New Members Of Times Team

WAITSBURG - Two new additions to the Times staff will improve the weekly publication for readers and advertisers.

NEW REPORTER

Morgan Smith, our new Dayton reporter, started her position with the Times Family last week. She had been working intermittently as a freelancer for the Times since February. Smith, a recent Washington State University graduate, is focused on covering news, community events and sports in Dayton and Columbia County.

Smith, who turns 23 in July, brings a bright personality, energy and experience to the Times team. She has worked on her college's daily newspaper in many capacities, including as editor in chief.

Smith currently lives in Walla Walla and will soon be residing in the Touchet Valley. In her spare time, she enjoys poetry, music, wine and her significant other, Isaac Huether.

With Smith on staff, the Times will be devoting more time and stories to Dayton School Board, Columbia County government and she will be the go-to gal for Dayton sports teams.

In addition to her writing and photo expertise, Smith will increase the Times' presence in Dayton by holding regular office hours in the Times Dayton office behind the Manila Bay restaurant.

She will be holding interviews in the office and will be available to meet the community, answer questions and take news information on local weddings and anniversaries.

She will staff the office Thursday and Friday from 8 a.m. to noon starting immediately. Stop by and say hello. You can also contact her through her email account: news@waitsburgtimes.com.

NEW ADVERTISING MANAGER

Larry Davidson, our new advertising guru, began his position with the Times three weeks ago. Davidson, 50, has lived in the Waitsburg area for about one year. In his position, he will be working with advertising and legal notice clients to use the newest technologies to create and print eye-catching, effective ads.

Davidson has worked as an Internet guru, business consultant, wine sommelier and professional musician in his career. He participates in a local band called the Wicker Chair Rhinos that plays modern, alternative, folk, rock, blues and country music. Davidson has a cat named Abigail, a daughter, Elanor, who is 15, and he said he considers himself an amateur gourmet chef. Elanor is named after a flower described in the Lord of the Rings books.

"I love the community and I was looking for a way to expand my involvement in the Valley," Davidson said.

Davidson will be focusing on bringing quality work and great communication to the position - better than Times clients have ever experienced before, he said.

Davidson will work for the Times part time and will be in the office during business hours on Monday and Tuesday. He will work different hours during the latter part of the week and he can receive messages and ad requests at advertising@waitsburgtimes.com.

The Times office hours at our Waitsburg location are Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.