Vanderford
It’s a slight change in wording that doesn’t amount to much in type — in fact, some might not have even noticed.
But in the newspaper’s continued emphasis on bringing its readers more local news, sports and information this change will make a difference.
And it’s all underneath a byline.
Derik Vanderford, a Times contributing writer since late last fall, has moved up in the ranks and is now the newspaper’s newest addition to the newsroom.
Vanderford is now a full-fledged staff writer and joins the ranks of fellow staff writer Nathan Christophel, lifestyles editor Julia Garmon, sports editor Chris Rasmussen and editor Charles Warner in the newspaper’s endeavors to bring even more local news and sports coverage to the Union County community — in print, on the Web and in social networking.
He will handle coverage of several of the county’s municipalities, including Carlisle and Jonesville, and also will cover the Union County School District Board of Education meetings. Vanderford also will cover other news stories and features as they arise.
The 28-year-old Buffalo native is the son of musician Freddie Vanderford and English teacher/writer/playwright Betsy Trakas. He is a 1999 graduate of Union High School and currently is enrolled at USC-Union in a four-year bachelor’s program. He also previously attended classes at the University of South Carolina campuses in Columbia and Aiken.
Vanderford brings a unique mixture of writing to the table. Not only has he written as a contributing writer for The Times over the last several months, he’s also a ghostwriter for an autobiography about professional wrestler Manny “Raging Bull” Fernandez and just started writing the autobiography of wrestler Ricky Morton of The Rock and Roll Express.
He’s always enjoyed writing.
“It has always come naturally,” Vanderford said. “Of course, it probably didn’t hurt growing up as the son of an English teacher/writer/playwright.”
He plans to bring clear, concise and entertaining work to the pages of The Times.
“I want to present a clear picture of the events I witness and interviews I conduct,” the Buffalo native said, adding he’s looking forward to working at The Times.
Vanderford is excited about being out and about in the the Union County community to help keep its residents informed.
“I have already enjoyed being more informed myself since starting at The Union Daily Times,” he said. “I’m glad to be a part of The UDT. Growing up in Union County, when I heard someone say, ‘The paper,’ I automatically thought of The Union Daily Times.”
The Times is glad to have Vanderford on staff as well.
“We’re looking forward to a long and productive association with Derik,” said Times editor Charles Warner. “He is a hard-working, talented writer who knows Union County and its people. He is a great addition to our newsroom staff and will help us continue to achieve our goal of keeping the people of Union County fully informed about what’s going on in their community.”
If you would like to reach Vanderford with your story ideas or comments, feel free to call (864) 427-1234 and dial extension 18. Everyone else in the newsroom also will be more than happy to assist you at any time.
Post a Comment
