Email: mark.schaaf@patch.com
Phone: 262-497-1633
Hometown: Prairie du Chien, WI
Birthday 5-6-85
Bio: Being a journalist is the only career I've ever wanted for myself, and I'm so blessed that I'm getting to do it professionally. I grew up reading newspapers and by the third grade, I was making my own newspapers out of printer paper and putting them out on the porch at night, so when my dad got the Wisconsin State Journal in the morning, mine would be right next to it. (true story - my parents still have the copies) I have a passion for good journalism and I'm happy to be bringing that enthusiasm to Patch.
I grew up in Prairie du Chien and attended college at UW-Eau Claire where I served as editor of The Spectator. I worked for NOW Newspapers for 3 1/2 years before heading over to Patch to be the editor in Oak Creek.
Besides journalism, I'm passionate about music (Neil Young, Bob Dylan, Pearl Jam, Jack White) and the Milwaukee Brewers; I enjoy reading (non-fiction, mostly) and Sunday nights on HBO; and I believe Lee Harvey Oswald killed JFK but he did not act alone.
A crash that totaled two vehicles on Puetz Road early Sunday led to one drunken-driving arrest. A second driver who tried going around the crash scene and almost hit a squad car was also arrested.
The driver told police he just bought the car, valued at $600, two days prior.
About 24 percent of registered voters in Oak Creek cast their ballots in the two-week early-voting period, which ended Friday.
A 32-year-old Maryland man who was detained outside the Oak Creek Sikh temple was released following a police investigation.
City and state officials, VFW and American Legion members scheduled to speak at Nov. 10 event at the Oak Creek Fire Department.
A 26-year-old man allegedly sold cocaine to an undercover Oak Creek police officer. He was taken to the hospital after eating some of the cocaine, but fled and couldn't be found Thursday morning.
The Republican presidential nominee told a full house at Wisconsin State Fair Park that he is the candidate that will bring "real change" to America.
Nine-year incumbent Honadel faces political newcomer Kurtz in race for the 21st Assembly district.
Three cars were towed from the scene of an accident Sunday. Police cited a 78-year-old man for failure to yield right-of-way.
Officers found ammunition in the man's vehicle and "strange" writings about the Aurora, Colorado mass shooting in his backpack, according to an Oak Creek police report.
The city clerk's office expects about 25 percent of registered voters to have cast their ballots before Election Day.
State Rep. Jeff Stone and state Sen. Chris Larson took part in Oak Creek High School's first-ever "Great Presidential Debate" Wednesday at the Oak Creek Community Center.
Proceeds from Nov. 11 event at Bootz Saloon benefit family of Amalia Mikulanec, who was diagnosed with a form of leukemia earlier this year.
Not only do we tell you when it is, but we also give you suggestions on how you can fill that extra hour that day.
Remediation work is scheduled to begin next week, bringing the city one small step closer to opening up the lakefront north of Bender Park to the public.
Sunset Options will open on Mayhew Drive next year, but is providing its services to Oak Creek residents already.
Two events at the community center in December will also feature all-you-can-eat pancakes and stocking stuffers.
The tree will be lit at 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2 before the event moves into the community center.
The impact of Hurricane Sandy is being felt in Oak Creek and eastern Wisconsin, as high winds and huge waves are expected on Lake Michigan.
A fire broke out in a mobile home park on W. College Avenue about noon Monday.
