• Mary CostelloPatch Staff Verified Patch Staff Badge

  • Golden Valley, MN

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.

Posting Activity

Golden Valley|News|

Child Starting Kindergarten? What You Should Know.

Kindergarten information and registration nights have been scheduled at all Robbinsdale Area elementary schools, including the two magnet schools in the district.

Child Starting Kindergarten? What You Should Know.
Golden Valley|News|

AHS Marching Band Wins Big at Outback Bowl

The Armstrong band won the Grand Champion Trophy at the Outback Bowl Parade in Tampa, and the color guard also won the outstanding auxiliary award.

Golden Valley|News|

Keith Ellison, Chris Fields Have Some Common Ground

Rep. Keith Ellison and Republican challenger Chris Fields actually agree on a few issues from the past week, disapproving of the National Defense Authorization Act and calling for an end to violence in north Minneapolis.

Keith Ellison, Chris Fields Have Some Common Ground
Golden Valley|News|

Changes in Curbside Recycling Have You Confused?

Many people have questions about the new recycling program in Golden Valley. The city has some very helpful advice, and we've posted it here on Patch.

Golden Valley|News|

Animosity at the New Council's First Meeting

There were tense moments during the nomination process for mayor pro tem, as council members continued arguments about the dismissal of the Human Rights Commission last month.

Animosity at the New Council's First Meeting
Golden Valley|News|

Linda Loomis: 'Ten Years as Mayor, Decades of Service'

Mayor Linda Loomis will end her term today when Shep Harris is sworn in as the new mayor tonight. The city council spoke highly of Loomis when it honored her at the last meeting of the year.

Linda Loomis: 'Ten Years as Mayor, Decades of Service'
Golden Valley|News|

(Photos) No Snow? No Problem.

Golden Valley skiers, skaters, walkers, joggers and bikers are finding ways to enjoy Christmas break—with or without snow. You can, too.

(Photos) No Snow? No Problem.