While the purpose of this editorial should have been to report on the recent personnel changes, instead it accomplishes nothing more than slapping Asbury College on the wrist for being less than forthcoming with pertinent information. To me, the pages of a newspaper are not the place for a reporter to take out his or her frustration with an organization that "goes out of its way to ensure that this newspaper has information on stories that reflect a positive light."
Furthermore, taking issue with the college is one thing. But surely it's obvious that the subtext of this article raises suspicion of wrong-doing of two very successful coaches. It's one thing to chide the college, but when that reporting raises public suspicion of two upstanding members of the community, it's unfair, unprofessional and poor journalistic coverage. If any of the implications were based on fact, certainly this article should be published. But lacking fact or base raised plenty of undue suspicion simply to voice frustration against an institution.
If any department should be sensitive and discerning about information release, it's an athletic department. Often coach changes, or future appointments must be kept quiet, and more often than not, a coach's new institution wants to be the first to break the story. And while it would be nice to have the all the facts, it may not have been Asbury's decision to remain quiet on the issue.
The details of Aller and Powell's leaving the college are private, personal matters, and whether they were taking new appointments or perhaps a long-needed respite, they should have some say in the details provided to the media.
To even suggest anything more lacks journalistic integrity. And to say that "the college gave the 'it's a personnel move' song and dance" implies that the Journal's opinion is that this is a cover-up of a much larger truth.
Bottom line, it is frustrating to not know the facts. But when those facts could represent the privacy of individuals who may have left for health, professional or personal reasons, it's unfair sloppy and unprofessional to paint such a negative picture.
The nature of this article lacked facts, base and served only as a personal attack to the college, yet with it, brought down the names of two successful coaches.
Jason Parmer,Lancaster, Pa.
Support the Wine and Vine Fest
To the editor,
I am not a 'wine snob'. Having said that, please allow me to explain. I volunteer each year to help put on the Kentucky Wine and Vine Festival in downtown Nicholasville.
This is a great outdoor festival that is growing every year. A while back I was talking to resident of Nicholasville about the upcoming festival, and this gentleman replied "I can't go to that. It's just for wine snobs". So I wanted to say something here that maybe hasn't been said before. The Wine and Vine festival is a great event, even for people who don't like wine. Yes. It's true.
On Saturday, May 10, we have events downtown all day. We have something for everyone. We have cooking demonstrations throughout the day with some very well known chefs. Everyone likes food, right? Like any good outdoor festival, we have arts and crafts booths, food vendor booths, and of course the Jessamine County Cattlemen Association will be there cooking up their famous burgers and steak sandwiches. Who doesn't love that? Also, we have lots of music. We have several musical acts lined up for the day and some that will even be strolling around playing in different locations and different types of music. At 3 p.m. we'll be having the 2nd Annual Run for the Merlot, which is sort of an obstacle course that folks can run trying not to spill a glass of wine before serving it.
