I was raised in a northern suburb of Chicago, and now find it bittersweet that I help cover the towns and counties in and around the one I grew up in. I miss the area so very much, every day. In 2013, I moved to the Indianapolis area after graduating from Indiana University-Bloomington in May 2013. I grew up watching mainstream media play a major role in my father's nearly 20-year career as a sports medicine professional in the NFL. I knew before heading off to IU I was going to study journalism and communication.
I had two incredible internship opportunities I took full advantage of before my senior year- Indianapolis Super Bowl Host Committee/Communications team member (Dec. 2011 to Feb. 2012), and WBBM CBS Chicago newsroom intern (June to Aug. 2012). I learned and experienced more than I thought I would before graduation, and knew my passion for building a relationship with others and hearing their stories was something I had to continue to feed. Flash forward to graduation, I wasn't going to put my Bachelor of Arts in Journalism to waste, as I accepted and started an Associate Producer job at WRTV Indianapolis in June 2013. But I wanted much more than that- I wanted to be the person choosing and reporting content. That's when I applied for a digital reporter role at Gannett's The Star Press in Muncie, Ind. As the company's Trends and Social Scene Reporter, I brought daily events, trends, and feel-good stories to Muncie and Delaware County community members. The creative freedom and fun I felt each day was immeasurable. But with the responsibility of a newspaper in addition to a website comes challenges, as this world is going digital. I had to look elsewhere, and told myself the next and only step for me in news (and my journalism interests) was everything digital- web, apps, social media sites, and daily email alerts. That's where the news is, every minute of every day. Here I am at Patch!
I've already made my husband (Anthony), family, and friends download the app and subscribe to my newsletter. I have to make sure they stay in the loop 24/7. Anthony and I were married on Dec. 16, 2017 and we moved into our home in a north suburb of Indianapolis during June 2017. Fun fact; my husband, myself and our puppy all have December birthdays, so December and the Christmas season are our absolute favorite time of the year and the reason why we chose a December wedding date (which is also my husband's birthday).
I couldn't be more excited or fortunate to be living in one of my Patch cities, (Fishers), but during the three years prior, I had an Indianapolis zip code. I've worked in downtown Indy, and spend multiple days or evenings a week in Carmel.
Whether working, always decorating and cleaning the house, taking care of our Siberian Husky puppy "Bane," going to weddings (we're at that age where so many friends and young family members are getting married), hanging out with family and friends, baking, taking Orangetheory Fitness classes, watching or attending football or basketball games, or taking in as many new restaurants as I can, I'm always on the go. I enjoy trying (and hearing) new things and points of views.
These cities, people, and places north of Indianapolis have my full attention and heart for years to come, and I enjoy hearing why others may feel the same.
Lake County officials are thanking local entities who've donated much needed Personal Protective Equipment and encourage others to donate.
The United Center will alleviate space in the Greater Chicago Food Depository’s warehouse, allowing volunteers to follow social distancing.
Eric H. Hanstad, 36, from Woodstock, faces felony aggravated battery charges in a November 2019 incident involving an infant, police report.
Sheriff Spokesman Sgt. Covelli reported that some people Boches contacted prior to disappearing felt the conversations were 'concerning.'
The Lake County Health Department is monitoring clusters of cases at 10 long-term care facilities in Lake County.
A former SEDOL paraprofessional faces a battery charge stemming from an incident with a student, according to the sheriff's office.
The McHenry County Substance Abuse Coalition provides information on the following resources.
Police across Illinois are honoring late Illinois State Police Trooper Gerald "Jerry" Ellis on the one-year anniversary of his death.
The chamber's program encourages the community to buy meals for first responders from local restaurants, and to support non-profits.
Justen, owner of Justen Funeral Home locations, just won the race for the McHenry County coroner's office during the primary election.
The number of the coronavirus cases in Indiana is 1,232 as of Saturday, March 28, in addition to 31 deaths, state health officials said.
Public health officials previously announced cases of the coronavirus at facilities in Lincolnshire and Lake Zurich.
The Chicago Fire Department said the testing site is now open for those over 60 years old who are showing symptoms of the coronavirus.
Jamal J. Nash, 22, has been located, after he was last seen leaving his home at 2 p.m. Friday, the Lake County Sheriff's office reported.
Minor flooding is expected in the Des Plaines River near Gurnee and Russell, according to the National Weather Service.
The Village reminds residents to 'please do your part and follow the governor’s order' in an effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
The drawing with the most "likes" (reactions) at 6 p.m. Sunday will become the Lake County Sheriff's office's profile picture for a week.
PPE supplies are needed, as they are essential in protecting healthcare providers as they respond to the coronavirus pandemic.
Palatine Park District officials are taking further action to highly discourage those people who are ignoring the governor's recent order.
The several projects described below by KDOT will impact Geneva in the upcoming weeks and months, the City said in a news release.
