Reporter Diaries

LISA HOBBS, News Editor

Hello, my Warren County family. Time for a behind-the-scenes look at my time covering the news in Warren County and the shenanigans I got myself into on a regular basis.

First up, which former city department director did I frame for a “crime” they did not commit?

Drum roll, please.

That would be Josh Baker, who, at the time, was director of the city’s Planning and Zoning Department (now Community Development Department). Or, as someone affectionately called it during an open meeting, the Weed Nazis.

I started my 21-year career in journalism covering McMinnville government, as well as anything else newsworthy. In later years, I also covered Warren County government. As you can imagine, that’s a lot of meetings to sit through. The things I’ve seen, the comments I’ve heard, the shenanigans I got myself into... well, let’s begin with this one.

Josh and I were at a McMinnville Board of Mayor and Aldermen meeting. I tend to sit in the front row so I don’t miss anything. This meeting was exceptionally crowded, so I had to sit in the second row behind Josh. My slight irritation at being bumped was subdued when I accidentally burped.

Yes, it was heard by everyone.

As board members looked in our direction, I quietly pointed an accusatory finger at Josh.

After the meeting, he said, “You do know they think I’m the one who burped?”

“Of course they did. I was pointing at you,” I replied with laughter.

I’m as guilty as sin, people. #JusticeForJosh

What I learned: Take Beano before and there’ll be no gas after.

Bonus

Everyone likes a 2-for-1.

At the beginning of Josh’s time as director, we were sitting side-by-side in a government meeting. He shared with me his anxiety about public speaking and having to get up, stand at the podium and provide officials with a departmental update.

I stated, “Have you ever heard of exposure therapy?”

He had not.

“Well,” I continued, “exposure therapy is highly effective. You safely and gradually put yourself in situations that cause anxiety or fear with the goal of reducing your anxiety response over time. It works. Now, get up there and expose yourself.”

He laughed.

Humor, the best anxiety reduction ever invented.