Phone: 630-433-0783; Hometown: Naperville
Bio: Mary Ann Lopez grew up in Calumet City, studied Political Science at Northern Illinois University; Studied Print Journalism at the University of Colorado at Boulder, where she earned a Master's Degree. She has worked for Patch.com since 2010. Prior to Patch, Mary Ann worked in new media at the Sun Time News Group, was involved with the launch of YourHub.com in Denver, was a reporter at the Durango Herald covering a number of beats; Staff reporter at The Montrose Daily Press; Interned at The Staunton Daily News Leader in Staunton, Va. and The Boulder Daily Camera.
Growing up in Calumet City, I was was the youngest of four children and the only girl. During my formative years, I suffered many bumps, bruises and nuggies at the hands of three older brothers, which may have toughened me up for a career in journalism.
I lived in Cal City most of my life until relocating to Boulder, Colo. for graduate school. Once in Colorado, I spent eight years studying and working before returning to the Chicago area. I have a bachelor's degree in political science from Northern Illinois University and a master's degree in print journalism from the University of Colorado at Boulder. I interned at The Boulder Daily Camera and The Daily News Leader in Staunton, Va., and I'm a Chips Quinn Scholar.
A journalist for more than 10 years, I started working at small-town papers, including The Durango Herald, in Durango, Colo., where I covered a variety of beats including agriculture, education and business. During my time as a journalist, I've won many awards, including six awards in one year.
In 2005, I moved to online journalism, first for YourHub.com and later the Sun-Times News Group. I began my career with Patch.com one of two Naperville local editors, then I moved on to be the Glen Ellyn local editor. Now, I am the DuPage County business editor, writing about real estate, small business and other business interests.
In my free time, I practice and teach yoga, run, and spend time at the dog park with my Australian shepherd rescue, Sadie. I love the outdoors, love to ski, camp and hike. I may take on another triathlon.
If you see me in a local coffee shop, stop and say hello.
Naperville police want to talk with a man who approached a teenage girl earlier this week. The girl was able to get away unharmed in the incident, police said.
Naperville Police Department reports, April 26
The family of Shaun Wild hopes to hold a memorial service in his honor at North Central College in the fall. This weekend the family will celebrate Shaun's life during a baseball game in Wisconsin.
The family of Shaun Wild hopes to hold a memorial service in his honor at North Central College in the fall. This weekend the family will celebrate Shaun's life during a baseball game in Wisconsin.
Naperville Police Department reports, April 25
Krejci Academy recently hosted a delegation of clinical specialists from Japan.
Every week Naperville Patch will pick a house for sale to profile.
After spending 10 years serving and protecting along with his handler, Kairo, an 11-year-old German shepherd, made his last patrol Wednesday night.
Jemar R. Wesley, 33, said he was just "readjusting" himself after police stopped him Wednesday afternoon, according to reports.
The women's lacrosse team will be traveling to Adrian College in Michigan Saturday where they hope to make up for the loss to Augustana Wednesday night.
Hemlata Mistry has been named a 2012 Fulbright Scholar.
Naperville Police Department reports, April 24
Half Price Books is holding a book giveaway today at its Naperville store. Teachers and nonprofits who can distribute the books to children are encouraged to attend.
Three Aurora men were arrested after police said they attempted to burglarize a home in the 2500 block of Rosecroft Lane.
North Central College's two-time national champion men's track & field team will be competing at Drake University starting Thursday.
Police continue to warn residents, particularly women, to take purses with them when leaving vehicles.
Laura Swanson is the president of the Naperville Junior Woman's Club. She began volunteering in her 20s and now instills the importance of giving back with her daughters.
Police continue to warn residents, particularly women, to take purses with them when leaving vehicles.
Naperville Police Department reports, April 23
Students from the Chesterbrook Academy held a hop-a-thon last week to raise money.
