I began my career in western Illinois reporting the “High School Minute” for my high school back in the late 70’s, ensuring everyone at Warren Senior High was aware of the lunch menu for the day, and breaking news about assemblies that would get us out of algebra for an hour. That launched a career that had me covering Ronald Reagan’s campaign at the age of 19, then off to Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Arizona, Nebraska, and ultimately Casper, Wyoming. My career has given me the opportunity to cover hundreds of politicians, celebrities and local residents to relay their stories to my listeners. Some include then-Illinois State Senator Barack Obama, and currently imprisoned Governors George Ryan and Rod Blagojevich. I’ve also had the pleasure of meeting non-politicians Bo Derek, Sally Field, Reese Witherspoon, Reba McEntire and others. Some other perks of working strange hours in radio include “media flights” with the U.S. Army Golden Knights, a jet-assisted takeoff in the Blue Angels C-130, and aerobatic flights in a T-34 Navy Trainer with the Lima-Lima Squadron. (As a private pilot, I take every opportunity to get in the air, although my stomach prefers straight-and-level flight over loops and barrel-rolls) I’m still waiting and begging for “the ride,” in any of the premier jet demonstration teams’ key aircraft, whether it’s the Blue Angels’ FA-18 Hornet, or the Air Force Thunderbirds’ F-16. Heck, I’d even fly with Canada’s Snowbirds if a back seat was available. Being a relative “newbie” to Wyoming, arriving in January of 2012, I look forward to exploring the region and taking advantage of the lakes, rivers and mountains.
