How disappointed I was to read the article in the Sun Journal of Feb. 18, River Valley edition, concerning the Blessing of the Sleds. Such a positive day was turned into such a negative one because of the Sun Journal’s reporting.

I have talked to both of the people mentioned in the article, and they both expressed a disbelief that the headline for the story, “Board bemoans some snowmobilers,” could come from what was actually said at the selectmen’s meeting.

I realize that the reporter has no control over the headline, but after the article that was written, one could understand why such a headline was used. Did the reporter actually go up and see how many sled tracks were at the reservoir site? I don’t think so, because reporting “half of the rally was held up there” could have been quickly dismissed.

The major sponsor of the event was really upset about the article because so much of a positive nature was done that day. Rapid Response was responsible for bringing in a live radio station for the event and helped make it the biggest Blessing ever.

The day went off without a hitch, we thought.

I, for one, will not be able to read that reporter’s articles anymore without wondering if the facts were distorted. That’s a shame.

Jon Holmes, Dixfield
Editor’s note: The Sun Journal quoted Water and Sewer Department head Duane Powers, who said during the public meeting Feb. 14: “It looks like half the rally was held up there.”

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