Hobbs joins Warren County Way as News Editor
A trusted voice and accomplished reporter of over two decades will be leading the news coverage for the Warren County Way. Lisa Hobbs has joined the staff as News Editor and Public Relations Director, continuing to fortify a strong team looking to bring accurate and reliable information to the county for free.
“We set out with the intention of giving people the best product we can, which means you must have the best people. Lisa fits that bill,” said Chris Sullens, owner of the Warren County Way. “From my talks with Lisa, it’s clear she has a passion for the work and loves this community. More than a few people in the public also have made it clear how much respect they have for her ability to provide reliable information for Warren County.”
Hobbs spent 17 years at the Southern Standard, beginning in 2005, before taking over the role of editor and general manager of the Grundy County Herald in 2022. During that time, she spent countless hours improving the quality of that newspaper which garnered awards annually from the Tennessee Press Association.
But when the chance came to work again in Warren County, Hobbs didn’t hesitate to come back to the familiar stomping grounds where she covered school news and local events, became the first reporter to cover city and county government simultaneously and developed the popular “Just a Thought,” column.
“With the launching of Warren County Way, Chis offered me the opportunity to return to Warren County. It was an opportunity that I could not pass up,” said Hobbs. “If I’m being honest, which I always intend to do, returning to this community has been a desire of mine since my departure. I’ve missed the residents, the businesses and the organizations, and I’m willing to work diligently to rebuild what I once had here.”
Hobbs got her start in local coverage when she was hired by editor James Clark - now a lead contributor to the Warren County Way - as city reporter, covering McMinnville City Government.
“He saw my potential, and I appreciate it,” said Hobbs. “I had no background in newspaper journalism; I did have a degree in psychology and could write. My responsibilities included a Sunday column. While I could use that space personally, he did expect me to voice my opinions on local events. He warned that not everyone would agree with me, and I would probably receive backlash. I assured him that I was OK with it – not a lie.”
Now, Hobbs brings that same honesty, work ethic and 21 years’ experience in newspaper journalism to the Warren County Way team.
Steven Helton, Owner, SHHH Farms
County Commissioner, District 9, Morrison/Viola Area
“When I got the news that Lisa Hobbs was coming back to Warren County to cover the news, I got excited. Lisa has been one of my favorite reporters - no offense to any current or past reporters from Warren County.
She was with the Standard during my freshman year as a commissioner. Jimmy Haley had named me chairman of the County Corrections Partnership and, boy, was I green. To say we had issues in the jail was an understatement and I was determined to get to the bottom of it. So we started meeting every other week and had some long, interesting meetings.
This is where I learned what kind of reporter Lisa was. Many times, we were discussing safety-sensitive stuff regarding what was working properly or not within the facilities. Lisa always knew how her reporting could impact the safety of the officers and inmates - and she handled it professionally.
Professionalism and making sure she had the story was a trend: I have seen her take the time to understand the people she was writing about instead of chasing sensational headlines.
She knows discretion and how to use it, yet still covers what needs to be covered so the folks from Warren County are informed. I personally feel that having her writing about Warren County is a great thing and look forward to reading and keeping up to date with our news from her.”
