I read the news, listen to the news, and watch the news whenever possible. It's good to keep up with what's going on in our area, state, nation, and world.

A lot of the news leaves me shaking my head.

How much longer will we stay in Iraq? Is the United States really on the brink of another terrorist attack? If a couple of oil refineries get hit by Hurricane Greed, will gas hit $4 a gallon?

Earlier this week while driving to work the top "news" stories were about Barry Bonds and steroids, Michael Vick and his dogfighting charges, the Tour de France and performance-enhancing drugs, and an NBA referee who supposedly fixed games.

I've also heard way too much about Paris Hilton and some other female "stars" who can't stay out of trouble.

Do we really have our priorities in order?

I'll be the first to admit that sports play a huge role in our country, and deserve coverage. When a local team or athlete does well, they deserve front-page coverage.

But the top issues the Greene County area faces has nothing to do with steroids, dogfighting, performance-enhancing drugs, and fixing basketball games.

I've chatted with several people about my column earlier this week concerning property taxes. A lady from Solsberry called and said hers went up 140 percent. A man from Linton called to let me know he's been trying to get some answers from local officials, but he's not satisfied with the results.

Someone even offered the solution of an additional 2 percent sales tax to help do away with property taxes. This person was told by a local politician that's all it would take.

What about economic development? Joan Bethell and many others are doing their part to help this county.

The Greene County Humane Society needs our help. Everyone expects this organization to work wonders with hardly and money.

I could go on, but I don't have enough space.

Yes, it's important to listen to the news and be aware of what's going on. But it's more important to get involved locally and be a part of the solution and not the problem.

That's why this newspaper will continue to promote Greene County, and try to bring Greene Countians together to help solidify our future.