Kyron Vigil & Media Advice

Skyline Rural Watch Newsline

Mailbox: newsline [at] srnpdx [dot] org
Urgent: alert [at] srnpdx [dot] org
Phone: (503) 621-3501

Tuesday, June 15 2010
Part II

Additional Kyron Vigil Information:

From Sunset Presbyterian Church Website

While the formal event begins at 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 15, the Sanctuary will be open from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. for any individual who would like to come and pray specifically for Kyron and his family. There will be scripture and prayer sheets available during the informal prayer time that day, as well as at the larger community gathering in the evening.
 

Media Suggestions

Cindy Banks (owner Brooks Hill Historic Church) offers the following knowledgable suggestions regarding talking with the press:

6/15/10 I talked to the sheriff’s office today and asked about the relationship between the media and people in our neighborhood. The sheriff's office expressed their sympathy for the impact this event has had on the neighborhood and they understand how sad and how intrusive this has been for everyone. They also understand that people need to talk about their feelings and experience. They do not discourage anyone from talking about how they feel or talking to the press.

 These are my thoughts about what would be helpful. These are my personal opinions, these are not guidelines from the Sheriff’s office.

• The sheriff’s office said that it IS helpful to keep Kyron’s name in the news. Please feel free to cooperate with the media to any extent you feel comfortable. If the media doesn’t have anything to report, there is less chance of keeping his name in the news.

• Law enforcement will not give the media any information that will compromise the investigation. Therefore, sometimes the media doesn’t feel that they have enough to report so they look for other angles. That’s why people in the neighborhood are getting approached so often.

 Please do not discuss the following:

• The day of the disappearance
• Feelings about members of the family
• Speculations about the case or who you think is involved in Kyron's disappearance
• Things you've observed that may pertain to the case - call those in to the sheriff
• It would be appreciated if you could avoid negative comments about the school and law enforcement. A complete review of procedures and responses are being reviewed at both institutions 

Please feel free to discuss the following:

• Your own feelings or the feelings of your family
• Your desire for Kyron's safe return
• The impact of this event on the neighborhood
• Your personal experiences as a parent at Skyline Elementary
• Anything about the community, geography, events or mood of the neighborhood

 General things to keep in mind

• Get the business card or complete name and media organization in writing of anyone you talk to
• Remember that there are varying degrees of professionalism, just like any business. Just because there are inexperienced and less ethical journalist doesn't mean they are all the same
• These people are just doing their jobs. If we want Kyron's name to stay in the news, it would be better if we are not completely rude
• As a rule, the people from the press who approach you will start out in a casual and friendly conversation and then start to sprinkle questions in about the investigation, the family and law enforcement. Stay true to what you want to say
• Don't feel intimidated
• If you feel that members of the press are being abusive, report it
• If you need a private place to talk because you don't want them near your home, you can use the church. call Cindy 503.629.9700
• Cindy and Vickie have many days of observing press behavior, call us if you have questions about the people who approach you

About the Newsline:

Skyline Rural Watch Newsline is a part of Skyline Ridge Neighbors (SRN) and has been produced since June 1994 as a means to communicate neighborhood information. The Newsline is produced by Laurel Erhardt (editor) with help from Miles Merwin, Rich Edwards, Libby Merwin, Sharon Barthmaier, Jennifer Jenkins, Sara Bowersox and Sen Speroff.

The Newsline depends on you as a source of accurate information about local crimes, upcoming events, and other news pertinent to the area.  If you have information you would like considered for the Newsline, you may do so by e-mailing the information to newsline [at] srnpdx [dot] org, or leaving a message at (503) 621-3501. Urgent, timely items (crimes, lost pets) should be emailed to alert [at] srnpdx [dot] org.

If you would like more detailed information about any item on the Newsline, request that information & SRN will e-mail it to you if available.

Tell your neighbors about this free Newsline service.

About Skyline Ridge Neighbors:

SRN is a neighborhood association serving much of unincorporated northwest Multnomah County and some adjacent areas within the city of Portland.  SRN is registered as a neighborhood association within Multnomah County, registered as a non-profit public benefit corporation with the State of Oregon and approved as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization under the IRS Code. SRN is operated by volunteers and with donated funds entirely.

If you would like to donate to SRN in support of its activities, such as this free Newsline service and the publication of its quarterly Skyline Ridge Runner, send your donation to “Skyline Ridge Neighbors”, c/o Karen Garber, 16238 NW McNamee Rd., Portland, OR 97231 Contributions are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.