Channahon-Minooka|News|
More Than 660 in Will County with AIDS/HIV
The disease is no longer a death sentence, but the county health department says the need to be tested is especially important for 15- to 24-year-olds.

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.
The disease is no longer a death sentence, but the county health department says the need to be tested is especially important for 15- to 24-year-olds.

Snickers has been missing since Tuesday night.
When comparing October 2011 to October 2012, the decline was 7 percent; however, October was still better than September in both years, statistics show.
Obituaries, memorial services and upcoming visitations at area funeral homes.
Local business offers opportunities for personalized gifts.
Thanks to a very special U.S. Postal Service program, "Santa" will reply to children who mail him their Christmas wish lists this holiday season.
With strong sales, the jackpot has climbed to $550 million. Illinois is one of 42 states that offer the lottery game.
Channahon Police report flames and smoke may be visible.
Lottery ticket sales are expected to sell even faster in advance of Wednesday's $500 million Powerball Jackpot Lottery drawing.
Next year, all freshmen and sophomores will have laptops as will select upperclassmen.
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.
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.
The 10-month-old shepherd mix is looking for a loving home.
The Littlest Elves event was expanded to two days this year to accommodate participants.