Derek Olson

I started working at KELOLAND News in the spring of 2008, first as a production assistant, then as a sports reporter. Having grown up in a household where KELO was the only local news that was ever on the television, I felt at home in the newsroom and was able to learn from the best.

My path to journalism certainly wasn't a straight line though. After graduating from Joe Foss High School, I chose to enter the workforce instead of going right into college. I worked in retail, spent time cooking and serving in restaurants, enjoyed manning the front desk at two local hotels and spent two years as a truck driver.

The people I met and the experiences I gained at all of these places provided me with a different sort of education and motivated me to get into school so that I could tell their stories. I studied journalism at SDSU, though I attended the bulk of my classes at the University Center in Sioux Falls.

After living in and around Sioux Falls for my whole life, I was thrilled to get the opportunity to move to Rapid City and tell the West River story. The views are breathtaking, the people are friendly and there always seems to be something interesting happening.

If you have any story ideas you can email them to me.

 Email Derek

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