Joliet, IL|News|
Roller-Derby Rookie Thwarts Prowler with Medieval Sword and Fists of Fury
Karen Dolley awoke to find a man had broken into her home. Then she made him sorry, so very sorry, he ever set foot in her house.

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.
Karen Dolley awoke to find a man had broken into her home. Then she made him sorry, so very sorry, he ever set foot in her house.

Catch up on North Shore headlines: Lawyer suspended for sexual conduct / Episode of ‘Empire’ filmed in Wilmette / Weapons ban to high court
DuPage County News: Screams end at famous Halloween house / Lawyer disbarred for immigration scheme / Downers Grove tops in trick-or-treats.
Catch up on Will County News: Joliet student makes TV debut / Mom alleges her autistic son was abused / Lone Star burns quickly
Recent Southland News: Evergreen Plaza demolition / Killer sued for cost of imprisonment / Penis-pump harassment / High schooler at the Opry
Worth Sharing Tonight: Lawyer's rant gets her a 30-day suspension | Special ed student crowned at homecoming | Awesome Anthony Rizzo
24 hours without a taxi protest fizzles in response to mayor's Uber ideas. But Uber drivers were treated to free donuts.
The man suffered a graze wound.
Photo Gallery: How Cubs fans celebrated the Cubs wildcard win Wednesday night, the first playoff win in 12 years for the Cubs.
A young brain tumor patient in Chicago meets a hero, Chicago Cubs player Anthony Rizzo. What the boy said afterward will warm your heart.
Patch PM, Playoff Edition: Amazing Cubs man cave | Local college kid gets prof to move exam for Cubs game | A cop 'fixes' a Pirates sign.
Perpetual troublemaker Rockie Douglas led police on two chases, police said, and killed a boy just days before Christmas two years ago.
Perpetual troublemaker Rockie Douglas led police on two chases, police said, and killed a boy just days before Christmas two years ago.
Perpetual troublemaker Rockie Douglas led police on two chases, police said, and killed a boy just days before Christmas two years ago.
Rockie Douglas of Beach Park led police on two chases, police said, and killed a boy just days before Christmas two years ago.
And the 10 worst places for blacks to live are all in the Midwest, according to an analysis by Wall St. 24/7.
Rahm Emanuel flatly rejects Black Caucus aldermen's call to fire Garry McCarthy. Aldermen criticize McCarthy for not returning phone calls.
The FAA is proposing a fine more than 100 times higher than the previous highest fine for airspace violations by a drone operator.
Failure to curb the shooting violence.
Big moves announced Monday at Chicago's two newspapers.