Everyday good news deserves another cheer

Why do you only print the bad news? Newspaper reporters are asked that question all the time. Good news is out there, but it often gets overshadowed by the compelling nature of stories about death, destruction and discord.

Before their memories fade into the new year, take a look at just a few of the good-news stories from 2004 year that, though humble, convey the inner strength that resides in each of our communities.

n Does Madison Davis ever nag her mother for candy bars and gum in the grocery store checkout lane? We doubt it. This girl doesnt even nag for birthday presents. In 2004, the 7-year-old Everett girl asked friends to forgo the usual gift-giving and consider giving gifts to the Everett Animal Shelter instead. Madison and her family dropped off plenty of dog and cat food, litter and blankets. Kids these days …

n You couldnt help but think of Corey Peterson when Bette Midler made her divine debut in Everett on a carousel horse suspended from the Events Center ceiling. Peterson is the guy who saved the city tens of thousands of dollars by coming up with a way to hang the heavy equipment used in Midlers and others concerts without having to install a complete rigging grid on the ceiling. The show went off without a hitch at least not that we could tell. Since Peterson is so good at saving taxpayer dollars, maybe he should run for office.

n If grownups are always asking why the news is always bad, kids are notorious for slouching on the couch and moaning, theres nothing to doooooo. Not last summer. More than 600 kids traded in boredom for at least five weeks of exercise with the Get Movin program. Herald writer Sharon Salyer told their success stories. Were waiting for the day kids start bellowing, but Mom, do I have to play video games?

n The Marysville School District didnt make the evening news every day last year and that was definitely good news. Thats because there wasnt a strike, old wounds began to heal and everyone got on with the business of learning. News that supporters of a recall of two board members decided to toss the idea brought a sigh of relief for many. Does this mean everyone might start getting along? With a critically important bond issue for new schools on the horizon this year, we hope so.

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