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"The news just saddens me," one of my friends posted as her status on Facebook last week.
And with shootings, attacks and kidnappings making headlines on all national news channels, it is becoming rare to hear or read about any good newsworthy things going on these days.
When I began my undergraduate degree in journalism, it was obvious to me I did not want to be involved with the national, sensational news media and took more interest in small, local newspapers. When I was hired at a newspaper in my own hometown, I was ecstatic.
Every week, I get to interview interesting people in Iowa County, the majority of which are doing or have done good things for others and for their communities.
I've spoken with city officials, business owners and regular every day citizens just like you. I've covered city meetings, fundraisers, thought-provoking resident stories and various other community projects.
This week, I spoke to members of the Barneveld PTO. They organized a Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week to encourage students to be kind and respectful to one another. I'd say about 4 out of every 5 children at the school on Friday were wearing a purple and gold anti-bullying t-shirt to support the important issue.
A couple weeks ago, I spoke on the phone with a man who helped save a teenager from a burning vehicle near Montfort. He was a father and a grandfather and just knew that he had to try to help whomever was trapped in that car.
A few weeks before that, I attended a meeting in Arena where concerned citizens voiced their opinions about frac sand mining and stood up for what they thought was right for the township, regardless of what county officials said.
One of my first assignments was to cover a story about the AT&T Pioneers donating dictionaries to students at Dodgeville Elementary. To watch and listen to the excitement of the school children definitely put a smile on my face and knowing the importance of that donation really made an impact on me as well.
Good news is happening, more than likely right in your own community.
So if you are looking for some good news in a world seemingly full of bad news, pick up a local newspaper and read about someone doing something amazing right in your own backyard.