Focii

Yesterday’s afternoon meeting resulted in a change in focus for today’s police chief story. The original focus was to have an overview of Anne Kirkpatrick’s first 100 days in her position. Today’s article focused on changes in management structure at the police department.

“I think we should have stuck with the original plan,” assistant city editor Dan Hansen said and wondered if people would have cared more for a focus on the fast-paced decisions over Kirkpatrick’s first 100 days.

Metro columnist Pia K. Hansen on the other hand liked the new version. Of people who haven’t been following the police department staff, Hansen said “They’re paying attention now.”

Managing editor Gary Graham appreciated reading about the reinstitution of Crimecheck.

Thin slices

• Article about investigation regarding Kootenai County’s chief deputy prosecutor Rick Baughman (pronounced BACH-man like Johann Sebastian Bach): Idaho editor Scott Maben said the credit goes to reporters Taryn Brodwater and Erica Curless for their work.

• Graham asked if we underplayed the story about Gonzaga’s loss against/at Virginia. Sports editor Joe Palmquist said the available art was not enough for the story to have a bigger presentation. The Gonzaga story was also paired with a related John Blanchette column at the top of the sports front page.

Palmquist said it’s also because we hate to see the Zags lose: “We had to bury it.”

• Assistant city editor Dan Hansen was glad the Palouse flooding story include a city official as a source to balance things out, especially because residents blame land-use rules for clogged creeks in the area. Editors also appreciated the accompanying photos.

• A woman called to say thank you - She found blood on her house and learned what happened through Wednesday’s Huckleberries entry .

Coming tomorrow in 7: The Sommy award nominees (The Sominees)