Derik Holtmann is a graduate of Truman State University in Kirksville, Mo. He formerly worked at The Telegraph in Alton before joining the News-Democrat in 1994 where he is currently employed as a photojournalist and multimedia content producer.
    During college he worked at Northeast Studios in Kirksville, Missouri as a darkroom technician and photographer.   After college he worked at The Telegraph in Alton, Illinois covering the Great Flood of 1993.  In 1994 he was honored with awards from the Illinois Press Association and the Illinois Associated Press Editors Association.  Those awards helped him secure his current position at the Belleville News-Democrat.  Since starting at the News-Democrat in 1994 he has been a leader in technology transitions. Now Derik has embraced the role of multimedia photojournalism using Digital SLRs for still photography and video.  He has worked through several different platforms for web presentations and realizes the need to adapt to the ever-changing world of online media.  In recent years he has taken on the responsibilities of balancing writing, video production, live streaming, licensed drone pilot and still photography for the web and daily print product at the New-Democrat.
     Several highlights of Derik's career includes covering the inauguration of President Obama, four World Series, MLB All-Star Game, Cardinals Spring Training, several Illinois state high school track, football, volleyball and basketball championships, and a visit from the Pope.
     Derik has won several state and regional awards.   In his spare time, Derik enjoys caving, soccer, cycling and watching movies.