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.
If you attend any games and have results, photos or videos, please send them to allison.wickler@patch.com to help strengthen our coverage of all the student-athletes in the community.
Cedar between 157th and 161st streets will close at 10 p.m. Friday until 6 p.m. Saturday.
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.
Police also made arrests for assault and failure to stop for a school bus.
Section and state sports are also scheduled throughout the week for Apple Valley and Eastview teams.
An InterMat wrestling story explains how experiencing the loss of his mother after her battle with breast cancer has continued to inspire Trom and those around him.
Two dozen Apple Valley homes sold in the past week.
Patch’s Little Pumpkin Costume Challenge with Heidi Klum needs your entries now.
Traffic picked up during a hot July and dry August, and the aquatic center was able to offer multiple new programs.
Last year, Eastview was recognized for outstanding production of a musical, and one student took home the coveted triple-threat award.
Falcon Ridge Middle School sixth grader Jackson Bires and eighth grader Andrew Erickson will perform with the choir this fall.
Minneapolis police found a pill on the person of Calvin John Ritz that allegedly was the drug Ecstasy.
The final regular-season high school football games will take place Wednesday this week.
Butler is one of seven candidates vying for one of four seats on the Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan school district board of education.
Albright is one of seven candidates vying for one of four seats on the Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan school district board of education.
Schutte is one of seven candidates vying for one of four seats on the Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan school district board of education.
Duchscher is one of seven candidates vying for one of four seats on the Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan school district board of education.
Reference candidates' responses to our questions by question or by candidate prior to the Nov. 8 general election.
Krueger is one of seven candidates vying for one of four seats on the Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan school district board of education.
Magnuson is one of seven candidates vying for one of four seats on the Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan school district board of education.
