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.
Three of four Eastview dance team members who participated in the solo Miss Dance Team Minnesota competition will dance at nationals in California in March.
Each week, Apple Valley Patch will post the profile of a child on the waiting list for a mentor with Kids 'n Kinship, an Apple Valley-based organization that matches kids with adult mentors.
Oelke was the lone Eastview or Apple Valley runner to qualify for state.
More people are expected at this year's art auction—scheduled for Saturday night—which raises money for scholarships and grants for teachers and students in the Eastview school community.
Police also made arrests for several shoplifting charges and indecent exposure, according to the latest report.
Nearly 30 homes sold in the past week.
The firearm season opener for deer hunting begins at dawn on Saturday. Apple Valley hunters: Share your photos with us.
Where do I vote? When can I vote? What am I voting for? We make sure you're ready to get out there and mark your ballot.
Where do I vote? When can I vote? What am I voting for? We make sure you're ready to get out there and mark your ballot.
Johnson and Krupke are two seniors who have led Eastview to the section 3AAAAA finals, scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday at Prior Lake.
Don't forget to vote in the District 196 school board race on Tuesday.
Seventeen Twin Cities area T-Mobile stores will be redesigned, aiming to improve customers' shopping experience.
Rhonda Lee Arkley pleaded guilty on Tuesday to three charges in the incident where she doused her home and husband in gasoline and set the house on fire, then tried to stab herself and flee police.
Susie Lynn Williams is charged with two counts of fifth-degree possession of a controlled substance.
The Apple Valley charter school was one of 32 grand-prize grant winners nationwide.
Share photos or memories from your experience on the 20-year anniversary.
Kennedy and Reger are two seniors who have led Eastview to the section 3AAAAA finals, scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday at Prior Lake.
Each week, Apple Valley Patch will post the profile of a child on the waiting list for a mentor with Kids 'n Kinship, an Apple Valley-based organization that matches kids with adult mentors.
The Lightning advance to the section 3AAAAA final against Prior Lake for a chance at a state berth.
Apple Valley emergency personnel responded to a one-car crash around 10 p.m. Friday.
