Meet our new reporters: Sean Avery and Zach Thummel

For the last two years, I have operated as an Arts & Culture reporter for UO’s student-run newspaper, The Daily Emerald, where I combined my passion for writing with a budding infatuation for the arts. As the sole proprietor of the film and television beat, I became comfortable writing film reviews, addressing pop culture news and attending film festivals.

Away from the silver screen, I was given the liberty to explore stories and make connections well outside my beat, profiling some of Eugene’s most inspiring artists and individuals. I’m honored and amped to translate my artistic edge to Columbia Gorge News, plunge into Hood River’s music scene and unearth all the creative individuals this Pacific Northwest paradise has to offer.

Growing up nearby in Portland, I was well-exposed to the wonders of the Columbia River Gorge, frequently taking day trips via boat or car. As an avid lover of all things outdoors — hiking, cycling, swimming, you name it — I’m ecstatic to live and work in an area chock-full of recreational opportunities. Whether on the trail, in the water or in the office, it’s time to put pedal to the metal, touch as much grass as humanly possible and capitalize on every opportunity I can muster while youth and health remain.

In my spare time, you can find me frantically searching for new records to add to my growing collection, getting shots up on the basketball court, playing Geoguessr or biking around town. At this point in my life, there’s nowhere I’d rather be — where the beige, rolling hills of the Columbia Plateau meet the rocky, tree-laden peaks of the Cascade Mountains.

Roll on Columbia and go Ducks!

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Contact Sean at seana@gorgenews.com.

Zach Thummel

My name is Zach Thummel, and I just started reporting for Columbia Gorge News on Sept. 8. Originally from Asotin, Washington, I spent the last four years earning a degree in journalism and media production at Washington State University, in Pullman. Although I thoroughly enjoyed my younger years in Eastern Washington, I couldn’t be happier to call the Columbia Gorge and the state of Oregon my new home.

Growing up in a tight-knit community with a graduating class of 48, I became obsessed with sports and the opportunities that they can provide for a community. Raised by two educators as parents, I began to learn the ins and outs of the K-12 education system at a very young age and found a passion for making those around me better through sports.

During my senior year of high school, the COVID-19 pandemic threw a wrench in the flow of high school athletics, causing many student-athletes nationwide to miss out on extracurricular activities. This inspired me to pursue sports journalism in college and work to ensure student-athletes never feel left out.

At WSU, I covered high school and college sports for the student-led newspaper, the Daily Evergreen. My time at WSU provided a phenomenal foundation in journalism and furthered my interest in human development through sport. In addition to my studies, I worked at The Boys and Girls Clubs of America for a summer and coached middle school football for two years. I would love to get back into coaching as soon as I can.

However, sports and education aren’t my only interests. I’m a foodie, I love health and fitness and in my free time you’ll find me listening to standup comedy and comedy podcasts.

I believe that accurate and timely news is paramount to the foundation of our society moving forward, and that it’s my utmost responsibility as a journalist: to foster a trustworthy relationship with the community.

I’m very grateful to be a part of the community.

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Contact Zach at zacht@gorgenews.com.