I grew up in the suburbs about 20 miles west of Milwaukee, until leaving the nest for college at the University of Minnesota. There, I worked for three years at The Minnesota Daily student newspaper, where I held newsroom positions from intern up to managing editor. After earning a journalism degree, I went back to Wisconsin and spent a year covering education and doing online editing for the local daily newspaper in the city of Manitowoc, a community on the shores of Lake Michigan. I hope I can make Apple Valley Patch meaningful for the Apple Valley community.
Outside of journalism work, I dabble in expository essay-writing, play the piano here and there, try to keep up with Jillian Michaels and really, really would like to finish the New York Times Sunday crossword, for once. I'm always open to suggestions for new restaurants or little corners of the world to check out.
<b>Politics, Religion</b>
At Patch, we promise to report facts as objectively as possible and otherwise adhere to the principles of good journalism. However, we also acknowledge that true impartiality is impossible because human beings have beliefs. I would be happy to discuss my political persuasions and religious beliefs with anyone who asks.<br><br><b>Local Hot-Button Issues</b>
One important and ongoing issue in Apple Valley is the development of the Cedar Avenue corridor and bus rapid transit, which has affected and will continue to affect transit and the business community. AV Patch also will keep tabs on development within the city's designated downtown area.
Members of the city and business communities in Apple Valley enjoyed food, prizes and the beautiful Tuesday weather at a pre- Night to Unite picnic.
The Minnesota Department of Transportation also is scheduled to start work this week on Cedar/Hwy 77 from 138th Street to the Minnesota River.
Block parties are scheduled in cities across the state for the annual neighborhood get-together. Share photos of Apple Valley or Rosemount events with us.
Get information about the upcoming school year during a series of back-to-school orientations and open houses coming up at District 196 schools.
Register for the Minnesota Zoo's annual 5k and kids run to support the zoo's conservation programs.
The 154th Dakota County Fair kicks off Monday, but the fair announced via its website that the first night's grandstand event has been canceled.
Anthony Gilbert Bloodsaw, 38, is charged with burglary and trespassing after a resident allegedly discovered him going through belongings in the resident's garage.
The county is asking the state to help fund eight miles of trail through Rosemount and Nininger Township, and three trailheads.
The Minnesota Department of Transportation also is scheduled to start work this week on Cedar/Hwy 77 from 138th Street to the Minnesota River.
The 154th Dakota County Fair kicks off Monday, but the fair announced via its website that the first night's grandstand event has been canceled.
The new web design went live this past weekend at the same web address.
The 154th Dakota County Fair kicks off Monday, but the fair announced via its website that the first night's grandstand event has been canceled.
See which posts had readers in Apple Valley and Rosemount clicking in July.
The woman apparently overcompensated while steering her car on Interstate 35 and ran into the median, causing the car carrying her husband and her to roll over several times.
Singapura is just one of many cats and dogs waiting to be adopted from Last Hope pet rescue.
Singapura is just one of many cats and dogs waiting to be adopted from Last Hope pet rescue.
A dancer in the Esther Bowles Happiness Troupe chomps into a slice of watermelon on her break.
Police responded to several calls about thefts from motor vehicles on July 24.
Police also made arrests for DUIs and use of fireworks, according to the latest report.
The 154th Dakota County Fair kicks off Monday, and runs through Sunday, Aug. 12.
