Staff Reports

Adam Prestridge, sports editor at the Greenville Advocate, has been named editor of the Luverne Journal.

"I'm excited to have the opportunity to serve as editor of the Luverne Journal," Prestridge said. "Since I was born and raised in a small town, I felt like it was home as soon as I drove through Luverne. I'm excited about the opportunity to build relationships with the residents of Crenshaw County, along with town officials, business owners and public servants. I hope to build lasting relationships with each member of the community so that in turn it will help better the community's voice…its newspaper."

Prestridge assumes his new role on Monday, Aug. 16.

"Adam has done an excellent job as sports editor in Greenville for our sister publication and served our readership well," said Journal publisher Dennis Palmer. "I know he'll carryover that same level of professionalism and work ethic to his new role of serving the people of Crenshaw County through the pages of their newspaper each week."

The Gardendale native came to the Advocate from The North Jefferson News, where he worked for six years.

At age 15, Prestridge wrote his first article, which was published in Pet Dealer, a nationally publicized magazine, and wrote his first front-page newspaper article at age 17.

Hired at The North Jefferson News at age 18, Prestridge spent his first year at the paper as a reporter and sports writer, earning the position of sports editor by the next year. He also was a photographer and layout design artist for the sports section.

During his first year at the North Jefferson News, Prestridge won three first place awards from the Alabama Press Association--for best sports page, best sports headline and best sports feature story.

In 1999, Prestridge earned the title of Young Businessman of the Year for the Greater Gardendale Chamber of Commerce.

"I can appreciate the benefits of knowing my neighbors and who I do business with," Prestridge said. "I'm always willing to lend a helping hand to organizations throughout the community, business owners and community members."

Prestridge continued his winning streak earlier this year when he won an APA third place award for his in-depth sports news story about the condition of the atheletic facilities in Butler County.

He also won a second place award for the best sports single event story.

When he's not working, Prestridge enjoys playing pool, watching NASCAR racing, working out and playing video games.

He married the former Jennifer Gibson of Gardendale in June of this year.

She is employed with Colonial Bank in Montgomery.

They plan to relocate in the near future to Luverne.

He also plays golf and softball, but baseball is his favorite sport of all. He loves watching the sport and collecting baseball cards.

GNL Group Managing Editor Jay Thomas said he was pleased with Prestridge's placement in Luverne.

"Adam will do a great job and understands that this position is as steward of the community's newspaper," he said.

"In my time working with him in Greenville, I have watched him become very involved with various civic groups and projects, because he believes the community is our priority."

Thomas said he believes people will be pleased with Prestridge's work, drive and dedication.