I knew I wanted to be a writer at a young age, and never dreamed of doing anything else. My love of writing was born when a grade-school teacher encouraged me to try my hand at fiction. I took her advice, but quickly gave up make-believe stories for the real thing.
I got involved with my high school newspaper before double majoring in journalism and English.
I graduated in 2002 and landed my first newspaper job within six months. I spent eight years at The Enterprise newspaper in Plainfield, where I developed my passion for community journalism.
When a coworker pointed me in the direction of Patch.com, I jumped at the chance to be part of the future of local news.
Bernie snow sculpture | Fundraiser after mom's death | Kitten saved | What the groundhog says | South Side Irish parade canceled again
Murder still unsolved | House comes with duck flock | Road rage arrest | Man tries to kidnap boss | Kinzinger fights 'Trump-first' party
A few towns saw a foot or more of snow over the weekend. Now, wind chills of minus 20 could be headed for the area.
Plus, road conditions as of Sunday morning and how much more snow is headed our way.
Winter storm warning: Here's the timing and expected snowfall totals for Saturday's snowstorm, plus tips for staying safe.
Robinhood sued | Game on for Groundhog Day | Best cities to work from home | Woman, child die in crash | Soliders sent to DC
A 30-year-old Lombard woman was also killed in the crash.
More theaters reopen | Fund for family killed in fire | Shooting video released | White House coronavirus report
Pink mac & cheese | Mayor calls for Foxx to resign | New CEO makes history | Road rage shooting |
109-year-old gets vaccinated | Barstool Sports boost for eatery | Arrested teacher paid to stay away | Reckless homicide charges for teen
Deadly sled accident | Pfleger accusers speak out | Intruders tie up victims | Menthol ban |
Restaurants reopen in some counties | Teachers to get vaccine as strike looms | Another arrest in lt's death | Mayor candidates spar
Slammers struggling | 22 cold deaths in county | Congresswoman at inauguration | Alt-right IL native's shocking posts |
Another Trump pardon | Gun shop accidental mass text | Another smash & grab | Plea for mom paralyzed in carjacking
An early morning burglary crew stole merchandise from the Beecher Road Target store.
Candidate shooting investigation | Want to drive the Wienermobile? | Virus update| Smash & grab iPhone heist
The crash shut down multiple railroad crossings Friday evening and caused broken glass bottles to spill across the road and grade crossing.
IL National Guard deployed | Mayoral candidate may get booted | Triple murder sentence | COVID variant in IL | Mom pleads for help for baby
Snow is in the forecast through Sunday night in the Chicago area and could become heavy at times on Friday.
Layoffs at beauty retailer | Lightfoot: open restaurants | Dominant virus strain | Charges in double murder | Madigan out | Baby hurt
