A Passion for Local News and Community Connection

They say “no news is good news”, but around here, we think good news is local news.

Starting this week, you’ll begin seeing a regular Editor’s Column from me in your local paper.

It’s an honor to introduce myself to our readers and communities across the Bistone and Central Newspaper Groups— Groesbeck, Mexia, Cameron, Thorndale, Marlin, Rosebud, and Fairfield. My name is Jennifer Paul, and I’m proud to serve as your Regional Editor.

I’m excited about this new opportunity and believe that our newspaper staff is revitalized with the addition of our newest publisher, who brings a fresh perspective, innovative ideas, and a deep love for local journalism. I can’t wait to share all the new ideas and ways of coverage for our communities.

After all, what makes a newspaper a success without you, our readers?

Personally, I can’t wait for you to not only continue loving your local newspapers but to become part of something even more powerful: a true community of news. One where your stories, your voices, and your opinions help shape what we cover and how we grow.

Let’s bring back that old-school newsroom feel, where everyone has a seat at the table and every story starts with someone who cares.

As a lifelong Limestone County resident, this role feels like both a homecoming and a new chapter in a journey that began back in 2011, when I got my start in journalism at the Groesbeck Journal. I owe much of my passion for the news industry to two remarkable mentors: Mr. Tom Hawkins, former owner of the Groesbeck Journal, and my high school journalism teacher, the late Angela Ross. They laid the foundation and lit the fire that led me to where I am today.

In 2017, I stepped into the role of Managing Editor at the Journal and learned firsthand the importance of communitycentered storytelling and the power of a well-told truth.

Now, as Regional Editor, I’m bringing that same dedication to all our publications under the Bistone and Central umbrella.

This paper is for the people. I want to hear from you. Whether it’s news tips, upcoming events, community concerns, or just an idea you’d like to share, I’m always available and eager to listen. Together, we can create a newspaper that reflects and supports the fabric of our communities.

My background also includes community leadership. From 2022 to 2025, I served as Executive Director of the Groesbeck Chamber of Commerce and managed the Groesbeck Convention Center from 2021 to 2025. These roles gave me a close look at economic development, civic collaboration, and the value of local voices, all lessons I now carry into our newsroom.

To wrap this up, (cause I can write for days!) I’d love your feedback. Let me know what you’d like to see more of, how we can improve the paper, and how we can better reflect the heartbeat of our communities.

My vision is to rebuild that classic sense of community interaction that once defined the local newsroom, where stories came from coffee shop conversations, church bulletins, and neighborhood sidewalks.

You can currently reach me at editor@groesbeckjournal.com I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to lead this talented team, and even more thankful to be part of the communities we serve. Let’s keep building something meaningful, one story at a time.

Paul is the Regional Editor for Texas Local Media - Central and Limestone newspaper groups, which includes publications in Cameron, Marlin, Thorndale, Rosebud, Groesbeck, Mexia, and Fairfield.

You can reach her at editor@groesbeckjournal.com