ARLINGTON — Readers of The Arlington Times recently saw a new name reporting their news.

Adam Rudnick is a Washington native and a graduate of Western Washington University who lives in Bellingham with his wife, Lindsey, and their dog, Lola.

Rudnick’s journalism career has included two and a half years with the Skagit Valley Herald, the Argus in Mount Vernon and the Courier-Times in Sedro-Woolley, during which time he wrote hundreds of news, feature and sports stories.

During his time at WWU, Rudnick also honed his communication skills while organizing work groups as a park aide and specialist for the Washington Conservation Corps.

As he familiarizes himself with his new “home town,” Rudnick expressed his gratitude to the Arlington community for the greetings they’ve given him.

“I didn’t really know what I was getting into with Arlington, but everyone I’ve met has been so welcoming that it’s made my transition really painless,” Rudnick said. “When I approached the mayor at the first City Council meeting I covered, she laughed and said, ‘I already know who you are.’ It’s a nice way to meet new people.”

Rudnick began his journalism career as more of a fan of of feature-writing, but while he’s retained his fondness for personality profiles, he’s also developed an appreciation for “hard news” stories.

“This job is an excuse for me to get to know different people and different things I didn’t know before,” Rudnick said. “I like the people I’m working with here, and I really like to write.”

Rudnick wants members of the community to see him as approachable enough for them to contact with their story ideas.

“I’ve already received a few calls from folks who have said, ‘I don’t normally call the newspaper,’ but I like hearing from them,” Rudnick said. “I hope they don’t see me as intimidating. I’d like to make a positive impression on them, so they feel comfortable contacting me again.”

Rudnick will report mostly for The Arlington Times, but his stories will appear on occasion in The Marysville Globe, as well.