WINNEMUCCA - Jessica Powell has joined the editorial staff at the Humboldt Sun as a staff writer. Her news beats include the city of Winnemucca, Humboldt County schools, law enforcement, among other reporting duties.
Powell is a 2011 graduate of Georgia State University in her hometown of Atlanta. After a brief stint studying marine biology on the pre-vet track at the University of Tampa, she switched majors and completed a journalism degree with a concentration in public relations and a minor in English.
During the 2011 summer, Powell completed a marketing internship at Habitat for Humanity DeKalb County, a non-profit that she had volunteered for in the past.
After graduating from GSU last August, she began the search for a career in her field. When December came and went and she was still without a job, an opportunity arose to leave Atlanta and head west to Winnemucca.
Although Powell's education was more tailored to public relations than print journalism, she said she always hoped to one day work at a newspaper. After arriving in Winnemucca, she set her sights on the Humboldt Sun and when a position became available, she was eager for the challenge.
Humboldt Sun Managing Editor Steve Lyon said he is thrilled Powell relocated to Winnemucca and wants to pursue journalism. A community newspaper is a great place to start, he said, especially one that cares deeply about the issues that affect readers.
"Her reporting has been fair and accurate. She's an asset to the newspaper, a welcome member of the Sun's editorial team. She writes well both for news and features," Lyon said.
Powell is getting to know the community and citizens of Winnemucca, a big change of scenery and pace from Atlanta. She looks forward to covering the many news beats required of a small-town reporter and keeping the Sun's readers up to date on important issues.
"I am grateful for the opportunity that I have been given and I am enjoying the change of pace that northern Nevada has offered. I look forward to becoming part of such a wonderful community here in Winnemucca and such a great team here at the Humboldt Sun," she said.
Aside from literature and writing, animals are a true passion of Powell's. Her family had five cats and a dog. Her current animal companion is a black Lab mix named Ziggy, who was found injured on the side of the road.
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