As editor-in-chief, Dennis oversees Patch's local reporting teams across the country. In that time, Patch staffers have been recognized with awards from the National Press Club, the Society of Professional Journalists, the Chicago Headline Club, the Cleveland Press Club, and others.
Before joining Patch in 2010, Dennis got some ink on his hands in Chicago during stints with Sun-Times Media and the Copley Press, where he led investigative and public service reporting teams that changed laws, helped people and put a few bad guys in jail. He was managing editor of the Daily Southtown in suburban Chicago, twice named National Newspaper of the Year for large-circulation dailies by the American Press Institute. During his tenure, the Southtown received a dozen awards for General Excellence, the Chicago Headline Club Watchdog Award, AP Top 10 Sports Section in America honors, Best Commentary Section in Illinois three years in a row, and dozens of writing, reporting, public service and photojournalism awards.
Politically, he's independent, and his tally of votes for Republicans vs. Democrats is about equal. (Or so he says.) Outside of work, he's an always hopeful yet frequently dismayed Cleveland Browns fan. He likes dogs, and dogs like him. He likes pizza a bit too much, Ernest Hemingway's books, P.J. O'Rourke's commentary, and home renovation projects.
email: dennis@patch.com
He's "deeply troubled by the deaths of African-Americans at the hands of law enforcement and angered by cowardly ... targeting of police"
Five vehicles were involved, according to police. The fires are out, but traffic remains tied up in the aftermath.
A canopy collapsed, sending debris onto the Eisenhower Expressway Sunday night. A video shows the incredible flashing and sparking.
The Downers Grove Republican gave up his seat for "cyber security issues."
For the water, the pizza, the donations, the hugs, the high fives and the expressions of appreciation, these Blue Lives say "thank you."
Miss a day, miss a lot: McDonald's blocks porn / Dog baked in hot car / GOP in CLE and an Illinois white pride delegate / Train vs. truck
There was very little trouble during Republican Convention week in the streets of a "great Midwestern city" run by Democrats.
Hillary Clinton introduces running mate Saturday | 4 amazing days in GOP history in 2 minutes | 'White pride' GOP delegate gets booted.
Week in Headlines: Dog bakes in a car / Father-son self-defense claims / $177 million oil spill settlement / McFarland envelope probe
Week in Headlines: Orland Fire District lawsuit tossed / Playground in memory of Tinley teen / Oak Lawn police dog retires / Mall accident.
Video: Plagiarized speech passages, an address about gay rights from a gay man, a refusal to be a "servile puppy dog" and a personal feud.
Illinois delegate sent home for racist Facebook post; Utah delegate bullied in a restroom; and 2 others spoke of hanging, shooting rivals.
"I blame the Republican Party, too. ... Do they think they are the only ones in the world?"
His daughter, Ivanka Trump, will introduce him tonight.
Trump promised a "movement." Ivanka Trump says her dad will champion women's rights, equal wages and be a "fighter" for his country.
Who is this guy selling "Truckers for Trump" T-shirts alongside "Just Not Trump" shirts, and why is he doing it? Check out the video.
Demonstrators in Cleveland sing "the walls that they build to tear us apart will never be as strong as the walls of our heart."
#RNCinCLE Blog, Day 4: Finale features Ivanka Trump and her dad as campaign deals with Ted Cruz fallout. | Thiel to talk about being gay.
The Texas senator also refused to endorse Donald Trump. Read or watch the controversial speech Cruz delivered Wednesday night in prime time.
The protester who tried to set the American flag on fire lit his own pant leg, police said. Fifteen others were arrested, too.
