FRANKLIN—Kathi Pines has joined The Tidewater News as a full-time staff writer covering the city’s government, police and features.

“We’re excited to have Kathi on our team,” said Jena Passut, managing editor. “She is very personable and professional and has an innate curiosity that will serve her well in this position.”

Pines, who is originally from Jackson, Ala., said Franklin reminds her of home.

“The people of Jackson live such similar lives to folks here,” she said. “Wal-Mart is the local meeting place, and high school football is the main attraction on Friday nights. We even have a paper mill in town where my father has worked for more than 30 years.”

Pines comes to the paper after years of freelance work mainly covering real estate, finance and health. She has spent most of her professional years working in marketing and public relations for the mortgage industry, but decided a career change was in order after the banking industry’s meltdown .

Pines is no stranger to the newspaper business. She worked a short stint at the Hampton Roads Voice News, where she was assigned to cover Newport News City Council and school board issues. She was also co-editor of her college newspaper at historic Tuskegee University while pursuing a degree in political science.

Pines said she is looking forward to getting to know the people of Franklin and giving them a voice through her writing.

“I love writing because I am passionate about giving people an opportunity to tell their stories,” she said. “We are all so different, and each of us has a story that someone else can benefit from. I’m just glad my job allows me to be a part of that.”