Email: shireese.bell@patch.com

Phone: (803) 257-1144

Hometown: Marion, SC

Birthday: Sept. 9

I was born and raised in Marion, SC, a small town about an hour and half away from Columbia, SC. I am a proud graduate of the University of South Carolina-Columbia (Go Gamecocks!). I received degrees in Journalism and Mass Communications, and in Media Arts.

Prior to becoming editor of Irmo-Seven Oaks Patch, I was an education reporter for a daily newspaper in Florence, SC, for about five years. I was primarily responsible for the coverage of 15 school districts, four institutions of higher education, early childhood centers and private schools in the Pee Dee area.

As an education reporter, I had the opportunity to travel to New Orleans for an education conference. While there I was able to see the city first-hand after Hurricane Katrina and the impact it had on the community as well as the educational system. I also had the opportunity to attend the 44^th Presidential Inauguration and interview a former Pee Dee resident who was in charge of transportation for the Armed Forces Inaugural Committee. 

In addition to traveling and covering events outside of the state, I have covered everything from school board meetings, city council meetings and school bond referendums to presidential candidates’ events, galas and school activities or programs. I have also interned at a local television station and have experience in video production.

In my spare time, I enjoy attending local festivals, concerts and Gamecock sporting events. I also enjoy watching movies, and spending time with family and friends. 

I have lived in Columbia, off and on, since 2001. I look forward to getting to know the Irmo community better and meeting new people.

Your Beliefs

At Patch, we promise always to report the facts as objectively as possible and otherwise adhere to the principles of good journalism. However, we also acknowledge that true impartiality is impossible because human beings have beliefs. So in the spirit of simple honesty, our policy is to encourage our editors to reveal their beliefs to the extent they feel comfortable. This disclosure is not a license for you to inject your beliefs into stories or to dictate coverage according to them. In fact, the intent is the opposite: we hope that the knowledge that your beliefs are on the record will cause you to be ever mindful to write, report and edit in a fair, balanced way. And if you ever see evidence that we failed in this mission, please let us know.

Politics

How would you describe your political beliefs?

I am not registered to any political party, but I tend to be more liberal and democratic than anything else. What’s important to me are the issues, how we choose to address those issues and how we can come together to fix problems that impact our communities, our state, our nation and the world. 

Religion

How religious would you consider yourself? (casual, observant, devout, non religious) 

I believe in God and know that all things are possible through Him. I grew up in a Baptist/AME/nondenominational circle, but whatever the case I am a Christian.

Local Hot-Button Issues

What do you think are the most important issues facing the community? Where do you stand on each of these issues?

I think an important issue in the Irmo community is the mayoral race to be held in November. Longtime mayor John Giboons isn’t seeking another term. Raising chickens in one’s backyard has also been a topic of discussion in the community. With all communities, the areas of education and economic growth are also important.