Reporter on the Move: After 7 Years, This is My Farewell to Lakeville

During these past seven years I've covered Lakeville as a community reporter and editor, you've likely noticed two things about me: I'm tall, and at times, you can't shut me up.

So I'll make this short(ish). Pun.

This is my final week as editor of Lakeville Patch. After two and a half years covering this wonderful town for Patch—and five years before that with the old Life and Times newspaper—I'm heading down a new career path. I've accepted a new job as communications specialist with the Anoka-Hennepin School District—Minnesota's largest, with more than 39,000 students.

I adore community journalism, and this new opportunity allows me to do many of the things I have loved doing and reporting on while working at Patch and covering this town for so long. But for me, it's time to move on and explore new and exciting opportunities.

These past seven years in Lakeville have been more than amazing. I've developed strong relationships and forged a number of wonderful friendships. I also feel confident in proudly saying I think I've done a pretty good job as one of your most trusted news and information providers, and I sense that I leave Lakeville no worse than I found it.

I thank you, Lakeville, for all these years of support, story ideas, trust, and belief in me. 

Lakeville Patch will be left in the very capable hands of Michael Garlitz. He's a professional journalist whose been a contributor for Patch since we started this adventure a couple years ago. He's covered Lakeville during various stretches when I managed to peel myself away from the computer to take a vacation, and I know you'll all appreciate his coverage of town.

Mike's email address is mgarlitz@gmail.com and can be reached by phone at 507-650-0841.

As for me, it's honestly been a privilege to cover Lakeville, and I will sincerely miss this city and everyone in it.