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.
Miss a day, miss a lot: ‘Ink Master’ winner found dead / Golf legend’s mansion for sale / Cheesecake push pops dessert rated No. 1.
You know you're a redneck when ... the thought of kicking Chicago out of the Land of Lincoln sounds like a pretty good idea.
Will County headlines: Fundraiser for kids of slain teacher / Man who pushed elderly lady into ground arrested / ISIS wannabe pleads guilty.
Recent DuPage County News: Golf legend’s mansion for sale in Wheaton / What killed the I-55 eagle? / Coyote sightings to increase.
North Shore headlines: Michael Jordan’s Highland Park house talks / Winnetka 2nd richest town in U.S. / North Shore native on ‘Nashville'
Recent Southland News: A neighborhood haunt / Get fit for autism fundraiser / $8 eyebrow anger and more stories to catch up on.
Patch readers share their heartfelt Chicago Cubs memories and how the team has touched their families.
“I love you, man. Like, really. And it’s not the alcohol talking ..." People probably hear this a lot in the state's drunkest towns.
Jim Vernon drew on his Army hand-to-hand combat training to subdue and disarm a 19-year-old intent on attacking a library full of kids.
Watch this story and more. Get the latest Chicago Cubs news, video, photos and features as the NLCS begins.
Miss a day, miss a lot: Family fights insurance company over preemie’s death / Son gets ticket trying to save his dad / Patrick Kane taunts.
Do you already live in one? Hooray for you! Judge the list for yourself.
Is yours one? Crime, low wages, high unemployment and an overall lack of opportunity figure into this lowly Land of Lincoln list.
Also: LW football game as seen from the air | ‘Charlotte’s Web’ at LW East | Now you can text 911 | Plus, your local real estate info.
Catch up on North Shore headlines: Autry to lead Northwestern parade / Alderman wants Evanston to keep mansion / Fun Run for firefighter.
Recent DuPage County News: Foot fondler gets touchy at library / E-Cigs banned in Wheaton / Lisle cops shoot intruder.
Catch up on Will County News: Romeoville cops need hit-and-run help / Minooka teen goes to state music festival / Drunken dad crashes car.
Recent Southland News: ‘Boneyard’ retiring / Matteson Cracker Barrel closes / St. Linus turkey trot for Emily / Family grieves hit-and-run.
Recent Southland News: ‘Boneyard’ retiring / Matteson Cracker Barrel closes / St. Linus turkey trot for Emily / Family grieves hit-and-run.
Recent Southland News: ‘Boneyard’ retiring / Matteson Cracker Barrel closes / St. Linus turkey trot for Emily / Family grieves hit-and-run.