Mary Costello, Patch Staff

Mary has worked as a broadcast and web journalist since graduating from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University in 1999. She's worked as a television reporter in Clarksburg, W. Va., South Bend, Ind., Green Bay, Wis. and Dayton, Ohio, before moving to the Twin Cities.

Mary joined WCCO as a reporter in late 2008 and then moved to KMSP-FOX 9 in 2009.  While at KMSP, she worked as an assignment editor, web producer and on-air reporter.    

Then in late 2010, she was recruited by Patch to become a local editor.  She says it was a no-brainer, as she and her husband were expecting their first child, and Mary was excited about getting involved in the Golden Valley community.

Mary was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease in 1994, and after several surgeries, the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation has been a big help in her recovery. She's a volunteer with the Twin Cities chapter- walking and raising money for “Take Steps” and speaking at fundraising events. 

What organizations are close to your heart and make a difference here in Golden Valley?  Let Mary know.

Mary's husband, Nate Vandergrift, is the executive producer of the morning show for WCCO-TV, and the couple lives near Theodore Wirth Park in Golden Valley with their new baby girl, Olivia Lorraine, who was born on July 5, 2011. 

They have two cats, Helen Thomas and Dr. Sanjay Gupta, spend weekends camping and playing outside and also spend autumn Sundays watching football (Go Pack Go!) and playing fantasy football. Mary has been champ of her fantasy football league (12 guys, her husband and her) twice in four years.

What are you doing to enjoy life in Golden Valley?  Let me know.

What's making news around your dinner table? Send Mary an email or tweet or visit my Facebook page.  She looks forward to telling your story.