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.
On Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Iowa's best high school runners participated in the Drake Relays at Drake Stadium in Des Moines.
Senator Jerry Behn says while time is running out in the session, there is still time to pass three key pieces of legislation.
Students at Cowles Montessori School - including a few from Waukee - participated in a dance-a-thon fundraiser benefiting the James Arthur Albert Foundation.
The National Weather Service has issued a wind advisory for parts of central Iowa that include West Des Moines. The advisory is in effect until 6 this evening.
Christopher Yeager was honored as the Outstanding Biology Student for General Biology at Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colo.
The National Weather Service has issued a wind advisory for parts of central Iowa that include Waukee. The advisory is in effect until 6 p.m. this evening.
Three Redbox kiosks in Waukee offer a little bit of everything - family titles, action, comedy and drama, among others. What will you be watching?
The Waukee girls golf team is dominating this season already having already secured a #2 ranking in the Class 4A play.
Here's everything you need to know this weekend, April 27, 28 and 29, and some other stuff too.
So much to talk about in today's Daily Dose - a sidewalk ordinance, time to vote and rain, rain and more rain chances.
Members of the Waukee City Council gathered for a special work session Thursday to tour city sidewalks that fell under a controversial sidewalk ordinance.
In her weekly update, Senator Pat Ward gives thanks and talks property tax relief.
The Waukee Fire Department has seen an uptick in calls in the last few months creating a need for additional on-call firefighters.
In today's Daily Dose, we talk Patch's Pet Pros, a Chamber event and Warriors spirit.
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, April 26, 27 and 28 in Waukee.
In today's Daily Dose, we talk ridiculously warm weather in April, the day's top stories and your love for Waukee's photographers.
NBC, iVillage and the TODAY Show are looking for the hottest dads, and we're campaigning for a Johnston dad to enter and win.
NBC, iVillage and the TODAY Show are looking for the hottest dads, and we're campaigning for a West Des Moines dad to enter and win.
Woodland Hills boundaries, a sexual abuse arrest, and more today, April 24, in Waukee.
Jeffrey Glenn Cornick was arrested and charged with assaulting a peace officer April 19, among other charges, in an April 19 incident that injured a Waukee cop.
