LJWorld.com / Mark Fagan

At what moment did you realize you wanted to become a journalist (videographer, meteorologist, sports reporter, etc.)? And if there wasn't a specific point in time, what was the motivating factor?
It seems I've always wanted to be a reporter, even before I knew it myself. The proof: A few years ago my dad dragged out an audio tape of me, as a child, running around with a portable tape recorder to interview all my friends and closing with, 'Reporting live, I'm Mark Fagan.' I started newspaper reporting in high school, and now that I'm also doing TV work it seems like things might have come full circle. Then again, my mom always thought I'd be a sportscaster, so maybe that's next.

When you really want to relax and let your hair down in Lawrence, where do you go and what do you do? I like to dine at Free State Brewery, golf at Eagle Bend or Alvamar and play softball at the Clinton Lake Adult Softball Complex.

What comes to your mind as the most memorable local story you've covered?
I remember tracking down a bunch of background on a guy, Allen Salah, who came to Lawrence pitching plans for a new brewery/restaurant to be built at the corner of Clinton Parkway and Kasold Drive, to be called Sports Page Brewery. Salah managed get the place built and to the brink of opening before the building -- literally -- almost blew up in his face. Turns out someone opened a natural gas line inside the unfinished brewery, leaving it one spark away from a massive explosion. As soon as the attempted arson was made public, I wrote the story outlining his checkered past, which included bank fraud and other swindles that dumped him, among other places, in federal prison. After the story appeared, Salah managed to skip town before the authorities could get a chance to talk to him. Salah left behind more than $1 million in debts.

If you couldn't be a reporter, what occupation would you want to try?
I'd give architecture a shot. I've always been fascinated with building design.

Which two people do you admire most? One should be someone you know. The other, someone you've never met.
How about two that I know: my parents. I still can't believe all they did to help me grow up.

If you were stranded on a deserted island with only one song to listen to and one book to read for the duration, what would they be?
Song: 'Once in a Lifetime,' by Talking Heads. As for reading material, I'd go with a book of matches. A big one. I figure it'd be nice to have fire.

If they were going to execute you tomorrow, rightly or wrongly, what would your last meal consist of?
As long as the meal included bacon, I'd survive.

Recent stories

Cash still king of graduation gifts: By Mark Fagan; May 13, 2008; Although spending will be down for gifts this graduation season, cash will continue to be king amid renditions of “Pomp and Circumstance,” according to a new survey.
Foundation eyes wealth transfer: Small donations from wills can have big impact, leaders say; By Mark Fagan; May 12, 2008; With an estimated $25 billion expected to pass from one generation to the next during the next 50 years in Douglas County, a leading charitable foundation is urging those with the money to consider leaving some behind for a growing list of community needs.
Injured soldier not daunted by Ironman challenge: By Mark Fagan; May 11, 2008; Beyond his fitted wet suit, racing bicycle and long-distance footwear, Army Maj. David Rozelle will be packing a few extra pieces of high-tech equipment for next month’s Ironman 70.3 Kansas in Lawrence.
Anticipating a rail travel resurgence, organization wants to fast-track repairs: By Mark Fagan; May 7, 2008; The train depot in east Lawrence still welcomes and sees off passengers, still accommodates railroad operations and still grabs attention with its mid-century modern architecture. Now a fledgling group of residents wants to make sure that the depot owned by Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway, 413 E. Seventh St., not only survives for another 50 years but also stays on track to handle a hoped-for resurgence in rail travel.
‘Stop Renting’ seminar set for Tuesday night in Lawrence: By Mark Fagan; May 5, 2008; People interested in moving from renting a home to owning a home are invited to attend a free seminar Tuesday in Lawrence.
Triathlon to center on Clinton Lake: By Mark Fagan; May 5, 2008; You may think riding a bike for 56 miles is tough. Or hopping off the bike and strapping on running shoes to embark on a half marathon, often striving to keep the pace below 5-minute miles.
Ironman event in June will be first in Kansas: By Mark Fagan; May 5, 2008; Some of the world’s most intense endurance athletes soon will be bringing their $400 wetsuits, $4,000 bikes and $161,000 incomes to Lawrence for a competition that already is commanding global attention. Up to 1,500 athletes from 46 states and four countries are expected for the first Ironman 70.3 Kansas, where they will dive into a 1.2-mile swim, pedal through a 56-mile ride and endure a 13.1-mile run.
SEALs to compete and recruit at event: By Mark Fagan; May 5, 2008; Ironman events tend to draw intense, dedicated and committed athletes who embrace the challenge of pushing the limits of their endurance — all in pursuit of a goal that becomes achievable through proper training.
Athletes to test city’s mettle: Lawrence a good fit, organizer says; By Mark Fagan; May 5, 2008; Lawrence secured its coveted spot on the Ironman 70.3 circuit for a number of well-established reasons, said Steve Meckfessel, series director:
Wheat not hurt: By Mark Fagan; May 3, 2008; Neither wind nor rain nor quarter-sized hail could put a dent in this year’s wheat crop. So says Matthew Vajnar, grain merchandiser for Ottawa Cooperative Association, which has more than a dozen grain elevators in the area.

Full story list

Recent photos

Mark Woodward will take over as chief executive officer of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America in July. He visited the association’s office on Tuesday to meet employees.

Alise Hopkins, left, Brandy Horner and Brenda Welsh attended a mixer for the Lawrence Board of Realtors installation on Jan. 18 at Maceli’s. Hopkins is a production assistant for Countrywide Home Loans, and Horner and Welsh are title examiners and closers for Oread Land Title.

Members of the 2008 Board of Directors for the Lawrence Board of Realtors are, from left, Bev Hill, treasurer; Oliver Minnis; Sandy Garber; Mary Jones, past president; Thomas Howe, president; Leslie Foust, secretary; Becky Mondi; Nicholas Lerner; Randy Barnes, president elect; and Judy Brynds.

Award winners during Friday’s Lawrence Board of Realtors Installation Mixer are, from left, Tom Harper, Salesperson of the Year; Gary Nuzum, Distinguished Service Award; and Deborah McMullen, Realtor of the Year.

Brian Best, chief executive officer of Lawrence-based Best Macs Inc., answers Three Questions about Apple's new Leopard system, the company's standing as a computer maker and reasons behind the fierce loyalty shown by Mac devotees.

Full photo list