Too many times I pick up the newspaper, turn on the TV or radio, and all I hear is bad news about today's young people.

There are some bad apples out there, and unfortunately they seem to ruin things for everyone.

If more young people took the time to care about their community like Jared Albright does, this community and Greene County would be a much better place.

Jared Albright?

He's a Linton-Stockton High School graduate and Indiana University student. To say he cares about his community would be a major understatement. He volunteers his time for many Linton and community projects, and he's the one who came up with the idea of the Linton Music Festival.

This year's event is Aug. 31-Sept. 2. It's three days with 30 or more bands, and there's a chili cooking contest, a car cruise-in, and entertainment for area youngsters.

It's a great weekend, and it all takes place at Humphreys Park in Linton.

Albright is the mastermind behind the weekend, though I'm sure he would pass a lot of the credit on to others. He does have a lot of help from many good people, but Albright is the driving force behind the event.

Linton Mayor Tom Jones has told me many times how much he admires the young people of Linton and what they're capable of doing. Jones believes in getting young people involved ... people like Albright.

It has been a pleasure to watch the Linton Music Festival grow, and this year's event should be the best yet.

Albright hopes to some day bring a nationally known band to Linton. I have no doubt he'll accomplish his goal in the near future.

Linton and Greene County are known for a lot of things. If Albright continues the path he's currently on with the Linton Music Festival, you can add a music destination to that list.

Keep up the good work Jared.