News & Observer | newsobserver.com | 2008 NCAA Men's Bracket

Several Johnston County readers complained that the paper did not cover the participation of the West Johnston marching band in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Only 10 bands from around the country were invited to perform in, arguably, America's best known parade.

"Please give the kids here in Johnston County some recognition regarding their accomplishments and put the actual event in the paper!" wrote Elizabeth Benton Mencia, of Smithfield. "The band looked gorgeous in their beautiful uniforms and when they were on the Macy's logo they really stood out. Our kids get so much bad news, how about some good news reported for a change?” 

Actually, The N&O did report the band's recognition with a nice story before the parade.   Metro Editor Thad Ogburn said the newspaper tried to find a band member or parent to write a blog about the parade, but without success. He has invited parents to send pictures and will publish them this week. The N&O also linked today to a photo gallery from the website of the Smithfield Herald, an N&O subsidiary. I agree with Ms. Mencia – we’ve reported a lot of bad news about all the teenage deaths in Johnston County; the parade was an opportunity for a good news story.