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 four people currently sitting in the seats that will be on November's ballot all filed for re-election, while three newcomers also joined the race.
Seven file for four open seats. Three are newcomers.
The four people currently sitting in the seats that will be on November's ballot all filed for re-election, while three newcomers also joined the race.
How will you be involved with the Great Minnesota Get-Together? We want to hear from you.
After July, the number of closed home sales so far this year nearly matches 2010, but the July and year-to-date median sale prices are below where they were last year.
Additional state funding and a change in a property tax credit caused the school district's administration to recommend not pursuing a levy referendum.
He wanted to spend time pursuing the business venture he started in November, he said.
School board members made their decision because of additional funding the state will provide in the future, as well as a change in a property tax credit many homeowners previously received.
Sampers said he needed to spend time pursuing the business venture he started in November.
Additional state funding and a change in a property tax credit caused the school district's administration to recommend not pursuing a levy referendum.
Residents and staff of the Volunteers of America Angels Care Center set up outside their building on Monday to celebrate the president's event in their town.
Residents and staff of the Volunteers of America Angels Care Center set up outside their building on Monday to celebrate the president's event in their town.
Buses will not stop at the Apple Valley Transit Stations at 155th Street West and Cedar starting Monday, so crews can do utility work near the stations. Buses will instead go to the old transit station, nearby on Gaslight Lane.
Revisit our stories and photos from last week, including all our Dakota County Fair coverage.
The Apple Valley Planning Commission will look at a preliminary map for a new facility for Lifeworks Services, Inc.
At Monday meetings, the board will review the state budget's impact on the district, and likely will decide whether to ask for a levy referendum question on the November ballot.
A new Patch-wide project will seek out examples of how people in all different communities are realizing their American Dream.
Get your last bit of county fair fried foods and witness a bank robbery on the fair's last day.
Police, firefighters, EMTs and other emergency personnel practiced how they'd respond to a domestic terror incident during a drill in Apple Valley on Saturday.
Police, firefighters, EMTs and other emergency personnel practiced how they'd respond to a domestic terror incident during a drill in Apple Valley on Saturday.
