By Staff Report
Holmes County native Natalie Holton has joined the Kent Smith Media staff to help bring local news home to residents of Holmes and Washington counties. Kent Smith Media recently announced the addition of Holton, who will serve the media company’s community publications, Washington County News and Holmes County Advertiser.
Holton, a 2021 graduate of Poplar Springs High School, is a full-time student at Troy University, Dothan Campus, majoring in History Education. She is active in her community through pageantry, having held the titles of Miss Holmes County, Miss Panhandle, and R.I.M. Sunshine State.
She is also passionate about photography, having received multiple awards from the National Peanut Festival photography competition and the 850 Gallery of Art in Panama City.
“Joining the team has been such a great opportunity, and I am already learning so much,” said Holton. “I can’t wait to grow professionally through my work with Kent Smith.”
Editor and Publisher Carol Kent says she is excited to have Holton’s varied experience and community spirit serving in the newsroom.
“When Adam Smith and I purchased the local newspapers in July 2023, both the News and Advertiser had strayed from their core responsibility of representing their respective counties and were on the verge of being completely shut down,” said Kent. “We made it our mission to save them – and made a promise to our community that they would see a return to truly local coverage and community-oriented news. Adam and I agree that Natalie’s professional skills, knowledge of and love for the community, and compassion for others makes her the perfect addition to our company and its mission.”
Holton can be reached by emailing nholton@kentsmith.biz
GARETT VALCOURT 
Jim Saunders 
Dara Kam 