The View From Here

Jessica Waters

One would think that writing an introductory column would be a fairly simple task for a reporter — at least that is what I thought several weeks ago when I realized I would have to do exactly that.

However, if anyone has ever experienced that most dreaded of all afflictions, aptly named “writer’s block,” then they are familiar with the struggle I have faced in putting pen to paper (for lack of a snazzy phrase for typing) and saying howdy to you — my new neighbors.

And yes, for the record, I did say “howdy.” Having lived in more than a dozen states during my adult life, I’ve picked up quite a few regional colloquialisms as well as my own unique, mish-mash accent and, most of all, a deep appreciation for the diversity in cultures, communities, landscapes and people I have encountered along the way.

Labeled, by virtue of my wandering ways, a redneck, a southern belle, a cowgirl, a west-coast country girl, and almost (but not quite) a Yankee, I am, without a doubt, a gypsy; and equally unquestionably, I am a journalist.

Following a passion for photography into the journalism field after spending 15 years sitting behind an office desk, I am now one of the lucky ones in life. I get to get up every morning and do something that I love — and actually get paid for it.

That love, however, doesn’t encompass talking about myself, so, other than to say that I am in my forties, have a 12-year-old, four-footed, 125 lb., spoiled rotten daughter named Princess who is also my best friend, and enjoy pretty much any activity that gets me outdoors (preferably with a camera in my hands), I will focus my attention on why I am here, not who I am.

As to why I am here, I’m sure there are a few of you who have noticed a few mishaps in the Leader over the past few weeks and are wondering exactly that!

Regrettably, yes, there have been mistakes as I have settled into a new home and a new newsroom — mostly caused by my enthusiasm as I begin the quest to grow the Lake County Leader into the potential I see for it.

It is this potential, combined with my dedication to true community journalism, that drew me to Montana from the warm, balmy climes of northeast Georgia and convinced me to trade the misty beauty of the Blue Ridge foothills for the big-sky beauty of Montana.

When I realize that Leader veterans Laurie Ramos and Dan Drewry supported my vision of the paper’s capabilities, and believed in my ability to guide the paper toward that potential, I rushed ahead full-speed to incorporate a number of changes — and in the process, stepped on my own toes.

Moving forward from those errors, however, I still believe wholeheartedly in the ability of the Lake County Leader to become a community newspaper that serves as not only the disseminator of news, but an open forum for community members; a resource for residents and visitors, and an integral part of the growth and prosperity in store for Lake County.

In the coming weeks, you will notice a number of changes in the Leader. To start with, you will notice a few design changes in the paper you hold in your hands. New fonts, new graphic elements and an emphasis on telling the stories of Lake county visually, as well as in written form, are just the start of the changes. There will be a new focus on providing objective coverage and on covering news and features in all of the communities in Lake County.

In order to accomplish this goal, and in order to become, in the truest sense of the word, a community newspaper, we need to hear from you. We need to know what You want to see in your local paper. I truly believe that the days of editors and reporters telling you, the reader, what is important and what should matter to you, are over. Now, it’s your turn to tell us.

As always, phone calls, visits and letters from our readers will help guide us into becoming a paper this community can be proud of and rely on. Times, they are a changing though, and in recognition of that fact, the Leader will be increasing its Web presence over the coming months.

As of next week, the Leader will officially become a daily Online newspaper — the only Mission Valley newspaper Online, with regular breaking news stories, features and sports available at your fingertips.

Above and beyond simply reporting the news, however, the Leader Online will be an interactive community resource, with blogs, reader-submitted photos and comments and much more.

The process will take time (despite my impatient nature!), and we hope you will grow right along with us and help to determine the course and outcome of what is, after all, your local paper.