“Change” has been the word lately at TheDAILY LEADER as the newspaper has welcomed several new staffmembers.

    In the past few months, the newspaper has gained a new generalmanager, two new staff writers and two summer interns. Also, thenewspaper’s Lifestyles section has a familiar face back at thehelm.

    Rachel Eide, who started as The DAILY LEADER’s general manager onJuly 5, said she is excited to be at the newspaper and to make herhome in Brookhaven.

    “I love Brookhaven already,” said the Columbus native. “It feelslike home, a tremendous compliment because it reminds me so much ofColumbus.”

    She’s also glad to be back in the newspaper business and inMississippi after a three-year stint as operations manager forIndustrial Training Consultants, Inc., in Pelham, Ala., in theBirmingham area.

    Eide, who has a bachelor’s degree from Mississippi University forWomen and a master’s degree from the University of Alabama, bringsmany years of experience to her new job. The new general managerhas worked in all aspects of the newspaper business, as well as inmarketing, teaching and public relations.

    At The DAILY LEADER, Eide will be responsible for directly managingcirculation and advertising, as well as the news and graphicsdepartments. She will also work with Owner and Publisher BillJacobs and be an “all-around help” to the newspaper.

    “My goal is to put out the best newspaper for our community,” shesaid.

    Along with Eide, new Staff Writers Caleb Bedillion and Bo Lewis aresettling into Brookhaven.

    Bedillion started at the newspaper in late May. The Monroe, La.,native has a lot of “new things” in his life: a new job, a newhome, and his June 4 marriage to his college sweetheart,Allison.

    He’s also a recent graduate of Mississippi College, where he earnedhis bachelor’s degree in English. While at MC, he was the assistanteditor of the campus newspaper, The Collegian, and the editor ofthe literary journal, The Arrowhead.

    Bedillion said he likes Brookhaven because of the friendlycommunity.

    “I’ve only been here a few weeks, but everyone has made me feelwelcome and at home,” said Bedillion.

    Lewis started his job in late June. He’s a native of Madison and a2011 graduate of the University of Mississippi with a bachelor’sdegree in Journalism.

    During his time at Ole Miss, Lewis worked at The DailyMississippian, the campus and community newspaper, as a reporter.Before coming to Ole Miss, he attended the University of SouthAlabama and also worked at that university’s newspaper as areporter.

    Lewis said Brookhaven impressed him from the start.

    “I like the people,” he said. “I like the layout of downtown.”

    He’s still commuting from Madison every day, but is activelysearching for a place to live in Brookhaven.

    “If you know of a place, let me know,” said Lewis with a laugh.

    The newsroom has also benefited from the service of summer internJulia Pendley, a 2009 graduate of Brookhaven High School.

    Pendley has been with the newspaper since May and will depart toreturn to Mississippi State University, where she is a juniorEnglish major, later this month. At MSU, Pendley is also themanaging editor of The Reflector, the campus newspaper.

    “This has been a really good experience,” said Pendley of herinternship. “I’ve enjoyed being back home and getting involved withThe DAILY LEADER.”

    Also interning for the summer is Marlee Price, of Wesson, who’sworking in the newspaper’s graphics department.

    Price is a graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi witha bachelor’s degree in Journalism/Public Relations. She is alsoabout to start her second year at Hinds Community College, whereshe is majoring in Graphic Design.

    “The DAILY LEADER has given me an opportunity to combine my talentswith real world experience,” said Price. “I absolutely love thecreative atmosphere … it doesn’t even feel like a job.”

    In addition to the new staff members, a familiar face has alsomoved back into the newsroom.

    Tammie Brewer is back as the newspaper’s Lifestyles editor after ayear away while working as graphics/systems director. She will nowhold both positions.

    “My heart has always been in the news part of publishing, eventhough I love graphics,” said Brewer. “I also like sharing people’sgood news in the Lifestyles section.”

    Jacobs said it’s an exciting time for the newspaper.

    “We have been fortunate to attract some very talented people tomove to this area and when added to our existing staff, it puts usin a position to better serve our readers. In this digital world,things are changing and newspapers are changing to adapt toreaders’ wants and needs,” said the publisher. “Our new staff willhelp us to accomplish those goals and allow us to serve our readersbetter than we have in the past.”