Experience
I have managed the reporting staff of The Hutchinson News since 2007, during which time its members have generated some incredible award winning content. Additionally, I have overseen the development of several projects including an agricultural website and print publication, Kansas Agland, and the Future Journalist Scholarship/Mentor program – an endowed scholarship fund with more than $40,000 raised by staff members.
News editor, The Hutchinson News, 2007-present
Manage the daily content for The Hutchinson News, hutchnews.com and various related publications. Regularly contribute editorial content for The News.
Reporter, The Hutchinson News, 2004-2007
Produced content for The News, primarily as the public safety reporter. Wrote several award winning pieces, including one about a homeless man who was found dead in the river, and a 10 year examination of traffic accidents in Reno County.
Paginator, The Hutchinson News, 2002-2004
Responsible for giving a final read to copy, as well as designing news pages for print. Also worked as a prepress operator, preparing plates for the press room.
Before The News
Before I came to The News, I spent six years working as a machinist at Mega Manufacturing. Initially, I ran a table grinder, which was the most boring work I’ve ever done. Eventually, I became a CNC (Computer Numerical Control) lathe operator. This is basically a fancy way to say that I ran a metal lathe to make precision components for machinery, but I used a computer program to aid in the process. I also had to know and use an uncomfortable amount of math.
Before that, I ran a restaurant in Hesston, and before that a restaurant in McPherson.
Awards
2016, 1st place Kansas Press Association award for News Feature writing, 2nd place column writing; 2015, 2nd place Kansas Press Association award for editorial writing, 2012, 1st place column writing, Kansas Press Association; 2011, 1st place editorial writing, Kansas Press Association, 2006, 1st place feature writing, Kansas Press Association, 2006, Media Award, Kansas Correctional Association.
Extras
Attended American Press Institute conference; Former director of the Male Involvement Project and the Fatherhood Project of Reno County; I also served as president of the Allen Magnet School Parent/Teacher Association, and three years as a board member/secretary for New Beginnings.
