Mandy graduated from the Missouri School of Journalism and later earned a Culinary Degree from the Culinary Institute of America at Hyde Park, NY.
Meet Our Team
A robust community newspaper simply doesn’t function without the talents and professionalism of a dedicated staff. The Winnsboro News has assembled an outstanding team of “Heavy Lifters” to make the News relevant again and then essential to our communities as an ambassador for businesses, lifestyles, and cultural events.
Our history is rich and our future is exciting. Here is our team, please welcome them as they have invested their careers and reputations to help make Winnsboro a destination for the Good Life.
Kent Sipes
Staff Writer
“I'm a Texas writer born in Yankee land. I write mostly humor (at least, to me, what I write is funny!), but also some heartfelt articles about how grateful I am to God, my wife, my parents, my friends, and my big puppy, Purt.
John Moore
Staff Writer
John's collection of writings takes us back to a time when harvest gold and avocado green were all the rage and Green Stamps were as good as cash.
Scott Long
Staff Writer
Scott calls himself “a perfectly placed Cajun.” He lives in Baton Rouge, where he writes, cooks, and tries his best to raise a family of 5 women (including 4-year old triplets daughters) while trying to never miss an LSU home football game.
Brian Cope
Staff Writer
Brian is a retired USN Lt. Commander from South Carolina. He says that he now “fishes, hunts, and writes about the outdoors, the rest of his time is just wasted.”
Mike Barnhouse
Staff Writer
Mike grew up in Dallas. After joining IBM, Mike moved to Raleigh, NC, then to Austin, TX, and finally to Winnsboro.
Enola Gay Mathews
Staff Writer
Enola is the “Voice of Northeast Texas.” A veteran of radio, TV, and print journalism for more than 30 years. She is as well known as Davy Crocket, Tom Landry, and Don Meridith in our area.
Shiela Haynes
Editor
Shiela Haynes has enjoyed writing for several newspapers over the last 25 years. She has, and will continue to be, the Sports Editor for The Winnsboro News since May of 2021. In May of 2021 she accepted the responsibilities of Editor of The Winnsboro News.
Sue Machetta
Administration
Sue was a commissioned officer in the US Army National Guard and an advocate for Air Force and Army military families. She trained mediators throughout the USAF to help heal families and manage budgets.
Dr. Lee Payne
Staff Writer
Lee writes from either his cabin near Anchorage or his “Winter home” in San Antonio. Among other things, Lea is a professional guide into Alaska’s most primitive wildernesses.
Tumbleweed Smith
Staff Writer
Tumbleweed Smith is a newspaper columnist, radio feature artist and documentary film producer. He has received international recognition for his work and been recognized by both the US and Texas legislatures for preserving Texas history.