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.
In two videos posted on YouTube today, GOP presidential candidate Michele Bachmann pushed the "Iron Lady" of America title and she tells voters how to caucus.
Logan Stinger of Waukee has created "Fund Slinger 2012," an app for the iPhone, iPod and iPad that claims it can predict the next president.
In case you missed something, here's a recap of the news and events from Waukee Patch for the week of Dec. 26 - Jan. 1.
Here's everything you need to know today, Jan. 2, and some other stuff too.
In this week's installment of Parents Talk, we ask parents whether they would allow their child to protest similar to the teens protesting with the Occupiers in Des Moines.
We all make them, whether they're small one likes drinking less coffee or big ones like buying a house, getting a new job or going back to school. What resolutions did you make this year?
Here's everything you need to know today, Jan.1, 2012, and some other stuff too.
Here's everything you need to know today, Dec. 31, and some other stuff, too.
As we count down the final days of 2011, here's a recap of the five most talked-about business stories in Waukee this year.
Mitt Romney, alongside New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, stopped Friday at the West Lakes Hy-Vee Store morning on his Iowa bus tour. Recent polls show Romney in a virtual dead-heat for first place the Texas Rep. Ron Paul; the Iowa Caucuses are Tuesday.
Here's everything you need to know today, Dec. 30, and some other stuff too.
Every new year, people seem to always resolve to get fit, lose weight or tone up. If this is on your resolution list, look no further than these Ames fitness centers to help you out in 2012.
As we count down the final days of 2011, here's a recap of the five most talked-about stories in Waukee Schools this year.
Making a stop Wednesday at the Waukee Pizza Ranch, Michele Bachmann mistakenly refers to Dallas County, the 94th county on her 99 Counties Bus Tour, as Waukee County.
Here's everything you need to know today, Dec. 29, and some other stuff, too.
As we count down the final days of 2011, here's are five notable photos from Waukee Patch this year.
It's inevitable. Millions of people every year resolve to get fit, lose weight or tone up in the new year. If this is on your resolutions list, look no further than Waukee to help you on your journey.
Republican presidential hopeful Michele Bachmann will be at the Waukee Pizza Ranch tonight at 6:30 p.m.
Here's everything you need to know today, Dec. 28, and some other stuff, too.
There have been more than 35 GOP visits to Pizza Ranch restaurants around Iowa to date with several more scheduled before year's end. The question remains, are politics and pizza a good match?
