Recently, when speaking to someone about newspapers, I was told newspapers only print negative news. Well, that is news to me!
I admit my feathers got ruffled from that off-base accusation. Why this week alone, this newspaper celebrates the victory of a Winona student who won an international Russian language competition, printed several honor rolls, publicized students of the month, celebrates the opening of a local restaurant, cheers on our local athletes on the basketball court, and helps a local grassroots effort get the word out to veterans in need – to name a few examples.
For all of you longtime subscribers, you know how ridiculous that accusation is for this newspaper, as well as nearly all community newspapers. Community newspapers report the heart of this community – whether it is good or bad, depending on the happenings of the day. And trust me, there is a lot of good going on in this community.
Yes, we report police and court news, the happenings of the boards of supervisors, aldermen and school boards, and in-depth stories that affect the community as a whole. We do not sensationalize a story nor do we print “fake” news – although I’ve had to enlighten a few folks who accused this publication of such nonsense. (For the record, just because you disagree with the story or column or editorial doesn’t make it fake news.)
I have often found my job as a journalist to weed through petty gossip, rumors and downright untruths floating around the public to tell the real story. I do a little research, speak to the right people, and I’m never afraid to cite my sources.
Most recently, the “street committee,” as a dear friend refers to the rumor mill, was on overload with news of the closing of the Walmart store in Winona. Some of the posts on social media were shocking and nasty, and I was angered that some people would speak so negatively about our community.
I CHOSE to relocate to Montgomery and Carroll counties, and I proudly say it was the best decision I’ve ever made.
I’ve often been called a “Pollyanna” for always looking for something positive in every situation, and sometimes there isn’t one. However, in this community, there are so many things to boast about.
Just to name a few … we have great schools – public and private – and a community that understands the importance of a great education. We have a fantastic business community with longtime locally-owned businesses operating for decades and new locally-owned businesses opening every month. We have a beautiful community with gorgeous historic houses and buildings, quaint “Norman Rockwell” downtowns in our municipalities, and people in the community willing to work hard to preserve, clean up, and improve said community.
Over the past few weeks, I’ve read and heard plenty of bad things about living in this community from the very people living here, and I was taken aback by what was said, and shocked even more that some chose to share those feelings publically. Posting personal attacks about individuals and businesses is just wrong. If you have a problem with someone or somewhere, contact that person or business directly to find a solution to the grievance.
Although freedom of speech is a civil liberty to those of us living in this country, that doesn’t mean you are free from the consequences of those words. It also doesn’t mean those words don’t hurt those targeted by them.
It’s the fourth week of a new year, and I am certain most peoples’ resolutions have already crashed and burned. Maybe one resolution everyone should work to keep this year – look for the good in things. More times than not, you will find it, and it make the bad a little easier to swallow.
