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.
Joliet officers were conducting surveillance in the 2400 block of Douglas Street in an attempt to locate 26-year-old Justin Adams.
Joliet Fire Department paramedics responded and treated Dmytro Tsikhotskyi at the scene.
Spencer immediately told officers he was armed with a handgun and allowed an officer to remove the gun from his waistband, police said.
Joliet police also learned that 37-year-old Christopher Wessels had previously been trespassed from the retailer due to prior incidents.
Joliet police lieutenant Jeremy Harrison is not the only officer in Will County who has put himself in major trouble over the Flock cameras.
A 60-year-old Joliet man, Steven Spangler, was found dead on the Metra train tracks on Oct. 26, 2022.
Saturday marks the first time in nearly 15 years that the city of Joliet is bringing back the Black Joy Parade to honor Black Excellence.
Burbridge was found guilty by a jury following a 3-day jury trial before Circuit Judge Amy Bertani-Tomczak that concluded on June 10.
Anthony's Pub closed in May. It was around for 12 years, with multiple incidents and arrests as well as this year's parking lot murder.
For decades, these sisters have dedicated their lives to our community, educating children, strengthening families, serving neighborhoods.
Even though Donovan Dewayne Burbridge was only 16, Will County prosecutors charged him as an adult with attempted murder.
For several years, Joliet Patch covered stories about blighted properties deemed public nuisances, but those came to a stop in 2023.
"I am proud of what we have accomplished, but there is still work to do," Councilwoman Suzanna Ibarra said.
Joliet's Rock Run Collection is anchored by Hollywood Casino and The View apartment complex. Dick's House of Sport will build next.
Back in 2023, Terry D'Arcy of D'Arcy Motors easily defeated two-term Joliet Mayor Bob O'Dekirk. Now we're months away from another election.
Ian Kush was arrested by Joliet police in connection with allegations of violating an order of protection. The 37-year-old lives in Joliet.
Joliet's new casino opened in August 2025. It includes an Events Center where several stars have already performed including Bret Michaels.
Joliet police captured Romeoville's Donnie Jones Jr. on charges of home invasion, criminal trespass, domestic battery and battery.
While officers were clearing the parking lot, they heard excessively loud music coming from a white SUV.
Upon arrival, Joliet police officers encountered Eulises Ramos and detained him. Ramos was not armed at the time.
