Robert Blankenship is a 23-year veteran in community journalism having worked at newspapers in Alabama, Mississippi, and Indiana. He grew up in Russellville, Alabama and is a graduate of the University of North Alabama. He is married to Melissa Blankenship and they have two children, Samuel and Emma. He joined the Andalusia Star-News in 2020.

Zack Maio joined the Andalusia Star-News in June 2021 as a staff writer. He is an Andalusia native who graduated from Straughn High School in 2005 and The University of West Alabama in 2008 where he holds degrees in Early Childhood and Elementary Education. He previously wrote in the Straughn community for 10 years and served as the high school’s sports reporter. Zack was also the statistician for varsity football and baseball as well as the clock operator for volleyball and basketball.