Across Illinois|News|
Shop Marks 130 Years, Rainbow Cone Remix, Pizzeria Party: IL Biz News
Plus: Tattoo shop breaks barrier, first-ever co-op opens, not your grandma's thrift store.
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.
Plus: Tattoo shop breaks barrier, first-ever co-op opens, not your grandma's thrift store.
Bears head to London | Sentence in kidnapping, rape of child | Teen killed in crash, police seek info | Nurse aid 'probably' punched woman
The Will County Coroner identified the motorcyclist as a 50-year-old Shorewood man.
Missing man kidnapped, murdered | Victim fights back in crossbow attack | Billy Corgan reality show premieres
The IRS owes Michigan residents over $38 million in tax refunds, but time is running out to claim the cash.
The IRS owes Illinois residents over $40 million in tax refunds, but time is running out to claim the cash.
Ciara played hockey all through college, along with playing in several bands and earning her chemical engineering degree.
The Washtenaw Technical Middle College grad is well on her way to earning two degrees and has plans to pursue a master's.
Many local graduates excelled in academics, fine arts or volunteer service. Here's one who deserves a shoutout in Fenton.
"I have never seen a kid work so hard," his grandmother wrote.
A Joliet sister shouted out her brother as a Star student.
Saije is an honor roll student who plays with the VanderCook College of Music’s One City Strings Program.
Thomas took on an Eagle Scout project to give back to his school.
Joy is set to graduate high school this May.
A decorated synchronized skater and active volunteer, Hannah is "well-rounded, kind-hearted, and generous of her time."
"Camille has persevered through many personal challenges to become a 'Super Senior' at Joliet Central High School," her dad wrote.
Also: Teens shot on porch, 17-year-old killed in crash.
Plus: Grocer slashes prices, no more pawn shops, World Beer Cup winners.
Man hits coworker with car, sets fire: cops | Student's life saved | Stalker posts sexual pics: PD | Doc uses animal catheters on people
Nurse fired, accused of swapping kids' medicine | Driver caught in street takeover fatally shot | Man caught watching child porn by cops