I arrived at Source Media Properties in June 2023 as a green news reporter.

But I was quickly hit with the realization that this was exactly where I was supposed to be.

Fast forward to today, I’ve accepted a promotion to be the lead reporter in Ashland, where I’ll lead a small team. My wife and I have put down roots in Richland County, purchased a home and welcomed our first child.

I’ve spent the past three years as the Shelby/North County reporter for Richland Source. If you’re interested to read any of the work I’ve produced, you can check out my author page here.

While chronicling the fabric of northern Richland County, I’ve had the chance to work with and be mentored by some of the industry’s best — including Dillon Carr, former Ashland Source lead reporter.

Carr’s mentorship has been instrumental in my development as a journalist. I look forward to the challenge of continuing to share the stories of Ashland County with the professionalism and passion he poured into the job.

I’ve had the chance to pinch-hit on several Ashland County stories over the past few years, but now look forward to doing so full time. I’m committed to continuing to provide Ashland County residents with local, timely and accurate journalism.

A little more about me

I was born and raised in Shelby and graduated from Shelby High School in 2017.

I furthered my education at Kent State University for four years, earning a bachelor’s degree in integrated language arts. The plan was to come home and teach, but life had other plans.

When I learned of the newly created opportunity here at Richland Source, I leaped at the opportunity. It was the perfect chance to act on my deeply rooted passion for sharing stories, paired with my love of writing.

What began as a risk has become a sense of belonging.

I’m currently in the process of transitioning from Richland to Ashland Source, but will be full-time effective Jan. 26. I look forward to the journey ahead and the people I’ll meet along the way.

If you have questions, comments or simply would like to introduce yourself, please feel free to send me an email at hayden@ashlandsource.com.

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Staff reporter at Source Media Properties since 2023. Shelby High School/Kent State alum. Have a story to share? Email me at hayden@ashlandsource.com.