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Two new faces have joined the Elgin Courier. Niko Demetriou and Andrew Salmi have come aboard as the senior reporter and area sports editor.
A Cypriot-American by way of New Jersey, Demetriou has spent the better part of a decade working as a writer, editor and reporter in a myriad of different locations and industries. The Ithaca College alumni’s portfolio has seen him support local institutions like Austin Regional Clinic, as well as involve himself in music and tech scenes to deliver news stories covering both regional and international events.
“I’m excited at the opportunity to be a part of and contribute to the Elgin community,” he said.
With a wealth of knowledge and expertise in everything storytelling, he is eager to invest himself in Elgin and become the friendly neighborhood reporter on the street.
“We’re happy to have Niko here in Elgin,” said Jason Hennington, area editor. “He brings lots of experience and enthusism to the position. He wants to learn more about Elgin’s history and meet people in the community.” Beyond pen and paper, Demetriou has also spent his years working as a bartender and bar manager in the middle of Austin’s historic downtown Sixth Street. A barfly by trade, you can expect to see him at the local spots in town, and trust that he’ll lend an ear to whatever news comes his way.
Demetriou spends his free time exploring new establishments and showing face in old ones. He enjoys being a man of the town, getting to know the hard-working people of the community on a more personal level, and spending time working alongside them.
On more relaxed days, Demetriou can be found on his stoop with a Greek café in hand, or behind a table full of board games surrounded by friends. Demetriou hopes to represent both Elgin and the Courier well, with integrity, personality and creativity.
He invites all to reach out to him with any information or inquiries at niko.demetriou@elgincourier. com.
In the sport department, Salmi, a California native, will cover athletics for both the Elgin Courier and the Taylor Press.
Salmi returns to Texas after spending a few months at home with his family and friends in the Los Angeles area in the suburban town of La Crescenta. He has previous experience covering athletics in the Texas Hill Country for the Llano News, Mason County News, as well as the San Saba News & Star from 2020-22.
“We are very excited to have Andrew. He is very eager and ready to get to work in the area,” Hennington said. “I think the community, parents, players and readers in general will be happy with his work and enthusiasm.” The new area sports editor grew up in California and graduated from La Cañada High School, attended Arizona State University for his first two years of college, and transferred back home to Cal State Fullerton University where he achieved his bachelor of arts degree in journalism.
Although he has been a highly competitive person throughout his life, Salmi prides himself on being raised to keep an open mind and to treat others with the utmost amount of respect.
“A great sense of humor also goes a long way in making life that much better,” he said.
Salmi is very eager to get to work within these great communities in Texas and plans to cover athletics for Taylor, Elgin, Hutto, Bastrop, Cedar Creek, Smithville, Granger, Thrall, St. Mary’s and others.
To reach Salmi, email andrew.salmi@granitemediapartners. com or contact him on his cell phone at 818-645-1115.
