This blog features observations from Randy Turner, a former teacher, newspaper reporter and editor. Send news items or comments to rturner229@hotmail.com
Monday, June 21, 2010
Branson Agent interview: Turner talks about coverage of Pete Newman/Kanakuk scandal
Darin Codon of Branson Agent has posted an interview he conducted with me last week, primarily concerning the scandal surrounding Pete Newman and Kanakuk Kamps.
Thank you again for standing up for getting the truth told. I am an outof state parent of two kids who have been long time campers, one who was very close to Pete, and this has been the only source I have found that is willing to even look at trying to get the questions answered. I appreciate what you have done on this issue.
I have had lots of questions about the Mandatory reporting laws in Missouri. I looke dup what I could find on line and it looks to me like Kanakuk absolutely would be mandatory reporters in Missouri. I called the children's advocacy center for the Taney County area and they referred me to the Tany Co. DA and stated his office would be the ones to pursue if any mandatory reporting requirements had been broken. I spoke to the DA and he was very forthcoming and open. Someone really NEEDS to interview him on this issue on the record. i believe there is a whole other side to this reporting issue that has not been made public.
Randy, I have emailed you personally to express how impressed I am at your "stick to itness" on this story. The truth is, your coverage has informed a lot of us. There will always be rumors and gossip in a story like this, but I think you have tried to keep everyone informed, and it has prevented a lot of that.
Thanks for the kind words. As I have said before, this story was underreported by both regional and national media. Considering the fact that Pete Newman's misdeeds covered several states, it should have started an investigation by the media into just how safe all of these camps are, not just Kanakuk. Instead, it has been pretty much swept under the rug.
Randy,
ReplyDeleteThank you again for standing up for getting the truth told. I am an outof state parent of two kids who have been long time campers, one who was very close to Pete, and this has been the only source I have found that is willing to even look at trying to get the questions answered. I appreciate what you have done on this issue.
I have had lots of questions about the Mandatory reporting laws in Missouri. I looke dup what I could find on line and it looks to me like Kanakuk absolutely would be mandatory reporters in Missouri. I called the children's advocacy center for the Taney County area and they referred me to the Tany Co. DA and stated his office would be the ones to pursue if any mandatory reporting requirements had been broken. I spoke to the DA and he was very forthcoming and open. Someone really NEEDS to interview him on this issue on the record. i believe there is a whole other side to this reporting issue that has not been made public.
ReplyDeleteRandy, I have emailed you personally to express how impressed I am at your "stick to itness" on this story. The truth is, your coverage has informed a lot of us. There will always be rumors and gossip in a story like this, but I think you have tried to keep everyone informed, and it has prevented a lot of that.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the kind words. As I have said before, this story was underreported by both regional and national media. Considering the fact that Pete Newman's misdeeds covered several states, it should have started an investigation by the media into just how safe all of these camps are, not just Kanakuk. Instead, it has been pretty much swept under the rug.
ReplyDelete