There has been a new byline on stories running in Douglas County newspapers recently, as McKenna Harford has dived into her new position with Colorado Community Media.

Harford, who came to the Denver metro area from Sky-Hi News in Granby, was hired as a reporter covering Castle Rock, Lone Tree and Highlands Ranch.

Harford takes over for Thelma Grimes who was promoted to south metro editor in January. Grimes now manages newspapers in Douglas and Arapahoe counties.

Harford moved to Colorado about four years ago from Kansas City where she graduated with degrees in journalism and international studies from the University of Kansas.

“I’m excited to get to know Douglas County and expand reporting on the community,” Harford said. “I believe every place deserves dedicated local journalism, so I’m glad I joined Colorado Community Media to help carry out that mission.”

In adding Harford to the team, Grimes said it is exciting for south metro papers as she will be joining an already strong team made up of Elliott Wenzler, who covers Parker and Douglas County, and Jessica Gibbs, who has covered the Douglas County School District for the last five years.

Gibbs was also promoted to the company’s newly created senior reporter position last month.

“In both Arapahoe and Douglas counties we have a group of dedicated reporters providing strong local content that no other outlets cover as often,” Grimes said. “I am excited to have (Harford) join our team and see how she is already making an impact in just over a month on the job.”

Besides writing stories and covering important local news, in her free time, Harford said she is an avid reader and loves spending time outdoors, especially hiking, kayaking, snowshoeing and horseback riding.

Anyone with story tips for Harford can email her at mharford@coloradocommunitymedia.com.