Karla Ramaekers

I’ve never been shy. My loved ones have always known me to be blunt and outspoken, and most likely to steal the punch line to their stories. My love for being the first to know everything combined with my love for storytelling have helped me find my calling as a news reporter. I am blessed to start my career at KELOLAND News as the bureau reporter for the Black Hills.

Before coming to Rushmore State to attend the University of South Dakota, I grew up in a small town outside of Sioux City, Iowa. I had my first opportunity to work in television at USD where I anchored and produced weekly news broadcasts on KYOT-TV. As a junior, I packed up and moved south to Phoenix, Arizona where I completed my first broadcast internship at KSAZ-TV.

I started my work at KELO as a news intern in May of 2007. During that experience, I developed a deeper passion for telling stories through pictures and sound and was given the opportunity to work hands-on with our award-winning staff. After completing the summer-long program, I was hired to work as a part-time reporter during weekends and holidays. I am humbled by the time my experienced co-workers have spent to help me become the person I am today.

I look forward to reporting the stories important to people living in Western KELOLAND. If you have any story ideas you’d like to see, email me at kramaekers@keloland.com.