Katecey Harrell joins Journal staff

Katecey Harrell has joined the Groesbeck Journal as news editor and reporter. Harrell, 22, of Kerens, graduated from University of Texas at Arlington in December 2021. “We have lots for Katecey to do,” said Richard Nelson, group publisher and editor for the Groesbeck Journal, Mexia News, Teague Chronicle and Fairfield Recorder. Harrell’s immediate duties will be assisting Journal general manager Jennifer Paul and Nelson in editing staff-written stories and submitted items, preparing them for publication in all four papers. She will also help lead the reporting team as they increase the newspapers’ online presence. Readers will see her “by-line,” as time and need allows.

“I was born and raised on a farm in Kerens, the Birthplace of Big Tex, surrounded by corn fields, cows and chickens,” Harrell said. “While I loved experiencing a taste of the city in Arlington, I have always felt a great sense of satisfaction when someone asks about my southern accent and I tell them about my small-town Texas. I enjoy reading, writing and painting. I also like to spend time in nature either at the lake with friends, having picnics in parks or just cruising down a backroad with the windows rolled down.”

Nelson said he is looking forward to working with Harrell. “Katecey has lots of enthusiasm for the news business,” Nelson said. “It’s going to be fun working with her … learning from her. I’m of the mindset that you CAN teach an old dog, like me, new tricks.” Harrell has high ideals and is interested in what the community has to say. “My goal as news editor is to serve the community, capture citizens’ priorities, concerns and perspectives. I want to provide a medium for citizens to share their stories, and receive timely and relevant news coverage – a necessary part of democracy,” she said. Harrell earned her bachelor’s degree in Journalism and minored in Women’s and Gender Studies.

Groesbeck Journal General Manager, Jennifer Paul mirrored the comments of Nelson and is happy to welcome a fresh new perspective to the Groesbeck Journal.

“I am so happy to have someone of such knowledge of newspapers and innovation plus editing in our network, I am sure she will fit in and be successful in anything she does.”

Katecey Harrell can be reached by email at news@groesbeckjournal.com