Jessica Arp is a general assignment reporter at WISC-TV and is happy to be reporting in the area where she's grown up.

Arp started as an intern in 2004, and has been reporting some of South Central Wisconsin's big stories ever since. Memorable ones include the Watertown tire fire, the Stoughton-area tornado, and recent "buyer beware" stories like the cleaner that looks like a sports drink, Fabuloso.

"I love any time I can bring people a story that really matters to them or can open their eyes," Arp says, "That's the most rewarding part of this job."

Becoming a reporter, especially in the Madison area, has always been a dream for Arp. "I grew up near Poynette and graduated from UW-Madison so I feel like I'm really in touch with what goes on here. I always told people growing up that this is what I wanted to do, and I couldn't be happier that I've made it here," she says.

Arp majored in Journalism at the UW, and also interned at another Madison television station for a year before coming to WISC-TV. One of the things she loves most about News 3 is working with some of the most seasoned professionals in the area.

"I have learned so much from the people I work with every day. The people here really care about the stories they cover, and know what viewers really care about. I hope I can take that skill with me for the rest of my career," Arp added.

When she's not out reporting, Arp loves seeing live music, scrapbooking, working out, movies, discovering new restaurants, traveling and doing all of the above with her new husband, Brad. Also a UW grad, the two were married in September 2005 in DeForest.

Got a story idea? E-mail Jessica