2 welcome additions to TGI’s newsroom

LIHU‘E — The Garden Island announces the arrival of two new members to its team — sports writer Tyson Alger and special sections editor Judah Freed.

Alger is a recent graduate of The University of Montana School of Journalism and served as sports editor of the university’s paper, The Montana Kaimin. He also served as a summer intern for The Oregonian, a newspaper in Portland, Ore., where he covered numerous events, including Major League Baseball.

 Alger, who hails from Palmer, Alaska, says he is looking forward to bringing Kaua‘i the best sports coverage possible.

“I view this as a great opportunity,” Alger said. “I want to bring coverage of this great place to an all-new level in terms of multimedia and online opportunities, while at the same time retaining the great local and youth coverage that The Garden Island is known for.”

Freed, a media industry trade magazines writer, brings to TGI’s newsroom 30 years of journalism experience, most notably as the editor of the Denver, Colo., edition of The Colorado Daily and as editor of the Denver Downtowner, a weekly news publication.

“When I first came to Kaua‘i in 2009 to join with my future wife, we had dinner across the street from The Garden Island,” Freed said. “I said I want to work there. Dreams do come true.”

Freed is taking the reins from Kim Tamaoka, who left TGI earlier this month to join the staff of the Garden Island Federal Credit Union as the marketing coordinator.

“Tyson and Judah are welcome additions to The Garden Island’s newsroom,” TGI Managing Editor Nathan Eagle said. “The professionalism and initiative they’ve already demonstrated in their new positions gives me utmost assurance in their having a positive future at the paper as they endeavor to serve the local community.”

• Vanessa Van Voorhis, staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 251) or by emailing vvanvoorhis@thegardenisland.com.