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 Dakota County United Educators union, which represents District 196 teachers and nurses, ratified a tentative contract on Monday.
Grab your skis or get your listening skills in gear this weekend.
The contract is slated to go to the district's school board at the board's Monday meeting.
These books will warm you right up this holiday season.
Four-year coach Ben Uzlik has taken a new job with the Minnesota State Patrol that will no longer allow him time to coach.
Christian Rosener was recognized with 13 other student leaders.
Westview received a literacy grant to help implement literacy skills nights, where parents come to school to learn how to help their child read at home.
How soon do you feel like getting into the holiday spirit? Weigh in on this week's poll question.
Gov. Mark Dayton ordered a vote of thousands of family home day care providers on whether they want to form a union.
Two brother chihuahua mixes are looking for an adoptive family.
Though Cedar Park fifth-grader Kyle Jackson has cerebral palsy and is developmentally delayed, his family and school community all know his infectious "Kyle Smile."
Neighbors said they saw the home's occupants huddled in blankets across the street as firefighters fought the blaze on Saturday evening.
Each week, Apple Valley Patch posts the profile of a child waiting for a mentor through south metro nonprofit Kids 'n Kinship.
Police also made arrests for domestic assault, according to the latest report.
See which homes sold before the holiday.
Here's some knowledge to drop on your family and friends while you're around the table this Thanksgiving.
Here's some knowledge to drop on your family and friends while you're around the table this Thanksgiving.
Here's some knowledge to drop on your family and friends while you're around the table this Thanksgiving.
Here's some knowledge to drop on your family and friends while you're around the table this Thanksgiving.
Here's some knowledge to drop on your family and friends while you're around the table this Thanksgiving.