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
Restaurant owner takes fake ID case to ‘Judge Judy’
Lawrence restaurant owner Doug Holiday thinks somebody ought to kick-start the process of changing local laws to more strictly punish minors who use fake IDs to purchase alcohol...
Record store retains relevance in digital age
Downtown fixture now taking a spin in street-level Mass. Street location
So, in walks this kid with the perfect name for an optimistic college student — Will Pass.
Hot dog vendor enhances downtown flavor
Sun Dog customers relish unique sidewalk dining option
On this morning, at least, the corner of Ninth and Mass. seemed to be a magnet for simplicity.
Wakarusa Fest may not play on
Organizer compares music festival with Manhattan event, claims discrimination
Lawrence may have partied at its last Wakarusa Music and Camping Festival. Festival promoter Brett Mosiman has accused the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks of bigotry and said he won't return the festival to Clinton State Park unless the department changes how it treats the event and its largely "hippie" crowd. "The situation reeks of discrimination," Mosiman said.
Filmmaker wants to close downtown block for one day
A local filmmaker wants to close down a portion of Massachusetts Street early next month to film scenes for a movie about Lawrence crop artist Stan Herd.
Moving beyond oil
Local committee urges city to take action
Imagine the day when your vehicle's odometer becomes a tax meter - the more you drive, the more you pay in taxes. When you do drive, you'll be greeted by more toll stations. And when you stop, you'll be greeted by more parking meters. Along the way you'll notice roofs with solar panels, yards with vegetable gardens, construction crews building bike paths instead of roads, and perhaps even large warehouses stuffed with massive amounts of food to deal with an energy emergency that hovers on the horizon.
More concerts could be in store
Strike up the next band. The promoter for Wednesday evening's Wilco concert said he was ecstatic with how the event fit into downtown Lawrence, and he hopes to do three to four a year at the site near Ninth and New Hampshire streets.
Fire-eaters could heat up downtown
Street performers would congregate during proposed Busker Fest 2008
You thought the mid-August weekend when Kansas University students returned to Lawrence was crazy enough. Just imagine what it will be like when you add fire-eaters. It looks like there will be no need to imagine.
Wakarusa Festival organizers hope to keep location
Lawrence police chief outlines law enforcement's problems with event
Wakarusa Festival organizers want to negotiate a long-term lease with state leaders to keep the concert at Clinton State Park. The festival site has been in question after organizers last month unsuccessfully sought to move the event - which has attracted upward of 15,000 people in past years - to Jefferson County. "The lake is our No. 1 target," said Brett Mosiman, who started the event in 2004.
Corliss ready for new chapter
City manager gets warm response
Change is coming to City Hall, though the face promising to bring it is familiar.
