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.
Bret and Nancy Halverson left their other jobs behind to start Bret's Beans, selling gourmet coffee-making machines to offices in the south metro area.
Money Magazine placed Eagan and Lakeville among the best small U.S. cities in which to live this year, a distinction bestowed upon Apple Valley in 2010.
The assessments last 45 minutes each and will be conducted by classroom teachers from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 21 and Wednesday, Aug. 22.
This month's book recommendations from Dakota County Libraries staff all have a strong sense of place.
The median sales price of homes sold in Rosemount in July was $222,000.
The Apple Valley High School girls soccer program has released its team preview for 2012.
Statistics show a 23-percent increase in median home sales price in Apple Valley during July.
This month's book recommendations from Galaxie Library staff all have a strong sense of place.
The team visited the hangar on Saturday, where they received a short history lesson and tour of the B-25 Miss Mitchell.
Elliott and many other dogs and cats are available for adoption through Last Hope pet rescue.
Police also made arrests for underage drinking, according to the latest report.
Elliott and many other dogs and cats are available for adoption through Last Hope pet rescue.
Elliott and many other dogs and cats are available for adoption through Last Hope pet rescue.
Catch up on the latest news from the Dakota County Sheriff's Department
Elliott and many other dogs and cats are available for adoption through Last Hope pet rescue.
Elliott and many other dogs and cats are available for adoption through Last Hope pet rescue.
A bomb threat apparently was called in to Carmike Theaters corporate office Friday morning, but the Apple Valley Carmike Cinemas has been checked and subsequently cleared.
Check out some newly listed properties in Apple Valley.
A Goodcents Deli Fresh Subs is slated to open in September.
Tell us and other readers what you think of this restaurant by giving it a star rating or writing a review.
