Without question, Facebook has changed the way we gather and present the news. Last Tuesday was an example of the impact of being connected online.

While scanning sites and obtaining contacts for what would become a tragic article, the buzz between the news and advertising departments had turned to a Facebook posting that former commonwealth’s attorney Kirby Porter was dead.

The item had appeared on Facebook and the news spread quickly.

Confirmation of his death was not available that day, but websites were soon posting the sad news.

Details were sketchy, but enough information was provided for an article to be posted at http://www.mechlocal.com under “Breaking News”.

There didn’t seem to be any doubt to the news, especially after the Hanover County Sheriff’s Office revealed the department had been contacted by National Park Service Park Police about notifying next of kin about the investigation into a death.

As reports continued to filter in, and calls were made and e-mails sent to Arizona, it appeared Porter had died at the Grand Canyon.

Tools and techniques in gathering news haven’t changed so much through the years, but the speed in which we can now disseminate the news certainly has.

A job well done

As Col. V. Stuart Cook prepares for retirement, and Lt. Col. David Hines gets ready to step in as sheriff of Hanover County, best wishes are extended to both. Cook has built an impressive and well respected department and Hines will continue a strong and dependable tradition of leadership in our county’s law enforcement.