I was born in Joliet and grew up across from Nowell Park on the city's far east-side where I delivered the Joliet Herald-News. I attended grade school at St. Mary Nativity on Broadway. Some of my favorite memories growing up revolve around St, Joseph's Park where I played Little League baseball and had several Catholic Youth Organization basketball games.
At 13, our family moved to Plainfield. By the time I was 16, I knew I wanted to be a journalist. As a teen, I made a few extra bucks as a sports stringer for The Plainfield Enterprise taking photos and covering Plainfield's high school football and basketball games.
I graduated with a journalism degree from Eastern Illinois University. I have had a strong passion and commitment for public service journalism ever since. I am grateful to have covered so many different places throughout the greater Midwest.
After college, I worked for The South Bend Tribune, the Daily Herald in Arlington Heights, Green Bay Press-Gazette, Omaha World-Herald and on the statewide investigative team for USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin, where I was based at The Post-Crescent in Appleton for five years.
I'm thrilled to be joining Patch as the Joliet Editor at this point in time when more and more people prefer to access their local news through web-only platforms and mobile devices.
Joliet and Will County always seem to have a lot of news going on, and I will do my best to bring you a superior news product.
Joliet artist Dante DiBartolo was one of six finalists for the new downtown City Square sculpture. His bronze statue would be 9-foot-tall.
Luke Pascale sold his Aurelio's Pizza restaurant in Joliet's Twin Plaza on West Jefferson Street. The new owners are renovating it now.
In 2024, Joliet's City Council approved plans to tear down the Joliet Plaza Inn & Suites so a new U-Haul Storage facility would be built.
The safety and security of our students and staff is always our highest priority, the Joliet Township High School Facebook page said.
Illinois State Police and Will County Sheriff's deputies helped Crest Hill police with Tuesday night's crash involving the pedestrian.
Mayor D'Arcy did not want to go on record voting in favor of the Dome of Unity, at least on Tuesday night when it came up on the agenda.
She has earned numerous honors including Grammy Awards, American Music Awards and NAACP Image Awards.
Cullinan Properties is a leading developer of real estate specializing in commercial and mixed-use developments and acquisitions.
After four years in Will County's Jail, Joliet 21-year-old Cristian Angel Ortiz-Arias is now standing trial for the May 2021 slaying.
Joliet police spokesman Dwayne English said the Joliet police was only called to assist with the apprehension.
The victim reported he went outside and observed Michael Malito sitting in the front passenger seat of his vehicle.
Robert Burnett was transported to the Joliet Police booking area, processed, and subsequently taken to the WCADF without further incident.
As officers approached, they said they were stopped near the entry door from the garage by Angela Borla, who placed her hands on an officer.
The driver of the Corvette, a 78-year-old Joliet resident, sustained minor injuries and was taken to Silver Cross Hospital.
Joliet police advised that Hermosillo stated he intended to use Lucas in animal-pulling competitions and was “training” the dog.
Mayor Terry D'Arcy and the Joliet City Council will vote Tuesday night on spending more city funds at the downtown City Square project.
Evidence of a firearm discharge was located in the 900 block of Ann Street.
Fentric Miller, 59, is now being kept in the Will County Jail after Judge Derek Ewanic ruled that he meets the dangerous standard.
The 12-foot-tall, 19-foot-wide domed structure will serve as a focal point within City Square.
The city of Joliet took eight months before voting this week to uphold Police Chief Bill Evans' termination of Officer Alfonso Sanchez.
