Go to macon.com to listen to audio webcast of WRALL regional games

Newspapers, including this one, are often accused of reporting bad news in excess. Our coverage of the Warner Robins American Little Leaguers' quest to repeat as world champs is anything but bad news, but, yes, I've heard the word excess used in connection with our coverage so far.

We'll take the criticism. We're having a good time writing about 12 young men and their coach having the time of their lives. We put their faces on the front page of the newspaper. We'll have stories throughout the weekend. If they continue to play well, we'll have coverage all next week.

Beginning Saturday, the first day of the Southeast regionals in Florida, The Telegraph will provide an audio webcast of the game. Warner Robins faces Tennessee at 1 p.m. Listeners can go to macon.com and hear sports writer and columnist Mike Lough's account of the on-the-field action. Reporter Joe Kovac, who covered the WR team last year, will also be on hand. Joe and Photographer Jason Vorhees also will provide daily updates on macon.com and coverage in The Telegraph.

We hope you enjoy the coverage -- in excess.


LOOKING TO SPOTLIGHT PEOPLE DOING GOOD

In all seriousness, Telegraph editors listen to criticism of all sorts, and we've heard plenty of it lately. A commom criticism is that we (and newspapers in general) print bad news because it sells, and that we ignore so much good that happens. In fact, we strive to find and tell stories of people doing good. One of my favorite appeared on Page One last Saturday, and was written by Amy Leigh Womack.

It was the story of two Macon firefighters who responded to a house fire near Pio Nono. Two young children were in the fully-engulfed home. The firefighters wanted to go in to save the boys. The firefighters’ supervisor gave them 30 seconds to attempt a rescue.

They found the children, but it was too late to save their lives. (Three people have been charged with murder and arson in connection with the fire.)

I imagine firefighters are trained for circumstances such as this. Nonetheless, our community should be grateful for such remarkable public servants. No matter the training, entering that house could have cost more lives.

If you know of people doing remarkable work in the community, call our tipsline at 478-744-4636 or e-mail me at smarshall@macon.com


WHAT DO YOU WANT TO READ ABOUT THE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES?

Much of what The Telegaph publishes about the presidential race is provided by our wire services. That coverage is important, but it doesn't always reflect the issues and concerns of the people in our coverage area. As we plan to focus our attention -- and yours -- on the race in the coming months, we'd like to hear what you want to know about the candidates and their positions. Again, e-mail me at smarshall@macon.com.