A Patcher Emeritus, Cleveland native and always hopeful yet frequently dismayed Cleveland Browns fan, Dennis likes dogs, and dogs like him. He likes pizza a bit too much, Ernest Hemingway books, and home renovation projects.
Before joining Patch in 2010, Dennis got some ink on his hands in Chicago during stints with Sun-Times Media and Copley Press. He led investigative and public service reporting teams that changed laws, helped people and put a few bad guys in jail.
Dennis was managing editor of the Daily Southtown in suburban Chicago (2004-2009), twice named National Newspaper of the Year for large-circulation dailies by the American Press Institute and Suburban Newspapers of America. The Southtown received a dozen awards for General Excellence, the Chicago Headline Club Watchdog Award, AP Top 10 Sports Section in America honors, Best Commentary Section in Illinois three consecutive years, and dozens of writing, reporting, public service and photojournalism awards.
Dennis was editor-in-chief of Patch for six years (2016-2021), leading the news team through a period of substantial growth and improved local journalism. Patch's local news coverage has been recognized and heralded by professional press associations in New York, Illinois, California, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Florida, Ohio, New Jersey, Maryland and Virginia.
Prior to that, he founded Patch's Chicago Southland region, building it into one of the company's top regions for audience, revenue and engagement.
Today, he's a WordGrinder for hire, focused on entrepreneurial local news projects and media relations.
Looting, snow plows run amok, airports shut down, and a mayor who lost his job. How Chicago's worst snowstorms compare to Blizzard of 2016.
America's Giant Panda delights in a roll through record-setting snow in Washington, D.C., on Saturday. And millions of people love watching.
Recent Southland News: Lockdown at St. Laurence / Jilted boyfriend gets nasty on Facebook / Patch reader’s tip leads to arrest.
Recent Will County news: Pit bulls attack woman / Troy schools redistricting sessions / What if Plainfield library vote fails.
Recent DuPage County headlines: Jason Rezaian freed / Naperville hotel hookers / 300 apply for College of DuPage prez post.
Recent North Shore News: Coyotes spotted in Glencoe / Teen killed on Edens / Deerfield hooker arrest / Shooting death in Evanston
Erik Swenson committed to the University of Michigan in 2013. On Tuesday, the Wolverines told the Downers Grove kid they didn't want him.
Erik Swenson committed to the University of Michigan in 2013. On Tuesday, the Wolverines told the kid from Illinois they don't want him.
Miss a day, miss a lot: Wheaton College alums hold back cash / Hooker who killed teacher cries at verdict / Geneva kid on "American Idol".
Recent Will County news: Joliet councilwoman’s son killed in crash / Tattoo-face kiddie porn guy guilty / Slasher attack just a fib.
Amir Mirza Hekmati, a U.S. Marine veteran and graduate of Central High in Flint, was sentenced to death as a reputed CIA spy.
Recent Southland News: Hooker who killed Brother Rice teacher cries / LW East coach's surprise trip / Mokena's new gun shop / Frostbit kid.
Larry Lotz was angry after his wife told him to unplug the coffee maker, police said, so he shot her three times in their Barrington home.
Larry Lotz shot his wife three times after arguing over their coffee maker, police said. Karen Lotz worked at Harper College for 20 years.
Alisha Walker, 22, claimed Al Filan attacked first and that she stabbed him in self defense. She stabbed him 14 times and left him to die.
Miss a day, miss a lot: Brown’s Chicken massacre 23 years later / “Mama, I’ve been shot” / 9-patty burger behemoth / Cocaine-dad crashed.
North Shore News: Molesting chiropractor avoids prison time / Gas station accused of making snow barricades / Early Winnetka home to fall.
Recent Will County news: Fiber Internet comes to Plainfield / Heroin motel hookup busted / Judge sets bail for accused mom stabber
DuPage County headlines: Wheaton College moves to fire hijab professor / Flat tire enrages boyfriend: cops / Sandra Bland trooper indicted.
Recent Southland News: Santa stranded on icy pond / Teens charged in Dunkin’ robbery / Wrestling coach busted for groping kids: cops