Mike McMahon
| Mike McMahon | ||||||||||
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| Sex | M | |||||||||
| Spouse | Kirsten Langenderfer | |||||||||
Children
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For other persons named Mike, see Mike.
Mike McMahon works for the Spearfish Lake Record-Herald newspaper through most stories, starting as a reporter and working up to editor. Although not a native, he makes a home for himself in the town and becames an integral part. Mike is married to Kirsten Langenderfer (but it took a while). They have three children Tiffany, Henry, and Susan. They now make their home on Busted Axle Road. Mike is 6' 4" tall and originally from Overland Heights. His work frequently takes him to Spearfish Lake Cafe in search of news or otherwise to meet friends. He had graduated from Michigan State University's journalism program.SU25
Contents
Busted Axle Road
Mike comes to Spearfish Lake as a junior reporter after graduating. At the time of this story, Mike had worked up to news editor while Kirsten, not yet his wife, was the advertising manager. The pair were living together and had been for years. Kirsten refused to get married just in case Henry Toivo was ever found. Mike helps expose two con artists that are milking the environmental organization known as the Defender's of Gaia, and helps Jennifer Evachevski get rid of an unwanted film crew. We learn that has written a book about the Warsaw Fire (Snowplow Extra) and we witness his involvement in bringing dog sledding to Spearfish Lake.
Absent Friend
Since this story spans such a long period of time, we watch Mike arrive in Spearfish Lake in the first chapter while Mike and Kirsten's wedding is in the final chapter. Mike goes on the Toivo expedition to write about it. Since Henry Toivo's body is returned to Spearfish Lake, the McMahon-Langenderfer wedding can finally take place in May 1991, with Tiffany as bridesmaid and Henry as best man.
Andromeda Chained
Mike appears frequently as Brenda Hodunk's boss. He gives advice with his assignments, teaching her the balance needed in community journalism that avoids Seagull journalism when living in a small town. He also learns from her when his friendship with Harold Hekkinan clouded his vision.
Blue Beauty
Mike has a red phone in his office which only he is allowed to answer. He answers it as Eino (with a Yooper accent) who occasionally feeds the tabloids poor quality photos of Jennifer Evachevski so that they aren't overly frantic to send people to Spearfish Lake to get pictures on their own.
The West Turtle Lake Club
Recently arrived in Spearfish Lake, Mike feels everyone else at the Record-Herald knows everything that is happening and he knows nothing. This is probably the reason he started the Junior Reporter's Notebook. The main theme of book is Mike's attempts to understand the continuing feud beween Garth Matson and Donna Clark. It all falls into place when he learns that the West Turtle Lake Club is a nudist resort.
