Joliet, IL|News|
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E-mail: Dawn@chicago-patch.com
Phone: 630-330-4136
Hometown: Westchester
Birthday: Dec. 24
When I began my adventure with Patch, I was living in Will County. I had the pleasure of getting to know a number of residents through my work at two local newspapers, as editor of Channahon-Minooka Patch and one of three editors of Joliet Patch. I now live in DuPage County, but plan to move back to Will County.
I have a Bachelor of Arts in journalism, with a minor in theater from Northern Illinois University. I finished my Masters in Teaching in 2014. In the past, I have reported on news, features and education issues and have won awards for my news and feature coverage.
I am an avid reader, love theater and have been known to have one of two television guilty pleasures. To relax, I often take out paints and a paintbrush or head to a yoga mat.
I lived in Germany for two years and in Georgia for one. I have two beautiful boys, who are ages 13 and 10.
My Beliefs
At Patch, we promise always to report the facts as objectively as possible and otherwise adhere to the principles of good journalism. We also acknowledge that true impartiality is impossible because human beings have beliefs. In the spirit of simple honesty, we encourage editors to reveal their beliefs to the extent they feel comfortable. This disclosure is not a license to inject our beliefs into stories or dictate coverage according to them. Rather, we hope the knowledge our beliefs are on the record will cause us to be ever mindful to write, report and edit in a fair and balanced manner. If you ever see evidence we failed in this mission, please let us know.
Politics
I have voted in every election except two since I have been old enough to vote. This includes primary elections. I believe a lot of people fought for me, as a woman, to have a right to vote and I do not take that lightly. As a journalist, I do not take sides. As an individual, I have an opinion. I do not vote along party lines. I vote by issues and take each candidate on an individual basis. I think debate is healthy and that even if I do not agree with someone on an issue, I would gladly share my opinion in an environment in which it would be respected.
Religion
I believe we are all spiritual beings having a human experience. I believe in the divinity of all things. And, I believe we each have a spark of the divine within each one of us. We are not all climbing the same mountain of meaning. I believe we need to respect everyone's search for what moves their soul. If we could see past our differences to see the spark of the divine, the world would be a better place. Namaste.
Got someone on your list that has everything? Don't worry, we've got you covered.

Minooka Police Blotter: Dec. 4
Here is a listings for local and nearby jobs from around the Web.
Here is a listings for local and nearby jobs from around the Web.
Black ice was to blame for accidents up and down Interstate 55 and Interstate 80 and on area roads.
These property transfers were recorded with Will County in recent weeks.
These property transfers were recorded with Will County in recent weeks.
These property transfers were recorded with Will County in recent weeks.
These property transfers were recorded with Will County in recent weeks.
Merchants and Manufacturers Bank in Channahon played host once again to Santa's helicopter arrival.
If you missed police reports earlier this week, Patch makes it easy to catch up.
Organizer Beth Randall offers the following tips for staying organized and saving your sanity.
Throwing a birthday party for a little girl or a bug lover?
What began as one persons' attempt to help now has local businesses and a team of people trying to help.
Buy that special someone a Splash Station pass for the holidays.
Joliet man among those whose military awards and artifacts sit in a vault beneath the State Capitol, and Illinois Treasurer Dan Rutherford is trying to get them into the right hands. Can you help?
Joliet Township Animal Control will use the money to build an outdoor area for dogs; the event, also features low-cost deals on vaccines.
The women voted to donate money to three families in the last two months.
The 2-year-old dog is available for adoption from Mallard Point Veterinary Clinic in Channahon.