COLUMN: Newspapers still have story to tell

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Communities still need local news – news that won't reach a state or national news outlet. This past week tragedy rocked the Indiana community of Scottsburg as five of seven passengers perished in a single-car accident outside the town. As of this writing, the other two passengers are in Louisville hospitals fighting for their lives.

There are stories shouting to be told about the families represented. How does a family survive when tragedy strikes? What kind of pain is woven into the threads of suffering? Is there a source for strength? Have they found an avenue in which they can proceed?

The location of the wreck has a story that needs to be shared. This is not the area's first automobile accident. Does the road need to be changed? How should the government step in to help? What kind of cost will be involved in making changes? What kind of cost will be involved if nothing is done?

The community has a story that demands to be crafted. What does tragedy do to the people in the area? In what ways does it bring them together. Are there ways it drives them apart? How does the community help the families that are involved?

Local stories need to be told. Perhaps your story needs to be told. May I suggest a handful of ideas that will prevent the newspaper's obituary from hitting the press, because on the day that it is printed, it will be one day too late.

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