By John Carlin
WSLS10 Anchor
Published: May 5, 2008

The story of Salem’s first murder in 10 years disturbed this viewer who writes:

(e-mail)
I think it’s very sad, for his family the family has my prayers. This is Salem. It’s supposed to be our quiet little town. I guess it ain’t safe nowhere.

emnricky05
From WSLS.com

The tragic death of teacher Melissa Rickman in a house fire has been a big story in the Roanoke Area—but one of our early morning newscasts included an error caught by this viewer who writes:

... She was a teacher at Madison Middle School as you reported—but the school is in Roanoke CITY not County. Please remember that your insignificant seeming facts may tend to undermine you (sic) creditability (sic).
Daniel Lubbs
Roanoke City Public Schools

WSLS Responds:  Thanks for the comment.  You’re right.  We got it wrong that morning.  We try to have several people look at each story to catch errors like this—because we do take accuracy seriously.  This one slipped through the cracks.

While we at WSLS-10 are proud of the recent recognition for our coverage of the Virginia Tech tragedy, this viewer thinks we have room to be more vocal about it, writing:

(e-mail)
I don’t think most folks realize just how prestigious the Peabody is.  WSLS has been admirably restrained in blowing its own horn and promoting the award to the community, but that means you’ve probably gotten more credit outside of the area than you have been given locally, which is unfortunate.  ... But there are those who do recognize just how special the honor is, and we share our congratulations.  The award was very well deserved for how well you handled the story of the Tech tragedy.  Again, congratulations.
Russ Merritt
Roanoke