The NEWS is pleased to announce that Lauren Collins has joined our newsroom.
Collins, 20, comes to Parksville from Surrey, where she was born and raised. Collins graduated from the journalism program at Langara College last spring. She has worked at Black Press's Cloverdale Reporter and Surrey Leader.
At The NEWS, Collins' primary responsibility will be our vibrant Arts and Life Section. She will also cover Qualicum Beach town council.
"I'm looking forward to meeting the people who are part of this lively arts community and the unique Town of Qualicum Beach," said Collins.
With the arrival of Collins, there have been some changes in who covers what at The NEWS. Reporter J.R. Rardon moves to the sports beat. Rardon worked in sports at The Oregonian in Portland, The Anchorage Daily News and The Seattle Times. He will retain his school district duties and add crime/police to his areas of responsibility.
Auren Ruvinsky takes over the Regional District of Nanaimo beat and has added environment and labour to his areas of responsibility. Editor John Harding sticks with Parksville city council and adds health-care issues to his list of beats.
"We feel fortunate to have Lauren join our team," said Harding. "She comes highly recommended and it's refreshing to see a young journalist make a commitment to our community. J.R. brings a wealth of experience to our sports pages, along with his fantastic photography skills. Auren has been in our newsroom the longest and has a real grasp of the region's issues, which will be valuable as he shifts to regional district coverage."
To contact Collins, call 250-905-0027 or e-mail reporter@pqbnews.com.
To contact Rardon, call 250-905-0028 or e-mail sports@pqbnews.com or news@pqbnews.com.
To contact Ruvinsky, call 250-905-0026 or e-mail writer@pqbnews.com.
To contact Harding, call 250-905-0019 or e-mail editor@pqbnews.com.