I graduated from Marquette with a degree in Journalism, but had my specialty in advertising, and I spent about the next 10 years working in proofreading, collateral (a term for advertising pieces that aren't considered catalogs or newspaper) and eventually management. I still loved writing though and opted to leave rather than be an administrator. The next 10 years provided that experience, mainly through freelancing and eventually as my own business in promotional writing. Putting my hometown (truly, it's not Milwaukee) as my next writing endeavor through Patch has been a blessing and an honor. I am thrilled to chronicle where this city has been, is and is looking to become.</b>
<b>I live on the fashionable southeast side ;) of the city with my daughter and golden retriever, both of whom take up the down time. I love to read biographies and history, running, and renovating. Some day I hope to do those things more regularly.</b>
<b>My Beliefs</b>
<b>It's simple, really: tell the straight story and treat the people in them with respect and even the bad news that may be revealed will in turn earn the respect of readers. I ask the same things that readers expect from us, and that is truth and ethics. I embrace the marketplace of ideas that comments can be, but I will pull comments that are overly personal and mean-spirited, as it adds nothing to the debate. While being a Muskego resident means that many people in our stories are acquaintances or neighbors, I believe that fairness and balance in coverage is essential to our survival as a news source, no matter who we are interviewing.</b>
<b>That said, we may make mistakes, and I count on all of you to let us know if information we have is incorrect. Again, the intent is always to present news fairly and accurately.</b>
<b>Politics</b>
<b>I am a conservative. This might have an impact if I were solely writing a blog, but as this is a news and information site for my community, it is my duty to keep political slant out of the reporting, as it should be for any news site. Opinions will be stated as such, and when in articles, it will be from quoted sources alone.</b>
<b>Religion</b>
<b>Growing up in Muskego, I attended St. Leonard's and now belong to St. Mary's in Hales Corners. Faith is important to me in that it centers me and helps me maintain perspective, strength and a positive attitude. I hope what that means for my role here is that I am again fair, honest and respectful with our readers and the people we cover.</b>
<b>Local Hot-Button Issues</b>
<b>Let's face it: until there is a building built at the corner of Lannon and Janesville, the 900-lb gorilla in the room will be the Parkland Mall site. No topic has ever set off passionate opinion, and no topic has ever been more convoluted in its long history. I am sure it will come up and as best as we can, we will present the issues as they are in fact. </b>
<b>Secondary is basically any issues of progress in a city that loves its small-town feel. My hope is that anyone with ideas for or against shares them with the people in charge of making the decisions, and not just anonymously in a comments forum.</b>
<b>My stance is that Muskego needs to move forward and it can do so without sacrificing its character or natural resources. The success of that will ultimately depend on a collaborative effort (not a combative relationship) between our elected officials and the citizens. I have always remembered something an old employer told me: don't bring a complaint unless you also have a positive suggestion or solution to address that complaint. </b>
Early incidents involving kids misbehaving at the Community Festival have police reminding that good behavior is expected of everyone, and if you can't behave, you'll be asked to leave.
An aging controls system that regulates the temperature in the two city buildings has come to the end of its lifespan, and now one has failed, prompting an earlier-than-hoped request to fund replacement.
After 8 years in the classroom in Muskego, Kris Kuenstler moves across the hall to the principal's office saying it's a privilege to serve a whole school in a district she loves
Drivers getting on the freeway on Tuesday morning from Racine Avenue heading east should take note of a right lane closure due to concrete pour on bridge.
Make your child feel extra special by sharing his/ her first day back-to-school photos on Patch.
Singing talent show that become a big attraction on its own at the Community Festival, and the best six singers will perform again on Saturday night.
Beginning Monday, motorists who use Highway 36 will see the happy orange barrels from Highway Y south to Highway 20 for a resurfacing project.
OK, so the jackpot for Saturday's Powerball drawing isn't gigantic, but who could scoff at $60 million?
Owner started with a lot of optimism and support, but a rash of vandalism targeting the small business has Kristin Formolo thinking she might close for good.
Inc Magazine has Muskego business included in their nationwide net of 5,000 businesses.
Classic cars have been a part of the last weekend in August for 21 years, and the tradition continues this year with about 150 cars on display.
Do you remember your favorite lunch box? Today's kids have as many options as ever but nothing will take the place of the Partridge Family or Scooby-Doo.
Muskego's newest park as been in development for years, but boost in spending may finally make the park ready for users if $1.1 million request is granted; some aldermen say its about time, others say it's too much.
Muskego motorists who use the Highway 100 corridor between College and St. Martins Road may want to take a peek at preliminary plans for a major reconstruction project planned for 2018.
Wisconsin state results came in second to Minnesota's 22.8 composite score, but Muskego-Norway District students record a 23.7, nearly a point above that.
Louise Osborn's husband Guy fell out of his wheelchair at Bluhm Park and she thought he was stuck, until two good Samaritans came along.
Lt. Dave Constantineau says thanks for another successful, but wet National Night Out, welcomes a new officer and shares some advice on 'festing' safely.
After the opening round and nearly 20 contestants, the field has been narrowed to 10 in this increasingly popular local singing competition.
School Board approve a zero-dollar increase in the district's property tax levy — primarily because reduction in state aid is not as bad as initially estimated.
Robin Schrot makes the trek from Germantown to familiar surroundings and looks forward to a great year
