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.
Here's when and where to vote, what's on your ballot and everything else you need to know for the Nov. 3 election in Illinois.
ALSO: Man accused of recording girl in shower | I-80 hit-and-run | Pets die in house fire | School report cards released | Fiery crash death
Updated Halloween forecast | Reckless homicide charge in 911 dispatcher's death | Hate crime arrest
MI paranormal rankings | Massage therapist charged with sexual assault | Beloved restaurants close after decades
Man beat "judgmental" neighbor with bat: cops | Fixed $17M budget error won't save school | Mom's cancer battle inspires AI detection tool
The Chicago-area native is reportedly registered to vote in Will County and submitted his mail-in ballot, the Vatican said.
PLUS: Red Bull heist, charges filed after Halloween costume gun discharges, Bears stadium deal near.
Fugitive killer's stolen truck found in IL | Bystanders rescue driver from fiery crash | School board member charged with $1.3M fraud
FBI agent fatally shoots man | Free Powerball tickets up for grabs as jackpot hits $716M | "Disgruntled" ex-employee accused in burglaries
2 fatally shot in moving car | Firefighter dies during training | Woman missing 5 days | Canary in the cold | Priest cleared of sex abuse
Relative arrested in man's slaying | MI's most popular Halloween costumes | Iconic restaurant closes after 70 years
'Suspicious envelopes' sent to lawmakers | Sheriff hopeful harassment allegation | Asset transfers restricted after fatal boat crash
76 dogs seized, man charged | Hate crime death threat aimed at keeping minorities from buying home: Cops | 2nd frat party assault allegation
Reckless homicide charge in 12-year-old bicyclist's death | Banquet hall owner charged with child porn | $1.8 million lottery winner
Famous wrestler's cause of death | Animal abuser attacked woman's cat twice: Cops | Woman dies after car sinks in contaminated water
Plus: Teen planned temple attack for 2 years: FBI | High school on probation after racist incident | Son thwarts disabled mom's carjacker
Residents of the area were asked to shelter in place Saturday morning.
ATM technician robbed at gunpoint | Boy's love of Halloween showcased in display | Random shootings tied to red and black clothes: prosecuto
Tattoo artist harassed woman: cops | Man gives child gas-soaked stick to toss on fire: PD | Semi carrying hydrochloric acid rolls over
State trooper investigated after crash with moped | Congressman was at temple during alleged mass shooting plot | Sex offender shot by cops
