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.
Huge celebrities selling Illinois home | Man accused of attempted murder in attack on woman, teen | 4 hurt in apartment building fire
The "swatting" threat was among the latest unsubstantiated school threat in the Chicago suburbs in recent days, the district said.
Police said he had not been in contact with family since Sept. 15.
Legionnaires’ disease at hotel | More gaming machines smashed | Black mold, dilapidated home sparks village to take action
Murder, attempted murder charges filed after police say a 23-year-old Sandwich man was killed and another pedestrian was hurt.
Olympic star's Porsche stolen from Chicago-area home | Family seeks help finding son missing nearly 3 weeks | Gel blaster robbery
Fed injures U.S. citizen, cops say | Woman dies in crash with police car | Apartment fire displaces a dozen families | Kids offered cannabis
Police said the suspect had arranged to meet with the two victims before the intentional crash. No charges have been filed as of Monday.
Plus: Sheriff horse auction, man who died in plunge from rocks ID'd, National Guard soldier killed.
Man brandishing hedge trimmer killed by police | Courthouse fight leaves 2 deputies hurt | 63-year-old accused crack dealer
Masked robbers smash gaming machines | 21-year-old shot by police dies | National Guard soldier killed
Woman charged with reckless homicide in baby's crash death | 2nd measles case in suburbs | Man found dead outside religious center
Baby killed in crash | "Christmas in July" toy drive | Body found in Fox River | Traveling WTC beams headed to NYC | Man missing 5 days
Street takeover suspects sought | Mom honors son's memory | Home invasion suspect's other charges | Fireworks damage school
More FLOCK camera misuse allegations | Cupich seeks to block medical aid in dying | Arrests in smash-and-grabs
Services set for boy who died in fall | Man told girl she was '18 for the night': Prosecutors | "World's largest" corn maze theme
Hospitals put on lockdown after teacher stabbed | 2nd teen dies after shooting | Couple, dog rescued from sinking car
Grease-soaked burglar stuck in restaurant chimney | Reward for man who made "unwanted contact" with women | Knife, dumbbell used in slaying
ALSO: Shirtless intruder | IL man missing in Smoky Mountains | Softball coach wanted on sex abuse charges | 2 juveniles hit by vehicle
Rabid bat found | Judge deports six "abandoned" kids | Starving dogs found in home with dead animals | Teacher runs Mississippi River
