Covering growth and development in Yakima

Sarah Jenkins, editor of the Yakima Herald-Republic in Washington state, writes Sunday about emphasizing coverage of growth and development in the area by naming a new reporter to the beat who will report directly to her.

Jenkins wrote, “Reporter Dave Lester has faced any number of challenging assignments in his 30-plus years with the Herald-Republic.

“But on Monday, he may face his most challenging: He will take on a newly designed ‘beat’ — or area of coverage — and will report directly to me.

“I see it as ‘challenging’ in the fun, exciting, energizing meaning of the word; I believe Dave sees it the same way. (At least, I hope he does.)”

Later, she wrote, “Dave Lester, who for the last decade or so has been reporting on Yakima County government and water supply issues, will take over a new beat called ‘growth and economic development.’ Dave’s duties will include taking a broader look at how the Yakima Valley is growing and what that means to all who live here. His stories should help readers connect the dots between government reporting, business reporting and environmental reporting by looking at the bigger picture.”

“Dave will often team up with Mai Hoang, who has been our primary business reporter since March 2006.”

Read more here.Â