Pony Express

Written By Andrew B Church

Meet Andy Berlan and Melinda Berlan, the "Chip and Joanna Gaines" of Hearne, Texas. In addition to their full-time jobs, they flip local properties to help revitalize their beloved town.

In 2018, the Berans completed restoration on the vacant and withering Hearne post office, transforming it into a vibrant gathering place, the Pony Express Bar & Grill, which offers "Great Food, Drinks and Good Vibes," as well as live music and an energetic night life for all residents and passersby.

PRODUCED & EDITED by Andrew B Church
Some images courtesy of Pony Express Bar & Grill
Featuring the Patriot Road band

Andrew B Church

Andrew earned his MA in Journalism at Baylor University in Waco, Texas, in 2018, and his BA in photojournalism at the University of Missouri, Columbia in 2009.

In 2010, Andrew joined the United States Navy. He served as a media correspondent aboard USS Wasp and was awarded the Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation Medal for his coverage of international shipboard operations in 2011. He was promoted to media director, developing large-scale, cross-platform multimedia products for global dissemination aboard USS Bonhomme Richard, USS Germantown, and USS New York. In 2013, he was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for his coverage of joint naval operations in the South China Sea. He helped shape official Navy training of media personnel and reset the bar in multimedia design.

After his honorable discharge in 2014, Andrew continued his work in multimedia journalism by freelancing in photography, videography, graphic design, layout and design, digital animation, and multimedia production.

Andrew joined the Baylor Journalism, Public Relations, and New Media (JPRNM) department in 2017 and has been active in multiple programs focused on the development of teaching and academic leadership. He is interested in promoting the identity of small-town America, rebuilding local journalism, and producing mixed-media “micro-documentaries” to advance social cohesiveness and democratic action.

Andrew is CEO of Draft 13 Media, LLC, based in Columbia, Missouri, USA.

https://andrewbchurch.com
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