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.
Peter Ranstead was convicted in March of battering his wife and interfering with a report of domestic violence.
A man who appeared confused and unable to speak was identified and reunited with family, according to a sheriff's department source.
Man filmed woman, kid in church bathroom: Cops | $10.5M settlement in fatal shooting by cops | Tornado cuts 8.3-mile patch
Bodycam shows slain officer's last moments | Cross burning hate crime charges | Cop's 'brazen' abuse of power
The historic theater is closed during a $9 million HVAC modernization project.
Fr. Anthony Nyamai was weeks away from beginning his new assignment for the Diocese of Joliet as the parochial vicar for St. Mary Nativity.
CEO Larry Coomes joined St. Joe's in November.
Man accused of hate crime against child | Ex-IL football players drown | Coyote causes flight delays
Personal watercrafts crash | Teen assaulted in parking garage | Cyclist killed by train | IL contributes to America250 time capsule
Abandoned kitten gets 2nd chance at hospital | Man sentenced in slayings of girlfriend, her child | Sexual abuse at assisted living |
Child missing during storm 'found shelter' | Couple accused of sexually exploiting toddler | Man admits to driving on drugs in fatal crash
From waterfront estates to urban mansions to "the ultimate in equestrian luxury," these are Illinois' most expensive homes.
Thursday night's storms came a day after a derecho was confirmed in the Chicago area.
Storms could bring destructive winds, large hail and tornadoes, NWS said.
Risks include "damaging winds, a brief tornado or two, and localized torrential rainfall increasing the risk for flash flooding."
Missing girl found in home, man charged with sexual assault | Worker trapped under car after UPS store crash | Gunman fatally shot by police
I-290 car explosion death | Nurses sue, citing unsafe conditions, deaths | Homicide suspect found dead | "Heart" of ministry honored
The driver suffered a medical emergency and was also hospitalized, according to police.
Plus: Car crashes into home, displaces residents | Pet bird found after 2 months | "I love my woke pope."
Arrest left woman in coma: Lawsuit | Man assaulted teen he met on Snapchat, cops say | Famous skateboarder arrested in skateboard beating
