LIFE TODAY is often captured with a cellphone — snapped, posted, and stored in the Cloud. We scroll through headlines, hobbies, and celebrity news, intending to pass a few minutes. Instead, we often fall into what some call “doomscrolling,” wasting precious time.
Don Counts devotes much of his time to preserving pieces of local life that we might otherwise forget. As he carefully adjusts the lighting and camera angle, he understands the value of what’s unfolding.
“I just enjoy hitting the red record button and capturing life as it happens,” said Counts.
Life in our community fills his YouTube channel. It’s packed with stories and images of our days, which might feel mundane in the moment. But when you take a step back, you find things you’d forgotten — events that no longer occur, faces of those who’ve passed, and memories that connect us.
“There’s so much meaning in every video or photo. Every one has a story behind it,” he stated. “A lot of what I record might not seem important today, but I hope it will be meaningful to someone in the future.”
An early radio career naturally transitioned into his current role as communication supervisor at Fayetteville Public Utilities (FPU), where he continues to record, edit, and preserve community life through FPU’s Channel 6 programming and personal projects that document local history.
Recordings of veterans sharing stories of service, strength, and sacrifice sit alongside gospel singings, championship games, and snapshots of small-town life. The Lincoln County Warrior Exhibit initiated the series, but Linda Williams, president of the exhibit’s board of directors, had questions and knew just who to call.
“She asked what kind of video camera she should get to record veteran stories. I told her it takes more than a camera — you need someone who knows what to do with the video once it’s recorded. I offered to help, and it’s been very fulfilling to hear the veterans’ stories. It really makes you appreciate their service,” Counts said.
He’s noticed a commitment to service, something reflected in his life’s work, too.
He shared, “It’s made me proud to live in a country where so many step up to serve. One thing that stands out is how many veterans feel their role was small. But in reality, every job, no matter how big or small, plays a vital role in the bigger picture of our military.”
Counts, too, is a man of service. When the tones drop, indicating a call to Flintville’s volunteer fire department, he suits up and answers along with other members. Even here, capturing training sessions for the department sparked a desire to play a larger role.
“Knowing I can help people in moments when they really need it keeps me going,” he said.
Helping people is at the heart of everything Counts does. His life is a snapshot of quiet service.
“I’ve always believed that one person can make a difference,” he said with conviction. “Even when I’ve questioned it myself, the truth is — it always starts with one. As long as I’m able, I’ll keep showing up.” GN
Check @DonCounts on YouTube regularly for new content.
