I've been reporting news in Lawrence since 1992. Before joining the NewsCenter, I was editor, publisher and owner of the Lawrence Business Ledger and the Baldwin Ledger newspapers. I've been with The World Company since 2001, when I sold my weekly newspaper business to the company.
I mainly cover city government and neighborhoods, but I've also previously served as business editor for the Journal World, and have undertaken a variety of first-person journalism projects. In parts of 2007 and 2008, I received some national publicity for a series of articles detailing how I purchased a handgun, received a concealed carry license from the state, and carried the weapon around for a few days.
I also enjoy writing profiles on area people, ranging from a promient nightclub owner to the corner hot dog vendor to a 91-year old woman who still goes to work six days per week. If you know of someone interesting, send me an e-mail.
And from time to time, I like to take people to places that they don't often get to go. Sometimes I even take a video camera, like the night I hung out with a bunch of mixed martial artist competitors.
I have my degree in journalism from Kansas University, and also did some undergraduate work at Emporia State University. I'm a native of the small Kansas town of Melvern, which is about an hour away from Lawrence in Osage County.
My wife and I have two children. In my spare time, I work on writing what I hope will be my first novel, play pool, boat, umpire Little League baseball, and barbecue.
Recent Stories
Midday Stock Roundup
The S&P 500 rose 0.82% to 1,756.16 in afternoon trading Tuesday.
Kofax Has Strong Debut Quarter on Nasdaq
Irvine-based business software maker Kofax Ltd. on Tuesday posted strong December quarter results in its first earnings report since it began trading on the Nasdaq Dec. 5.
Record keepers: Experts discuss benefits of pouring thoughts, ideas onto paper
Wrapped in a red coat on a cold Saturday night, Holly Charlton sits on a stool at the Replay, talking to some friends. Then, out of nowhere, something stirs her, and in an instant, Charlton plucks a journal from her purse, flips it open and begins to write.
Regents to discuss banning cigarette sales on campuses
The Kansas Board of Regents may consider whether to ban the sale of cigarettes and other tobacco products on university campuses.
Indelible impressions
Couple witnessed Haitian destruction firsthand
Many tears were shed Monday afternoon when a Lawrence couple greeted their families after escaping the aftermath of the earthquake that devastated Haiti last week.
Lawrence losing shoppers
City sales tax revenue below average
Lawrence is no longer part of the club. Of the approximately 600 cities and towns in Kansas, there have been a few — maybe around 50 — that have been part of a special club of communities that stand out as shopping superstars.
Smoking, obesity top state health issues
Smoking and obesity are the top health challenges facing Kansans. Dr. Jason Eberhart-Phillips, director of health for the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, said they are costing lives and money.
Pinewood Derby whittles scouting skills
One looked like a school bus. Another like the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile. Yet another was optimized using Internet blueprints. Some were just plain fast.
