Alex Jirgens joined KIMT as a multimedia journalist in January of 2018.

Title: Multimedia journalist

ajirgens@kimt.com

https://www.facebook.com/jirgensKIMT3/

I am a native of the Sunflower State...Kansas! I was born in Ottawa, grew up in Pleasanton (both near Kansas City), McPherson and then Lehigh (both near Wichita), where I grew up on a farm. After high school, I then attended Hutchinson Community College for two years. After a couple years of working and saving up, I went back to school, this time at Kansas State (Every Man a Wildcat!) in the Fall of 2015. I graduated in December 2017 with a B.S. in Journalism/Mass Communication, and minored in Geography.

I have been interested in media as a whole since I was a kid, where I would keep my ear next to the radio, my eyeballs were glued to the TV, and reading the newspaper before school. I first broke into broadcasting at radio stations KHUT and KWBW in Hutchinson, as a board operator for a Sunday morning church service and high school athletic broadcasts, in October 2012. In August 2013, I joined KBBE radio in McPherson, hosting a Sunday morning Christian music show. In addition, I produced commercials and weather updates, as well as hosting two New Year's Eve shows. In September 2015, I accepted two positions: one at Manhattan Broadcasting Company, where I was a DJ on two stations, delivered live severe weather coverage on four stations, hosted a halftime scoreboard show for Friday night football broadcasts, and later became a City Commission reporter and overnight newscaster; and another with K-State's campus station KSDB, where I hosted a live talk show called "Open Mic" once a week, and a couple of music shows, as well as producing station imaging and promotions. In addition, I also anchored, produced and directed newscasts for K-State's TV station KKSU. During the Summer of 2017, I was accepted into an internship program at all-news radio station 680 News/CFTR in Toronto, Canada, an experience I will never forget. I did everything from reporting and script writing to doing live traffic updates and business reports. In November 2017, I was offered a position at KIMT.

In my free time, I enjoy traveling and sightseeing (if there is anything I should see in Iowa or Minnesota that you recommend, please let me know!), cooking, attending live music and comedy events, listening to new and old music (I have a very diverse taste in music...from hip hop to soundtracks, I listen to it all!), rooting for the Wildcats, Chiefs, Royals, Packers (there's a long story behind that) and Vikings, and visiting with family and friends.

Microbreweries facing challenges during pandemic

In recent years, the microbrewery industry has taken off, and has contributed to local economies in many communities, large and small, across the country. But the pandemic is taking a toll on the bottom line, and owners are urging the public to support their local brewery.

Community Kitchen of North Iowa seeing a boost

An average of 150 meals are being served during lunchtime, and an increasing number of families are requesting meals as well

'Every farmer counts' during National Farm Safety and Health Week

The week promotes and recognizes the importance of farmer safety and health, including making safe decisions and using caution while in the field this harvest season

MercyOne encouraging everyone to participate in virtual Mercy Day 5K

The family friendly event is open to anyone in any community MercyOne serves until Sunday

Floyd County provides coronavirus update

House Minority Leader Todd Prichard and Public Health Director Gail Arjes share the latest regarding the county's response to the virus, as well as what options are available for those who need help

Rotary clubs aiding in the fight against COVID-19

Over the last 3 decades, Rotary clubs across the world have been working hard to rid the globe of polio. Now, they're turning their attention to the coronavirus.

LifeServe Blood Centers testing for COVID-19 antibody

The optional test is available at all mobile blood drives or donor centers in Iowa

A healthy pumpkin crop for this fall

As cooler temperatures and Halloween loom closer, pumpkins will soon be ready to be picked

WIC program participants increasing

In North Iowa, and in the state of Iowa as a whole, participants in the program have increased 5% since March

Learn about the 'mountain man' this weekend at the Cedar River Rendezvous

Includes a period encampment that draws in enthusiasts from around the region, as well as live music, historical games and contests, shooting sports and fundraising raffle

Data is updated nightly.

Confirmed Cases: 96734

Reported Deaths: 2060

Data is updated nightly.

Confirmed Cases: 86239

Reported Deaths: 1307