NEWBERRY – Andrew Wigger has been named editor of The Newberry Observer by Denny Koenders, publisher. Wigger first joined The Observer in July 2014 as a staff writer and transitioned into senior reporter in 2015.
Since starting in 2014, Wigger has been awarded second place in column writing and first place in sports enterprise reporting by the South Carolina Press Association.
He was also credited, along with other staff members, in The Newberry Observer’s recent Business Affiliate Award presented this month by the Newberry Soil and Water Conservation District in recognition of the paper’s outstanding business affiliation.
Former colleagues of The Newberry Observer, Wigger said helped to mold and guide him into the writer he is today and he credits this new journey as editor to those skills he has developed.
Originally from Moncks Corner, Wigger attended Newberry College and said it was ultimately the people in Newberry that made him want to stay nearby.
“Everyone treats me like a long-lost friend, like I’ve lived here all my life,” Wigger said.
Wigger will still continue to write for The Newberry Observer. However, he will also be managing content production and wants the community to reach out to him if they have any ideas they believe he should consider.
“The community can now reach out to me directly when they have questions about content or if they have suggestions for future stories for the paper,” he said.
During his time as a staff writer, Wigger said he has learned that everyone has a story to tell, no matter how large or small.
“As editor, I plan to continue to share those stories with Newberry County,” he said. “I appreciate the opportunity and trust that Mr. Koenders has given me and I hope to work hard and help produce a paper worthy of that trust.”