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.
It is recommended that the Mayor and City Council approve the Drive Thru Permit for a Savvy Sliders Restaurant.
The students represent the culinary arts program at Joliet West High School, part of a Career and Technical Education pathway program.
Dana Thompson of Chicago has remained in Will County's Jail since Sept. 17, 2025. She and her public defender want to explore insanity.
Labor Day weekend marked the third time that 64-year-old Kazimierz "Casey" Zaborski has been put in Will County Jail by Joliet police.
Joliet police booked Daniel Stern into the Will County jail early Thursday morning. He remains in jail awaiting his first court hearing now.
Shorewood's Police Department captured 56-year-old Dennis Krohn on Labor Day weekend on charges including aggravated domestic battery.
Sheriff's deputies were requested to respond to the third floor near Courtroom 301 of the Will County Courthouse regarding a disturbance.
The Illinois State Police previously named Hunter as someone they were looking for in connection with the 2019 killing of Floyd Faint Jr.
Patch has obtained more Joliet police body camera video. This one surrounds the Vine Street apartment building arrest of Alex Montgomery.
The woman who took the injured man home after the crash is cooperating with Joliet police, and her vehicle was towed, officials said.
Today’s Rock Run Retail Groundbreaking Celebration brings more businesses and jobs to the Joliet region, Senator Dick Durbin proclaimed.
Patch obtained data for the last three years across the city of Joliet. Here's how things are trending.
The Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission issued a public complaint against Leslie Allred, a former managing partner.
“Spanish-language theater deserves a place in our community,” remarked Samantha Ante of the Joliet Drama Guild.
The victims were also allegedly struck about the head and face with a handgun, Joliet police revealed.
A City of Joliet building inspector determined that the residence sustained no major structural damage.
Deonte Toliver was identified as the individual involved on North Eastern Avenue and was taken into custody without incident.
Channahon, Morris, Troy, Plainfield, Joliet, Wilmington, Elwood and Coal City assisted Minooka at the scene of the house fire.
Officers say they located the Chevrolet Trailblazer in the parking lot of Fenton’s Motel at 2305 W. Jefferson St.
We remember the first responders who ran toward danger while others were running away.
