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.
Multiple drownings | $5M bond in trooper's murder | Man, girl die as car hits building | Teen's suicide prompts state law | Cop misconduct
The Chicago Park District implemented a swim ban on Sunday.
Trooper Nicholas Hopkins, 33, was fatally shot on Friday. A 45-year-old man is charged with first-degree murder.
Police said the same home was previously targeted in a shooting in October 2018.
Take an online survey or email comments and questions to the village board.
Recent arrests reported by Plainfield police.
Plainfield North's James Vu scored a perfect 36 on his third time taking the ACT.
Recent arrests rerorted by Romeoville police.
32 new Sterigenics lawsuits | State trooper shot | Woman's body found | Mob beats man | Rappeling for a cause
A patient hospitalized with severe respiratory illness after vaping has died, Illinois health officials said.
The restaurant opened in late 2012 in Plainfield and rebranded its award-winning beers in 2017.
Trooper Nick Hopkins was the second ISP officer shot this month and the fourth killed in the line of duty this year.
Some teachers will get pay raises starting next year, thanks to the bill signed by Gov. J.B. Pritzker.
Annual rankings from Forbes Magazine name the top U.S. colleges in 2019.
Giant moth | Lotto win | Factory fire injures 3 firefighters | Mosquito heaven | Hero K9 does it again
Police are investigating a fight between two men that happened in the early morning hours at the shopping center.
Employee resigns over $ discrepancy | Lost & found pets | Famous rocker headlines Oktoberfest | Restaurant owner slaps employee | Hit list
Motorists are asked to avoid the area.
Trustees voted against allowing cannabis businesses in the village last week.
William Freund took pictures of the sexual assault of a 6-year-old girl, authorities said, and pleaded guilty to the crimes in 2014.
