Column: Hiding the news in Lloydminster

I’ve noticed something about the news in our community. Some individuals and organizations in Lloydminster hope no one finds out instead of willingly coming forward with information. 

Newsrooms once brimmed with investigative journalists tirelessly chasing down every situation. For example, when fire chiefs resign, emergencies stay quiet, and coaches lose their jobs. Journalists who would, on a hunch, be able to dedicate the time and break those stories. Unfortunately, the days of digging for the sake of digging to find something have gone the way of the dodo bird. 

Perhaps that’s why individuals in our community believe they can act under the radar without being exposed. Why do they believe they are above reproach and questioning on some issues? 

I commend my editor, Taylor, for going above and beyond last week and not backing down. Breaking the news on Lakeland women’s basketball coach Chris King being investigated and then fired is the type of journalism this community needs. However, it doesn’t come easily. 

Stories like that take time and finesse. We need to be factual, fair, and accurate. We need to be able to confront individuals who may not want the information shared. This scandal may forever taint the image of women’s basketball at Lakeland College. However, keeping it hush-hush and under the rug can’t fly in our community anymore. 

To the girls who have chosen to stand behind their coach, kudos, it takes character and dedication to do what’s right. Regardless of the personal sacrifice you may be making, standing up for your beliefs is an important life lesson.

To the college, for hiring an outside third-party investigator so that no information on the investigation will ever become public, well played and noted. 

Moving on, recently, while attending a collision scene, I was asked not to post a story about it by an individual involved. Unfortunately, the incident called for the use of multiple taxpayer-funded resources and closed a main highway. Our job requires us to be the eyes and ears of our community and hold taxpayer spending accountable. 

Additionally, spreading the information as quickly and accurately as possible through multiple means prevents many community members from coming to investigate themselves. This leads to less traffic congestion, fewer on-lookers, and a safer environment for everyone at the scene. 

Kudos to those individuals and corporations who share information willingly. It doesn’t go unnoticed. 

Journalists would rather work with information provided than dig for something that shouldn’t be hidden. We aren’t against the latter, but why do we hide the news in Lloyd? what does it accomplish?


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