When the man who once taught Christian leadership behind the Iron Curtain hands you his pen, you don’t say no.
Yet here I am, following Larry Stout’s footsteps at Webb Weekly’s government desk, where we bring you the latest from about town. Mr. Stout has written for this publication with dedication and grace for years, bringing stories from his remarkable journey that took him from little Montgomery to Latvia and back home again. His expertise on leadership and his gift for finding the human story in every experience have enriched these pages immeasurably. Larry wouldn’t want me dwelling on his achievements, but after years of turning commissioners’ meetings into readable prose, the man deserves our thanks and probably a good recliner.
When Mr. Stout invited me to my first county commissioners meeting, I’ll admit I was nervous. Walking into that meeting room, I expected the usual government atmosphere: fluorescent misery, uncomfortable chairs, and the general ambiance of a DMV waiting room on a Monday morning.
Boy, was I wrong.
The hall had bright modern lighting that made people look healthy. The room was beautifully adorned with treasures and signs of Lycoming County. The seating arrangement was identical to a courtroom, which initially made me wonder if I should have brought a lawyer. Instead, the atmosphere was warm, welcoming, even jovial. I’ve been to family dinners with more tension than this government meeting. The warmth and camaraderie in the room made me feel included and part of a community.
The commissioners’ table, occupied by Scott Metzger, chairman, Marc Sortman, vice chairman, and Mark Mussina as secretary, exuded a welcoming aura that instantly put me at ease. Their handling of new employee contracts and county employee departures was more akin to a community gathering than a bureaucratic procedure, fostering a sense of belonging and camaraderie that made me feel like I was part of something special. Their approachability was evident in every interaction, making me feel more connected and engaged.
The real kicker? One commissioner was wearing a Mid-Atlantic jersey to support the Pennsylvania team in the Little League World Series. Here’s a government official conducting county business while dressed like he might need to coach third base at any moment. I loved it.
For those new to the area, Williamsport becomes the center of the baseball universe for two weeks every August. ESPN moves in, and about half of their top ten plays this week will feature twelve-year-olds making catches that would make major leaguers jealous. Very few championship events happen in the exact location every year, but Williamsport owns August like Santa owns December. That commissioner’s jersey wasn’t just casual Friday gone rogue; it was hometown pride in action.
Throughout the meeting, I watched these men handle everything from budget items to citizen concerns with genuine attention.
Before the meeting officially commenced, I observed the commissioners engaging in personal conversations, addressing people by name, inquiring about sick relatives, and even discussing the Phillies’ chances this year. This is not the distant, disconnected government we see on cable news. This is democracy with a first-name basis, a reassuring and caring approach that makes every citizen feel valued and important. The personal touch of the commissioners made me feel like a valued member of the community.
Like Mr. Stout, I was born in Montgomery and ventured to places I thought the Lord was calling me, only to find myself back in Lycoming County. There’s something about this place that pulls its children home. Perhaps it’s the way our government officials wear Little League jerseys to meetings, or how our biggest traffic jam happens when deer refuse to yield right of way. These unique quirks and the warm, welcoming nature of our local government make me proud to call Lycoming County my home, and I hope they make you feel a sense of belonging and pride, too.
To the readers who have trusted Webb Weekly for local news, I promise to put my heart and soul into this column. I’ll bring you the stories from our commissioners’ meetings, translate government speak into regular human English, and occasionally point out when someone’s wearing a particularly bold tie choice.
Mr. Stout showed me that government reporting doesn’t have to be as dry as yesterday’s toast. Sometimes it’s about capturing those moments when democracy feels less like a textbook concept and more like neighbors figuring things out together. Winston Churchill once said, “We shape our buildings; thereafter they shape us.” This meeting is our opportunity to shape Lycoming County into the values we hold most dear.
In Lycoming County, democracy thrives because those in charge recognize their role in it. It is a privilege to write for Webb, and I will never forget where I belong.
