Recently retired as executive editor of River Valley Media, which includes the La Crosse Tribune, Winona (Minn.) Daily News, Chippewa Herald (Chippewa Falls, Wis.) and several weeklies.
All of my advisers, from Jim Patten and Jim Neal to Jack Botts, were terrific mentors during school and as I began my career.
After graduation in 1977, worked for nearly a year at The Evening Press in Binghamton, N.Y.
Worked at the Omaha World-Herald for a year.
Joined Lee Enterprises in March 1979 and worked at several Lee newspapers until Oct. 1, 2020. I served as a reporter, city editor, managing editor and editor, as well as a publisher of River Valley Media from February 2004 through May 2016 before returning to the editor's chair.
The Depth Reporting class was crucial. And, winning the SPJ/SDX award as outstanding grad in '77 provided me with a great deal of confidence.
Recently retired. Still advising a couple of college journalism programs, serving on the Wisconsin Newspaper Association Foundation and Wisconsin Freedom of information Council.
In journalism, every day presents life-changing experiences.
Passion and persistence, hard work and hustle.
