Whitney Barnes
Marshall,MO
Summary
I am a Missouri Press Association award winning writer with a strong focus on feature writing and research skills. I am proficient in photo editing and proofreading, and excel at creating compelling content that consistently meets stringent deadlines. I bring a unique blend of creativity and precision, which is reflected in every project I take on, enabling the delivery of high-quality work that captivates and retains reader interest.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Staff Writer
Cherry Road Media
Marshall, MO
03.2024 - Current
- Conduct indepth interviews and research to write news stories
- Track current trends and newsworthy events in the area.
- Develop relationships with sources in order to obtain information
- Expertise in researching, factchecking, and verifying information
- Procient in Microsoft Oce Suite, photo editing software, and other related applications
- Write feature stories, press releases, and other content for magazine, website and daily newspaper
- Edit and proofread all written materials to ensure accuracy and consistency prior to publication
- Shoot photos to accompany stories, and edited them to meet the publication’s standards
- Maintain a working knowledge of AP style guidelines
- Manage multiple projects simultaneously while adhering to strict deadlines
Paginator
Cherry Road Media
Marshall, MO
08.2020 - 03.2024
- 4+ years of professional experience in Pagination and Graphic Design
- Ability to adhere to tight deadlines and prioritize tasks eectively
- Skilled in typography and layout
- Ability to work independently
- Utilized Adobe Photoshop and Adobe InDesign, as well as QuarkXpress to create innovative designs for Newspapers, tabloids and magazines
- Knowledgeable of printing processes and specications
- Responsible for the pagination of weekly Newspaper content, including proofreading and editing articles to ensure accuracy and clarity
- Coordinated with other departments to ensure accuracy of content and layout
- Managed the daily workow of the pagination process to ensure timely completion
Staff Writer
Marshall Democrat News
Marshall, MO
12.2017 - 08.2020
- Conducted indepth interviews and research to write news stories
- Tracked current trends and newsworthy events in the area
- Developed relationships with sources in order to obtain information
- Expertise in researching, factchecking, and verifying information
- Procient in Microsoft Oce Suite, photo editing software, and other related applications
- Wrote feature stories, press releases, and other content for magazine, tabloid, website and daily newspaper
- Edited and proofread all written materials to ensure accuracy and consistency prior to publication
- Shot photos to accompany stories, and edited them to meet the publication’s standards
- Maintained a working knowledge of AP style guidelines
- Managed multiple projects simultaneously while adhering to strict deadlines
Household Manager
Self Employed Services
Marshall, MO
04.2011 - 12.2017
- Managed household budget and organized nancial records
- Created and maintained a safe, secure, and healthy environment for the family
- Purchased and shopped for groceries and household items
- Scheduled and coordinated household maintenance and repairs
- Coordinated and monitored all household services, such as utilities, security, and insurance
- Planned and coordinated family events, parties, and vacations
- Demonstrated strong organizational skills in managing meals, school transport and extracurricular activities
- Manage all daily household operations, including cleaning, laundry, meal planning , cooking and errand running
- Developed and implemented strategies to improve the organization of the home
- Assisted in the development of children by providing educational support, creating routines, and fostering positive behavior
Training Manager
Taco Bell
Marshall, MO
01.2004 - 04.2011
- Trained new customer service associates on company procedures and policies
- Monitored training performance and identied areas for improvement
- Answered customers’ inquiries and provided solutions to their problems
- Handled dicult customer situations in a calm and professional manner
- Welcomed customers to the restaurant, identied their orders and provided accurate information on menu items
- Operated cash register with prociency, handled money, and balanced out cash drawer on a daily basis
- Maintained a clean and organized work area
- Processed orders in a fast paced environment, providing outstanding customer service
- Ensured that all orders were accurate and correct before being given to customers
- Established and maintained positive relationships with customers and coworkers
- Ensured appropriate food handling procedures were followed, including stocking, storing, wrapping and dating
- Prepared food according to company policy and safe food handling guidelines and regulations
Education
English
State Fair Community College
Sedalia, MOJournalism And Mass Communication
Missouri Valley College
Marshall, MOSkills
- Effective writing
- Feature writing
- Strong research skills
- Deadline management
- Interviewing
- Editing written materials
- Content creation
- Proofreading proficiency
- Audience engagement
- Ethical reporting
- Grammar mastery
- Fact-checking accuracy
- Style guide adherence
- Press release writing
- Headline crafting
- Photo editing
- Layout design
Timeline
Staff Writer
Cherry Road Media
03.2024 - Current
Paginator
Cherry Road Media
08.2020 - 03.2024
Staff Writer
Marshall Democrat News
12.2017 - 08.2020
Household Manager
Self Employed Services
04.2011 - 12.2017
Training Manager
Taco Bell
01.2004 - 04.2011
English
State Fair Community College
Journalism And Mass Communication
Missouri Valley College