Lauren Gallup has joined the staff of the Port Orchard Independent and Kitsap News Group as a general assignment reporter.

Gallup is a graduate of Western Washington University’s journalism program. Previously, she has written for South Sound Magazine, 425 Magazine, Alaska Airline’s in-flight Beyond Magazine, and was the managing editor of Western’s newspaper, The Front.

Having grown up in the Puget Sound region, Gallup said she is looking forward to reporting on community issues in Port Orchard.

The recent graduate will primarily cover Kitsap County government issues and the education beat in South Kitsap.