May 12, 2008

Daughter disgusted with town, newspaper

I am writing about the article written about Steven Harris taking his wife’s life on May 6th.

First off I would like to say that some of the stuff that was published should have never been published, let alone on the front page. This town is trying to make him look like an awful person and he is no where near that. This is not the first time this has happen and that is the way they are making it seem!

The article stated that the sheriff seen multiple Michelob Ultra beers all over the scene, but did not state that the case of beer was in the trunk and none of the bottles were open. The article then stated every place he went and exactly what he had to drink at each place, what is the point in that and what does that have anything to do with what happened? The article also stated his blood alcohol content at being twice the legal limit, but he was instantly given an IV on the scene with pain medicine in it so what’s to say that blood test is correct anyway... Medicines can easily alter the outcome of a blood test.

They said that Harris refused a blood test, legally a person in and out of conciseness (which Harris was) can not make decisions for themselves. Steve had a broken collarbone, back, neck, ankle, ribs, a concussion, and much more. He had no clue that they even asked for one let alone refusing one.

Lastly they were so wrapped up in making my Father sound so bad they couldn’t even do the right research and get the dates and charges right on what they added into the article, another thing that had no reason to be in there. They had all the dates they posted wrong and then they stated in 1995 (which is the wrong date) that he was accused with being a habitual substance offender.

A habitual substance offender is someone who has been caught multiple times with a drug. Steve has never got in any trouble with the law with anything to do with drugs. Not that its anyone’s business but he got accused with being a habitual traffic violator... 14 years ago.

I’m totally disgusted with this town the way the News Banner publishes things. Accidents are accidents and no one but God is perfect, and everyone makes mistakes.

I guess its all about last names! You have to have a good last name for your mistakes to be ok.

Steve Harris is a good person and he loved his wife very much they were both just trying to have fun and living life to its fullest. Steve was a wonderful husband, he is a wonderful father, grandpa, brother, friend, and co-worker.

This was an unfortunate event that has happened in his life and he is emotionally paying for it more than any charges possibly can. I just wish that the people in this town could realize that about him and also think about his children knowing we already lost our mothe.We don’t need to loose our father too.

This article was published to make Steve look bad and they lied to make themselves have an interesting write up in the paper. I hope that everyone can see that Steve is a wonderful person and what happened is an awful thing and Steve is already paying for it and the News Banner publishing the things they already have is not helping at all.

For all you out there that can admit to your mistakes please pray for Steve Harris during our hard times.

Thank you so much for your time.

Jackie Williams
(Proud daughter of Steve)
rural Ossian

Editor’s note: The News-Banner stands behind the accuracy and appropriateness of its reporting. Sources include the accident and incident reports and court documents.