Daniel McKay has joined the staff of the Whitefish Pilot as a reporter.

McKay comes to Whitefish after recently graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with degrees in journalism and music. He grew up in Brodhead, Wis., a town with a population of about 3,000 in the southern portion of the state.

McKay is excited to join the Pilot after having first visited Whitefish last year on a day trip while staying in Lakeside.

“I like telling stories,” McKay said. “I especially enjoy telling stories people wouldn’t hear about otherwise.”

Pilot General Manger Matt Baldwin said he is excited to have McKay join the staff.

“He brings a lot of enthusiasm to the Pilot,” he said. “We’re eager for him to get to know the community.”

McKay worked for The Badger Herald, the UW-Madison’s student newspaper, and completed an internship with the university’s alumni magazine On Wisconsin. He first discovered an interest in journalism after writing story about a blind music student earning her doctorate.

“I stumbled on the story and I was hooked on writing,” McKay said.

McKay plays guitar in his spare time. He hopes to get out and explore Whitefish more.

“I love it — the people are nice,” he said. “Big Mountain seems awesome and I can’t wait to learn to mountain bike and ski.”