RETHA COLCLASURE
Assistant News Director / Reporter
I first knew I wanted to go into broadcast journalism when I passed a courthouse in downtown Washington, D.C. and saw a group of reporters waiting outside for a big verdict to come down. I looked at them, sitting in lawn chairs, enjoying the sun, and drinking soda (or pop, as it is otherwise known here), and thought to myself, "Wow, is that the life." Since then, I've figured out that there is a little more work involved in reporting, but my passion for the news stayed strong.
I moved to North Dakota in the summer 2006, after graduating from the University of Maryland, College Park. I thought I'd spend one or two years here to learn more about the news business, and then work my way back home to Maryland (north of Baltimore). Since then, I found out that "home" is really right here in Bismarck. I met my wonderful husband here in 2008, and we got married in May 2010. We bought a house a few months later.
So now I'm working on becoming a true North Dakotan. I took a hunter safety course, and have attempted to go pheasant hunting a few times. One of these days I'll actually hit one of them. I've also learned the joys of the Missouri River, and enjoy spending time on the many trails that Bismarck Parks and Rec has to offer. I spent enough time on those trails last summer to get back into another hobby of mine- running. I finished the Bismarck half-marathon in September 2009 in 1:54:32. I also enjoy reading, and always have a few books on my night stand with bookmarks in them.
As a reporter, I've covered a variety of stories...from breaking news to features about people making a difference. My favorite kind of story to cover has become those of soldier's homecomings. There's nothing quite like seeing someone's face light up as their soldier walks through those doors. I think one reason I enjoy that so much is that I remember what's it's like to live the military life, having been an "Army brat" growing up. My dad retired as a Colonel in 1994.
I'm looking forward to a lot more time as a reporter here in Bismarck, and always love meeting new people, especially if they have a good story to tell. In the meantime, you can get to know me more by becoming a fan of my facebook page, Retha Colclasure KFYRTV.com. (Search for me, and then "like" it.) It's another example of how the media is constantly changing, and how we're trying to keep up with what our viewers want.
Like Retha Colclasure on Facebook
Everyone has questions about what really goes on in the newsroom...or what we're doing when we're out in the field. If you see me playing on my cell phone, I'm probably updating my Facebook page and giving you some of those answers. I put up photos and videos from events so that you can learn what's going on without having to wait for the newscast. Like me and let me know what you think!
