Last month the Snoqualmie Valley Record hired a new reporter. Penny Stickney started Sept. 18. She primarily will cover Snoqualmie news, including city government and feature stories of general interest. She replaces former reporter Sarah Haas, who left to take a job with MSN.

Publisher Jim McKiernan said Stickney separated herself from other finalists during the interview process.

“She showed a level of enthusiasm in the interview process that is refreshing to bring to our relatively small staff,” McKiernan said. “She seemed to fit into our mix well.”

Stickney said she enjoys the many aspects of community journalism.

“I like writing,” Stickney said. “I like talking to people and hearing about what’s happening in their lives.”

Stickney moved to Washington at the end of July from New York state. She now lives in Federal Way with her aunt and uncle. She moved to Washington to try a different job market in a place near family members.

In New York, Stickney was a reporter at the Oneida Daily Dispatch and previously worked as a stringer with the Livingston County News in Dansville, N.Y., and as an intern at the Meadville Tribune in Meadville, Penn.

She graduated with a degree in English with a psychology minor from Allegheny College in Meadville, Penn.

Stickney has also worked as a tutor, computer supervisor, camp counselor, daycare provider and bartender.

She said she looks forward to getting to know the people of the Snoqualmie Valley. When not chasing down stories for the Valley Record, Stickney spends her time playing volleyball and visiting the gym.