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The Elgin Courier is welcoming a new leader to direct the newsroom after the departure of long-time Area Editor Jason Hennington.
April S. Kelley joins the newspaper as the Central Texas Group area editor for Granite Media Partners Inc. after more than a decade of experience in journalism. She will also oversee the Taylor Press.
In the days ahead, Kelley will work closely with Courier Managing Editor Niko Demetriou and his team serving the greater- Bastrop County area.
“We are very happy to have April onboard. With her experience and her dedication to bringing the most timely news to readers, I know she will do a great job,” said Thomas Edwards, executive editor for Granite, which owns both papers and eight others.
A f ter graduating from Louisiana Tech Universit y, Kelley worked for several daily and weekly newspapers in Arkansas, Louisiana, Wyoming and Texas.
She has also freelanced for local magazines and worked as an editor for a national digital media company.
“I know I have some big shoes to fill as the area editor at the Courier, but I am excited to hit the ground running,” she said.
Having moved around var ious states and worked in several different newsrooms, Kelley said she knows a thing or two about immersing herself into local communities, learning about their distinct culture, the residents and their concerns.
“Journalism is all about storytelling, and the only way you can tell the stories of a community accurately is to fully step into it,” she said.
Kelley said she views journalism as a public service, and she is eager to serve the residents of Elgin, Bastrop, McDade, Cedar Creek, Smithville and the surrounding areas.
Under her leadership, Kelley said she aims to provide even more news to residents with daily stories online as well as a wider breadth of coverage in print and e-editions.
Kelley said she wants to bring the people of this community solid reporting as well as heartfelt and entertaining stories.
“I want to connect with the community as well as help the community, and I cannot wait to meet all of you with an open mind and an open heart,” she said. “We are all contributors in this story of life. We can do and create great things, especially if we work together. Let’s grab life by the reins and make it all mean something.”
After more than 11 years at the Press and two years helping oversee the Courier, Hennington left in August to take a job teaching at Hutto High School. He is still part of the Granite “family,” however, and continues to host “Around the Watercolor,” a sports show on the Press’ Facebook page.
Kelley can be reached at 512-352-8535 or april. kelley@granitemediapartners. com.
