By Jared Janzen
Local Yokel Reporter
Hello readers, it’s Jared. I’m one of the new full-time reporters who just joined the Tribune’s staff.
I moved to Hutchinson last week and have been having fun exploring so far. As I get to know more about the Hutch community, here’s a little information about myself so the community can get to know me.
I grew up not far from here in Newton. In high school, I was a bit aimless in terms of career path. I remember my high school counselor being concerned about me wanting to major in English but not wanting to teach and not knowing what I would do with the degree.
But then I discovered journalism.
My freshman year at Tabor College, I went to one of those activities fairs, where different clubs and organizations try to recruit new blood. I got to chatting with the guy in charge of the student newspaper, and I figured it would be a good way to get involved.
By second semester of my sophomore year, I was The Tabor View’s editor and added a communications major on top of English. I had a couple internships with local publications during college, and it was enough to make me decide that journalism was something to pursue after college.
Just a few days before I graduated, the publisher of The Harvey County Independent in Halstead fortuitously reached out to the faculty at Tabor, wondering if they had any students who might be interested in becoming editor of their newspaper. Talk about perfect timing.
I spent the next six-and-a-half years at the Independent covering the communities of Halstead, Burrton and Bentley. This turned out to be a great fit for me. I loved the small-town vibes but still had lots of unique opportunities over the years to write fun stories.
Pretty much any journalist could tell you that work-life balance in this field can be a challenge. By the end of 2022, I needed a break. I pivoted into a career in design/printing, and have been working at Copies & More in Newton and Hesston Prestige Printing in Hesston for the past few years.
Here I got to experience what it’s like to work an 8-5, Monday through Friday job without any demands on my evenings or weekends. With my extra free time, I was able to pursue some other goals. I rode my bike across Kansas in 2023. I ran a few marathons. I did some traveling.
But now the world of journalism has called me back.
I’m excited to join The Hutchinson Tribune staff and become part of this community. People I’ve met so far have been warm and inviting, and even strangers I’ve passed on the street have been friendly.
It seems there’s been a bit of a revolving door with the Tribune’s staff during its short history. My goal is to help bring some continuity to this publication. I want to be a trusted voice for the community, someone who’s recognizable and approachable.
So if you see me around town, feel free to introduce yourself, offer a story idea or just say hello. I look forward to meeting you.
Jared Janzen is a reporter for The Hutchinson Tribune. He can be reached at jared@hutchinsontribune.com.