Lincoln County Editor deploys to D.C.

DAVENPORT — Lincoln County will temporarily say goodbye to one of its own as she trades her newsroom desk for a military uniform.

Olivia Harnack, 23, of Harrington, managing editor of the Lincoln County Record-Times and a member of the Idaho Army National Guard, deployed Monday, Feb. 16, to Washington, D.C. She is expected to return June 20.

During her absence, sports reporter Derek Bilodeaux, 38, of Davenport, will take on full-time reporting duties. And correspondent Byrne Bennett of Reardan, will continue to provide part-time assistance.

Harnack’s weekly column, previously titled A Little Bit of County, will continue under the new name ‘Reporting’ for Duty, highlighting her experiences and observations while deployed. She also plans to conduct research in the capital’s archives on local service members, past and present, and encourages residents with relatives or friends who served to email her at editor@odessarecord.com.

“This deployment is truly an honor,” Harnack said. “I’m the only woman in my family to wear the uniform, and the only person in my generation on the Harnack side to enlist.”

Harnack said will contribute to the newspaper while in D.C.

“Even though I’ll be away, I plan to continue sharing our county’s stories. I’ll be researching residents who are living, veterans who have passed, or those who were KIA or MIA,” she said. “It’s a way for me to honor our community while doing what I love and serving my country.”

She called the assignment a dream come true, noting deployments are competitive.

“I’ll miss graduations, prom, car shows, rallies and just seeing everyone around town, but this is a chance I’ve always hoped for,” she said. “It’s an adventure, a responsibility and a privilege all at once.

“I am so grateful I get to do this.”

Also leaving the office temporarily is Winnie, the 4-inch-tall office mascot.

The “wiener dog” will stay with family and enjoy a warm late winter by the fireplace and early spring surrounded by tennis balls.

“I am so thankful for everything Lincoln County has given me,” Harnack said. “I can’t wait to return in June to the county where I feel most at home.

“I’ll be so proud to share everything I’ve learned and experienced while representing our community in uniform.”

“I am so thankful for everything Lincoln County has given me,” Harnack said. “I can’t wait to return in June to the county where I feel most at home, and I’ll be so proud to share everything I’ve learned and experienced while representing our community in uniform.”