Theresa Swope has joined The Demopolis Times news staff as news editor,.

Swope, who has more than a decade of experience working for daily and weekly newspapers, graduated from Auburn University with a dual degree in journalism and criminology.

“I prefer working for the small, community newspapers because I get a chance to really get to know the people I’m writing about and how my stories affect them,” she said. “I encourage our readers to get to know me and to call when they have news.”

Born and raised in Auburn, the newly divorced mother of two said it was time for a change.

“I’ve spent my entire life in Auburn and felt I needed to move on,” she said. “I am looking forward to making my new life in Demopolis and helping The Demopolis Times become an even better paper than it already is.”

Swope lives in Plantersville where her parents have lived for 20 years. She has two children, Taylor, 9, and A.J., 18 months.