I was born in Elgin, 10 minutes before my twin brother, Tim. He has since made up for his tardiness in height, towering over me today by about 1 and 1/2 feet. He and I are tied for the youngest in the family—though I like to consider myself a middle child—and have two older brothers. I grew up on one of the last standing farms in what is now the well-developed area of Prairie View. For those who do not know the town, it is a northwest suburb of Chicago sandwiched in the middle of Long Grove, Buffalo Grove and Lincolnshire. I moved to Minnesota to attend Winona State University, which is situated right on the Mississippi River. During my time there, I left for six months to study abroad in Granada, Spain, where I traveled throughout the provinces and even ran with the bulls in Pamplona. I returned to Illinois in June 2007 after graduating with a B.A. in Mass Communications: Journalism and Spanish. I wrote for The Daily Chronicle in DeKalb until June 2010. There, I covered education for about two years, crime for nearly one and during my home stretch, delved into issues centered on the governments of DeKalb County and the City of Sycamore.
The following information was provided by the Naperville Police Department for Sept. 10-Sept. 13. Individuals who are listed in the Police Blotter have been charged with a crime but have not been proven guilty in court.
The following information was provided by the Naperville Police Department for Sept. 10-12. Individuals who are listed in the Police Blotter have been charged with a crime but have not been proven guilty in court.
Two Naperville construction projects begin today. City officials urge residents to seek alternate routes of travel to avoid delays.
Jeromey S. Ratliff was arrested Wednesday and booked Thursday at the DuPage County Jail, according to the jail's inmate records.
A 39-year-old Downers Grove man, originally listed in critical condition, died overnight from injuries suffered in a Friday night crash in Naperville.
The following information was provided by the Naperville Police Department for Sept. 9. Individuals who are listed in the Police Blotter have been charged with a crime but have not been proven guilty in court.
As fines are about to go up, police notice an increase in 'idiot' drivers
The following information was provided by the Naperville Police Department for Sept. 7. Individuals who are listed in the Police Blotter have been charged with a crime but have not been proven guilty in court.
Schaumburg man arrested for drunken driving.
As flu season approaches, local and state health officials stress the importance of being vaccinated.
The following information was provided by the Naperville Police Department for Sept. 8. Individuals who are listed in the Police Blotter have been charged with a crime but have not been proven guilty in court.
Four men rob three victims at gunpoint.
As Naperville has grown, so has its attention to ensuring residents can recycle with ease. Here's a glimpse of what happens to your recycled throwaways.
The following information was provided by the Naperville Police Department for Aug. 23 through Sept. 2. Individuals who are listed in the Police Blotter have been charged with a crime but have not been proven guilty in court.
Oyster-loving thief sucks down 60 bucks worth before skipping out on Hugo's Frog Bar.
Individuals who are listed in the Police Blotter have been charged with a crime but have not been proven guilty in court.
Four pink fire trucks visited Naperville during a wellness fundraiser last week and residents showed their support for the battle against cancer in women.
What Patch means for Naperville, and the city's residents, families and businesses.
Local resident discovers cause of imperfection in home's siding
Man loses money during a move, calls police
