• Collin Czarnecki, Patch Staff Verified Patch Staff Badge

  • Naperville, IL

Former Patch Staff

Hometown: Lake Zurich, IL

Collin's interest in journalism sparked after he wrote his first article for his high school newspaper. From there, he studied journalism at Colorado State University. During his time at Colorado State, he gained insight on the workings of a major media publication while interning for TIME Magazine. The opportunity allowed him to meet legendary journalists like Dan Rather and Tom Brokaw. Collin was also a political writer for CollegeNews.com, a Boston Hannah publication.

After college, he worked as a beat reporter for a local weekly newspaper in Florida. Before joining Naperville Patch he was a guest editor for Morton Grove Patch as well as a freelancer for Des Plaines Patch in 2010.

He also launched an award-winning online magazine, The Lead, which he developed, designed and maintained. The Lead featured coverage of global current events such as the Arab Spring as well as lifestyle stories. 

Collin is now happy to be here in Naperville working as your Local Editor.

In his free time, Collin likes playing with his dog Moose, photography, James Bond movies, politics and traveling (27 states, eight countries and counting!). He also enjoys screenwriting as he recently completed a comedy screenplay.

Posting Activity

Naperville|News|

Mug Shot Monday

Accompanying photos were taken at the Naperville Police Department Nov. 16-20.

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Mug Shot Monday
Naperville|News|

State's Attorney: Initiative Could Speed Up DUI Arrest Process

Officers now have the option of bringing an on-call phlebotomist to the police department to take a driver's blood to determine his or her blood alcohol content (BAC), speeding up the arrest process. DUI attorney says initiative is problematic.

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State's Attorney: Initiative Could Speed Up DUI Arrest Process
Naperville|News|

Naperville Babysitter Pleads Not Guilty in Child Slayings

Elzbieta Plackowska, 40, pleads not guilty on 10 counts of first-degree murder for the alleged stabbing deaths of her 7-year-old son Justin and 5-year-old Olivia Dworakowski and 2 counts of aggravated animal cruelty.

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Naperville Babysitter Pleads Not Guilty in Child Slayings
Naperville|News|

60-Degree Thanksgiving in Naperville!

Wow; do you believe it? Your Thanksgiving football could be shirts-and-skins as temperatures will remain remarkably warm throughout this week.

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60-Degree Thanksgiving in Naperville!
Naperville|News|

Turkey Prep: Safe Cooking Tips From Experts

The DuPage County Health Department and a Meijer dietician offer tips to leave Thanksgiving diners in a happy food coma.

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Turkey Prep: Safe Cooking Tips From Experts
Naperville|News|

Season for Smart Shopping: Tips on Saving, Spending

Charter One offers tips on spending and savings to avoid post-holiday sticker shock. Build your budget and prepare now for Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

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Season for Smart Shopping: Tips on Saving, Spending
Naperville|News|

Mug Shot Monday

Accompanying photos were taken at the Naperville Police Department Nov. 9-15.

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Mug Shot Monday
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