Good news

Newspapers and other media sometimes get criticized for having too much bad news. People want to be informed, but they don’t want to be depressed with nothing but bad news.
Hopefully, faithful readers of this newspaper don’t say that about us, as we make it a point to balance out the “bad news” with positive, inspiring stories in our pages on a regular basis, including our Making A Difference feature series, which highlights people in the community who make a difference through their good deeds and volunteer efforts. That feature is going on 15 years now, and we aren’t even close to running out of new subjects to feature.
This week’s newspapers were full of inspiring stories, and people should should feel good about the many good things happening in our community.
A big thumbs up to all the students and staff in the Blue Springs School District for their efforts in Community Unity Week. It is  heart-warming how the students turn a natural rivaly between the high schools into such good causes, such as raising lots of food and money for the Community Services League. Students from both schools also do a 24-hour fast to put a focus on hunger, and they raise coats and blankets for Project Warmth.
The greatest highlight of the week, however, is the annual Dig for Cure volleyball match which rasies awareness and funds for breast cancer victims. Teams and fans from each school deck out in pink in a show of unity and support. It is one of the best nights of the year.
Likewise, the students and staff at William Chrisman High School and also at St. John LaLande Catholic School, who are taking great steps to show support for a beloved counselor and principal, respectively, who are battling cancer. A big thumbs up to both schools.
We also read about efforts in western Independence that included the renovation of a new house that will go on the market. Many gave their time, energy and resources to make this happen and is a continuation of the positive west side story.
There were more stories, too many to mention them all, but they reflect positively our community and inspire us to do more.And sometimes, so does the bad news. Last week we reported about how the Salvation Army had to close its food pantry for a few days because its supplies were so low. We’ve heard reports of people and organizations in the community who have rallied to help with contributions and donations, and next week, we’ll bring your some more good news with the story about what a positive impact that has made.