Hello, Blue Earth! Some of you may recognize me, but others may not, so let me introduce myself.

My name is Paula Gibbins. I am a new staff writer for the Register. Those who recognize me may remember me as the editor of the Winnebago Voice newspaper, which recently published its last issue.

This was my first week at the Register, and so far, it’s been a grand new adventure. While it’s similar to the work I did for the Voice, it has its own little quirks for me to get used to.

Now for a little background information on me. I am not from “around here” by any means, but I have lived in Minnesota longer than anywhere else, so I’m practically a Minnesotan.

I was born in Oklahoma and bounced around the country with my parents and two sisters until they settled in Austin where I graduated from high school.

From there, I went to Augustana College in Sioux Falls, S.D. and majored in English while minoring in philosophy.

For the first few months out of college, I was frantically and desperately hunting for a job. When I was just about ready to throw in the towel, I stumbled upon an opening in Austin to work as an AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America).

During my one-year stint as a VISTA, I worked with the literacy program at the Community Learning Center.

After that, I spent a short time working as a cashier at Target before being hired for the Winnebago Voice position.

And that brings us back to the present.

In my free time, I enjoy watching movies and TV with my husband and two cats, reading, cross-stitching and knitting. During the summer months, I look forward to fishing and picking fresh vegetables from my garden.

And, while I’m working, I look forward to seeing all of you while I’m covering events around the county.