The Star Tribune Media Company, the largest news organization in the Midwest, announced Kim Hyatt’s transition to the new role of North Central reporter. Hyatt joined the Star Tribune in 2019 covering the Twin Cities suburbs and most recently Hennepin County Courts. Before joining the Star Tribune, Hyatt worked as an investigative journalist for the Forum of Fargo-Moorhead and started her career a decade ago at the Owatonna People’s Press. She will be joining Reid Forgrave, Chris Vondracek and other members of the Star Tribune staff at the Minnesota Matters Event in Brainerd on Tuesday, June 18.
"This is such a surreal experience and an opportunity I never anticipated," she said. "I know the area so well, but I know many surprises are in store. I can't wait to meet new and familiar people while roaming the Northland."
As a North Central Minnesota native, Hyatt felt compelled to apply to the new job posting. It’s where her family still lives and a region she cares about deeply. She’s returning with her new mission in mind: “Giving the Northland the attention it deserves.”
“We’re excited to add Kim to our talented Greater Minnesota reporting roster,” said Suki Dardarian, editor and senior vice president of the Star Tribune. “The team will continue to add more depth and context to our whole newsroom’s coverage across the state of Minnesota.”
In her first month on the new beat, Hyatt has covered stories like a recent visit by the U.S. Department of Housing and Development in Bemidji, a cannabis dispensary opening on Leech Lake Reservation and a rare photo of a "cryptic" bobcat in her hometown of Laporte. In Sunday’s paper, she delved into the topic of vacation home rentals, including regulations passed in Crow Wing County. Hyatt looks forward to telling stories like these and more from North Central Minnesota as she begins her new role at the Star Tribune.
Hyatt will be available for a meet and greet Tuesday, June 18, at Minnesota Matters — The Future of Media Coverage in North Central Minnesota.
The Minnesota Matters event series is focused on fostering conversations and driving greater connections in communities across the state, as well as enhancing the Star Tribune's coverage across Greater Minnesota.
Star Tribune continues expansion into Greater Minnesota
This hire continues a series of investments the Star Tribune is making to enhance its coverage of Greater Minnesota. Earlier this year, the Star Tribune announced plans to expand coverage in Greater Minnesota and has recently embarked on a series of community conversations across the state. They recently hired a new Greater Minnesota Columnist, as well as a new Southeast Minnesota Reporter.
About Star Tribune Media Company:
Building on an extraordinary 157-year legacy that includes seven Pulitzer Prizes and hundreds of other awards, the Star Tribune Media Company is the Midwest’s largest news organization and is an unrivaled force for journalistic excellence in Minnesota. The Star Tribune has a vision to create the leading model for local news in America — driving innovation in media to make every Minnesotan’s life better. For more information, visit www.startribunecompany.com.
