What Has Happened to The Quincy I Knew?

There was a time around here when the local news was filled with stories about the fire department rescuing a kitten from a tree or three kids were selling lemonade for a charity and the most serious story might be about the cops finding a homeless man sleeping in the park. I yearn for those days again. Times have changed and, unfortunately, not for the good.

Most of today’s bad news involves people, drugs and guns. For instance, in one 24 hour period of time the following headlines were in the Herald-Whig.

Bail set at $1 million for accused shooter; Masters says he will find his own attorney.

Steson Crider pleads not guilty in shooting death of 12-year-old Quincy boy,

No Decision Made on Change of Venue in Lovelace Murder Case.       

Man gets 35 years for throat-slashing.                                                                       

Seventh felony conviction leads to 2 1/2 years in prison for Quincy man in stabbing.

Man sent to prison for shooting.

Quincy man gets maximum prison sentence in sex assault case.

Four arrested on meth charge in Ursa drug bust.

Wow, that is a far cry from the way it used to be here. I am sure we have all heard the line “there’s never any news around here. Nothing ever happens!” I am even guilty of saying that from time to time but after the last few weeks I am not sure that I, or anyone else, can say that anymore and that’s too bad.

I now look forward to firefighters getting a kitten out of a tree and buying a lemonade from a kid’s stand. Don’t you? Life was a lot better then and I want it back!