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Lanell Smith, 51, will join The Greenville Advocate, The Luverne Journal, and The Lowndes Signal as a general assignment reporter beginning Monday.

A graduate of Saint James School in 1989 and a cum laude graduate of Auburn University of Montgomery, Smith’s writing experience includes three years as a correspondent for The Alabama Baptist and two years as a contributor for Missions Mosaic. Her work earned first-place recognition for non-fiction newspaper articles in the 2020 Southern Christian Writers Contest. 

While contributing to the two publications, she also served as a departmental personnel specialist for Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. 

“Joining the Greenville Newspapers staff is a dream come true,” Smith said. “Growing up in and around Crenshaw County makes sharing the news of our communities extra special to me. “

Smith, a Lapine native, will work as a mobile asset capable of covering story assignments remotely in Butler, Lowndes, and Crenshaw counties.

“I am excited about the opportunity to dive deeper into the happenings of our three-county coverage area and to become better acquainted with our readers,” she said. “Getting more involved in our communities and working with the illustrious news staff – attending church, sports and civic events and spreading the word about community news – is an honor and privilege I’m eager to begin.”

Shane Dunaway, Managing Editor of Greenville Newspapers, LLC, said Smith’s addition to the staff will help ensure coverage needs are met.

“I’m looking forward to working with Lanell as she helps us track down community news throughout our expansive, three-county coverage area,” he said. “Her willingness and eagerness to contribute wherever needed — be it news or sports, will be a great addition to our team.”