Staff Report

The Journal’s newest reporter Melissa Thorud started her new position on June 23. Thorud recently graduated from the University of Wisconsin- River Falls this spring with a Bachelor of Science in journalism and a minor in political science. She served as the editor of the university’s studentrun newspaper The Student Voice for two years and was involved with the organization during her four years at UWRF.

Before attending UW-River Falls and moving to River Falls full-time, Thorud lived in White Bear Lake, Minn. and attended Mahtomedi High School where she was involved in several extracurricular activities as well as competitively dancing.

Her love for writing and appreciation for journalism started in high school.

“I remember for the longest time when people asked me what I wanted to do when I grew up, I always said something in journalism!” Thorud said.

Thorud enjoyed reporting on student life and organizations as well as mental health awareness and loved the paper designing aspects she took on as the editor during her time with The Student Voice.

Thorud recently received an award from the Wisconsin Newspaper Association better collegiate newspaper contest for her breaking news story about COVID-19 on the UWRF campus. She looks forward to broadening her focuses going forward at The Journal.

Journal Editor Sarah Nigbor is pleased to bring another UWRF graduate on staff, who has multiple ties to River Falls and Pierce County.

“Melissa’s knowledge of and connections in River Falls will be an asset to The Journal as we strive to cover that city and our county more in-depth,” Nigbor said. “She’s wellrounded and meticulous in her reporting. I can’t wait to see what she does here.”

Outside of her time spent in the journalism program at UWRF she also developed an interest in politics.

“I originally planned to earn my degree in political science with a minor in journalism and do something in that field, but once I started taking some journalism courses, I knew that is where I was supposed to be,” she said.

Outside of her reporting here at The Journal, Thorud loves backpacking up on the North Shore of Lake Superior or taking a road trip. She has spent the last five years taking time in the summer to learn how to backpack safe and efficiently and she loves teaching others how to do the same. She also loves yoga, spending time at the lake, exploring River Falls and being with her family and friends.

Melissa Thorud