I'm a longtime and award-winning journalist who has been at this stuff for more than 30 years, primarily on weekly and small daily papers in Iowa, Oregon and Minnesota. In my journalism career I've been a sports writer, sports editor, reporter, photographer, news editor, features writer, restaurant and movie reviewer and columnist, among other jobs I've forgotten. Since 2001, I've been a freelance writer and photographer in the Twin Cities and worked for a wide variety of area, regional and national publications. My journalistic passions are pretty evenly divided between writing and photography. I've interviewed people ranging from presidents and archbishops to grave diggers and dog catchers.

I also shoot wedding, senior portraits and other photo gigs. My work can be seen at http://johnmolenemedia.smugmug.com. Mostly I like staying behind the camera but will admit to being an extra in two movies, most notably as a member of the parade crowd in the final scene of "Animal House."

Socially, our family enjoys reading, taking family walks, exploring new things and traveling. Our daughter is a lively second grader in School District 197, which serves northern Eagan, Mendota Heights and West St. Paul. We're also active at St. John Neumann parish in Eagan.