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.
The District 196 School Board on Monday authorized staff to draft a purchase agreement for the Apple Valley building that houses alternative high school and special education programs.
Two blocks of Cedar will close overnight from Friday to Saturday for sewer work.
Mandates in the federal Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act will require schools to provide more specific categories of food and work toward price equity for all students' meals, resulting in a need for increased lunch prices.
The Dakota County Attorney's Office plans to announce a grand jury's findings about national group Final Exit Network in the suspected 2007 suicide of an Apple Valley woman.
The School District 196 Board of Education on Monday also is slated to hear the new contract terms negotiated for clerical and support staff.
In Apple Valley real estate news, 17 homes sold last week, including a home originally listed at almost $750,000.
Blossom, a purebred Jack Russell terrier has tons of energy and is seeking a loving home.
Former Eagan Coach Kurt Virgin charged, a fatal wreck for a Burnsville teen, a Tony award nomination for Burnsville native and Eagan High School graduate Laura Osnes, and more top south metro stories from last week.
A Tony award nomination for Burnsville native and Eagan High School graduate Laura Osnes is also included among top south metro stories from last week.
Odds are there is good fishing not far from your front door.
Police also made arrests for shoplifting and disorderly conduct.
The Apple Valley City Council approved plans for lots for a new Menards and another retail business, as well as four more mixed-business lots, at the southeast corner of County Road 42 and Flagstaff Avenue.
The operator estimated the restaurant would open Nov. 1, and that the company would hire 110 people.
The Apple Valley City Council approved plans for lots for a new Menards and another retail business, as well as four more mixed-business lots, at the southeast corner of County Road 42 and Flagstaff Avenue.
Find out which salon won our readers' choice poll for best manicure and pedicure in the city.
The median home sales price in Apple Valley for April exceeded April 2011 by more than 42 percent.
This purebred Jack Russell terrier has tons of energy.
Tell us and other readers what you think of Von Hanson's by giving it a star rating or leaving a review on its Patch business listing.
Six students from District 196 were honored as part of the 2012 National Achievement Awards in Writing.
It's a beautiful time of year to check out properties on the market.
