I was born and raised in Marshalltown, Iowa, graduated high school there and got my degree in journalism from Drake University. Right after college, I went to work for The Des Moines Register. Working my way through the ranks there, I eventually landed a spot writing features with an eye on pop culture and Gen X-related content. From there, I moved to Indianapolis, Ind. where I helped the Indianapolis Star start-up a Gen X publication called INtake Weekly. My husband and I missed Iowa and decided to move back home to be closer to family. We have three kids, a 5 year-old daughter and 3 year-old twins ( a daughter and son) and we've called West Des Moines home since 2004.
Personally, when and if I have spare time, I love to read, travel, write and spend time with friends. I've had my own personal blog for six years that tends to say a little too much about the crazy things my kids do. I haven't had a lot of time for myself since I became a stay-at-home mom in 2006 but my husband and I talk often about what the coming years might bring us in terms of free time once the kids start school. I'm so looking forward to it.
<i>At Patch, we promise always to report the facts as objectively as possible and 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 honesty, our policy is to encourage our editors to reveal their beliefs. This disclosure is not a license for them to inject their beliefs into stories or to dictate coverage according to them. In fact, the intent is the opposite: We hope that the knowledge will make us 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.</i>
<b>Politics</b>
I won't lie - I'm not at all political. As a reporter for the mainstream media, we were discouraged from voicing our true opinions and were told never to divulge our affiliations so as to not bias our coverage. I got kind of used to that so I've never really been a squeaky wheel.
That said, I am a registered Democrat but I never vote a straight democratic ticket. I prefer to listen to the issues and tend to side with those who are more liberal.
<b>Religion</b>
I grew up Presbyterian and come from a long line of Presbyterians and yes, I am still a Presbyterian. What I like about my church and religion is that they welcome people of all backgrounds and never turn anyone away based on their personal beliefs. It's refreshing to be a part of a congregation that embraces everyone's differences.
<b>Local Hot-Button Issues</b>
Waukee is a growing at a rapid rate. In 2010, the city was clicking along at almost 14,000 residents up 169 percent from 10 years previous. Growth like that is bound to cause growing pains. Along those lines, some of the hot topics include how the schools handle an ever-increasing student body, how to accomodate new business, and how the city will follow through on projects meant to bring in more business, more residents and consequently, more growth.
The city of Waukee, along with the Des Moines Water Works, has implemented stage 1 of a water conservation plan meant to reduce usage in Waukee by 10 percent.
Waukee Patch has this alert from the National Weather Service.
If you like a bargain or maybe just the thrill of the hunt, take a look at the garage sales we've found this weekend, July 26, 27 and 28 in Waukee.
The comedy "21 Jump Street" sat in the number one spot on Redbox for four weeks. What movie took its place this week?
Looking for a little weekend fun? Check out what's happening in Waukee, July 27-29.
An unpaid storage unit auction will be held in Waukee on Saturday at 9 a.m.
Emergency plans are being developed in case water supply levels reach the crisis stage.
Gov. Terry Branstad said in an interview this week that local fire and police officer should be splitting the cost of pension funding with local government.
Several players from the Waukee Warrior baseball team have been named to the 2012 All CIML Baseball Conference teams.
Waukee police responded to a number of calls last week that covered everything from criminal mischief, theft, harassment and even a violation of a protective order.
Tanner Peard, an Eagle Scout from Waukee, is hosting a fundraiser Aug. 4 to fund a landscaping project around the newly-installed signage at Centennial Park.
At a city council meeting July 16, members of the Waukee City Council approved a water capacity purchase meant to keep residents from experiencing a sharp increase in their bills.
NOAA animation shows Johnston and the rest of Iowa are faring better than some other states.
Rob Taylor, a candidate for the Iowa House, went door knocking Monday night as temps soared to an all-time high in Iowa.
NOAA animation shows Waukee and the rest of Iowa are faring better than some other states.
The Waukee Family YMCA is getting ever closer to its fundraising goal of $40,000 for a new playground.
Waukee police responded to an incident last week involving a 13 year-old male.
Waukee police responded to several traffic accidents as well as suspended drivers, OWI and other miscellaneous violations behind the wheel last week.
The Waukee Area Christian Food Pantry is in need of school supplies for families with school age children.
Penn State University's football program will face unprecedented fines today resulting from the fallout of a sexual abuse scandal involving assistant coach Jerry Sandusky.
