LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KTHV) -- Too often we report the negative news, but great things are happening in your community each day.
Here's a look at a few stories that are on The Brighter Side...
Little Rock student surprised with new laptop
Parkview High School senior Philip Broadway was surprised during a school assembly this week with the news he had won a brand new laptop.
Broadway's name was drawn at random in a giveaway sponsored by Arkansas Next magazine.
"I was in a state of shock," says Broadway. "I had think, did they just say Philip Broadway? I never win anything so I never would have thought I'd win something like this."
You can watch the video of Broadway receiving his new laptop and our full interview with him by clicking in the video link above.
Students (grades 8-12) can still sign up to win the 3 laptops that we will give away in May. They are also asked to enter their teacher or counselor's name, and from those we will draw one winner who will receive a new iPad.
Visitors spending dough at Hot Springs National Park
A study completed by Michigan State University estimates that during 2010 visitors to Hot Springs National Park spent $89 million in association with their visit and that about $84.5 million of the total spent came from out of town guests.
The figures include expenditures at motels, hotels, bed and breakfast establishments, restaurants and grocery stores; and on retail and fuel purchases. National Park Service (NPS) employee and contract labor salaries; and park and contractor purchases of supplies and materials added another $4.99 million to the local economy.
Nationwide, the study estimated $12.13 billion was spent by visitors in communities surrounding National Park Service sites during the same time period. Out of town visitors to Arkansas' seven NPS sites spent nearly $138 million.
"National parks represent what is best about our country's natural and cultural resources and as such are a magnet for visitors who want to connect to their heritage," said Josie Fernandez, Hot Springs National Park superintendent. "The economic impact of those visitors vacationing here is the added value that Hot Springs National Park brings to this community."
The complete study is found at www.nature.nps.gov/socialscience/docs/NPSSystemEstimates2010.pdf
It takes a village at Little Rock Animal Village
Let your pets shine and submit those adorable photos of your furry friend, your friend's pet, or any dog or cat you think is photo-worthy. If you don't have a subject available, visit the Little Rock Animal Village.
Seven Photo Categories: Two Winners in Each Category (1 dog, 1 cat), 14 Category Winners Total
Category Prizes: An enlarged canvas print of your photo and a dog or cat gift basket.
Two Grand Prize Winners
Best Dog Photo: $200 Gift Certificate from Bedford Camera & Video (our co-sponsor)
Best Cat Photo: : $200 Gift Certificate from Bedford Camera & Video (our co-sponsor)
Accepting Entries: February 14 - April 30, 2012
Entry fee: $10 per photo - Enter several photos! But please do not enter the same photo in more than one category. All photo contest proceeds go toward subsidizing adoption fees at the Little Rock Animal Village during the Happy Tails Adoption Drive starting in Spring 2012.
Photo Categories & Celebrity Judges:
1. Village Mayor (Judge: Mayor Mark Stodola)
2. Village Sheriff (Judge: Sheriff Doc Holladay)
3. Village Star Athlete (Judge: Anthony Lucas)
4. Village Best Dressed (Judge: Korto Momolu)
5. Village Clown (Judge: Craig O'Neill)
6. Village Kid (Judge: Dr. Lanessa Bass)
7. Village Elder (Judge: Dr. David Lipschitz)
To enter, go to www.friendsoftheanimalvillage.org for complete contest details.