By Megan Wehring
It was a normal Tuesday morning at the KTSW 89.9 station. I was in my graduating semester at Texas State University, in constant worry of what my next few months were going to look like and probably wired with too many cups of coffee.
Then, something unexpected happened.
The words, “Hays Free Press,” appeared on my phone. Was I about to get a job offer? Before I started to let my overthinking mind come to the surface, I answered. During the brief call, I was offered my dream journalism internship for that summer.
Finally. I was confident and felt at peace with my future.
Nearly two years later, I am the editor at the Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch. At only 23 years old, I did not expect to be head of the editorial/news department for a publication, let alone remotely five hours away. All I can say is I’m blessed.
New faces, same passion
Loyal readers, don’t you worry. You have seen us go through some transitions during the last few months, but all that really entails is that we are continuing the legacy that was brought before us.
We are still the official news source that has been serving the Hays County area since 1903. We are still covering all of the city and county government meetings, along with making sure that we are up to speed with what’s happening in the local school districts. We are also continuing to keep up with sports games, by way of photographers Wayland Clark and Albert Sanchez. Not to mention the feature and human interest story ideas that we receive weekly in our inbox.
Elizabeth Garcia is also a big help on publication days by updating the website and any additional graphic design work we need. Arlene Monroe will continue to greet any visitors who walk into the office, while also maintaining her other important responsibilities.
You will also still see my byline on various articles as my writing days are far from over.
But, we are also adding some new touches.
We are improving our appearance on social media by posting more frequently to Facebook, Twitter and Instagram than we were in the past. This is all thanks to Catalina Sanchez who heads up production.
If you have been staying in tune to our Facebook page, we have also been highlighting some of our top stories in our NewsFlash live video every Wednesday — which is hosted by Kim Fannin, advertising representative, with the help of reporters Brittany Anderson and C.J. Vetter.
I would be remiss to not mention owners Tania French and Ashley Kontnier, who is also now publisher, because if it weren’t for them, the end puzzle would not look like the picture on the back of the box.
We are all a team, whether we are working behind a desk in the office or remotely, and we are here to serve the community of Hays County.
Thank you to my husband, Adrian Navarro, for supporting and encouraging me — even through the long hours. Also, thank you Mom and Dad, for being there for me since day one.
