| By Harriet Whipkey
Gilmer County's newest newspaper, The Gilmer County Journal, made its debut on December 4.
With two issues under her belt, publisher/editor Lisa Belknap (pictured left) says that her venture has been both exciting and exhausting.
The excitement prevails as she reports: "Reception has been great," but she also concedes that it's " ⦠an incredible responsibility."
Lisa is a native West Virginian and has been a resident of Gilmer County since 1995.
She holds a degree from Glenville State College in English with a minor in Oral Communications.
"My experiences at Glenville State College were life-changing," she says, adding that "Gilmer County became special to me during this time, and it always will be. It is my home, and the people here are my family."
She is dedicated to bringing up-to-date, accurate coverage of all aspects of the news in Gilmer County. She concedes that there are "great and relevant things happening elsewhere"; however, she feels that "[Gilmer County] needs a thorough and strong community paper" and will concentrate her efforts on Gilmer and Gilmer alone.
Lisa concludes, "I'll tell you, there is just something about the 'shaping' of something like this ⦠it's a great thing."
The Gilmer County Journal currently publishes on Fridays with a press run of 2,000 copies.
For the first three months, copies will be available free of charge at more than 42 locations.
For further information, contact Lisa at 304-462-5575 or by e-mail at gilmernews@gmail.com
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