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I was born and raised in Lead and am a lifelong resident of Lawrence County. My dad worked for Homestake Mining Company while my mother stayed at home and raised my older sister and brother and me. As I was growing up, I spent many of my summers doing odd jobs like mowing lawns, delivering flowers, digging graves, retail sales, janitorial duties and working at the local newspaper.

In 1978, I married my high school sweetheart, Melodee. We raised three children … Abby, AJ and Ben … and are now the proud grandparents of three grandsons, Johnathyn, Michael and Maxwell.

Melodee and I are both members of Saint Patrick's Catholic Church in Lead. It is the same church in which I was baptized, received Reconciliation and First Communion, Confirmed and was married.

I graduated from South Dakota State University, earning a degree in journalism with minors in political science and sociology. After graduation, I worked for a time as a writer, public relations director and bar manager before returning to Deadwood to help with the family motel and restaurant businesses.

Over the past 25 years, I have been a partner or manager of several hospitality properties including Best Western Hickok House, Mineral Palace, Gold Dust, Four Aces and Bullock Hotel. In addition, I was the single staff person for Lead's non-profit economic development group for six years.

I have been extremely active in political and industry affairs, and have served on numerous local, regional and state-wide boards and committees. I have been chairman or president of Deadwood Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau, Black Hills Mining Museum, Black Hills Badlands and Lakes Association, South Dakota Elks Association and South Dakota's Visitor Industry Alliance.

I was first elected Mayor of the City of Lead in 2002, and have been reelected three times. During my tenure, I played an instrumental role in insuring that the Sanford Lab at Homestake became a reality and was recognized for my efforts in 2006 by Governor Mike Rounds during his State of the State address.

I spend much of my free time riding my motorcycle with Melodee and friends. But an even better and more enjoyable pastime is enjoying our three grandsons … all who now live in Lead.