James Hicks
Work Samples
Greenwood Partnership Alliance was the economic development entity responsible for bringing industry to Greenwood County. There were problems with the organization that came to a dramatic head when its largest financial investor -- Greenwood County -- removed its funding. That vote by Greenwood County Council would lead to a chain of events ultimately causing GPA's dissolution. This article won 1st Place in Enterprise Reporting among small daily newspapers in the SC Press Association's 2020 News Contest.
The road to dissolution: What brought Greenwood Partnership Alliance to dead end
Lakelands areas in need of broadband internet
2020
Award
Staying connected to issues that matter to our readers is an important part of community journalism. During the height of the coronavirus pandemic, this article highlights the need for rural broadband internet in some of the areas of the Lakelands.
The Promised Land community is a cherished part of Greenwood County history. This article explores some of the community's past paired with its future plans. The article was picked up by the Associated Press and republished in more than 40 news outlets across the country.
Promised Land: A place to call home
A.P.
'Pastor of pastors: Hal Lane receives the Order of the Palmetto
A straightforward story about a retired Greenwood pastor who received the state's highest civilian award. This article was picked up by the Associated Press and republished in several newspapers in the Southeast.
A.P.
Fighting extinction: How Willington has survived, thrived
Laurens County conducts state's first jury trial since COVID-19 pandemic closure
Willington is a nearly extinct town in northern McCormick County. It has a rich history and is trying to establish itself as a book town.
The first jury trial in South Carolina after the COVID-19 pandemic closed courts around the state took place in Laurens County. I was the only journalist on site for the first day of the trial. This article was referenced in the Associated Press's coverage of the trial.
2021
Award
This is just a sample of my writing. For more:
Podcasts
Franklin County, N.C.
GracePoint Church
On-Camera and Video Production
With no budget and few resources, I produced this video chronicling the 2019 Morelia Mexico mission trip for GracePoint Church.
Franklin County, N.C.
City of Creedmoor, N.C.
Other Work
This is a campaign brochure that I put together for a campaign in 2010.
This is my final case study as part of the graduate work I conducted while pursuing my master's degree at Arkansas State University. My primary researcher area was media framing and law enforcement.