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.
Police said some teens also lit off fireworks in the direction of officers and other attendees at Bicentennial Park.
The park has reopened, but the 4-mile run/walk was cancelled, and Saturday's 4th of July celebration was also cancelled due to weather.
Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch said he had Benton's resignation letter, effective Friday evening.
Police say they were alerted to the crime spree Thursday afternoon near the library and farmers market.
The pair is also charged with concealing a homicide after searches of the lake turned up additional body parts, state police said.
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The 41-year-old's body was found Wednesday evening.
Guests were evacuated during the fire on Wednesday evening.
The discovery, the latest in a string of bodies recovered from the river, was made Wednesday evening.
Police declined to release additional information "to protect the integrity of this open and ongoing investigation."
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Officer Paul Viduya Jr., 28, was killed early Sunday.
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The Village of Mundelein announced the officer's death over the weekend.
The road is shut down for a "heavy-duty tow."
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.
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