The discerning reader will have noticed a new staff reporter began writing for the Franklin County Times earlier this summer, and it’s high time we say a word about her.

María Camp joined the Franklin County Times full time as a staff reporter about two months ago, and in that time she has already proven herself an asset to the paper and to Franklin County.

María came into the newsroom with a passion for the paper and a determination to produce top-quality news coverage for our communities, and her positive energy has been a great thing for the FCT.

Of course, María is hardly a green writer, despite her thus-far short tenure in the full-time position. She has written stories and taken photographs for the Franklin County Times and Franklin Living for years, and her continued excellence as a freelance writer and photographer gave her a solid foundation for rising into the full-time role.

Many of you have likely met María since July or knew her already, given that she grew up in Russellville and went to Russellville High School. As an FC native, we know she cares about the county’s communities, and that means a special level of connectedness that will enhance our ability to thoroughly cover Franklin County news, features and events.

We hope you will join us in welcoming María to the Franklin County Times team. If you have a story idea for her, definitely give her a call at 256-332-1881, email at maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com or stop by the FCT office, downtown Russellville in the Byars Building.

Welcome, María. We know you will do great things here.