We've taken a couple of concerned - no, make that angry - calls lately on an alleged assault involving off-duty Altoona police officers and why more hasn't been reported.
The undertone of the concern is that we're part of some sort of perceived cover-up of an event that happened around 1:30 a.m. Monday, May 31 at Pellegrine's Lounge in Altoona.
Sorry to shoot a hole in that theory, and we'll make the explanation pretty simple: More hasn't been reported because charges haven't been filed.
That's what separates when people who allegedly run afoul with the law get their names in the paper or not.
That's not necessarily true in all cases, as the newspaper is gray, not black and white. If, for example, there's a high-profile case and someone has been identified as a "person of interest" but has not been charged, that information is reportable.
Generally, though, formal charges decide when someone's name is attached to an alleged crime.
Now, why two Altoona police officers who allegedly were involved in an assault that injured two victims have not been charged is not a question for us but for those investigating.
Since it involves Altoona police, which conducted an internal probe, state police have taken the case. We have an update today (please see Page A1), and charges still have not been filed.
It brings to mind another recent case of charges against police officers.
On July 16, 2008, a brawl involving two off-duty policemen, one from Logan Township and one from Hollidaysburg, broke out at the home of well-known defense attorney Tom Dickey.
Two weeks later, on July 30, charges were filed against the officers, both of whom pleaded guilty and were fined.
In the meantime, you'll find out more when we do.
National spotlight
Jeanne Streightiff of Hollidaysburg had her 15 minutes of fame - again - a couple of months ago when USA Today featured her in a story about treatment for arthritis.
Streightiff has had two knee replacement surgeries, most recently in March. USA Today caught up with her in April and also included ex-Major League Baseball great Hank Aaron in the article.
Streightiff "was a little surprised" she was pictured and quoted more prominently than Aaron.
"I actually got quite a few calls from people who said they saw it," she said. "People who know me would stop me in the street and the grocery store."
The Mirror did a full-page story in the Life section on Streightiff's first knee surgery six years ago, and she was picked for a national TV commercial shortly thereafter. When USA Today was looking for another story, UPMC recommended Streightiff, a media veteran.
As for her recovery, Streightiff, 67, reports she's just been cleared to resume all activities, including two of her passions - tennis and downhill skiing. You go, Jeanne.
Retirement wishes
Every school district has an impressive list of retirees, and it's impossible for us to acknowledge or write a story on each of them.
But I would like to send along best wishes to a pair of close friends taking that road.
Congratulations, Sue Holzer and Bernie Jubeck. (And, no, they're not headed into retirement together).
Porch tour
Transitioning but not limited to retirees, we are looking for volunteers who would be willing to have their pictures taken while reading the Mirror on their porch.
We know you're out there - especially at this time of the year.
Mirror Managing Editor Neil Rudel can be reached at 946-7527 or nrudel@altoonamirror.com.
