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.
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.
Firefighters, police, EMTs and others practiced their response to a domestic terror attack.
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.
Police also made arrests for theft, according to the latest report.
Get your last bit of county fair fried foods and witness a bank robbery on the fair's last day.
Check out Saturday's racing spectacles as the fair's 2011 run winds down.
Jacob Schlottke was a standout wrestler and two-time state wrestling champion.
Check out the cheapest place to fill up before you hit the road for the weekend.
Check out the 18 properties that sold in the past week.
Minnesota native and former "Ghost Hunters International" star Brandy Green last year began the Parasota event, which continues this year with a weekend of a celebrity-led paranormal investigation, lectures and meet-and-greets for attendees.
About half Apple Valley's public schools improved their marks on the MCA science tests, while the other half fell below where they were in 2010.
Watch some 4-H competition judging and get a little crafty at the fair on Friday.
Watch some 4-H competition judging and get a little crafty at the fair on Friday.
Visiting the fair this week or weekend? Post your favorite snapshots or video clips to our growing collection here.
Grab a free root beer float at 10:30 a.m. Thursday before the day's tractor events.
The city council also will introduce its preliminary 2012 budget at its informal meeting on Thursday.
Grab a free root beer float at 10:30 a.m. Thursday before the day's tractor events.
Get your fill of bakery contests and demonstrations before you check out music or a show in the evening.
Sabina Domfeh opened her African food market in Apple Valley about seven months ago, providing goods that Apple Valley's African community can't otherwise get in town.
