I graduated from Marquette with a degree in Journalism, but had my specialty in advertising, and I spent about the next 10 years working in proofreading, collateral (a term for advertising pieces that aren't considered catalogs or newspaper) and eventually management. I still loved writing though and opted to leave rather than be an administrator. The next 10 years provided that experience, mainly through freelancing and eventually as my own business in promotional writing. Putting my hometown (truly, it's not Milwaukee) as my next writing endeavor through Patch has been a blessing and an honor. I am thrilled to chronicle where this city has been, is and is looking to become.</b>
<b>I live on the fashionable southeast side ;) of the city with my daughter and golden retriever, both of whom take up the down time. I love to read biographies and history, running, and renovating. Some day I hope to do those things more regularly.</b>
<b>My Beliefs</b>
<b>It's simple, really: tell the straight story and treat the people in them with respect and even the bad news that may be revealed will in turn earn the respect of readers. I ask the same things that readers expect from us, and that is truth and ethics. I embrace the marketplace of ideas that comments can be, but I will pull comments that are overly personal and mean-spirited, as it adds nothing to the debate. While being a Muskego resident means that many people in our stories are acquaintances or neighbors, I believe that fairness and balance in coverage is essential to our survival as a news source, no matter who we are interviewing.</b>
<b>That said, we may make mistakes, and I count on all of you to let us know if information we have is incorrect. Again, the intent is always to present news fairly and accurately.</b>
<b>Politics</b>
<b>I am a conservative. This might have an impact if I were solely writing a blog, but as this is a news and information site for my community, it is my duty to keep political slant out of the reporting, as it should be for any news site. Opinions will be stated as such, and when in articles, it will be from quoted sources alone.</b>
<b>Religion</b>
<b>Growing up in Muskego, I attended St. Leonard's and now belong to St. Mary's in Hales Corners. Faith is important to me in that it centers me and helps me maintain perspective, strength and a positive attitude. I hope what that means for my role here is that I am again fair, honest and respectful with our readers and the people we cover.</b>
<b>Local Hot-Button Issues</b>
<b>Let's face it: until there is a building built at the corner of Lannon and Janesville, the 900-lb gorilla in the room will be the Parkland Mall site. No topic has ever set off passionate opinion, and no topic has ever been more convoluted in its long history. I am sure it will come up and as best as we can, we will present the issues as they are in fact. </b>
<b>Secondary is basically any issues of progress in a city that loves its small-town feel. My hope is that anyone with ideas for or against shares them with the people in charge of making the decisions, and not just anonymously in a comments forum.</b>
<b>My stance is that Muskego needs to move forward and it can do so without sacrificing its character or natural resources. The success of that will ultimately depend on a collaborative effort (not a combative relationship) between our elected officials and the citizens. I have always remembered something an old employer told me: don't bring a complaint unless you also have a positive suggestion or solution to address that complaint. </b>
Special design on bags of heroin and text messages could connect the dots for the prosecution to convict Kevin Cobus of reckless homicide in the deaths of Jamie Hansen and Cody Riggs, but defense takes its turn beginning Thursday.
Adding to the gallery in Muskego City Hall, three new portraits will be unveiled for Muskego's former leaders
The Muskego Public Library is now where you can get your tickets for its annual wine tasting on May 18 if you're not so inclined to buy them online.
Plan Commission approves site plans, but nearby subdivision will abut property line of residential lots, and residents are nervous that the building will be too big, too loud and too close.
A voter turnout of 26.7 percent was about what was expected throughout Muskego, with the sole race for alderman in District 2 going to newcomer Bob Hammel
Is there a treasure in your home? Ever wondered whether Grandma's dishes held any value? Ask an antique appraiser at the Big Bend Village Library on Friday, April 5
Pictures and press clippings tell a story of for Muskego High School teacher Jerry Stueber, a dedicated teacher and student of the earth and skies.
Local artists being sought to help brand the new market coming to Muskego, beginning in May.
Muskego man was a member of Lakepoint Church and will be remembered on April 3 during a visitation and memorial service.
Waukesha's Kevin Cobus faces two counts of first-degree reckless homicide; prosecutors say he supplied the drugs the led to fatal overdoses of a Muskego woman and a Delafield man.
Muskego woman Jamie Hansen died from an overdose in July 2011, and prosecutors are hoping to convict Waukesha's Kevin Cobus of reckless homicide in her death and that of a man from Delafield.
Heroin, syringes and cookers found in woman's car after an eyewitness follows her swerving into Muskego, according to reports.
So who is that guy braving the elements to bag and serve Kettle Corn in Muskego?
Annual Easter Egg Hunt brings out the warmest temps of spring, as well as hundreds of candy-seeking kids in Muskego's Veterans Park, courtesy of the Lion's Club.
Muskego's Matt Degner calls his high school football career "picture perfect," and hopes to have it make a difference for other teens at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, one of whom has been a good friend
Recent deal to bring machining company to Muskego has officials excited over what it could mean for future of Moorland corridor and business in general for the city
A 911 call alerts Muskego police to erratic driver, who ends up out on bail for a burglary charge
Organizers have assembled the materials and talent needed to run a free clinic at the Old Town Hall, but need a medical director before the doors can open.
A new computer system allows judicial clerks to intercept tax payments for delinquent defendants in Muskego court, and the council approves extending staff time to keep up with the workload.
Friday is the last day for residents to vote early in person for Tuesday's election and clerks' offices across the state, including Muskego's, are required to be open.
