Shireese Bell, Patch Staff

I was born and raised in the Pee Dee. 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. 

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. 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. 

Local Hot-Button Issues

What do you think are the most important issues facing the community? 

With all communities, the areas of education and economic growth are always important issues as well as public safety.