Teri Lynn Hansen of Marquette was recently hired at the Ellsworth County Independent-Reporter as a staff writer. Hansen comes with a long record of journalism experience.

“I am so happy to be writing about such amazing communities,” Hansen said. “Ellsworth County is so beautiful and full of interesting people, places and events. I hope to do it justice.”

In addition to writing for the I-R, Hansen is the primary reporter for The Marquette Tribune, the I-R’s sister publication.

Hansen was born in Moundridge and raised in Roxbury. She graduated from Smoky Valley and went on to join the United States Army. In 2012, she moved to Marquette to be near family who live in the area. After a few years, she moved again for a job opportunity, but came back to Marquette frequently.

“I’m happy to be back here and was honored to be given the opportunity to do what I love here,” she said.

Karen Bonar, who assumed duties at The I-R and Tribune in April, began using Hansen as a freelancer this summer.

“Teri is an enthusiastic team member and she brings excellent energy to our staff,” Bonar said. “She also has experience in ad sales, and brings additional ideas to the table.”

While in the Army, Hansen was a trained public affairs specialist which entails print and photojournalism, media relations and layout and design. She spent two tours in Baghdad during Operation Iraqi Freedom and also worked in Washington, D.C., for Warrior Citizen magazine. Hansen was honorably discharged in May 2012.

“My service in the military was an amazing experience,” Hansen said. “They trained me to be a soldier and a journalist, and writing quickly became my life.”

Since her discharge, Hansen has been a staff writer, photographer and editor for five publications in Kansas and two national publications. She and her family moved back to Marquette in April this year.

“Teri expressed interest in working in Marquette, providing local, timely stories,” Bonar said. “With her wealth of experience, I invited her to begin writing on a part-time basis for Ellsworth’s paper, too.”

In previous positions Hansen also worked as a page designer and editor.

“But I love writing and reporting,” she said. “It really is where my heart is.

Hansen can be reached via email at thansen@morrismultimedia. com. Story ideas, questions and concerns are always welcome.