CALLICOON –– Sullivan County Democrat Publisher Fred Stabbert III is pleased  to announce the promotion of Reporter/Photographer Derek Kirk, 24, to the position of editor. 

“Derek has shown tremendous interest in and passion for the happenings of Sullivan County,” Stabbert said. “His wide experience in covering news stories and features throughout Sullivan County at all levels of government and all aspects of life have given him a unique and important role in presenting the news to our over 20,000 readers each and every week."

"Derek will be joining Managing Editor Joseph Abraham in leading the largest news team in Sullivan County, and I’m confident our dedicated reporters will continue to produce the highest quality newspaper in the region which has garnered more than 30 New York Press Awards in the past four years,” Stabbert said. “I look forward to our staff continuing the great coverage our readers have become accustomed to receiving.”

Kirk joined the team at the Sullivan County Democrat in October 2021 as a staff writer and has covered the Towns of Delaware, Forestburgh, Highland and Tusten, as well as assisted with coverage of SUNY Sullivan and Sullivan County Legislature. 

Kirk also has written more than a hundred feature stories for the newspaper’s 50-plus special sections which are produced every year.

Born in the borough of Honesdale, PA, where he would eventually attend high school, Kirk grew up bouncing across the Delaware River, from Wayne County, Pennsylvania to Sullivan County, New York. It was there he discovered a love for poetry, literature, and writing.

Kirk is a graduate of California University of Pennsylvania, located roughly 40 minutes south of Pittsburgh. 

There he majored in Creative Writing. He focused on journalism, prose, and the business writing aspect of his education. He also enjoys the creative side of his writing, indulging in his passions for poetry, literature, and emotionally charged writing. 

Additionally, his poetry was featured in Cal U’s annual literary arts magazine, The Inkwell.

“I have been grateful to report on the ongoings of Sullivan County news as a staff writer,” said Kirk, “and I am honored to continue to do so in this new role.”