Raised on a family farm in Belle Creek Township and a graduate of Wanamingo High School, Heather Arndt is a lifelong advocate for rural Minnesota. She served 28 years in the Army National Guard, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel after two tours in Afghanistan, earning a Bronze Star and Combat Action Badge. She has led local efforts to stop Zip Rail and improve safety along Highway 52. With advanced degrees in political science, plant science, and international agriculture, she works in emergency preparedness and brings a record of bipartisan, results-driven leadership.