Newsmakers

Promotions, new hires and other employment news reported in Texas newspapers and published in the October 2025 edition of the Texas Press Messenger.

ALLY HINKLE

The Gatesville  Messenger

GATESVILLE – Allison (Ally) Hinkle has joined the staff of The Gatesville Messenger.

The new reporter covers Gatesville City Council, Coryell County Commissioners Court and Gatesville ISD as well as other news,  Richard Nelson, executive editor, said in announcing the appointment.

Hinkle, 22, is from Waco. After attending Franklin schools, she graduated with honors from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (UMHB) with a bachelor of arts in journalism.

Janice Velasquez, The Gatesville Messenger’s director of operations, also welcomed Hinkle. “We believe she will bring a level of professionalism needed to move forward and a new perspective to covering our local news,” she said.

Hinkle worked for the UMHB newspaper, The Bells, for three years, serving as editor-in-chief for two years. She also served as an intern with KWTX News 10 in Waco. While there, she worked in digital media.

Before joining the Gatesville Messenger, Hinkle worked in the restaurant industry at the Waco Olive Garden as a to-go specialist for about three years.

“I think having any kind of service industry job, whether it is food service or retail, is important for every young citizen,” Hinkle said. “I believe it teaches empathy to its workers and is a young person’s first glance at how our society functions. I am definitely grateful for my time at the Olive Garden and how it has shaped me as both a worker and a member of society.”

DYLAN RODDY

Elgin Courier

ELGIN – Dylan Roddy has joined the staff of the Elgin Courier as a general assignment reporter.

A Central Texas native with deep roots in Taylor and Granger, Roddy is accustomed to the area and its continued development.

He holds a master’s degree in mass communication from Texas State University, along with a bachelor’s in journalism. He graduated in 2025 with a minor in political science and experience covering the local beat as a graduate instructional assistant in TSU’s School of Journalism and Mass Communication.

Roddy’s resume includes time with Texas Community Health News, where he explored current wellbeing issues as an investigative reporter. His work has been featured on CBS Austin, Fort Worth Report and Texas Standard.

Roddy’s appointment and other changes were announced by Jason Chlapek, area editor for Granite Media Partners.

Managing Editor Niko Demetriou will be stepping away from his Elgin post, taking up a position with the parent company. He will remain involved locally though, editing stories from the group’s newly formed copy desk.

Chlapek continues to serve as area editor and oversees weekly editions.