Email: jeff.rumage@patch.com
Phone: 414.248.3117
Hometown: Beloit, WI
Bio: Jeff Rumage has always had a passion for writing, learning about others and understanding the community around him.
Those three things drove Jeff to walk into The Daily Cardinal, one of UW-Madison's student newspapers, where he covered city, state and campus news stories.
After graduating from UW-Madison, Jeff took a job with a weekly newspaper in Oconomowoc, where he immersed himself in the community over the course of three years- writing about everything from farmers markets to murder trials.
When he learned about Patch's vision for community journalism, he felt compelled to be a part of it.
Your Beliefs
At Patch, we promise always to report the facts as objectively as possible and otherwise adhere to the principles of good journalism. However, we also acknowledge that true impartiality is impossible because human beings have beliefs. So in the spirit of simple honesty, our policy is to encourage our editors to reveal their beliefs to the extent they feel comfortable. This disclosure is not a license for you to inject your beliefs into stories or to dictate coverage according to them. In fact, the intent is the opposite: we hope that the knowledge that your beliefs are on the record will cause you to be ever mindful to write, report and edit in a fair, balanced way. And if you ever see evidence that we failed in this mission, please let us know.
Politics
Some might say that a UW-Madison graduate with degrees in Political Science and Communications is inherently liberal, but I have always thought partisanship takes the intellect out of politics. I genuinely believe there are multiple sides to most issues, and I became a journalist to give a voice to all sides of the discussion. I do, of course, vote in every election, but my choice is shaped more by each candidate's background, openness and capacity for logic than their ability to rile a crowd and make their opponent look bad.
Religion
Religion is a personal matter, and I believe everyone should have the right to exercise and express their beliefs in an open environment.
Local Hot-Button Issue
Education is a major topic of interest in the North Shore - and rightfully so. I recognize that many families moved to the North Shore to ensure a strong education for their child, so I aim to highlight school happenings and share student success stories.
Also, many beautiful North Shore homes have incurred substantial property damage due to repeat flood events. I will provide updates on what is being done to remedy village sewer issues.
I do believe residents have a right to know where their tax dollars are spent. I pledge to provide accurate, comprehensive information about public affairs, and I will find answers to any issues brought to my attention.
The beer garden opened last week, but big changes are still on the way, including an additional beer line, remodeled restrooms and more picnic table seating.
Last year, the event raised $20,000 in donations for high school sports.
Music teacher Twila Bergeron and fourth grade teacher Paulie Jeffers received a nice retirement send-off at the School Board meeting Tuesday night.
The Milwaukee-area financial sector CEO launched a recall effort against board members and has advocated against middle school schedule changes.
Some school officials want to return to the existing class schedule, but a decision will not be reached until May 30.
June 3 is the deadline to apply for the trustee seat soon to be vacated by Lauri Rollings.
The president of the Fox Point-Bayside School District plans to move to North Carolina on June 15.
Amy Kohl, who has been in the Fox Point-Bayside School District the last two years, has been hired to a similar position in the Greenfield School District.
The Whitefish Bay School Board has appointed the district's director of curriculum and instruction to temporarily fill the role currently held by Mary Gavigan.
Construction on the $3.5 million building is expected to begin on July 15.
8-Twelve MVP Bar and Grill is expected to replace Coa Mexican restaurant at Bayshore Town Center.
The most recent Whitefish Bay police logs also include a stolen lawnmower and a house vandalized with eggs.
Potted plants, patio furniture and a full-sized soccer goal were among the items blocking the streets late Saturday night.
The blood drive is the vision of Rabbi Zevi Silver, who recently needed a blood transfusion as part of his battle with testicular cancer.
The annual 5k run/walk attracted 650 runners and raised over $12,000 for the Whitefish Bay Education Foundation.
About 30 gas line meters, valued at $4,500, were stolen off an unattended flatbed trailer in Fox Point last week.
The club has quintupled in size over the last five years, as more students discover the joy of running and involvement in after-school activities.
If you are looking for a new place to enjoy a glass of wine and some tapas, Whitefish Bay will have a new place to explore this summer called Vinamo.
