KELOLAND NEWS MULTIMEDIA JOURNALIST
KELOLAND WEBSITE
KELOLAND EMPLOYEE OF THE QUARTER 2023
KELOLAND WEBSITE
KELOLAND News has been a part of Sioux Falls for over 70 years. KELOLAND News continues to provide viewers with local news, breaking news and news from across South Dakota and surrounding areas. I'm honored to contribute to the long legacy at KELOLAND!
KELOLAND BIO
KELOLAND EMPLOYEE OF THE QUARTER 2023
KELOLAND WEBSITE
https://www.keloland.com/author/renee-ortiz/
I have reported hundreds of stories since starting at KELOLAND News. You can find some of my best reports below.
KELOLAND EMPLOYEE OF THE QUARTER 2023
KELOLAND EMPLOYEE OF THE QUARTER 2023
KELOLAND EMPLOYEE OF THE QUARTER 2023
Learning from my peers at KELOLAND allowed me to teach our new hires and interns the in's and out's of broadcast journalism.
I was able to teach them newswriting, video shooting, editing and their on-camera work.
Because my involvement in the newsroom, I was awarded Employee of the Quarter and was also nominated for Employee of the Year!
HARD HITTING NEWS
One of my goals at KELOLAND News was to push myself to report the harder stories. I worked collaboratively with colleagues and supervisors to understand how to bring the harder stories to viewers.
‘It just never ends’; longtime victim of Greg Farrar speaks out
I did a three part investigation into Greg Farrar. He has a long history of stalking, harassing and in some cases assaulting women in Southeastern South Dakota. Starting this investigation led me to Stephanie Reiners, a longtime victim. She tells her story for this report.
‘This was a deeper issue’; Hurley man convicted of harassing multiple women faces new charges
More than two decades after he was convicted of harassing nearly a dozen women, a Hurley man faces new allegations. 70-year-old Greg Farrar is charged with sexual contact and trespassing. Investigators are now asking other potential victims to come forward.
Greg Farrar's Sentencing Hearing
I continued following Farrar's journey through the courts. I travelled to Olivet, South Dakota to sit in on Farrar's sentencing. I was able to request audio to bring this courtroom hearing back to the viewers.
https://www.keloland.com/news/local-news/greg-farrar-sentencing-hearing/
‘This is definitely a parent’s worst nightmare’
People across KELOLAND rallied behind an Aberdeen family facing a parent's worst nightmare. Charlie Murano was 15 months old when he diagnosed with P-NET, a rare, aggressive form of cancer that attacks the brain. The family is now doing what they can to Fight for Charlie.
This story reached viewers in South Dakota, New York, California and Texas and raised over 25K for the family.
https://www.keloland.com/news/local-news/this-is-definitely-a-parents-worst-nightmare/
Watertown decapitation murder trial underway
The murder of Kendra Owen shook the Watertown community in 2020. I followed the case of Jeremiah Peacemaker through the Codington County Court system. Peacemaker was charged with killing Kendra Owen in 2020.
https://www.keloland.com/news/local-news/watertown-woman-decapitation-murder-trial-underway/
‘Praying for Ky and just rooting for him’; 14-month-old’s journey with brain cancer
22-year-old Shanya Skiles and 21-year-old Kade Lynott met in college when they were attending Iowa State University, they had their son Ky in 2022. Everything was wonderful for the new family until the start of this year, when the 14-month-old was diagnosed with brain cancer.
Parker man gets 4+ years for killing 4-month old baby
I travelled to Parker, SD to cover this report. Phillip Delaney was charged with murder in 2022 after he shook and killed his partner's 4 month old baby boy. He was sentenced to 4 1/2 years in prison. I spoke with Attorney General Marty Jackley to learn more about the sentencing.
‘It’s been going on a few years’; Former dance instructor accused of soliciting minor
A former Sioux Falls dance coach appeared in court on multiple charges of soliciting a minor. Kevin Thongvanh worked as a dance instructor with the Sioux Falls School District and a local dance academy. After this story aired, three more victims came forward to assist in the investigation.
SF man arrested for raping runaway minor
A report of a missing 15-year-old Sioux Falls girl led to a three-day investigation, an arrest, and sex charges. I spoke with local law enforcement about the case and the importance of children staying safe on social media.
https://www.keloland.com/news/local-news/man-arrested-for-raping-runaway-minor/
‘She was just a really good kid’: Family shares daughter’s story of suicide
I spoke with the Farmer family who lost their 14-year-old daughter, Mali, to suicide. They told her story in the hopes of spreading awareness and support for those struggling with their mental health.
Sioux Falls man sentenced to 50 years for killing man and burning body
Three years after he beat and shot a man and started his body on fire, Lamont Walker was sentenced to 50 years in prison. I followed this case and brought this report from the courtroom to viewers.
FEATURES
Becoming an MMJ taught me the importance of finding stories across all communities. Every day I traveled l across the state and beyond to bring stories of individuals and groups working to make a difference in KELOLAND. Below are some of my favorite stories for writing, shooting, and editing!
Hundreds of eagles nest in Clark County, SD
Residents in Clark Country, South Dakota received a visit from a large flock of winged friends. These eagles young and mature nested by the hundreds near Lake Mud to feast on fish. I had so much fun creating this nature filled report!
https://www.keloland.com/news/local-news/hundreds-of-eagles-nest-in-clark-county-sd/
‘I knew I could be a fighter’; Minnesota woman fulfills lifelong dream
I travelled to Marshall, Minnesota and Brookings, South Dakota for this report. I spoke with Rachel Moat about her journey with colon cancer and the support she received from Avera Health. She was able to attend a concert and meet one of her favorite artist Scotty McCreery!
SDSU ‘Space Trajectory’ team aims for the moon with their space rover
Surviving someplace other than Earth sounds like a sci-fi movie but students and staff at South Dakota State University College of Engineering in Brookings are working on a project that might make that possible. I spoke with Space Trajectory about their work with the rover and showed their design to thousands of our viewers. The team placed 3rd, won 75K, and will head to NASA to continue forward in the competition!
‘We Love Lucy’: A documentary of hope and love
9 year old Lucy Larkins of Reno, Nevada was born with the genetic metabolic disorder NKH. The majority of patients die within the first week of life and those who do survive suffer from severe mental and developmental delays. Her 18 year old cousin Sean Baker, here in Sioux Falls, decided to write, produce, and shoot his own documentary about her journey.
https://www.keloland.com/news/local-news/we-love-lucy-a-documentary-of-hope-and-love/
‘Birds are awesome’: Armour educator teaches with birds & Galapagos
Kelly Preheim has worked as an elementary school teacher at Armour Elementary for over 30 years. Her love for photography and birds led her to apply for a research expedition through National Geographic. She was one of 50 educators selected to be a National Geographic Grosvenor Teacher Fellow and spent 10 days researching in the Galapagos!
Kimball teenager raises $5,200 for Midwest Honor Flight
Five years ago, 13 year old Jhett Kirsch decided to open a food shack at his house in Kimball, SD. Over the next five years, he donated all the money he raised to different veteran causes. This year he presented a check for over $5,000 to the president of Midwest Honor Flight.
https://www.keloland.com/news/local-news/kimball-teenager-raises-5200-for-midwest-honor-flight/
Generational traditions in the golden fields of Estelline
Dakota Ringneck Lodge has hosted hundreds of hunters from across the country. I caught up with a group from Chicago, IL who has been coming to the lodge for pheasant season for the past 20 years. Now the group is bringing their sons in hopes of continuing the tradition.
https://www.keloland.com/news/local-news/generational-traditions-in-the-golden-fields/
EYE ON KELOLAND's
Every month I bring two longer features as part of KELOLAND News Eye on KELOLAND series. With every EYE story, I try to engage our viewers with interesting video work and writing. Below are some of my favorite reports!
A gift for the grieving
The topic of miscarriage can be a difficult conversation but one Sioux Falls mom decided she would do what she could to support other moms who have experienced a miscarriage with her non-profit. These women told their brave stories in this Eye on KELOLAND.
https://www.keloland.com/news/eye-on-keloland/a-gift-for-the-grieving/
Finding your voice
Angelica Mercado-Ford is a Mexican immigrant. She's an advocate, artist, poet and, educator. She used debate to find her own voice and now works to teach students to do the same!
https://www.keloland.com/news/eye-on-keloland/finding-your-voice/
A passion for robotics
Tiger Robotics team 'Capten' from Harrisburg’s High School’s Robotics Club are on a roll, winning numerous state and even global competitions. I spoke with the team about creating and building their robot 'Jim'. The team went on to win the 2023 Vex Robotics World Championship.
40 years of helping kids stick to the ice
Bob Schmid has worked as Atoms Youth Hockey League head coach for 40 years. In that time he's coached hundreds of kids, and even some of their parents. A heartwarming story about the passion of hockey!
A celebration to remember
Every year students at Spanish Immersion school Sonia Sotomayor celebrate Dia De Los Muertos. I decided to incorporate Spanish and English to tell this story!
https://www.keloland.com/news/eye-on-keloland/eye-on-keloland-a-celebration-to-remember/
Sioux Falls Planetarium offers out of this world experience
The Washington Pavilion announced the construction of the first ever planetarium in Sioux Falls. I took viewers inside to see the cutting edge technology and beautiful images!
https://www.keloland.com/news/local-news/planetarium-offers-out-of-this-world-experience/
What does it take to Corn a Palace?
Every year, thousands of people from across the country and here in South Dakota travel to Mitchell to see the the World's Only Corn Palace. But what goes into making these murals of kernels?
https://www.keloland.com/news/eye-on-keloland/what-does-it-take-to-corn-a-palace/
REMARKABLE WOMEN
During my time at Keloland News, I have led multi-segment projects such as Remarkable Women. It has been so much fun bringing these stories of amazing women back to the viewers of KELOLAND!
2024 Remarkable Women Promo
Every Tuesday during Women's History Month in March, Keloland News highlights the stories of women in South Dakota and beyond with our Remarkable Women series. This was the 2024 Promo video
History of Remarkable Women Contest
Throughout the month of March, KELOLAND News celebrates Women’s History month with our Remarkable Women nominees. But the contest goes beyond Keloland, it’s actually a nationwide initiative created by Nexstar Media. I explained the in's and out's of the contest in this Eye on KELOLAND.
https://www.keloland.com/news/eye-on-keloland/history-of-remarkable-women-contest/
Keloland's Remarkable Women 2024 Winner: Melissa Dittberner
And the winner is.... Dr. Melissa Dittberner! She's been in long term recovery for over a decade. When she decided to start her recovery, she went back to USD to earn her bachelor's, master's and PHD in addiction counseling and prevention. She also founded prevention services across the state.
https://www.keloland.com/news/local-news/dittberner-is-2024-remarkable-women-winner/
Remarkable Women 2024 Nominee: Melissa Dittberner
Remarkable Women 2024 Nominee: Sylvia Wolters
Keloland's Remarkable Women 2023 Winner: Vicki Stewart
Ever since she was a child, Vicki Stewart has used a wheelchair to move her forward. Now the 52 year old says she uses her chair and her voice to advocate for people with disabilities. Stewart says it’s an honor to be nominated and is proud to represent people with disabilities and women.
https://www.keloland.com/news/local-news/remarkable-women-2023-vicki-stewart/
Remarkable Women 2023 Nominee: Deb Hamer
MIDWEST HONOR FLIGHT
Every year Midwest Honor Flight provides an all expenses paid trip to Washington, D.C. for hundreds of veterans who served during WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. I tagged along for the 2022 Mission 12: Seed for Success.
I was very honored to share this experience with these men!
‘It’s a brotherhood:’ Marine recounts his service on Midwest Honor Flight
84 veterans, their guardians and Midwest Honor Flight crew began the day in Sioux Falls. They all received a warm welcome at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport for the start of the tour.
'A welcome I never got' Vietnam veterans reflect on Midwest Honor Flight
Out of the 84 veterans on this flight, 76 of them served during the Vietnam War. Many of the vets say this trip provided closure and relief for them.
Honoring and remembering WWII veterans
Missions with Midwest Honor Flight are starting to see fewer World War II vets. Anthony Reidell was the only veteran on this past weekend’s flight who served in World War II. The 99-year-old says vets from his era are disappearing but it’s events like these that make sure they are never forgotten.
https://www.keloland.com/news/local-news/honoring-and-remembering-wwii-veterans/
Korea and Vietnam veterans visit monuments in their honor
Korean and Vietnam veterans and guardians on the Honor flight walked between the watchful eyes of Abraham Lincoln and the towering Washington Monument. They visited three memorials for WWII, Korea, and the Vietnam War.
https://www.keloland.com/news/local-news/honor-flight-wraps-up-at-national-mall-memorials/
‘The whole day has been unreal’ Veterans welcomed back after DC trip
84 veterans returned to Sioux Falls from a day of touring memorials in the Washington, D.C. area to find that their Midwest Honor Flight experience was not over. They were welcomed back with cheers, bagpipes and handshakes.