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.
Tornado also hit Plainfield | Zobrist sues pastor | Aldi worker finds wedding ring | Dad-t0-be killed on Father's Day | Woodridge strong |
And 40 percent of those who responded to the survey nationwide said they were prepared to end friendships with unvaccinated people.
How IL tornadoes compare | Auschwitz survivor, Illinois Holocaust Museum president dies | Random stabbing kills woman | IL amusement parks
Patch has your complete guide to Fourth of July fireworks shows, parades and other celebrations in and around Chicago.
Police in Woodridge were asking residents to avoid hard-hit areas due to debris in roadways and heavy first responder presence.
Trees on CTA tracks | Cop ousted | Venue sued by village can host weddings | Gliniewicz trial set | Teen steals from elderly woman: cops
Cops save suicidal boy | Road named for slain trooper | Marshall Field house sells | Best children's hospitals | $300 extra will stay
Deputy made the world a better place | 100th birthday, 100 cars | New charges for ex-murder defendant | Concerts return | Missing man
Sex offender stalking | Kidnap victim safe | FBI raids ex-football star | Retired deputy killed in ambush | COVID in 2019 | Drew's ex speaks
Police say a man broke into relatives' home in Bolingbrook early Tuesday morning and claimed to have an explosive device.
After Friday's official reopening in Illinois, we answer the question: To mask or not to mask? It depends.
Chemical plant explosion | Antisemitic threat conviction | Gun cleaning accident | 365 Lake Michigan jumps | Fatal road rage beating |
Police said the woman, originally believed to be a teen girl, was taken against her will.
The state reported 11 additional deaths and under 300 new cases of COVID-19 on Sunday.
Sex offender guilty plea | Rat problem | Outlaw clubhouse shooting | $15 million lost? | Elderly couple killed in semi crash
Retired chief dies | Capitol riot videos | Theater plans nixed by COVID | Local dog headed to Westminster | Fest's fate uncertain
Kids get rash after swimming in lake | Mask rule lifted by diocese | Ex-teacher charged with child porn again | Grocery store shooting |
UPDATE: Antoine Jackson was found after going missing Thursday afternoon.
Pearl Harbor sailor IDed as IL man | Woman kidnapped | 'Prom' attendees told to quarantine | Teachers not returning after Hylka arrest |
Blago's supervised release ends | Recess required | Mom, baby shot through window | Kids ride free | Nurses save life | Pet pig stays
