The Taylor Press has added two reporters – a fresh face and a returning one to continue bringing readers the news and sports.
Kelly Tran is a generalassignment reporter and will cover schools, events and other local news.
Andrew Salmi is back as the area sports editor for both the Taylor Press and its sister publication, the Elgin Courier.
Tran began her journalism career as a junior at Connally High School in Pflugerville.
She went on to pursue her journalism degree at the University of North Texas, the college her journalism teacher graduated from.
After three years at the student newspaper and a few internships with Dallas-Forth Worth area publications, Tran earned her bachelor’s degree in spring 2023.
“My experience lies in reporting on news and arts/ life, copy editing/proofreading and page design,” she said.
Tran said the Press is a great place to start her career, and she is looking forward to being a part of the newsroom and the community.
“I would like to become a dependable reporter, who can contribute to the paper’s team and provide accurate and timely stories for the people of Taylor. I also hope to gain valuable experience to further my career,” she said. “I will work hard and apply the skills I have learned so far while also trying to learn as much as I can from the wonderful team here.”
After being away a few months, Salmi is back on the sidelines covering area sports.
“Being back … is a blessing. I’m very glad to be covering sports again across east Williamson County and Bastrop County,” Salmi said. “There are so many great athletes and coaches out in this area and I’m excited to get to work with them again.”
Salmi is a native of La Crescenta, California, near Los Angeles. He brings experience from several Texas-based newspapers including the Llano News, Mason County News and the San Saba News & Star, in addition to his previous run with the Press and Courier, both owned by Granite Media Partners.
“My expectations this time around as area sports editor are high, and I’m putting a lot of pressure on myself,” he said. “However, I’ve got a good support group around me with my family, friends and coworkers to help me improve myself one day at a time.”
Salmi attended Arizona State University for his first two years of college and transferred back home to Cal State Fullerton University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism.
He considers himself a “sports nut” and is eager to get back to work with the public schools, private schools and other athletic endeavors in Taylor, Elgin, Hutto, Bastrop, Cedar Creek, Smithville, Granger, Thrall and other locales.
“Friday nights, especially during football season, in my opinion are going to be nerveracking. We have very high standards here, but I’m confident I will get the help I need to make things work,” he said.
Both Tran and Salmi started work Aug. 1.
To reach Tran, email Kelly.tran@taylorpress. net, and to reach Salmi, email Andrew.salmi@ granitemediaparterns. com.
Area Editor Jason Hennington, meanwhile, has stepped down to pursue a career as a high school teacher. A search is underway for a new editor.
