Paschal is named publisher of 'News Times'
Barry Paschal, the opinions editor and a columnist for The Columbia County News Times, has been named publisher of the newspaper.
The announcement was made by Julian Miller, general manager of The Augusta Chronicle, which owns The News Times.
Paschal, a Columbia County native, has served as a columnist and opinions editor since 1998. He replaces Les Simpson, who is the assistant general manager of The Chronicle.
"While I have enjoyed serving as the position of publisher, our plan was for it to be a part-time position," Simpson said. "Barry is at the News Times office every day, and I know he cares deeply about Columbia County and will do an outstanding job as a permanent, full-time publisher."
Paschal is a graduate of Harlem High School and earned a bachelor ofarts degree in journalism from the University of Georgia. He also was a reporter for the Augusta Herald and an editorial writer for The Chronicle. He also worked for radio station WBBQ and the Post in North Augusta.
"I am honored and humbled to be given the opportunity to grow in service to our Columbia County readers," Paschal said. "My family and I have a tremendous stake in the future of this community, and I am grateful that I can participate in a venture that helps my fellow residents, old and new, to be educated, entertained and informed about Columbia County."
He is married to Michelle Paschal, who is principal at Stevens Creek Elementary School. The couple's three daughters attend Columbia County schools.
Paschal serves on the board of directors of Big Changes Start Small Inc., the parent organization of It's Spooky to be Hungry; the Augusta Museum of History board of directors; the Goodwill Business Advisory Council; MIR Children's Foundation; Columbia County 4-H Advisory Board; and the Columbia County Local Emergency Planning Committee.
He has been active in founding and organizing community celebrations for Memorial Day and Christmas. He is also a member of Trinity-on-the-Hill United Methodist Church.