The Clark Fork Valley Press has a new face as Plains native and long-time resident Douglas Wilks has taken over as reporter and photographer.

A 1982 graduate of Plains High School, Wilks wrote and served as the main photographer for the school newspaper under the guidance of Ron Rude and Randall Fink.

Though he lived out of state for several years, Wilks says he is happy to be back where he grew up.

“I consider Plains and Sanders County to be my home. The people here have traditional values, are honest, hard-working, willing to help others, and are very friendly,” he said. “I have known many people for decades and they are very strong mentors, friends, and are very positive influences on my life.”

After high school, Wilks attended the University of Montana in Missoula, where he studied journalism for two years. In 1998, Wilks earned his Bachelor of Science degree in developmental psychology from Eastern Washington University and also earned two minors, one in history and one in alcohol and drug counseling.

Wilks worked as a licensed chemical dependency professional in Spokane, Washington, for nearly nine years, and moved back to Plains in 2009 to help care for his elderly parents. Since moving back to Plains, Wilks has worked as a professional cook at a senior center, in a plant nursery, with developmentally disabled individuals in a group home, a cook in an assisted living facility and as a night watch in a private boarding school.

Wilks took over as reporter and photographer at the Valley Press at the end of December.

When he is not at work, Wilks enjoys his passion for photography. He owns several lenses and is constantly adding new equipment to help improve his photography skills.

Other activities that interest Wilks include fishing, hiking, public speaking, volunteering and bowling. He has often volunteered his time and talents to several nonprofit organizations within Sanders County, including Toastmasters International, Plains Women’s Club, Plains-Paradise United Methodist Church, Cancer Network of Sanders County and the Sanders County Arts Council.

The son of Robert and Mary Lou Wilks, Doug said he plans to stay in Plains.

“Be assured that I intend to retire here and have absolutely no plans or intentions of leaving for any other newspaper, magazine or any other publications,” he said. “My hope is that our readers will continue to allow me to share their news, tell me their stories and engage me in conversation by phone, in person, emails or online. I hope readers will become emotional over what they read or don’t read in the paper and online, become much more involved in our communities, volunteer their time and talents, and help make the many communities in Sanders County an amazing place to live, work, and play.”

Editor Jeremy Weber can be reached at 406-883-4343 or editor@leaderadvertiser.com.