Newsmakers

Recently announced staff changes and promotions at Texas newspapers.

Jillian Smith
Sulphur Springs News-Herald
SULPHUR SPRINGS – Jillian Smith, a veteran journalist and Hopkins County native, has joined the staff of the Sulphur Springs News-Telegram as managing editor, Publisher Butch Burney announced.
In her role as managing editor, Smith will manage reporters and photographers and oversee the newspaper’s articles, photos and layout on a daily basis. 
Smith is a graduate of Sulphur Springs High School and Auburn University and has worked at newspapers in Mississippi and the Albany Herald in Albany, Georgia. 
Smith was introduced to newsprint in 1995, at Farm Press in Clarksdale, Mississippi, and its multiple publications. She expanded her experience at The Albany Herald, followed by freelancing as an editor, writer/journalist and blogger. 

Amanda Gohn
The Paris News
PARIS – Amanda Gohn is the new city editor of The Paris News, Publisher J.D. Davidson announced.
Gohn has a bachelor’s degree in environmental science and engineering from Texas A&M University-Commerce, with emphasis on scientific field research. 
“Amanda has raised the bar on attention to detail, writing style and adherence to standards,” Managing Editor Lauren Corbell said. 
Gohn, who has been with The Paris News since March 2016, said she fell into journalism by chance and has found it to be exciting and fulfilling. 

Caleb Vierkant
The Jacksonville Progress
JACKSONVILLE – The Jacksonville Progress welcomes new full-time reporter Caleb Vierkant to its staff. 
Vierkant, a 2017 graduate of Texas A&M University, will cover an array of topics for the Progress, including area school districts and county government.
He has a bachelor of arts degree in journalism and history with minors in English and military studies. He also holds the honor of being an Eagle Scout. 
In addition to reporting for the newspaper, he is a blogger.
Patrick Hayslip
Gainesville Daily Register
GAINESVILLE – Patrick Hayslip has joined the staff at the Gainesville Daily Register as the new sports editor.
Hayslip spent the past seven years covering high school sports and Texas Woman’s University sports for the Denton Record-Chronicle. 
The Denton native is a 2010 graduate of Texas A&M University. He wrote for the school newspaper, The Battalion, where he developed his interest in sports journalism. Hayslip says he enjoys all sports, both at work and as a fan.

Alexis Aguirre
The Valley Morning Star
HARLINGEN – The Valley Morning Star has a new reporter, Edinburg native Alexis Aguirre, 22, a recent graduate of Texas State University in San Marcos. 
She spent the last four years working toward a journalism degree and studying various tools of storytelling. She previously worked at a local paper in Kyle, and served as president for the student chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists. After graduation, she moved back to the upper Valley to be closer to family and friends. 
Aguirre started her career in high school, working for the school newspaper and interning at University of Texas Rio Grande Valley’s student-led paper formerly known as The Pan American. During her time reporting, she has covered local police, city hall and student life.
Aguirre replaces former reporter Kayleigh Sommer, who left to become a teacher with the IDEA School District.