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.
Kirk was shot after speaking about mass shootings during an appearance at a university in Utah. The president confirmed his death.
Kirk was shot after speaking about mass shootings during an appearance at a university in Utah. The president confirmed his death.
Body positively ID'd as missing mom | Child, 2, dies after accidental shooting | Couple in their 80s killed in crash
The couple's vehicle was hit by a BMW driven by an 18-year-old man, police said. One passenger in the BMW was hospitalized.
Plus: Town strengthens laws as ICE moves in, man shot in vehicle ID'd, crew hits gas line, mom pleased with son's killer's sentence.
Plus: 2 jet skis collide, injuring 4 people; housekeeper accused of stealing jewelry; sculpture honors slain officer's love of dogs.
Barb leaves behind her husband of 65 years, two surviving children and a huge, beloved extended family.
Medication-swapping school nurse convicted | Man missing 2 weeks | Ex-federal employee coerced girl to send child porn
Rabid bad found in home | Homicide suspected in death of beloved boater | Man accused of attempted suffocation of wife
Plus: Remembering Emmett Till 70 years after his killing, neighbor dispute turns to gunfire, child seriously hurt in minibike crash.
Plus: Workers over billionaires protests, corn maze honors iconic movie, license plate cameras axed, PayPal scammer caught.
Coyote bites dog | Teachers strike authorized | Gun fired during neighbor dispute
One person was in custody Friday afternoon as an incident unfolded on Ann Street.
Police said there was no threat to the public but did not say anyone had been apprehended.
Driver flips car with kids in it | Man accused of sending ex threats before fire, explosion | Mom charged after child wanders near pond
Plus: Man indicted in daughter-in-law's murder, accused Harley tipper turns self in, fugitive wanted for peeping found in Illinois, more.
Plus: Portillo's dining room reopens after tragedy, Proud Boys recruit near school, police chief accused of forging witness signature.
Police said the teen was found safe late Wednesday.
Mother sought protection order hours before daughter's murder | County board member charged with tampering | Driver busted going 132 MPH
High school staffer pleads guilty in shoplifting cases | Building collapse | Flooded schools close
