The real news isn’t in Hollywood or a sports arena

   Every day the headlines on social media, the internet and gossip rags are filled with all kinds of garbage news stories. And for the most part, I don’t care.
   I don’t care about what the Royal family is up to, what Hollywood is doing, most of what the halfwits in Congress are not doing for the American public, or about some disrespectful sports star who makes $10 million a game while taking a knee during the National Anthem and then spouts off his mouth about the way we should live our lives.
    What I do care about is my family, my friends and my community.
    As a community journalist, I’ve prided myself in finding the “good news.” Yes, I have had to write some not so good news stories, but I believe my resume of news tips the scales in a more positive direction.
    Take for instance stories of hope and compassion that have happened after Xavior Harrelson, the 11-year-old Montezuma boy, went missing on May 27.
     One instance is when 377 people came from all across Iowa to Montezuma on Sunday, May 30 and worked alongside law enforcement official to help during a public search. Even though the situation wasn’t good, these people didn’t ask the why, how or anything else, they came to give of their time, energy and hearts filled with hope that Xavior could be found. 
    “We are Iowans,” said Pete Sciarrotta of Newton, who came to help that day. “When there is a problem in Iowa, people show up.”
     That is the Iowa I have come to know, to love and to share their stories in the paper and now on through social media outlets.
    And that is not all. People all across Montezuma, Poweshiek County and the state of Iowa have been hanging orange ribbons, Xavior’s favorite color, on trees, fence posts, porches, telephone poles and street signs. Others have been exchanging their regular porch lights with orange light bulbs and handing out missing person flyers at places where they do business or visit while on vacation or a family outing.
      One business in Montezuma, Hometown Hardware, is giving free orange lightbulbs to anyone who makes a donation at the store to the Xavior Harrelson Reward Fund. Daryl Eichenberger, owner of the store, has already donated $1,000 to the reward fund, which has now reached $25,000.
     Kelsie and Karlie Mostek, the children of Eric and Krista Mostek of Montezuma, recently hosted a lemonade stand. The duo raised $167 and their parents matched it for a total of $334 for the reward fund.
   And just last week, Aiden Norris of Montezuma, with help from volunteers, hosted bake sales at Montezuma’s two banks, raising $1,693.72 for the Xavior Harrelson Reward Fund.
      And that just touches on the good news of people doing good for others. What a privilege I have had to tell these and so many other good news stories of Iowans making a difference in other people’s lives, no matter the situation.
      Some of these self-righteous rebellious sports stars could learn a lot from Iowans.
     Have a great week and always remember that “Good Things are Happening,” every day and always.