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.
You won't believe the photos of this week's Wow House, which features three levels, a penthouse with multiple decks and skyline views.
Despite temperatures that some say were more "spring-like" than summer, this year's Taste of Lincoln Avenue drew big crowds. Peruse our photo gallery to see some of the festivities.
Lathrop Homes officials will gather this week to present a formal plan for the site's redevelopment.
Lathrop Homes officials will gather this week to present a formal plan for the site's redevelopment.
Everything you need to know about what's, arguably, the summer's most anticipated Chicago party.
Everything you need to know about what's, arguably, the summer's most anticipated Chicago party.
Everything you need to know about Lollapalooza 2013.
Looking for fun ways to spend your Friday night? How about an affordable outdoor concert?
Several burglaries, an incident involving "obscene phone calls," multiple motor vehicle thefts and robberies were among crimes reported within Lincoln Park between July 5 and July 18.
A new breakfast and lunch diner is settling in soon to a space near the DePaul University campus that's been vacant since last summer.
Use Patch and Moviefone to find the best flick for a night out with friends or family.
Wicker Park Fest is taking over the community this weekend. We'll tell you where NOT to park your car.
Use Patch and Moviefone to find the best flick for a night out with friends or family.
Use Patch and Moviefone to find the best flick for a night out with friends or family.
We'll give you a few ideas for changing up your weekend.
Every year, Hockey Hall of Fame employees travel with the Stanley Cup to make sure it remains safe. Mike Bolt has been doing it for 14 years. He talked to Patch Tuesday about 2010 vs. 2013, and more.
Every year, Hockey Hall of Fame employees travel with the Stanley Cup to make sure it remains safe. Mike Bolt has been doing it for 14 years. He talked to Patch Tuesday about 2010 vs. 2013, and more.
Before July 29, the North Center neighborhood will get its first Divvy bike share station, according to an announcement made on Tuesday. Read on and consult our map to learn where you'll find that one, as well as the rest in or near the area.
Before July 29, the neighborhood will add five Divvy bike share stations to its existing nine, according to an announcement made on Tuesday. Read on and consult our map to learn where you'll find them and learn when the other 25 or so are coming.
