Reporter Parkinson on to new beginnings

I am saying farewell to the Lincoln County Record-Times.

I have received another opportunity for employment and felt it was in my best interest to take it.

I wrote my first story almost exactly a year ago.

Before starting at The Record-Times, I had been working 12-hour days and traveling for work. I was exhausted. Traveling for work seemed implausible, with gas prices jumping to $5 a gallon at that time.

Walking in downtown Odessa in summer 2021, I saw an ad for a job with the local paper and was curious if I would be considered. In late February of 2022, I applied and was given a chance.

Reporter Terrie Schmidt-Crosby, Managing Editor Drew Lawson and Free Press Publisher Roger Harnack cultivated a welcoming work environment.

The patience it takes to teach someone an entirely new skill is difficult.

Free Press Publishing was the first company I worked for that allowed me to learn and didn’t demand perfection outright.

This job has been rewarding in many ways, but the sense of community in Harrington and Odessa has been my favorite. Each community has brought different experiences to the table.

The coverage of the Harrington Car Show was one of the first events I covered. I enjoyed looking at all the vintage and newer cars that had been entered.

I’ve been able to interview rodeo queens, cover the primary and general elections and dab into investigative journalism.

I learned more about sports and enjoyed home games, even watching the Odessa Tigers in Moses Lake during the state football championships.

I will miss seeing the community through the paper, but I will still be in Odessa.

News tips and story ideas can continue to be emailed to therecord@odessaoffice.com. You can also reach out to Lawson directly at drew@cheneyfreepress.com.