WyoFile hires two reporters

WyoFile has hired two reporters to expand its coverage of statewide policy matters, and Wyoming’s Native American communities.

Ron Feemster will focus on the Wind River Indian Reservation, covering issues ranging from tribal affairs, culture and governance to health and education. Gregory Nickerson will serve as WyoFile’s statehouse reporter, covering everything from legislative work to governance of education and health matters.

“We are exceedingly pleased to add two talented reporters to our staff, both of whom share WyoFile’s love and appreciation for Wyoming and Wyoming people,” said Dustin Bleizeffer, WyoFile editor-in-chief.

Feemster has had a long career as both a journalist and a journalism educator. He recently completed two years as a visiting professor of journalism at the Indian Institute of Journalism and New Media in Bangalore, India, and previously taught journalism at Northwest College in Powell. Feemster earned his master’s degree at the Columbia Graduate School of Journalism in 1992, and has reported for New York Post, New York Times, Newsday and the Associated Press.

Feemster recently wrote about Wyoming’s pending decision to expand Medicaid for WyoFile.

“My hope is not merely to break news but to help shape the agenda in the state. I want lawmakers and advocates referring to WyoFile’s coverage when they discuss policy decisions. I think that goal is well within reach,” said Feemster.

Gregory Nickerson hails from Big Horn, and has a lifelong interest in Wyoming history and civics. He graduated from Carleton College in 2004 with a degree in American Studies, then worked as assistant curator during the expansion of the Sheridan County Museum. He also served as historical consultant for the Wyoming PBS film Drawn to Yellowstone, and spent two years in Philadelphia working as associate producer of a documentary series. Nickerson completed an MA in western history at the University of Wyoming in 2010, taking courses with Wyoming scholars Pete Simpson, Phil Roberts, and Sam Western. As a historian, he has written about Wyoming agriculture, aviation, and railroads, and made public presentations for the Wyoming Humanities Forum. An avid elk hunter, Nickerson has worked as a guide in the Gros Ventre Mountains.

“Online media is a great tool for encouraging dialogue and enhancing civic life in this state,” said Nickerson. “For the last five years, WyoFile has worked hard to provide insightful, in-depth journalism. I’m thrilled to contribute to that mission, and humbled by the opportunity to be in conversation with people who really care about Wyoming.”

The two new reporting positions are an integral part of a partnership between WyoFile, the Wyoming Community Foundation, Ethics and Excellence in Journalism Foundation and the Knight Community Information Challenge.

“With the addition of Ron Feemster and Gregory Nickerson, WyoFile is equipped to provide more in-depth and investigative reporting, which is increasingly important as legacy news media continue to make cuts in their newsrooms,” said Bleizeffer.

WyoFile is a member of the Investigative News Network and Associate Member of the Wyoming Press Association. WyoFile is a nonprofit, nonpartisan public service. As part of its public service mission, all original stories, columns and photographs produced by WyoFile are available for free to all Wyoming media. To learn more about WyoFile, and how you can support Wyoming journalism, please visit our “About WyoFile” page.