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--> --> From one life may many be able to learn Despite the criticism that the news business has heaped upon it - some deserved, some not - a community newspaper never wants to write the story of a teenager's death. There may be the tendency in some newspapers - usually large, impersonal ones - to go for the big sale over a tragedy. Certainly, the grocery story tabloids feast on such things. Television is often a culprit with its insatiable appetite for dispassionate sound bites. But at newspapers like The Tidings, where the community is so close-knit and familiar, and the mission is one of informing over alarming, the sudden death of 16-year-old Sara Joy Burnson hits us hard. No one wants to write the story. No editor wants to assign it. But neither can it be ignored. In the Burnson case, the school district immediately responded to the Sunday tragedy with grief counselors being made available on Monday to Ashland High School students. It was necessary for us to report that, so that as many people as possible were aware of the campus situation. Further, we were compelled to determine, if possible, the cause of death in the hope that others might be helped by the information. Controversy swirled in the swift aftermath of the tragedy, and the case was turned over to police authorities for investigation. The Tidings will continue to track their progress. In the meantime, Tidings staffers are saddened by the death, and extend deepest regrets to Sara Joy's family and friends. We will continue to do our job, but will never lose sight of the somber service we assume. We offer this in memory of Sara Joy Burnson with the hope that a new light will shine from her short life to protect and harbor others. Email your... Technical questions & comments to: WebMaster Daily Tidings editorial comments & questions to: Editor Visit our other Oregon Newspapers... | Albany Democrat-Herald | Ashland Daily Tidings | Corvallis Gazette-Times | | Lebanon Express | Newport News-Times | Springfield News | Cottage Grove Sentinel | Ashland Daily Tidings 1661 Siskiyou Blvd. Ashland, OR 97520 Telephone 541-482-3456 © Copyright 2001 Lee Northwest Publishing