Apologies to readers, Mark Taft and family
February 14, 2012
In the wake of an article I wrote regarding the injury of Mark Taft, I was besieged with letters and even a couple of phone calls over how inappropriate that initial report was. I publish some of the letters below, and I have revised the article to remove the content that offended the family and so many readers.

It was not my intent to be disrespectful of or add an additional burden to Mark or his family, and I send them my sincere apologies for the hurt and anger my reporting caused. I wrote the article with the best of intentions, but, as my readers have pointed out, my intentions were sorely misguided.

To the readers of News Bonners Ferry, I extend my apologies as well. You deserve better, and I am remiss that I let you down. While absorbing slings and barbs is never easy, I very much appreciate the time so many of you took to let me know the errors of my ways.

Like so many of you, I, too, am wishing Mark and his family the strength and prayers that will see Mark to a full and rapid recovery, and I am ashamed that I brought he and his family additional anguish.
Mike Weland
Publisher
News Bonners Ferry
I was sorry to read about Mark Taft's accident but disgusted that you saw fit to make unnecessary and irrelevant reference to his past difficulties in life.  Those juicy tidbits might be expected in a gossip tabloid but they have no place in a community-oriented article about a man who needs support and sympathy as he struggles with a painful recuperation.  You owe an apology to Mark and his loved ones.
Ken Keller
Quito, Ecuador
I am writing in response to the article posted on your website about Mark Taft on February 11, 2012. I'm shocked that the editor and/or publisher of Bonners Ferry News felt this article was in any way appropriate to publish. Mark’s personal history has nothing to do with this accident and should not have had any mention at all. So concerning myself (no matter Mark's history) I will be sending out thoughts to him and his family, POSITIVE ones!
Nicole Ingram (Hinrichs)
BFHS Graduate 1996
I found it very upsetting to read the article about Mark.  It seems that the community and evidentially the news media aren't willing to forget things that are done by a stupid kid, making stupid decisions.
 
Mark has become a responsible husband and parent.  Holding down a great job.  So much for what happened 15+ years ago.
 
My prayers are with Mark, Ieacia and family, along with John and Jan.
Murreleen Skeen
Bonners Ferry