New reporter joins Jasper County Tribune, Prairie City News

The Newton Daily News announced Monday it is expanding the news coverage of its weekly publications with the hire of staff writer Alex Olp.

The 22-year-old reporter graduated in December from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh with a B.A. in journalism. He was a sports writer and assistant sports editor for the UW Oshkosh campus newspaper, The Advance-Titan and worked as an editorial assistant for FOX CITIES Magazine in Appleton, Wis.

Olp will tackle multiple beats for the Jasper County Tribune and Prairie City News, covering city government, community schools and local news. Growing up in a small town, Olp has a familiarity with the individuality rural and small communities hold in their culture.

“I take pride in my work, especially when I’m writing for smaller communities. I think it’s extremely important for people to know what is happening within their community, which is why I love my profession,” Olp said. “I’m excited to start a new chapter in my life, and learn more about the communities I will be working in.”

Olp will also be a contributing writer for the Newton Daily News. News Editor Mike Mendenhall said he is confident in Olp’s story-telling ability and looks forward to the new perspective the young journalist will bring to western Jasper County.