Parents should know about charges against those who work with kids

I read your article about the Black Hills Junior Football League coach in today's paper. I hope that The Olympian will continue to cover the league and its many events, including the three-day camp starting today that will host hundreds of youngsters; the blanket drive; the food drive; and all of the games that will be played now through November. There are a lot of positive things happening within BHJFL; I've had kids in the league for four years now, and have never seen any of them on the front page. Why did this one negative piece of information make it there?

Also, while it's true that if convicted Mr. Roach should not coach again, I would hope that if he is cleared of charges, you would take the time to investigate and report his positive influence on many young football players and his dedication as a coach for many years in the league. It should work both ways. -- Jeanelle

Executive Editor Vickie Kilgore: It's The Olympian's policy to report arrests as they occur and, in cases like this one in which children may be endangered, to give the story visiblity so parents are aware and can better protect their kids. This arrest does not alter how The Olympian covers the league. However, we are compelled to mention this man's role with the league. He has been coaching children. Those parents are entitled to know what's happened.

Be assured that we will follow the charges through the court process and be attentive to fair play in treatment of the dispensation of the case.