• Mark SchaafPatch Staff Verified Patch Staff Badge

  • Oak Creek, WI

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.

Posting Activity

Oak Creek|News|

Oak Creek Homecoming Week Under Way

The parade is coming up at 6 p.m. Wednesday, followed by a pep rally and football game on Friday.

Oak Creek Homecoming Week Under Way
Oak Creek|News|

Islamic Group to Honor Sikh Temple

The Council on American-Islamic Relations will award the Sikh Temple of Wisconsin the 2012 Solidarity Award, given to the temple for its "friendship and solidarity with the American Muslim community."

Islamic Group to Honor Sikh Temple
Oak Creek|News|

City Wins $2.6M In Grants This Year

Mayor says city officials work hard to find outside funding sources to help offset costs to taxpayers.

City Wins $2.6M In Grants This Year
Oak Creek|News|

Stolen Semi Found in Illinois

A woman reported the semi stolen from Wisconsin Kenworth on Saturday night. It was later found unoccupied near the state line.

Stolen Semi Found in Illinois
Oak Creek|News|

Synthetic Pot Linked to Crash

Driver in accident on E. Forest Hill Ave. was reportedly flailing his arms and convulsing when police arrived late Sunday afternoon.

Synthetic Pot Linked to Crash
Oak Creek|News|

Two Big Events This Week at Community Center

The Oak Creek Community Center will host its annual beer festival and 'A Community United' fundraiser for Sikh temple victims this week.

Two Big Events This Week at Community Center
Oak Creek|News|

Two Major Road Projects On Schedule

Work continues on expanding Pennsylvania and Drexel avenues, the city's two big road construction projects for 2012.

Two Major Road Projects On Schedule
Oak Creek|News|

Lakefront Project Takes Another Step

The Oak Creek Common Council approved contracts for bluff stabilization and stormwater management work, two of many aspects in the battle to open up the city's lakefront.

Lakefront Project Takes Another Step
Oak Creek|News|

Forum Monday Explores Sikh, Other Faiths

'Know Your Neighbors: Exploring Our Diverse Faiths' aims to promote religious understanding following the Aug. 5 shootings at the Sikh Temple of Wisconsin.

Forum Monday Explores Sikh, Other Faiths
Oak Creek|News|

High School Garden Planting Moved to Sept. 29

Garden will honor those who lost their lives during the Sikh temple attack and promote the value of diversity within the school and community.

High School Garden Planting Moved to Sept. 29
Oak Creek|News|

Sikh Temple Member Tells His Story to U.S. Senate

45 days after the attack at the Sikh Temple of Wisconsin, Harpreet Singh Saini spoke of his mother, Paramjit Kaur, who was killed at the temple, before a U.S. Senate committee hearing on hate crimes.

Sikh Temple Member Tells His Story to U.S. Senate
Oak Creek|News|

13th St. Property Gets Multi-Family Zoning

The zoning of a 1.9-acre parcel on the north end of 13th Street was changed from single-family to mult-family, amid some concerns about the impact on the neighborhood.

13th St. Property Gets Multi-Family Zoning