Way back during ancient times, I'm talking about a long time ago — in fact — I'm talking about 1993 or so, a local guy named David Bucci and myself helped set up a system by which people could read Star Beacon summaries online.
There was an Internet back then, but unless you were one of the few with advanced software and an unlimited long-distance telephone budget, you didn't have it.
But there was a system of local computer enthusiasts who set up computer bulletin boards that people could log into, maybe one, two or three at a time, to get local information, play games, exchange messages or e-mail.
Bucci hosted one of these boards, called Happy Hacker. Among the extras he offered was Star Beacon headlines.
Of course, about 1995 the Internet became available to all and Dave moved his board onto the Internet. Recently, a discussion started there about the weak points of the Star Beacon. Some comments I might agree with. Others I didn't think were fair.
The Beacon is out there in the community. It is an easy mark for criticism. One familiar comment that was made is the newspaper ignores positive news to emphasize the negative.
Well, in a way news gathering automatically is drawn to the negative, because that's where the news is. It's what is out of the ordinary.
For instance, if the county had no economic problems, we wouldn't be running finance stories all of the time. There is no news value.
It is the bus full of students driving down the highway that crashed and people are killed that makes the news, not the bus that successfully gets to its destination.
I decided to spend a bit of time each day and record the positive news the newspaper published each day during the week of Oct. 4. Nobody in the office knew I was doing it so there was no attempt to artificially build up the positive. So here are my entries for that week:
SUNDAY
Corn Hole, a game played with bean bags, becomes a popular sport in the area.
GaREAT sports complex and Geneva Recreation Department collaborate and it proves to be a slam dunk.
Ashtabula Senior Center plans an October of fun.
A Conneaut sailor, Charles Giganti, a hull technician, receives a Surface Warfare Badge.
Conneaut Community Center for the Arts plans lots of activities, including classes, a holiday market and a theatrical production.
Look for a big announcement about a new Conneaut sports complex.
A big list of Grape Jamboree winners.
Spencer Wildcat alumni host a commemorative float in the Grape Jamboree parade.
A look at kids who produce the Jefferson Area High School's award-winning newspaper.
Ashtabula YMCA hosts its 21st annual Bench Press Championships.
Rosilyn Parker, 74, has enjoyed increased mobility since working out five days a week at Curves.
Buffalo Broadcasters Association select Cassandra Eldred as the 2009 Tim Russert Medal of Merit Award winner. She is an Ashtabula County Joint Vocational School and Edgewood High School graduate.
Shelley Terry's column offers kudos for the Ballet Theatre Ashtabula presentation of “Peter and the Wolf.”
MONDAY
Crowds are big for the Huntsburg Pumpkin Festival, which shows off the community's small-town atmosphere.
Joseph LeMay is an officer with the U.S. Air Force and works at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. But he grew up in Harpersfield and by using a snapshot and childhood memories, painted a picture of the Harpersfield Covered Bridge. He will be back in the area for the Covered Bridge Festival and to sell signed prints.
The Geneva Vikings, a girls gymnastic team, seems to defy gravity while having lots of fun in the process.
Senior citizens enjoy free bus service and other amenities, thanks to the county's senior services levy.
A photo shows the Ss. John and Paul homecoming court.
Little kids enjoy football, too, like in the Herald Flag Football League.
Five pages of photographs, many in color, of people enjoying themselves and having fun at local high school football games, as part of Monday Morning Quarterback.
TUESDAY
State Rep. Deborah Newcomb, D-Conneaut, announces Ashtabula County has received $23.9 million from the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act, better known as federal stimulus funds. Also, small businesses were told how they can get help from the program.
The NAACP is giving away three scholarships.
Ashtabula Towne Square is hosting a Halloween Costume Fashion Show.
Madison boys golf team reaches the district for the first time since 1962.
Lakeside's Krista Johnson shoots a 94 and qualifies for a spot in the Cortland Tamer Win Golf Course district tournament.
The science department at Geneva High School and Geneva Junior High win the 2009 Ohio Governor's Awards for Excellence in Youth Science Opportunities.
WEDNESDAY
A recent surgical patient used a crutch to fend off two burglars she surprised inside her Conneaut home early Monday morning.
Jefferson High School golfer Shelly Ford earned a trip to a state golf tournament at Ohio State University.
You can become part of a great group of volunteers in the Master Gardener program. You just need a strong interest in gardening.
Sports Editor Don McCormack reports county high school football teams collectively are having their best seasons of the century.
THURSDAY
Kevin Miller, president and chief executive officer of Ashtabula County Medical Center, tells the Profiles Breakfast how his hospital has become successful thanks to a team effort.
South Ridge Christian Academy in Conneaut has a program in which students learn how to make a difference in their community.
Edgewood High School is looking toward a great year with new class opportunities and an excellent state report card.
Lakeside High School starts the new year with a new junior high school opened and excitement in the air, punctuated by Spirit Week.
The Geneva Fire Department Explorer Post is hosting a rubber ducky race to earn money. The post trains people 14 to 21 in community service and firefighting.
The Lakeside Dragons play host Oct. 15 to Madison, but will include a Little Dragon Night pregame show.
Don McCormack writes about how Edgewood High School has resurrected its formerly losing football team and made it a winner.
FRIDAY
A dog who had been a victim of abuse is hardly recognizable anymore after proper treatment through efforts of the Ashtabula County Humane Society. He is much healthier today.
Former Jefferson Falcon football star Ryan David continues his love of the game as an assistant coach at Hiram.
n A special Covered Bridge supplement takes a look at the county's array of covered bridges and includes a story of a father, Joseph Wade, and his two sons, who plan to ride to all of the bridges in one day.
Critic Roger Smith says “‘Night of January 16th’” uses a well-assembled, well-rehearsed cast to entertain ticket holders” at the Ashtabula Arts Center.
Photos include the crowning of Mikenzie Zullo as homecoming queen and Leo Orlando as king at Ss. John and Paul High School, Larry Renwick and Jesus Otero having fun with their own brand of football and a favorite for this time of year, kids and pumpkins.
SATURDAY
It looks like a crime spree has ended with the arrest of two teen-agers by Ashtabula police.
Stephanie Book is the Geneva High School homecoming queen, with Christopher Ward as king.
Ashtabula County Medical Center bought Premiere Fitness as a way to promote healthy living through a healthy body.
So there you have it. Next week, I’ll try to come up with something negative.
