a week can’t become normal, not here.
It’s not easy to go through a week like this and it’s okay not to be okay with it. It’s okay to feel the emotions of the community and feel like you’ve been through the wringer, I know I do.
Here’s hoping to happier news next week, for now, take a breath and move forward, one step at a time.
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