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.
According to Mackenzie Sposeto, Waukee's school resource officer, the district's new online bullying reporting system has had 16 reports since it launched Dec. 8.
The Waukee school board approved the calendar for the 2012-13 school year at Monday night's meeting. Students in the district will begin classes Aug. 15.
It was a jam-packed agenda for the Waukee City Council Monday night with the Waukee Community Center and the proposed Hy-Vee store discussed, among others.
Here's everything you need to know today, Feb. 28, and some other stuff, too.
The Waukee Police Department responded to a handful of calls the week of Feb. 21-26 including several traffic accidents, an OWI and cases of assault.
In case you missed something, here's a recap of the news and events from Waukee Patch for the week of Feb. 20-26.
Here are a few things you need to know today, Feb. 27, and some other stuff, too.
This week in Parents Talk, we ask parents do/did you immunize your child/children or not?
It was funnel week in the Iowa Legislature last week. Read what Senate Republican Leader Jerry Behn has to say about it in his weekly update.
Jonathan Payne was a former Cub Scout leader for Pack 181 in Waukee before he was arrested on child pornography charges in October. Should parents be concerned?
Looking for something to do this weekend? Here are a few things to keep you busy the weekend of Feb. 24-26.
The weather outside looks frightful - why not stay in and rent a movie? We have just the right suggestion for every type of movie buff.
In our “Best of Waukee Patch” poll, we asked you to vote for your pick of the best places to get fit. Today, the battle rages primarily between Max Life Fitness and CrossFit Primal.
The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory for the city of Waukee. Rain and snow, coupled with high winds, are expected to making driving difficult.
Here are five things you really can't miss today, Feb. 23, in Waukee. Oh, and there's some other stuff too.
Jonathan Payne, a former Waukee Cub Scout leader and father of two, was arrested on child pornography charges, Oct. 28. His trial is scheduled to begin in federal court on March 5.
Brookview Elementary's third-grade teachers found a fun, interesting way to teach their students how to write persuasively using food for inspiration. Check the Waukee and West Des Moines Patch sites the week of March 5 for some of the student reviews.
Here's everything you need to know today, Feb. 22, and some other stuff, too.
The Iowa High School Athletic Association announced its schedules for the 2012 and 2013 football seasons today.
Waukee police responded to a number of calls Feb. 13-19, including several traffic accidents. One traffic stop resulted in the arrest of two area teenagers.