Local News

Times announces new editor

Paper gets a fresh face

Posted

The Manning Times recently announced a brand new editor. Born and raised in Clarendon County, this fresh new face hopes to change things up.

“I am where I belong” began The Manning Times new Editor Jake McElveen.”I just love writing; it has always been my strongest asset. I can remember back in high school I was the kid that would write the other kids' papers for them when they needed help.”
Joining the yearbook staff his Junior year at East Clarendon, McElveen said that is when his passion for writing took flight. Receiving his first camera a year prior only pushed him that much further.

“I remember receiving my first camera when I was a Sophomore,” said McElveen. “I can not put into words how monumental receiving that camera was for me.”

Taking on photography was not a new thing for McElveen, however. Forever a mama's boy, his eye for picture taking was passed down from his mother.

“My mother and grandmother both had photography businesses so I guess you could say that I am a third-generation photographer,” said McElveen. “I always looked up to her and I still take her with me on photo shoots so she can offer a fresh eye."
He also had very good surroundings growing up, and a best friend who shared his passion for pictures. The pair would take several trips for photography, and learned from each other.

“I was blessed growing up to have someone as interested in photography as I was,” said McElveen. “My good friend Matt Harrington. We would spend all of our time researching and learning the inner workings of the camera and it became so much more than a hobby.”

McElveen then began following several photojournalists and learning about telling other peoples stories through photography. Two of these photographic pieces were featured in the prestigious ArtFields gallery. ArtFields is the flagship art event in Lake City, S.C. where an abundance of high-quality art is on view for 2 weeks in April of every year.
“It was such a rush to be able to present these stories and have them be well received,” said McElveen. “That is why, when offered the chance at a job here, I jumped at it quickly. I love being able to tell large groups of people some of the wonderful things going on in our community.”

On August 8th, 2019 McElveen accepted a position at The Times.

“He is an amazing co-worker, his passion for reporting and helping the community is contagious,” said Times Publisher Leigh Ann Maynard.

McElveen’s love for the job helped him move up the ranks, and soon he was officially promoted to Editor.

“I love hearing the stories of the people of Clarendon County; I grew up here and believe that the good news has just as an important spot in the paper as does the bad or rough news,” said McElveen. “I have to be fair and honest and report on all of it, good, bad or indifferent. I want to be a voice for the voiceless in this county and I want everyone's story to be heard.”
McElveen was born and raised in New Zion. He is the son of Jay and Keri Ann McElveen. McElveen has three sisters, Megan, Maggie, and Sydney.

“I grew up on a farm and my father is a third-generation farmer, from this I know first-hand the definition of hard work,” said McElveen. “However, I knew at a young age that farming was just not going to be for me. My family has been in Clarendon County for almost seventy years and before that, we were right across the county line in Salters.”

McElveen is hoping to start new things at the Manning Times, by bringing in different elements. He is currently co-hosting the brand new Shake and Bake Podcast with Graphic Designer Blake Matthews.

“He is a very mellow guy who gets his work done on time,” said Matthews. “He has made my job easier than it has been in the past two years. You don't find a workplace bond like this very often.”
McElveen is currently the youngest editor the Manning Times has ever had. At 22 years old, he hopes to shine a new light on the paper.

“I want to be the editor who changes things up at the Times by starting new traditions,” said McElveen. “I am looking to breathe new life into this paper while working hard to keep the traditions and core values of The Manning Times. We have an amazing community and pool of readers that I am honored to represent each week.”

The Manning Times staff is happy to announce Jake McElveen as the Editor. He can be reached at (803)-435-8422, or by emailing mtsceditor@gmail.com