Stay awhile:

I am a PhD student in journalism/

mass communications at the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism at Ohio University, where I teach a range of undergraduate journalism courses. Prior to grad school, I was a reporter at The Vindicator, the daily newspaper in Youngstown Ohio.

My hobbies include winemaking and working on my classic VW Dormobile camper. Once in a great while I write a book review.

Inside you can find:

Ancient story about  me in Cleveland Jewish News

Pictures of my cats Sally and Daisy.

Instructions to make your own wine

Tips for beating a speeding ticket

Contact me:

10 Herrold Ave.

Athens, OH 45701

(330) 647-4298

stephensiff@yahoo.com

Reading Room

Building Inspections Lacking

YOUNGSTOWN -- More than 80 percent of the homes built under the jurisdiction of the Mahoning County Building Inspection Department last year were never fully inspected, department records show. (For complete story, visit www.vindy.com.)

Overflowing with Underwear

WARREN -- War may be hell, but it doesn't have to chafe. (For complete story, visit www.vindy.com.)

Factory Shooting

ANDOVER -- Life on the line at Andover Industries was full of petty slights and indignities for Rick Shadle, his parents say.

Shadle was mentally retarded, his parents said, and his disability showed on his face. (For complete story, visit www.vindy.com.)

He's the ticket for speeders

YOUNGSTOWN -- If you got a speeding ticket in Youngstown this year, the chances are pretty good you've met Patrolman Jimmy Rounds.

Depending on which side of the license and registration you stand, Rounds is either the paragon of police dedication or a dreaded encounter with bad luck. (For complete story, visit www.vindy.com.)

Barry's Sweet Racket

When Lyndhurst's mayor gouged his customers, it was just business. (FULL STORY)

Blood Sport

CLEVELAND -- Most people have no reason to notice Vega Avenue. The one-way street swoops into a highway entrance ramp, and drivers barely glimpse the huge, decaying homes before merging into 75-mile-an-hour traffic. 
Vampires prefer it that way. (FULL STORY)