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.
Cleveland Daily: Get caught up quickly on the most interesting things you need to know, including the fate of High & Low Winery and Bistro.
#Election2020: Democrat Joe Biden leads in many swing-state polls but President Trump's support is within the margin of error.
An award-winning reporter and author, Mr. Richissin helped revive Patch and launch the careers of young journalists. He will be missed.
If this were easy, everyone would be doing it. Patch has come a long way in the last decade, and we're just getting started.
We’re publishing a simple Open-or-Closed Directory for Mokena Businesses. Here’s how to get listed.
We’re publishing a simple Open-or-Closed Directory for New Lenox Businesses. Here’s how to get listed.
We’re publishing a simple Open-or-Closed Directory for Frankfort Businesses. Here’s how to get listed.
Governor angry as thousands of people were stuck in close quarters for up to six hours waiting on U.S. Customs at O'Hare this weekend.
Casinos in Joliet, Aurora, Elgin, Des Plaines, and downstate, will be closed for 14 days on orders from the Gaming Board.
A girl, 7, was shot on Christmas. Chicago Mayor Lightfoot tweets: "CPD will do everything possible to bring the perpetrator to justice."
Tinley Park police and fire shut down Oak Park Avenue at 171st Street Friday night as they searched for the source of a suspicious odor.
What are the Mega Millions winning numbers for Nov. 13, 2018? Check your ticket here. The jackpot is nine figures now.
"Our remaining time with him is very precious," his children say. George Pradel was recently diagnosed with cancer.
Mr. Brautigam was managing editor at the Decatur Herald & Review. Former colleagues remembered his kindness and leadership.
Ferro, the majority shareholder, is selling out to McCormick Media pending regulator approval. Sargent McCormick is part of investor group.
Voters nominated candidates for governor, attorney general, Congress, and other offices Tuesday. Some were very happy. Others, not so much.
Neo-Nazis try to hang a sign over I-290 | Vallas family grieves son's death | Top Chef Masters competitor ready to cook for you and more!
An improbable victory in the gold-medal game fulfills Palos Heights native Kendall Coyne's Olympic dream.
The customer left the barbershop bleeding from his ear and looking "like Larry from the 'Three Stooges,'" according to police.
Mokena man arrested after real police officers saw him driving a car with "police-type lights" and trying to make traffic stops.
