Every once in a while, Sisters kicks up a story that is tough to cover. When you live and work in a small town, there’s a pretty good chance you’re going to know the family involved in a car accident, or the people whose house burned down, or the victim or perpetrator of a crime.

The recent issue involving Sisters High School choir and Americana Project teacher Rick Johnson, who was placed on leave after an obviously sketchy text exchange with a former student came to light, is one of those stories where we have to work pretty hard to find the right course to navigate. It can be tricky.

The is...