BREAKIN NEWS: A New Chapter For The City-County Observer

A New Chapter for the City-County Observer: Marilyn Cosby To Take The Helm As Publisher And Editor

 Monday, April 14, 2025

By Staff

Just days after announcing the closure of the City-County Observer, founders Ron and Marilyn Cosby were overwhelmed by a massive outpouring of support from readers across the region. Phone calls, handwritten letters, and heartfelt emails poured in from citizens who rely on the Observer to keep a pulse on local events, politics, and community affairs. The message was clear: Evansville needs a local non-partisan, independent news source more than ever.

In light of this, a new chapter begins for the City-County Observer

With CCO publisher Ron Cosby stepping away from daily operations due to ongoing serious health concerns caused by a Traumatic Brain Injury he has passed the reins to a woman who has been at the heart of the City-Counjurty Observer since day one his wife, and longtime business partner, Marilyn Cosby. As of today, Marilyn will assume the role of Publisher and Editor, marking what may be a historic milestone for the City-County Observer.

Ron expressed both gratitude and confidence as the transition began. “Marilyn has always been more than my right hand,” he said. “She has been the voice of reason behind the scenes, the community conscience, and the backbone of this publication for 23 years. No one is better suited to lead the CCO  forward.”

A Voice for the Women of Evansville

As Publisher and Editor of the City-County Observer, Marilyn Cosby is issuing a call to the women of this region: contribute. Submit letters, essays, guest columns, and opinion pieces. Share your insights, your challenges, your humor, and your hopes for the future of our city and region.

“In many communities, women are the glue that holds families, neighborhoods, and civic efforts together,” Marilyn said. “It’s time more of those voices were heard. We invite women from all walks of life to speak up and speak out.”

Submissions can be sent via email or mail, and a new “Women of Southern Indiana” feature will launch later this spring to showcase the region’s diverse perspectives.

Why Local Matters

At a time when many newspapers have been swallowed up by distant corporations, the City-County Observer remains proudly local, fiercely independent, and committed to covering Evansville and Southern Indiana without fear or favor. Local ownership ensures that the publication is answerable only to the people who live, work, and raise families here.

“We’ve always believed that sunlight is the best disinfectant,” Marilyn said. “We don’t exist to be popular. We exist to be honest, transparent, and accountable.”

The continuation of the Observer under Marilyn’s leadership is a rare and refreshing story of resilience in a landscape where too many local voices have gone silent. It’s also an opportunity to write a new chapter that’s more inclusive, more engaged, and more representative of the people it serves.