Published: April 09, 2009 09:37 pm      

Extraordinary, newsworthy

We often are asked our definition of news.

It’s change. It’s what affects or interests readers. It’s an event, such as a summer festival, or an announcement, like a new employer moving to town.

It’s all of the above and, occasionally, it’s something unique.

“Unique” is what we reported Thursday. Two local entities announced they will provide free meals to anyone who wants them.

Morning Star Church, 2900 E. Markland Ave., is offering free chicken-and-noodle meals from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. today. (For carryout, call 452-7166.)

The church’s office manager, Debbie Cowell, told us Morning Star wanted to do something special for a community that’s doing its best in a difficult economy. The church hopes to prepare as many as 4,000 meals today.

“We have never done anything like this,” Cowell said. “We’re excited.”

Morning Star is not accepting donations.

The Howard County commissioners, likewise, will offer a “Tax Day Dinner” from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Howard Masonic Temple, 316 N. Washington St. On the menu are chicken and noodles, mashed potatoes, green beans and a beverage.

And, like Morning Star Church, commissioners Dave Trine, Tyler Moore and Bill Thompson won’t accept donations.

“We know things are tough and wanted to provide some help,” Trine said.

He said 1,200 meals will be prepared. All are being paid for out of the commissioners’ own pockets.

Even in a community that’s well-known for charitable giving, these gestures are extraordinary. They remind us that good oftentimes comes from adversity.

“NBC Nightly News” of late has broadcast similar stories in its “Making a Difference” segment. Viewers e-mail NBC News their stories, and the network shares some of them.

We, too, want to hear such stories. Tell us of the unexpected kindness of a neighbor, co-worker or complete stranger. It’s news.

Write Managing Editor Jeff Kovaleski at 300 N. Union St., Kokomo, IN 46901. E-mail us at ktnews@kokomotribune.com. Or call Jeff at (765) 454-8590.

We’re positive our readers want to celebrate such good deeds.