There is no greater honor for me than to be entrusted to tell someone else's story.
That's how I've always approached my work as a journalist, whether I'm writing a feature on a World War 2 vet, talking to students at the local high school or reporting on a neighborhood crime.
I got my start in news writing during high school, when I wrote a weekly student column for my hometown newspaper. I majored in English and Environmental Studies at St. Olaf College, became an editor for the college newspaper and started freelance writing on the side.
My freelance work led me to the Northfield News, where I reported on crime, city government, education, business and the arts—and even managed to sneak in a sports article every so often. In my five years as a reporter, I have won four awards from the Minnesota Newspaper Association for my reporting, including "Best New Journalist of the Year" in 2008.
Over the three years, I served as the editor for Inver Grove Heights Patch before becoming the editor of Eagan Patch.
Although I love writing, expect to see me out shooting video and photos in Eagan on a regular basis.
I've found that journalism is similar to anthropology: As a journalist, you're asked to go out into a community and learn the stories of that city and its residents. I can't think of anything more fulfilling than that.
On a separate note, hundreds of Eagan residents have signed four petitions asking the city to make changes to its snow and ice removal policies for trails and sidewalks in the city.
No one was injured in the blaze. Eagan firefighters have not yet identified the cause of the fire.
Each Sunday, Eagan Patch takes a moment to look back at the headlines from the previous week.
Nearly 90 percent of Rosemount residents surveyed say they would like to see a YMCA brought to the community.
After losing its established home in UMore Park, the Dakota County Master Gardeners have relocated their youth program to Eagan.
A new countywide campaign seeks to change the idea that dialing 911 is only acceptable in emergency situations.
Last year, more than 80 homes participated in the city-sanctioned garage sale, which runs from May 16-18.
Take advantage of this free digital camera course courtesy of the Dakota County Library system.
Visitors will be able to explore Caponi Art Park and enjoy ongoing art activities for all ages, including a craft scavenger hunt and word walk in the sculpture garden.
The event is free and features a handful of speakers from the medical community. Topics include Lyme Disease, psoriasis and schleroderma, among others.
A monthly rundown of the top suspects wanted by the Dakota County Sheriff's Office.
A monthly rundown of the top suspects wanted by the Dakota County Sheriff's Office.
Dakota County Sheriff Dave Bellows keeps you updated on the latest county happenings.
Southview Senior Living wants to build a 148-unit senior living complex along Blackhawk Road in Eagan.
Each week, Patch features a home for sale in the Apple Valley-Rosemount area.
Each week, Patch features a home for sale in Eagan.
Jensen's plans to invest as much as $900,000 into a series of internal and external renovations designed to expand parking and update the 17-year-old restaurant's ambiance.
Local investor David Nelson purchased two retail buildings and a nearby gas station from a North Dakota-based company.
A local BMX rider worked with Eagan city crews to upgrade the city's .75-acre BMX bike park. The park's new ramps and jumps are nearly complete.