Burke County, N.C.’s, local news leader, The Paper, promoted Josh McKinney to managing editor, a newsroom leadership role designed to strengthen daily operations, story planning, and communication across the newspaper’s editorial operations.
McKinney has been a member of The Paper’s editorial team since 2023, most recently as assistant sports editor.
As Managing Editor, he will work with Executive Editor Angela Kuper Copeland to help guide newsroom workflow, story flow, and weekly budget planning.
McKinney will help coordinate the movement of stories from assignment to publication, support reporters in meeting deadlines, and work with Copeland to keep weekly coverage priorities aligned with The Paper’s mission.
McKinney’s promotion reflects The Paper’s broader effort to build a sustainable local news operation around strong reporting, thoughtful editing, and strong internal systems.
The promotion comes as The Paper continues to strengthen its role as Burke County’s locally owned source for local journalism.
“Josh has earned the trust of this newsroom through his work ethic, calm judgment, and commitment to getting the work done,” Copeland said. “This promotion recognizes what he already brings to the team and gives him a larger role in helping us build a more focused, organized, and effective newsroom.”
A Burke County journalist with a strong background in local sports coverage, McKinney has helped document the athletes, coaches, teams, and communities that make sports an important part of life in the county.
“I am excited to step into a new role with The Paper, and I look forward to helping our talented team continue to put out a high-quality product,” McKinney said. “I am extremely grateful for this opportunity.”
McKinney is married to Christine McKinney and is the proud father of 14-month-old Norah.
The Paper is a locally owned print and digital newspaper based in Morganton, serving Burke County with local news, sports, features, public affairs coverage, and community journalism. The Paper is published by Morganton Media Group, LLC.
PICTURE BURKE / FOR THE PAPER
Pictured is a vacation Bible school group in the late 1950s from
Enon Baptist Church on Enon Road in Drexel. Seated at the center
(front) is Pastor Ralph Hensley. This congregation joined the
Catawba River Baptist Association on Oct. 3, 1869. Its first pastor
was Elder Elijah A. Allison. The church began with 44 charter
members, meeting in the home of Allen Berry. For many years, the
church held baptisms in Asberry’s Pond. Around 1886, a white frame
church building was constructed near the center of the present-day
cemetery. A brick church was built in 1924. The current brick
sanctuary with seating for around 400, a new organ, and 13
classrooms was completed in 1955. This image was created by Webb’s
Studio and submitted by Judy Willis to Picture Burke, a digital
photograph preservation project of the Burke County Public
Library.
PICTURE BURKE PHOTO OF THE WEEK
Page A2 | e-Edition | The Paper
PICTURE BURKE / FOR THE PAPER
Pictured is a vacation Bible school group in the late 1950s from
Enon Baptist Church on Enon Road in Drexel. Seated at the center
(front) is Pastor Ralph Hensley. This congregation joined the
Catawba River Baptist Association on Oct. 3, 1869. Its first pastor
was Elder Elijah A. Allison. The church began with 44 charter
members, meeting in the home of Allen Berry. For many years, the
church held baptisms in Asberry’s Pond. Around 1886, a white frame
church building was constructed near the center of the present-day
cemetery. A brick church was built in 1924. The current brick
sanctuary with seating for around 400, a new organ, and 13
classrooms was completed in 1955. This image was created by Webb’s
Studio and submitted by Judy Willis to Picture Burke, a digital
photograph preservation project of the Burke County Public
Library.
Alexey Pajitnov released the puzzle game Tetris on June 6, 1985.
Tetris was developed in the Soviet Union but the game quickly
spread worldwide.
FOR THE PAPER
Today is | Saturday, June 6, 2026
Day 157 of 2026 | 208 days remaining
Today is National Higher Education Day and National Gardening Exercise Day.
Historical note: Allied forces landed on the beaches of Normandy, France, on D-Day in 1944, launching the liberation of Western Europe during World War II.
On this date:
1844: The YMCA is founded in London.
1933: The first drive-in movie theater opens in Camden, N.J.
1944: Allied troops storm the beaches of Normandy on D-Day.
1968: Sen. Robert F. Kennedy dies after being shot in Los Angeles.
1984: Tetris, one of the world’s most popular video games, is released.
Birthdays:
Nathan Hale, American Patriot and soldier (1755)
Thomas Mann, German novelist and Nobel Prize winner (1875)
Billie Whitelaw, English Actress (1932)
Björn Borg, Swedish professional tennis player (1956)
Lawson Callahan, owner of Pat’s Snack Bar, was recognized with
the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Photos FOR THE PAPER
Thistle & Twig Flowers was recognized with the Picture Perfect
award.
FOR THE PAPER
With a Cherry on Top award went to Toner’s Irish Pub.
FOR THE PAPER
Thornwell Books earned the Breath of Fresh Air award.
FOR THE PAPER
The Morganton Downtown Development Authority honored three downtown businesses and a downtown business owner in its annual Downtown Distinguished Awards last week.
Picture Perfect: Thistle & Twig Flowers
This award recognizes excellence in a Morganton DDA Member Business that consistently creates an attractive, inviting and vibrant presence in our community with unique storefronts, seasonal themes, and welcoming views to those whose pass by.
With a Cherry on Top: Toner’s Irish Pub
This award celebrates a Morganton DDA member business that consistently provides exceptional customer service, going above and beyond to exceed customer expectations.
Breath of Fresh Air: Thornwell Books
This award celebrates a Morganton DDA member business that has hosted an innovative and engaging event or program, either new or recurring, that significantly contributes to the vibrancy of our downtown community.
Lifetime Achievement Award: Lawson Callahan
With longstanding roots in the restaurant business, Lawson brings a sense of history and family to Pat’s Snack Bar. Callahan’s grandparents opened the restaurant, which has been in the same spot for 50 years and in the same block since the 1960s.
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