Clark County Courier is a newspaper based in Clark, South Dakota. Owned by Karli Paulson, the Courier has been serving the County of Clark with a circulation of over 2,000 since 1880.
Municipalities in the coverage area include: Clark, Willow Lake, Bradley, Crocker, Raymond, Carpenter, Garden City, Vienna, Naples, and Henry in Codington County.
Meet our staff!
Crush
Office Pet, Napper, Social Butterfly
Crush came to us in July 2024. He was wandering outside of a friend’s house in Fargo, ND, a few nights before Karli was set to visit. Karli's friend found him and asked if Karli could take him in. He didn’t have a collar or a microchip, but was super friendly and lovable.
Karli couldn’t resist.
Given how affectionate he is, and because she already had four cats at home, Karli thought he would make a good office kitty. Although, she didn’t have the heart to leave him at the office every night, so he does go back and forth with her. He loves people and getting love from them. He also likes his naps and trying to get into the office plants… He would love a visit on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays!
Karli Paulson
Owner, Editor, Publisher
I’ve been the owner, editor and publisher of the Clark County Courier since January 2023. Most of my work is behind the scenes at the newspaper. I live with my mom and dad, Doug and Kimberly Paulson, in Clark with my nephew Tren. We have five cats at home (in order of their age): Boots, Stanley, April, Frick-Frack and Crush.
I started working at the Clark County Courier in January 2022 when Annette Helkenn asked me to replace her, because she was planning to retire. I took over her job as the typesetter, graphic designer and paginator of the newspaper. By the end of 2022, I was confident that I could take over for Bill Krikac, the previous owner, as well. He also had been looking to retire for a while. I really like what I do, and I’m glad that I could help keep the newspaper alive in Clark County.
I’ve lived in Clark my whole life. I graduated from Clark High School in May 2018. I attended Minnesota State University Moorhead where I graduated in May 2021 (virtually because of the COVID pandemic) with a bachelor’s degree in Animation and minors in English Writing, Graphic Communications and Media Arts.
Contact Karli via email at clarkcountycourier@gmail.com or by phone (605) 532-3654.
Tania Gutierrez Ramirez
Web Designer, Social Media Manager
I joined the Clark Courier family in January 2025 as the one that made this website. I keep it running along with the newspaper's social media page, and I help with anything else I can! I've always had a passion for writing, designing, and playing around with programs until I make them work.
Although I was born in Mexico, I was raised all over the Midwest from North Dakota, Indiana, South Dakota and everywhere in between. My senior year in high school I moved to Clark and carved a place for myself there (it's also where I met Karli Paulson; a lifelong friend). Clark quickly stole a special spot in my heart, and I even lived there for the longest period of time (3 years)! I graduated from Lake Area Technical Institute with an Associate's Degree in Human Services in 2020 (virtually because of the COVID-19 pandemic). Many people from Clark helped me achieve my dreams, and I will forever be grateful to them.
I currently live in Westport, MN with my parents and three siblings. I enjoy napping, gaming, reading, and going on shopping sprees I probably shouldn't be going on. I work behind the scenes with Karli, and I enjoy what I do to keep the Clark community and beyond informed!
Contact Tania via email at gutierreztania66@gmail.com
Carolynn Olson
Writer, Reporter
I’m from Doland, SD. I have a significant other named Tyler Minnick (he's employed at 212 Truck and Trailer in Clark), and 7 children named Zoey, Storm, Braxtyn, Waylon, Abel, Wyatt, and Autumn. I recently moved into Clark as of January 2025. I am loving the move so far, and have been wanting to move here for a while; there was just very limited renting available.
I have no prior experience in this type of work. I always laugh when I tell people how I got the job because I was actually looking for a job in the Clark area when I happened to see the ‘help wanted’ sign on the window at The Courier. I decided to call the office the next day, having no idea about what the job entailed. I met with Karli, she gave me a run down on what my job duties would be. It was something that struck my interest so I gave it a shot, that was in September of 2023.
Now a little over a year later I absolutely love my job and what I do. It’s been fun getting to know people in the area through my job and hearing/writing their stories. I honestly never thought that this would be a career path I would take but I’m glad I came across the help wanted sign!
Contact Carolynn via email at carolynnolson93@gmail.com, or phone at home: (605) 350-3831 or work: 605-532-3654
Tara Knutson
Freelancer
Tara Knutson lives in rural Clark County with her husband Ramsey and four children, Ryker, Reece, Raegan, and Rowen. Tara is a native to Clark County; graduating with the Clark High School Class of 2002. She then graduated from Presentation College with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing and an Associate's Degree in Religious Studies in 2006.
Freelancing for the Courier has allowed Tara to delve into the hometown characteristics of citizens that make Clark County so unique and special. When Tara is not paying tribute to the people of our area, she enjoys spending time with her family traveling, camping and hiking. She also supports her children’s activities with 4-H, sports, music, running and reading. Tara and her family raise sheep and Corgi puppies as well as enjoy riding horses as a family.
Tara can be contacted via email at knutsonfam4@yahoo.com or phone (605) 520-5242
Christina Kannegieter
Photographer, Writer
I am a 7-12th grade math teacher in Willow Lake. I've been teaching for 26 years, and I am currently in my 18th year in Willow Lake. I graduated from Henry High School and received my teaching degree from South Dakota State University. Over the years, I’ve had multiple teaching hats within the school: math, science, technology, coaching, yearbook, and bus driving.
It’s the yearbook part that got me involved with helping the Clark County Courier. I’ve been a yearbook co-advisor for the last 15 years, and I thoroughly enjoy doing it. I love the design aspect of bringing the pages to life along with going to all the school events to take photos. It helps that my own kids are involved, so if I am going I might as well get something accomplished. Plus, I get to have the best seat in the house at sporting events! (I may even try my hand at an article or two.)
I live just outside Willow Lake on a farm with my husband, Mark, and youngest son, Josh. Mark and I will be celebrating our 25th Anniversary this summer 2025! My daughter Allison is currently attending Mount Marty University in Yankton and will be graduating in May with a degree in Nursing. She is also engaged and planning an August 2025 wedding. My oldest son, Lucas, is a May 2024 graduate from Lake Area Technical College in Agriculture. He farms with my husband and is an assistant wrestling coach for the Cyclones. Josh will graduate in May from Willow Lake and plans to attend Lake Area Technical College. Empty nesting here I come!
You can contact Christina via email at christina.kannegieter@k12.sd.us for any activities you’d like to see photographed for the Courier.
Heather Jordan
Photographer, Writer
I joined the Clark County Courier as a sports writer and photographer in August 2023. My journey in sports journalism began in 2002 at the Redfield Press, and I love to capture signature moments and connect others.
I am originally from Lemmon, South Dakota and graduated from South Dakota State University in 1995 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education and English with minors in coaching and Spanish. In my current role, I serve as the Editor of Michels Communications and supervise a team of 12 writers, 4 graphic designers, and 4 photographers to create print and digital marketing for three markets: Sioux Falls, Sioux City, IA, and the Black Hills.
My husband Shane and I moved to Clark in 2019, and two of my three children graduated from Clark High School in 2023 - Brady and Kayla Jordan. When I’m not behind the lens or at my keyboard I enjoy running, gardening, chocolate, and all things photography. I look forward to supporting our local teams!
You can contact Heather via email at shjordan88@gmail.com or phone (605) 450-1279