Education: 1976 graduate of Logansport High School.
1980 graduate of Purdue University (B.A. in communication)
2013, graduate of Purdue University Transition to Teaching Program. Attended the University of Missouri Graduate School of Journalism
Currently attending the University of Memphis Graduate School of Journalism
Occupation/Work Experience: For 25 years, a staff writer and editor at the Logansport Pharos-Tribune. For 20 years, including the last 13 at the Pharos, I was a weekly columnist. Former broadcast marketing director for Purdue University. I also taught journalism as a contract faculty member at Ball State. For the past seven years, I have taught English in public schools. For the past 15 years, I have been a church choir director.
Previous political experience: Covered city, county and state government for 25 years as a full-time reporter and for the last seven years as a contracted weekly news columnist, and as a regular contributor to The Howey Political Report.
Family & other biographical information: Fifth generation Cass County resident.
Wife Julie (married in 2006); son Max, 8; daughter Goldie, 7; daughter Minnie, 4; all attend Landis Elementary School.
Father, Bob, was former co-owner of MeR-Del's Quality where he was employed for 44 years. Mother, Maryalice, worked for the late Dr. J.C. Jones for more than 20 years. Brother Richard is the retired media center director at Avon High School, Indianapolis.
Won or shared more than 60 state and national journalism awards from the Hoosier State Press Association, Indiana Associated Press Managing Editors, Sigma Delta Chi/The Society of Professional Journalists, Thomson Newspaper and Community Newspapers. Twice received recognition from the Inland Daily Press Association for outstanding column writing.
Other interests & experience: Former board member and president of Logansport Noon Kiwanis Club, Cass County Historical Society, Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Cass County and Love, Incorporated; founding member and former president of the Cass County Historic Preservation Society Board, former member of Cass County United Way and Literacy Volunteers of Cass County boards; a 20-year member of the Performing Arts Council Board.
Served as lay leader, administrative board president, pastor/parish committee member and Sunday school teacher at the former Faith United Methodist Church; actively involved in the United Methodist lay speaking program and formerly a certified lay speaker in the Logansport District of the United Methodist Church
Currently a member of Culver Wesley United Methodist Church where I am choir director.
Was a member of the Iron Horse Festival revue "Celebration" for 10 years, the last four as director.