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.
Recent Southland News: A South Side firefighter laid to rest / Oak Forest swim coach resigns under suspicion / SUV hits 2 houses.
PHOTOS: Firefighters from around the state paid their respects to the man who lost his life battling a fire on Monday.
See for yourself. Photographic evidence obtained immediately after a woman claimed Patrick Kane raped her on his bed in New York.
A judge told him to live out his days in prison for taking the life of Officer Thomas Wortham IV, a Brother Rice grad and Iraq War veteran.
Miss a day, miss a lot: Pro-Muslim rally this week / Fatally botched tonsil job alleged / Football players support coach on prayer.
Recent DuPage County headlines: Mentally unfit man accused of threatening tollway chief / Darien Walmart shooter’s $3 million bail
Recent Will County news: Elderly woman crashed into restaurant / Bolingbrook police accused of breaking teen’s neck / Speeding-at-cop case
Recent North Shore News: Coroner candidate fired over beer / Penn Station subs here soon / ‘Christmas House’ lights up / Chef wins 'Chopped'
Recent Southland News: Family tries to win needed new car / Vexed water meters in Tinley / Big change for Sandburg football / LW sex coach
Mayor promises "nothing less than complete and total reform" of Chicago's police force and oversight agency as protesters clash outside.
Mayor promises "nothing less than complete and total reform" of Chicago's police force and oversight agency as protesters clash outside.
Mayor promises "nothing less than complete and total reform" of Chicago's police force and oversight agency as protesters clash outside.
Livestream begins at 7 p.m. Central time.
Civil Rights Division will explore the department's training, procedures and use of deadly force in the wake of Laquan McDonald's death.
Miss a day, miss a lot: War vet devastated he lost special gift / Wayne Messmer: Wedding Singer / Young thug no match for 72-year-old lady.
Recent DuPage County headlines: Woman surprises burglar in Hinsdale / Car vs. house in Elmhurst / Businesses fail on underage tobacco sales.
Recent Will County news: Valley View superintendent faces petition / Judge’s son talks plea deal / Sex in a high-school classroom.
Recent North Shore News: Husband charged in murder of wife, stepson / Huge Skokie Lagoons fish / Black Lives Matter demands at Northwestern.
Recent Southland News: Driver hit with 9th DUI / Kids have sex in Sandburg classroom / Jordan Lynch’s Grey Cup TD / Did Dad rob a bank?
Recent Southland News: Driver hit with 9th DUI / Kids have sex in Sandburg classroom / Jordan Lynch’s Grey Cup TD / Did Dad rob a bank?