The Town Crier is bringing on photographer Jenny Kirchner to replace JP Crumrine, who retired Sept. 24 from the newspaper after 16 years of covering news and all-things on the hill. Don’t worry, she will still be taking photos and covering local events. Our long-time readers know that Jenny is not new to her role. 

She first started with the paper in the summer of 2007 as staff photographer. She earned 11 photo awards (regional, state and national) from 2007-2016 for the Town Crier. After three years as a staff photographer, Jenny decided that she wanted to work solely as a freelance photographer. 

Aside from providing the community with amazing photos of arts and entertainment events over the years, Jenny covered the Cranston, Silver and Mountain fires for the Town Crier. Wolf Blitzer interviewed Jenny about the Mountain Fire and her photos were picked up by the Huffington Post, Good Morning America, CBS and NBC.   

Jenny was a volunteer at Idyllwild Fire Protection District from 2013-2015. 

In 1999, she received a scholarship with the North American Nature Photography Association where she got to train with National Geographic photographers. Jenny was the youngest and only one selected from the west coast. 

Jenny received her crime scene investigation certificate from UCR Extension in June 2006.  

She was also the campus photographer and digital and social media manager at Idyllwild Arts Academy.