Record welcomes new staffers

Published 2:41 pm Thursday, October 2, 2008

SNOQUALMIE — Two new faces have joined the Snoqualmie

Valley Record in recent weeks to replace departing members of the

newspaper’s family.

Barry Rochford is the new editor of the paper. Rochford, a Kansas

native, was formerly the city editor of the Kokomo Tribune, a daily

newspaper in central Indiana. He has previously worked as a reporter for

daily and weekly newspapers in Oregon and Kansas. Rochford graduated

from Wichita State University with a degree in journalism.

He takes over the reins as editor from Michelle Kimi Liu, who

worked as a reporter and editor at the Valley Record for almost two years.

She leaves to start a family with her husband, Jonathan.

Sue Randall replaces Jeanette Knutson as the paper’s copy

editor. Knutson left the paper to travel and visit family.

Randall owned and operated Mount Si Bowl _ now Adventure

Bowl _ for four years. A 1976 graduate of Mount Si High School, she has a

degree in English literature from the University of Washington.

Valley Record publishers Jim and Karen McKiernan said the addition

of Rochford and Randall will ensure the paper continues to report the local

issues that affect Valley residents.

“We’re really excited to have somebody in here with Barry’s

experience,” Jim McKiernan said. “The strengths of his journalism degree

and past positions will help us move to a new level of reporting. We

wish Michelle good luck in her future family endeavors and have

thoroughly enjoyed having her on the staff.”

He added he plans on introducing Rochford to the community in

the coming weeks.

Of Randall, McKiernan said, “It’s nice to get someone that we’ve

known in a business relationship, although Jeanette will be sorely missed.

Sue brings an English background that will help us ensure a continued

high-quality product.”

Rochford said he is excited about becoming a part of the Valley Record.

“The Valley Record has a history of covering the people, events

and ideas that most concern the surrounding area,” he said. “I look forward

to continuing that tradition.”

Randall, a longtime Valley resident, said, “I like the newspaper

business and I’ve always kind of hoped I’d be involved on a small newspaper,

what better than on my hometown newspaper.”