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.
Sox at Field of Dreams | Man missing since May | Popular restaurant moving | Cop cleared in shooting | Clear shelters | AJ's mom's records
Recent incidents reported by the Romeoville Police Department.
The restaurant says it will move across the street into the former trolley barn. No date has been announced for the reopening.
Despite reports that the suspect may have had a gun, no weapon was recovered, police said.
An African American man and Hispanic woman told police the Montgomery man shot an air rifle towards their home after hurling racial slurs.
Boys lied about duct taping | Kennel fire prompts new law | Aurora chief reacts to mass shootings | Missing IL woman | Serial killer
Descendants of John and Daniel Lantz, who settled in Wheatland and Naperville townships, are invited to the potluck.
The Plainfield boy got his wish to meet Brad Paisley — and he'll get to meet another hero for his "heartversary."
Months after a last-minute bid saved the retailer from closing, the company is annoucing more closings.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Plymouth Congregational Church on Saturday.
Dale Hansen will sign books at the Crest Hill shop.
Stacia Mallory will serve as the new River View assistant principal and Andrew Derwin takes a new role at three elementary schools.
The 18th elementary school will be the first new campus since Eichelberger Elementary and Plainfield East opened in 2008.
Wahlburgers coming | Garage collapse | Another gator | Baby left in tub dies | Cop charged in reckless homicide | Woman missing from O'Hare
For the second time since June, a Chicago infant has died after being left in a tub.
The 44-year-old Vancouver, Washington, resident was there to catch a flight from Chicago to Portland.
Niche released its list of the best schools in the country on Monday.
Niche released its list of the best schools in the country on Monday.
Niche released its list of the best schools in the country on Monday. Valley View ranked as the best for diversity in the state.
Niche released its list of the best schools in the country on Monday.