The Ulysses News Welcomes Noriega

The Ulysses News has some new and some "not so new" faces on staff.

"We recently welcomed Meaghan Noriega to the newsroom," said Ulysses News Managing Editor Nancy Kletecka.

Noriega moved to Ulysses with her parents when she was 3.

"I've spent a couple years here and there between Oklahoma and the Kansas City and the Kansas City area," Noriega said. "Ulysses has been, and always will be, home to me. It is where my people are."

Up until she was 8-years-old, Noriega says she spent  her childhood at the Bedrock Mobile Home Park.

"I have vivid memories of traveling between the dirt roads to see friends and family," Noriega said. "My sisters and I would wait somewhat patiently for the sound of the ice cream truck. Early on, in my educational career, I highly enjoyed school. I was shy but ever-so-curious about anything and everything."

Noriega attended Garden City Community College and Johnson County Community College before settling back in Ulysses with her family.

Prior to coming to work at The Ulysses News, Noriega says she has "worn many hats."

"For my last job, I was a transcriptionist," she said. "Easy, but rather lackluster. I had not worked in journalism before being welcomed into The Ulysses News. I have always indulged in writing. Since childhood, I have filled several notebooks with anything from poetry to stories."

Noriega says she was awarded scholarships in college by her English professor for her writing skills.

"It has always been my 'thing' but, for whatever reason, I never viewed it as something I could use as a career," Noriega said. "I feel extremely fortunate for the opportunity to write and inform the public. I am grateful for the experience of having people see something special within me and, therefore, giving me a shot at applying that gift. That has never happened to me and it’s something I take to heart. I plan to take all the notes I can from Nancy (Wallace-Kletecka) and Sarah (Loewen) so I can grow as an individual, writer, and reporter."

Noriega said readers of The Ulysses News should expect her "absolute best."

"I am still learning about the journalism world, but I still hold that childhood curiosity which causes me to strive for as much knowledge as possible," she said. "Readers can also expect accuracy, punctuality, and transparency. I have the right intentions to serve the public in the full capacity of my role as a reporter. "

Noriega is the daughter of Joe and Tina Torres.

"My dad is, first and foremost, the most dedicated, and hardworking man," Noriega said. "He has worked for Pioneer Communications for 28 years and currently holds the position of Engineering Supervisor. We have a special dynamic where we seem to know what the other is thinking. Sometimes, we communicate solely in facial expressions."

Of her mother, Tina, Noriega said she has the "heart of a saint."

"She has always been the epitome of an excellent mother who paved the road for me in my own journey," Noriega said. "She is a skilled writer and singer whether she will admit it or not. Since I became a mom in 2011, she has become more and more of my confidant and friend."

Noriega has five sisters:  Adrianna, 38; Florlinda, 33; Krista, 32; NikkiJo, 31; and Reyna, 25.

"My sisters are different variations of a best friend to me," Noriega said. "We’ve fought, laughed, and cried throughout every stage of our lives together. They have blessed me with amazing nieces and nephews."

Noriega and her husband, Clayt, were married in 2021.

"I married my high school best friend," Noriega said. "We have two beautiful boys, Devynn, 11, and Lachlan, 9-months. My husband is a technician for American Implement, as well as a volunteer firefighter for the Grant County Fire Department. He is very much the yin to my yang."

Noriega says she has a "bonus mom and dad" in her in-laws, Joe and Carol Noriega.

"I’ve also been blessed with two bonus sisters, Katie and Sarah," she said. "My bonus family is filled with an abundance of strong characters and faith. Long story short, I hit the family jackpot."

Noriega, who is 30, says she and her son, Lachlan, share a birthday.

"My sons and I were all born on the 30th of our birthday months," she said. "I had my youngest son on my 30th birthday. Coincidence? Maybe. Maybe not!"

Noriega says she is a sucker for iced coffee and spicy Pad Thai.

She is registered with Be The Match to donate bone marrow, should the call ever arise.

Noriega says she has two pets, Luna, a Maltipoo; and Zack, a Tuxedo cat.

"They are both five-years-old and a nuisance, but I couldn’t live without them," she said.

Appearance with Noriega could very well be deceiving.

"Most people comment on how quiet I am, initially, but in all actuality, I am an observer in most environments," she said. "I’m not great at small talk, but I thoroughly enjoy learning about the differing perspectives of others. I am intrigued by interpersonal communication in every situation."

Her hobbies include writing, watching and going to MLB games, traveling, trying new types of cuisine, music, rock concerts, taking pictures, and binge-watching movies and television series including documentaries, anime, and thrillers.

"Mostly, I enjoy sitting and watching my children showcase their wonderful personalities in everyday life," she said.

Wallace-Kletecka is looking forward to what Noriega will contribute to the newsroom.

"Meaghan has an eagerness and willingness to learn that will take her far," she said. "She is quick to complete anything that is assigned to her and if it falls through, she goes in to 'recovery mode' to find something to replace it.' We are very fortunate to have her on staff."

The Ulysses News also recently welcomed back a familiar face, Kellie Euliss. Euliss was the managing editor for the paper in previous years.

"Kellie will be working as a freelance reporter," Wallace-Kletecka said. "We welcome her back in to the journalism world and look forward to what she will contribute as well as what she has already done."

Also working for The Ulysses News as a freelance reporter is local educator Josh Arnett, a teacher at Sullivan Elementary.

"Josh, too, has been a great addition to our team here at The Ulysses News," Wallace-Kletecka. "I think our readers will be pleased with what this team will do for them."