Some notes from around and about the Mirror newsroom to help keep you abreast of what we're doing and what we're trying to do:
We typically don't run a lot of what we call personal conflicts unless charges are brought.
For example, if two neighbors are rolling around on the ground over the excessive barking of each other's dogs, and one calls us to write a story, we likely balk. On the other hand, if it escalates to where police are called, and someone is charged, then it's more reportable.
Ditto if the conflict involves a public entity, such as a school district.
Case in point: A recent story was printed about family members who were put off by Central High School's handling of its high school graduation. The event had to be moved inside because of inclement weather, and the backup plan, according to the story, didn't satisfy all involved, in part because of a technological glitch.
Graduation exercises can be particularly taxing when the weather doesn't cooperate simply because there isn't enough room to accommodate all those who would like to attend.
Our story reflected understandable disappointment but also served to educate the public that you can't just show up to an indoor graduation and expect to be seated - even if there appear to be empty seats in the auditorium.
It also underscores the importance of communication the next time it rains on graduation night.
We've expanded our regional commitment to high school graduation coverage over the years, and we hope you enjoyed it.
We know this isn't hard-hitting news - unless Bill Kibler shows up and finds a separation of church and state - but we feel if we can chase sports teams all over the state, that it's appropriate to recognize academia on a momentous occasion.
Circle Saturday when we'll publish our annual graduation section, which will include the listings of graduates, valedictorians and pictures from the 25-plus high schools we cover in our five-county area.
Color obits
I took a request the other day to run a color picture with an obituary.
The polite response, even to a friend, is we don't do it.
Color reproduction in newspapers, including ours, is more of an inexact science and less safe than running a black and white photo.
At a time of grief, a color picture that may be out of registration would be counterproductive.
Between the lines ...
n We've appreciated the positive response so far on the change in our Religion section - from a tabloid to the first three pages of our Life section on Fridays.
n Keep the comments on altoonamirror.com in perspective: If the writers had any credibility, they'd sign their real names to the comments and send them as letters to the editor.
n Straying out of the newsroom, please join me in congratulating Kay Kiser of our accounting department, our reigning Mirror Employee of the Year, who celebrated her 40th anniversary here Tuesday.
n Today's paper has plenty of Father's Day flavor so allow me to wish a Happy Father's Day to my dad, David Rudel,who, his recent Kentucky Derby and Preakness picks aside, has been a perfect role model.
Mirror Managing Editor Neil Rudel can be reached at 946-7527 or nrudel@altoonamirror.com.
