Latest news with #McWhirter
Sydney Morning Herald
29-05-2025
- Sydney Morning Herald
The untold story of the Age journalist who cut off Ned Kelly's boot
John McWhirter accompanied police on the train to the siege at Glenrowan, got involved in the fighting, then cut off Ned Kelly's bloodied boot while he was interviewing the outlaw – perhaps odd behaviour for a journalist at The Age. Research for a new exhibition on Australia's most famous outlaw has revealed new details from McWhirter, whose coverage from Glenrowan was breathlessly awaited by his readers. State Library curator Dr Kate Rhodes and library staff uncovered new information about McWhirter's involvement and reporting after finding an original edition of The Age covering the siege that was thought to have been partially destroyed. Until now, historians and writers have mainly been relying on a copy of The Age uploaded to the online archive Trove that was badly damaged and missing in parts, but the full copy gives a more comprehensive account. McWhirter accompanied police on the train to Glenrowan, filing stories under the headline 'Extermination of the Kelly Gang'. Loading 'There's a note that it's 'from our own reporters',' Rhodes said. 'John McWhirter is not mentioned by name, but as far as we know, he is one of only four journalists and an illustrator who travel on the special train by invitation from the police. It's really sort of gonzo journalism, they become very involved in the fighting, as opposed to reporting neutrally on it.' The interest in the story was so great that the reporting in The Age is time stamped with new updates given on June 29, 1880 at 9.30am, 10.30am, 12.20pm, 1.20pm then 4pm. 'The narrative supplied by our special reporters contains a full account of the proceedings and will be read with extraordinary interest,' the report states. 'Edition after edition was issued by The Age and the sheets were seized with avidity as the runners left our office.'
The Age
29-05-2025
- The Age
The untold story of the Age journalist who cut off Ned Kelly's boot
John McWhirter accompanied police on the train to the siege at Glenrowan, got involved in the fighting, then cut off Ned Kelly's bloodied boot while he was interviewing the outlaw – perhaps odd behaviour for a journalist at The Age. Research for a new exhibition on Australia's most famous outlaw has revealed new details from McWhirter, whose coverage from Glenrowan was breathlessly awaited by his readers. State Library curator Dr Kate Rhodes and library staff uncovered new information about McWhirter's involvement and reporting after finding an original edition of The Age covering the siege that was thought to have been partially destroyed. Until now, historians and writers have mainly been relying on a copy of The Age uploaded to the online archive Trove that was badly damaged and missing in parts, but the full copy gives a more comprehensive account. McWhirter accompanied police on the train to Glenrowan, filing stories under the headline 'Extermination of the Kelly Gang'. Loading 'There's a note that it's 'from our own reporters',' Rhodes said. 'John McWhirter is not mentioned by name, but as far as we know, he is one of only four journalists and an illustrator who travel on the special train by invitation from the police. It's really sort of gonzo journalism, they become very involved in the fighting, as opposed to reporting neutrally on it.' The interest in the story was so great that the reporting in The Age is time stamped with new updates given on June 29, 1880 at 9.30am, 10.30am, 12.20pm, 1.20pm then 4pm. 'The narrative supplied by our special reporters contains a full account of the proceedings and will be read with extraordinary interest,' the report states. 'Edition after edition was issued by The Age and the sheets were seized with avidity as the runners left our office.'
Press and Journal
13-05-2025
- Press and Journal
Buckie marine biologist jailed for child abuse video downloads
A marine biologist who was sacked after being convicted of stockpiling indecent child abuse videos has been jailed. Digital forensic examination of Christopher McWhirter's laptop uncovered around 180 videos in folders titled 'filth' and 'my dirty life'. The computer stored hours of footage featuring children as young as four, along with extreme pornography, all downloaded between June 2021 and October 2022. McWhirter, 32, originally from Buckie, had vehemently denied any responsibility, branding the allegations 'sick' and 'vile'. But, a jury took less than an hour and a half to unanimously find him guilty of possessing the sick content that included extreme pornography involving adult females and dogs. The jury also found McWhirter guilty by a majority verdict of downloading the videos. During the trial, McWhirter offered a number of explanations of how the illegal material came to be on his laptop. He stated he had made enemies on the social media site Reddit and through online gaming. McWhirter claimed someone from one of those communities had hacked into his computer and downloaded the videos. The former marine biologist also said they may have inadvertently been saved onto the device when he downloaded films and audiobooks while working on boats in the North Sea. Fiscal depute Kirsty Martin told Aberdeen Sheriff Court that the police had discovered nearly five hours' worth of video footage involving boys and girls aged between four and 15 years old on McWhirter's laptop. The nature of the content is mostly too disturbing to be reported. Jurors were shown a police interview, in which it was put to McWhirter that he had downloaded the indecent content through the username 'Tophe', which was linked to an email address. However, McWhirter strenuously denied this, describing the practice as 'sick'. He appeared in the dock for sentencing yesterday. Defence solicitor Mike Monro told the court that McWhirter continued to deny the offence, which the lawyer conceded made his client's position 'very difficult'. Mr Monro said McWhirter had been dismissed from his position as a marine biologist as a result of The Press and Journal previously reporting the outcome of his client's trial. Now, McWhirter has a new job doing manual work. 'He has had to start anew. It's light years away from what he did before,' Mr Monro added. The solicitor described his client as a 'first offender' whom he would be 'astonished' to see in a courtroom again. Sentencing McWhirter, Sheriff Philip Mann told him that he had been convicted of 'serious charges' and of having a 'relatively large' amount of child images. 'You were also found in possession of extreme pornographic images involving women and animals,' he added. 'I can only impose a custodial sentence if I determine that no alternative sentence is appropriate,' the sheriff said, adding: 'I have to say that I have reached the conclusion that a custodial sentence is in fact the only appropriate sentence.' McWhirter, of Ashvale Place, Aberdeen, was jailed for 18 months and placed on the sex offenders register for 10 years.
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Dakota Wesleyan University to present honorary doctorate Sunday
May 8—MITCHELL — Dakota Wesleyan University will confer an honorary Doctor of Science degree at its commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 11. Dr. Robert McWhirter will receive the degree to be presented by DWU President Dan Kittle. McWhirter has shown a decades-long commitment to Dakota Wesleyan. Serving as DWU's team physician from 1985 to 2013, he volunteered his time and expertise, overseeing the health and success of countless student-athletes. Throughout his career, McWhirter has been one of the most impactful supporters of sports medicine and the Dakota Wesleyan athletic training program to serve the university. He played a vital role in the program's accreditation process and mentored many students who have gone on to distinguished careers in a variety of medical fields. He served twelve years on the DWU Board of Trustees from 1991 to 2003, according to a press release from the school In addition, Dr. McWhirter has provided significant financial support to DWU. His 39 years of consecutive financial support highlights his unwavering generosity, including funding the Athletic Training Senior Scholarships and the Robert McWhirter Endowed Scholarship for Athletic Training, the McWhirter Field at Cadwell Park where the DWU softball team plays, and numerous upgrades of athletic training equipment at Joe Quintal Field and beyond. McWhirter operated the Mitchell Orthopedic Clinic from 1985 until his retirement in 2013. For his many contributions to athletic training and athlete health, he was inducted into the Dakota Wesleyan University Athletic Hall of Fame in 2012 and the Mitchell High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 2016. He also received the Community Service Award from the South Dakota State Medical Association in 2012. This award is presented each year to "a physician who demonstrates outstanding work in community affairs." A past employee and friend said about Dr. Mac, "I cannot fully express my gratitude for Dr. McWhirter's impact on my own career in athletic training and education. His guidance has been instrumental in shaping my professional journey. The Dakota Wesleyan University motto, 'Sacrifice or Service' is exemplified in Dr. McWhirter's life. Through his tireless dedication to improving the lives of those around him and his enduring contributions to the Mitchell community, he has created a legacy that will benefit future generations." McWhirter will be honored during the DWU commencement ceremony at 1:30 p.m. Sunday. The event is free and open to the public and can be live streamed at
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Dr. Robert McWhirter to be recognized by DWU with honorary doctorate
Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Generate Key Takeaways May 7—MITCHELL — Dakota Wesleyan University will confer an honorary Doctor of Science degree at its commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 11. Dr. Robert McWhirter will receive the degree to be presented by DWU President Dan Kittle. McWhirter will be honored during the DWU commencement ceremony at 1:30 p.m. Sunday. The event is free and open to the public and can be livestreamed on the DWU website . The university is recognizing McWhirter for showing "a decades-long commitment to Dakota Wesleyan." Serving as DWU's team physician from 1985 to 2013, he volunteered his time and expertise, overseeing the health and success of countless student-athletes. Throughout his career, McWhirter has been one of the most impactful supporters of sports medicine and the Dakota Wesleyan athletic training program to serve the university. He played a vital role in the program's accreditation process and mentored many students who have gone on to distinguished careers in a variety of medical fields. He served 12 years on the DWU Board of Trustees from 1991 to 2003. In addition, Dr. McWhirter has provided significant financial support to DWU. His 39 years of consecutive financial support highlights his unwavering generosity, including funding the Athletic Training Senior Scholarships and the Robert McWhirter Endowed Scholarship for Athletic Training, the McWhirter Field at Cadwell Park where the DWU softball team plays, and numerous upgrades of athletic training equipment at Joe Quintal Field and beyond. McWhirter operated the Mitchell Orthopedic Clinic from 1985 until his retirement in 2013. For his many contributions to athletic training and athlete health, he was inducted into the DWU Athletic Hall of Fame in 2012 and the Mitchell High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 2016. He also received the Community Service Award from the South Dakota State Medical Association in 2012. A past employee and friend said about "Dr. Mac," "I cannot fully express my gratitude for Dr. McWhirter's impact on my own career in athletic training and education. His guidance has been instrumental in shaping my professional journey. The Dakota Wesleyan University motto, 'Sacrifice or Service' is exemplified in Dr. McWhirter's life. Through his tireless dedication to improving the lives of those around him and his enduring contributions to the Mitchell community, he has created a legacy that will benefit future generations."
