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.
Learning Buddies is an intergenerational program that brings older adults to classrooms to help elementary students with reading, math and science.
Find the schedule of races for state track and field competition this Friday and Saturday, as well as lane assignments for the athletes from your favorite local teams.
Tell us and other readers what you think of this retailer by giving it a rating and writing a review.
Head to open houses this weekend at these properties in Apple Valley and Rosemount.
Quintin and Grayson Nicolay have demonstrated their talents as successful multi-sport athletes on District 196's adapted sports teams.
How well do you know Apple Valley and Rosemount? Try to identify what and where our mystery photo is. We'll post a new one each week, alternating cities each week. This week is Apple Valley.
The Apple Valley Freedom Days committee is looking for classic cars, trucks and motorcycles for its car show, as well as businesses to participate in its vendor fair.
Heppner has committed to play college lacrosse at the University of Minnesota-Duluth.
With June now in full swing, look back at which stories were most popular on Apple Valley and Rosemount Patches in May.
With June upon us, we look back at what had Apple Valley talking in May.
With June upon us, we look back at what had Rosemount talking in May.
Apple Valley police reported incidents for which multiple people now face felony drug charges in Dakota County.
Westbound County Road 42 will be down to one lane near Cedar for the next couple weeks starting this week.
Remember those who recently passed away.
In other south metro news this week, an area woman has begun an online garage sale system using Facebook.
Romance novel fans can meet four local authors and hear them talk about their work at the Library’s summer romance series.
District 196's four biggest high schools, including Apple Valley, Eastview and Rosemount, all held commencement ceremonies Saturday.
One person was injured in the Friday night parking lot fight that involved between 50 and 100 people.
Four high schools in the Dakota County Tribune coverage area in 1945 sent seniors off into the world.
See whether homes in your neighborhood sold.
