I an a graduate of Stryker High School and earned a bachelor of arts degree in journalism from the University of Toledo. I began work as a journalist as a high school student in the 1970s, and for 34 years I have worked as an editor at The Bryan Times, a daily newspaper in Ohio. I served many years as editor, and I currently am semi-retired, serving as senior editor. I currently write an award-winning weekly newspaper column, On My Mind. For nearly 20 years I have been publisher of Faded Banner Publications, a publisher of Civil War and regional history books. I am a curious person, and my goal is to help people understand the world around us, and especially the history that led us here. I have been influenced by publishers and editors I have worked under, including Regis Spielvogel and Ford and Christopher Cullis; columnists including Jack Anderson and Sidney Harris; and historians including Bruce Catton.    

I have received numerous United Press International and Associated Press awards for my news and feature writing, editing and columns.