Editor’s Note: The Natchitoches Parish Journal received numerous emails, text messages, phone calls, and social media messages today regarding Kevin Warner. Each inquiry received a response. Because many asked essentially the same question, we are publishing one representative response below. The sender’s name and other identifying information have been removed by the NPJ.
Thank you for your email and for taking the time to share your concerns.
The personnel matters involving Kevin Warner and Melissa Cloutier have certainly generated significant public discussion. The Natchitoches Parish Journal has spoken with individuals connected to both matters and is aware of the public interest surrounding them.
However, there is an important distinction between public discussion and verifiable facts. At this point, much of what is being circulated consists of opinions, speculation, social media commentary, and what many would describe as “street talk.” While such conversations may raise legitimate questions, they do not, by themselves, provide a factual basis for responsible reporting.
When the Journal publishes a story, we strive to do so based on documents, records, sworn testimony, official statements, court filings, or other evidence that can be independently verified. In matters where litigation is pending or anticipated, reporting based on rumors rather than facts risks misleading the public and potentially harming the interests of those involved.
The matter you referenced involving a previous foreclosure proceeding was different in that it involved public records and documented actions that could be independently verified. In those instances, readers were provided the underlying facts and supporting documentation so readers could reach their own conclusions.
Kevin Warner and Melissa Cloutier deserve the same fairness. Neither should have their case tried in the court of public opinion based on rumor, innuendo, or social media speculation. They deserve the opportunity to present their evidence and have the facts established through the appropriate process.
When verifiable facts become available through public records, court proceedings, official documents, or other reliable sources, the Journal will evaluate those facts and report them accordingly.
One of the challenges facing our community today is the increasing tendency to substitute gossip for evidence and speculation for facts. The Journal’s responsibility is not to amplify rumors, but to provide readers with information that is accurate, documented, and capable of being verified.
Our city has been harmed far too often by decisions and opinions formed from unverified claims rather than established facts. The Journal believes the public is best served when reporting is grounded in evidence, documentation, and transparency, rather than rumor or conjecture.
We appreciate your interest in local government and your willingness to hold all public institutions, including the Journal, accountable. That accountability is important, but so is the commitment to factual reporting.
Sincerely,
Publisher
Natchitoches Parish Journal
ORIGINAL
I’m wondering why the Journalist hasn’t published anything about Parks and Recreation Director Kevin Warner being “let go” by the mayor. I also wonder why the Journalist hasn’t published never reported on former Events Center Director Melissa Cloutier being “let go” either. These two people were doing their jobs and yet the mayor fired them and has put his friends in their positions. I’m curious as to just what the journalist considers newsworthy. For example, when BOM foreclosed on Russell Stacy, the journal ran quite an article about it. At the time, I wondered why that was considered newsworthy; in my opinion, I and many others with whom I spoke, felt it to be a violation of the Stacy’s personal business. Perhaps I am not cognizant of what passes as news in today’s climate. I do feel that the firing of the aforementioned individuals warrants at least some attention. The excuse of “going in a different direction “ seems particularly puzzling. Just what direction is the city going? As far as I can tell, we’re headed straight down the drain.
Signed by Reader