About Us

The Mirror is Federal Way's first choice for local news and happenings. Published on Wednesdays and Saturdays with a circulation of more than 33,000 papers, The Mirror covers hot issues and interesting people in this city of 85,000-plus residents. The Mirror is always looking for local contributors.

Your Community News Team

	Office manager Teryl Heller 253-925-5565	Hi, I'm Teryl Heller, the front desk person and office manager. I can help you with legal advertising and with placing an obituary in the newspaper. I've been with The Mirror for almost eight years. I am glad to answer any questions you may have and direct you to the best person on staff to assist you. To place an obituary, wedding announcement or engagement announcement, e-mail Teryl Heller at theller@fedwaymirror.com or call (253) 925-5565.
	Mirror editor Andy Hobbs 253-925-5565	Andy Hobbs became editor of The Mirror in June 2006. Before that, he worked as a copy editor, community news editor and columnist for the East Valley Tribune in Mesa, Ariz. In 2000, he graduated from Franklin College in Indiana with a degree in journalism. Hobbies include playing guitar, writing, reading, hiking, traveling and any outdoor activities. Andy and his wife, Amanda, are the proud parents of a son, William, who turns 2 in August. Check out their blog at http://andyamandawilliam.blogspot.com
	Reporter Jacinda Howard (253) 925-5565	I cover the Federal Way city government and police beats, and have been with The Mirror a little more than one year. I graduated from Western Washington University with a bachelor's degree in journalism in summer 2006, and was hired here approximately seven months later. It was a long wait, but I was determined to work for a paper that covered a wide array of controversial issues while maintaining a strong sense of ethics. The Mirror has provided great learning opportunities, and I have found it engaging to learn how a city government operates. In my spare time, I work a part-time job at a coffee shop. I also enjoy being in the outdoors and challenging myself at new and demanding activities. I'm looking forward to this summer, and am eager to travel Washington's coastline, complete an annual trip through Ape Cave lava tube, go camping, bungee jumping, river rafting, hiking and jogging on Ruston Way, among numerous other things. Please feel free to e-mail me with any story ideas or comments: jhoward@fedwaymirror.com.
	Advertising coordinator, Publisher Rudi Alcott 253-925-5565	Rudi Alcott started Feb. 4 as The Mirror's new publisher. He arrived from Swift Communications, where he was employed as a circulation, sales and marketing manager for the Greeley Tribune in Colorado. Prior to that position, he worked for the former King County Journal as director of circulation marketing and director of sales technologies. Before entering a newspaper career seven years ago, Alcott worked in sales and fundraising. Alcott intends to maintain The Mirror's mission of providing intensely local news and serving as a voice in Federal Way. "When you get to the real grass-roots of the community, that's what community newspapers are all about," he said. Alcott and his high school sweetheart, Angie, have been married 18 years. They have two sons: Connor, 10, and Corbin, 8. To learn more, e-mail Alcott at publisher@fedwaymirror.com.
	Sports editor Casey Olson (253) 925-5565	For the best coverage of Federal Way sports, Mirror sports editor Casey Olson is your guy. Olson reports news on local athletes (current and former) as well as the human side of sports. His "Sidelines" column tackles anything from high school recruiting and Super Bowl bets to pondering whether Archie Manning's DNA should be treated like sperm from a champion thoroughbred race horse. Olson, a Gonzaga University graduate, can also bench press a school bus. With one hand.
	Reporter Margo Hoffman (253) 925-5565	I have been covering education and community-related features for The Mirror since 2006. Prior to that, I worked as the public safety beat reporter for the Record Searchlight in Redding, Calif., and as an intern and general assignments reporter at the Seattle Post-Intelligencer. I am a graduate of Western Washington University, and also attended Highline Community College and Mount Rainier High School in Des Moines. I am thrilled to be working at a paper where I can focus on intense local coverage and be immersed in the community. I recently got married and my hobbies include cooking, reading, hiking and relaxing at the river on sunny days.