I was born in Joliet and grew up across from Nowell Park on the city's far east-side where I delivered the Joliet Herald-News. I attended grade school at St. Mary Nativity on Broadway. Some of my favorite memories growing up revolve around St, Joseph's Park where I played Little League baseball and had several Catholic Youth Organization basketball games.
At 13, our family moved to Plainfield. By the time I was 16, I knew I wanted to be a journalist. As a teen, I made a few extra bucks as a sports stringer for The Plainfield Enterprise taking photos and covering Plainfield's high school football and basketball games.
I graduated with a journalism degree from Eastern Illinois University. I have had a strong passion and commitment for public service journalism ever since. I am grateful to have covered so many different places throughout the greater Midwest.
After college, I worked for The South Bend Tribune, the Daily Herald in Arlington Heights, Green Bay Press-Gazette, Omaha World-Herald and on the statewide investigative team for USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin, where I was based at The Post-Crescent in Appleton for five years.
I'm thrilled to be joining Patch as the Joliet Editor at this point in time when more and more people prefer to access their local news through web-only platforms and mobile devices.
Joliet and Will County always seem to have a lot of news going on, and I will do my best to bring you a superior news product.
Less than 12 hours after a homicide victim patronizing Anthony's Pub lost his life, a Joliet teenager suffered a stab wound on Broadway.
Officers recovered multiple spent shell casings and a handgun in the parking lot.
Hundreds of people braved a chilly Friday to congregate at Joliet's new City Square. It opened on Friday and it looks fantastic.
Rock Run Collection at I-55 and I-80 continues to flourish. Hollywood Casino Joliet is the anchor and now there's The View apartment units.
Over the course of his 40-year career, platinum-selling and Grammy-nominated singer and actor Chris Isaak has performed to sold-out crowds.
Will County Judge Chrystel Gavlin ordered the release of Donshea Merrick following his Joliet police arrest on two domestic battery crimes.
Although the Joliet Slammers lost to the Gateway Grizzlies by a score of 14-3, thousands of people who attended the game had a great time.
Lincoln Land Community College announced this week's death of Minooka athlete Michael Roberson. His vehicle crash happened early Wednesday.
Yes, the rains came, but Thursday was an incredible day for the city of Joliet as the Joliet Slammers played at the Old Joliet Prison.
Thursday's press release from Joliet City Hall did not specifically identify the artwork as the Dome of Unity, but that's what it is.
Joliet Police Chief Bill Evans led Thursday's press conference to publicize arrests of Fortino Rodriguez and Ronaldo Rodriguez-Gasca.
Joliet Patch has written about Michael Moreno before. He just spent the past five months in Will County's Jail. Now, he's jailed yet again.
Shawn Miller, 41, comes from the 1300 block of Joliet's Clara Avenue. He has been kept in the Will County Jail since April 24.
Will County Judge Chrystel Gavlin agreed with the Will County State's Attorney's Office petition to detain Cory Mixan, 38, of Joliet.
She also expressed gratitude for the recognition and those who supported her journey.
This year marks the 100-year centennial celebrating America's most iconic highway, Route 66 and Joliet's museum has a display.
Joshua Medina had been kept in the Will County Jail from Oct. 25, 2023 until March 31.
Donnie will be remembered for his enduring presence, his love for family, and the impact he made on those who knew him.
In 2024, Chief Evans was responsible for spearheading the mass murder investigation committed by Romeo Nance on Joliet's West Acres Road.
Then-City of Joliet manager Jim Capparelli chose Evans, who was a lieutenant for Cook County before retiring, to become Joliet's new chief.
