Eddie Burkhalter begins work today. Photo: Anita Kilgore
Burkhalter has lived in Piedmont for the last year and a half with his wife, Katie, and three children; Julia (12), Will (5) and Nora (3).
Before becoming a social work major, Burkhalter spent time at JSU as a Communications major, heavily contributing to The Chanticleer.
Burkhalter also wrote an opinion column for The (Centre) Post for nearly a year and published two books as owner of Stormfield Press.
For Burkhalter, the similarities in social work and journalism have prepared him for the new position.
"Social work and journalism has a lot in common in some ways," he said. "Social workers are trained to look for strengths. Working in a community newspaper, like The Journal, you're not just looking to fix the things that are wrong, but you're looking for all the things that are right, too. Piedmont has a lot of good people in it. There are a lot of good organizations. Churches in the area are doing a lot of good in the community."
Burkhalter also says that the ties between journalism and social work have prepared him to understand the troubles of people.
"I would say that another aspect in both that are similar, other than the basics, like interview skills, is to have empathy," Burkhalter said. "It's really important to be able to put yourself in someone else's shoes. You can see things that someone else might not see."
Unlike the past, Burkhalter comes to The Journal as a Piedmont resident.
"I do have an extra incentive to do well," Burkhalter said. "My kids go to school in Piedmont. I shop at the grocery store. I will see these people every day. I take it very seriously. It's a big responsibility. I have to be a cheerleader when things are good and a watchdog when things need to be told."
If you have a story idea call Burkhalter at 235-3553.
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