Check the FACTS!!

Okay, I'm a little annoyed with Vernal's "finest" newspaper, THE VERNAL EXPRESS, and here's why:

County Attorney’s Office reviews accident that killed Claye Robb

by Tabatha Deans

The Uintah County Attorney’s Office is reviewing evidence from a Nov. 21, 2008, traffic accident that resulted in the death of Vernal resident Claye Robb.

Robb, 48, was hit by a truck driven by Vernal resident Aimee Rowell, 24, while he was walking at night at 1000 S. 1500 W.

Evidence gathered from the scene by Uintah County Sheriff’s deputies, Vernal City police officers and Utah Highway Patrol troopers has been forwarded to the Uintah County Attorney’s Office and is being screened to determine if charges will be pressed against Rowell.

Joann Stringham, Uintah County Attorney’s Office clerk, says all reports have been received and will be reviewed this week. A decision whether to press charges should be made by the end of next week, she said.

Uintah County Sheriff’s Department Public Information Officer Brian Fletcher says initial toxicology reports performed the night of the accident showed no signs of drugs or alcohol in Rowell’s system, and he doesn’t believe speed was a factor in the accident.

SERIOUSLY?!?! One of the first things you learn in journalism is to CHECK THE FACTS before you print the story and apparently the Express writers didn't catch this memo because they do this ALL THE TIME!! Usually they'll call my Mom the Deputy County Attorney and attribute the actual title to one of her MALE attorneys, but to call her an OFFICE CLERK is ridiculous! She's been an attorney since the 1980's and has been the OFFICIAL UINTAH COUNTY ATTORNEY SINCE 1992!!

I wonder if the County Attorney was a male if this "error" would have occurred so many times. Is it so hard to believe that a FEMALE could be in charge of an office full of men and have the highest position of authority?!

Gah it just annoys me! My Mom is an amazing woman and is one of my inspirations for going to school and making something of herself. She went to law school when women were still supposed to be at home with the kids, not out having careers. She was one of 10 women in that class and I'm VERY proud of what she's done!!

So, Vernal Express, how about you STOP GETTING YOUR STORIES WRONG AND CHECK YOUR FACTS ONCE IN AWHILE!!