CHENEY - A local woman has been hired to juggle office duties, classified advertising and more at Free Press Publishing.
Valerie Mitchell, 51, a longtime Cheney resident, is now one of the first two people customers and advertisers meet when they walk in the door of the Cheney Free Press, 1616 W. First St.
"I've never been in the newspaper industry before but it has always intrigued me," Mitchell said.
"In this post-pandemic era, we're excited to find a customer-oriented receptionist who cares about the community," Owner/Publisher Roger Harnack said. "To top that off, she brings a complement of customer-service and office skills – and a smile."
Mitchell said she likes working locally and appreciates that Free Press Publishing is a family-owned local business.
"My first couple weeks have been busy learning how to format obituaries and place classified ads, ensuring that I meet the deadlines for each of our six papers," Mitchell said.
Outside of the office, she enjoys photography and spending time with her family.
Mitchell has already had photographs published in the newspaper.
Mitchell has lived in Cheney since 1978, when her father moved here for a position at Telephone Utilities, she said.
Her and her husband have raised three children here.
"I am focused on my husband, kids, and grandkids," she said. "But working here has been a good career move for me."
Lucas is a former Cheney Free Press managing editor. He is a nationally published author who contributes regularly to several publications across the country.
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