An opportunity to make news instead of writing it

Pictured is Josh Cotton who worked for 16 years at the Times Observer.

I’ve written hundreds and hundreds of stories in the last 16 years at the Times Observer.

I’d love to know what that equates to in column inches, words and even keystrokes on the various keyboards I’ve burned through over the years (for what it’s worth, I’m on at least my fourth).

This column is a little harder than many of those stories.

That’s because this is one of my last “By JOSH COTTON” byline in the Times Observer.

I’ve accepted a position as Grant Writer for Warren County. Thursday marks my last day at the TO with Friday my first day at the courthouse.

It came together quickly. But it came together so smoothly that I’m confident it’s not only a great fit but the right next step.

This phase of my career has prepared me for the next one. The issues and people that I have covered for 16 years will largely be the same. Everything I’ve learned about what makes Warren County tick will be invaluable in this new role.

I’m not under any illusion that there won’t be a steep learning curve but I’m excited about what lies ahead. I love a good challenge. And I find myself deeply fascinated with the challenge and possibilities before me.

I’m appreciative that former Managing Editor Eric Paddock took a chance on me. When he did, my resume didn’t give him a ton to work with. News reporting wasn’t there.

Little did I know that this would turn into a rewarding career that would open a host of doors and experiences I never could have imagined.

When I think about my favorite stories, the same few always come to mind – sitting with Paul and Dot Hannold when they humbly shared their war years service and again a few years later when they celebrated their 75th anniversary or spending hours with John Stanton, who had a Distinguished Service Cross quietly tucked in a drawer and refused to have his name and “hero” used in the same sentence.

I think about the night I learned first hand the risk that law enforcement takes, how a routine night for them can go 0-100 in a blink of an eye. What was supposed to be a routine DUI patrol turned into a high speed chase. I knew they took risks in their jobs. I had never directly experienced that risk.

I recall the times when we had to challenge what elected officials were doing and, just as importantly, how they were doing it. We then were able to observe changes in processes as a result of those instances. Knowing that I had a hand in making government work a little better is rewarding.

This job provided the weekly opportunity to do something I particularly enjoy – write local history. I’m proud of everything that has gone into Diversions and I’m grateful for everyone (and there’s been more than I would have ever imagined) that have offered kind words – and story ideas – about those stories. That’s one piece of the job I will truly miss.

The job got me seats in a glider, puking repeatedly at 5,000 feet over Pittsfield; a spot on a World War II B-24 bomber and one of my stories displayed on the ABC national news last summer.

The job also paved the way for me to publish a book, a project that made me realize that the work I do is rooted in skills that are transferable. It’s why I’m confident that those skills will translate where I’m going. It’s why I had the courage to apply, honestly.

I make this transition with a sense of gratitude and it’s not unsurprising that I’ve got some people to thank. It’s the people that make this job what it is.

Thank you to the people who have answered the questions I’ve asked. I know, depending on the situation, that it hasn’t always been comfortable to do so. I may not have always gotten it right, but I hope it’s clear that I always strived to be fair and judicious.

I’m hesitant to name drop people I’ve worked with for fear of offending anyone but I’ve had the opportunity to work with some wonderful people that I still consider friends. I’m particularly appreciative of the support I’ve received from former Publisher Bob Patchen. And, during and after the pandemic, our two-reporter model worked as well as it did because I was able to work with someone as good at his job as Brian Ferry.

And thank you to the readers. I know we haven’t always agreed (because I hear about those points of disagreement pretty frequently) but the number of times I’ve had someone offer a compliment, kind word or positive feedback on a story was something that I never anticipated.

The work that the Times Observer does is important. I’ve believed that from my first day to my impending last day. An informed citizenry is the bedrock of our system of government and I view our role in that process as a sacred obligation. I hope I’ve lived up to that responsibility and I ask for grace as the Times Observer navigates this next season.

Warren County wasn’t initially home for me.

But it is home for me now and it truly is a wonderful place to live.

In short, I see an opportunity in making this move, as corny as it sounds, to make some news rather than just write about it.

And I’m thrilled at the prospect.