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Concern expressed for image of village portrayed in newspaper

Being new to Keremeos, I read the Review to learn about local news

To the Editor,

Being new to Keremeos, I read the Review to learn about local news. So I was dismayed and confused to read the story in the May 17 edition in which The Review makes a dubious connection to a trio of drug smugglers arrested halfway around the world!  The story’s lead-in suggests that the three are, or were, residents of the South Okanagan-Similkameen area. What relevance does this have to the story? I’ve seen the weekly RCMP most wanted column featuring local ne’er do wells. Is the village’s reputation somehow enhanced by suggesting that we have world class smugglers as well as petty criminals in our midst?

As a professional writer, writing instructor, and long-time subscriber to the Globe and Mail and the New York Times, I have great respect for well written journalism. This story however, as the writer admits in the first line, is just unsubstantiated rumour-mongering. In my years of reading the great newspapers of the world I can’t think of many stories that began with “Rumour has it…”. And if they did, the reporters would have made an effort to investigate those rumours.  I read the whole story but no further light was shed on the alleged “local” ties.

There are many visitors to Keremeos over this May long weekend. After reading this story on page three, followed by a particularly foreboding face staring out from the most wanted column on page five, I’m concerned about the impression they will carry away. We moved to Keremeos to get away from Vancouver’s sensational crime and the newspapers that seem to revel in it.

We have found Keremeos to be a safe, friendly, caring community. That’s the impression the Review should be fostering.

Sincerely, Rob Showell, Keremeos