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Monday, May 20, 2013

Patch Roundup: $4.85 Million Lottery Ticket Found in Jar; Man Guilty in Triple-Murder

Also this week: an infant's body is found in the river near Brookfield Zoo, a bank-robbery spree hits Willowbrook and a baseball coach is accused of filming sex acts with a player.

Here are some of the top stories from Patch's West Chicago region last week: GENEVA—SWEET! Genevan Finds $4.85 Million Lottery Ticket in His Cookie Jar—Winning ticket stashed away for more than three months. DARIEN—Jury Finds Johnny Borizov Guilty in Darien Family Murders—The trial comes to a close nearly one month after it began, and more than three years after three Kramer family members were killed. BROOKFIELD—Body Found in Des Plaines River Believed to be Missing 1-Year-Old—The 1-year-old boy's mother and her boyfriend have been charged with the murder of Bryeon Hunter, who was first reported missing in April. The body was found near the Brookfield Zoo. WILLOWBROOK—Willowbrook Bank of America Robbed on Monday Morning—The alleged robber…

See What's Happening in Oak Park This Week

See what's going on in Oak Park and River Forest this week, and add any events you have in our calendar.

This Inspiring Story Brought to You by Grape-Nuts

Disability Doesn't Even Slow Down Bridget Brown

From being the first Down syndrome student mainstreamed in her school district to starting her own advocacy organization, Bridget Brown's journeys are far and wide. Sponsored by Grape-Nuts.

Living like a movie star for a week, Bridget Brown of Darien had a small part in a movie with Miley Cyrus. Brown also has her own consulting business, works as a dental assistant’s assistant and has many more jobs in life few of us would ever conquer.  Having Down syndrome, the 27-year-old woman is considered to be disabled, but you would never know by the full life she leads. Brown was the first person with a disability included in her school district and is a strong advocate of inclusion. Among her dislikes is hearing someone be insulted. "Don’t call people retarded," Brown says. "I got called that, I was angry and wanted to cry.”    Another fight Brown goes up against is mothers who want to abort their babies when they find out the baby…

Steve Connors

9:45 am on Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Bridget you are an amazing person - Thank you for sharing your story!   more ›

Sunday, May 19, 2013

CHAMPS! Fenwick Boys Water Polo Wins State Title

They're back ... After snapping a streak of eight straight state titles last year, the Fenwick boys water polo team is a champion again.

The Fenwick boys water polo team is a champion once again. After a streak of eight straight Illinois titles and nine of 10 state wins was snapped last year in a loss to Lyons Township, the Friars captured the crown again Saturday. Fenwick defeated Stevenson 10-4 in the championship. According to IHSA.org, five Friars scored two goals each: Matt Bresnahan, Matt Farmer, Andrew Bertschy, Trevor McLean and Justin White.  Watch a replay of the game on IHSA.tv. Stevenson took the early lead on a goal by Josh Weisberg, who scored one possession after a big save by goalie Rob O'Brien. Fenwick answered almost immediately on two beautiful, deep passes by goalie Tommy McGuire to Farmer and Bresnahan. The Patriots' Mitchell Sokolsky tied the game …

Severe Weather Possible Monday and Tuesday

Large hail, damaging winds and isolated tornadoes are all possible.

Get ready for some storms. The storm system that dropped large hail and tornadoes on parts of Iowa, Kansas and Oklahoma is now headed toward Illinois. The National Weather Service has placed most of Illinois in the "slight risk" category for severe weather on Monday and Tuesday. The main threats on both days will be damaging winds and large hail. The National Weather Service's Storm Prediction Center noted in its technical discussions that isolated tornadoes are also possible on Monday and Tuesday. "The most violent storms will ignite during the afternoon and evening hours as daytime heating causes instability," Accuweather.com Meteorologist Meghan Evans wrote in her forecast. "Plenty of humid air will be in place to fuel the severe storms…

Man Flashes Air Soft Pistol, Steals Cash from Register: Police Blotter

Oak Park police reports, April 29 to May 12.

SUNDAY, MAY 12 Stanley L. Donahue, 28, of the 9000 block of S. Brandon St., went into a store on the 500 block of Lake St. and after pulling out an air soft pistol, stole money out of the cash register. He was charged and arrested with aggravated robbery. Frank M. Moorhe, 38, or the 500 block of N. Central Ave., was charged and arrested for felony retail theft at about 9 a.m. at the 200 block of Lake St. FRIDAY, MAY 10 Nora M. Gutekanst-Barlett, 18, of the 100 block of S. Elmwood Ave. was charged and arrested for possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia at about 2:15 p.m. near the 200 block of N. Scoville Ave. She was released after posting bond. Linell Harding, 53, of the 5400 block of Van Buren St., was charged and arrested for …

Nurse of the Year, Roosevelt Track Goes to State: Local Voices

We look at the local voices who have contributed recent blog posts to Patch in Forest Park, Oak Park and River Forest. Find out how you can start blogging, too.

Are you interested in sharing your knowledge, community news, organization updates accomplishments, advice, photo galleries, or anything else with our Patch readers? It's free and simple to post in Patch Local Voices here: Forest Park / Oak Park-River Forest. (Posts can also be cross-published to both sites.) SEGUIN SERVICES HOLDS “DARE TO DREAM” GALA, Awards Bestowed to Community Leaders & Seguin Participants: The annual celebration highlighted the inspirational achievements by Seguin participants and the generous contributions of community volunteers and donors. Seguin was fortunate to hear from Governor Pat Quinn.   "Careless Whisper" Crooner Crashes: So many celebrities crashing their cars; so little time to wag a self-righteous finger…

Tillie the Cat Up for Adoption at the West Suburban Humane Society

Tillie is a 4-year-old domestic medium hair mix looking for a forever home.

Name: Tillie Breed: Domestic medium hair mix Sex: Female Age: 4 years Spayed/Neutered: Yes Personality: Volunteers at the West Suburban Humane Society describe Tillie as a puzzle because she is tough to figure out. She does OK with some cats, but not others; any cat she lives with must have a backbone. Tillie is best-suited for families with older kids because she likes to pounce and play. She needs a family who wants to play and keep her entertained. Interested? Stop by the West Suburban Humane Society at 1901 W. Ogden Ave., Downers Grove, or call 630-960-9600.

I-290 Ramp Moves: Last Chance to Share Comments

Monday is your last chance to share comments on IDOT's plan to ease congestion along Interstate 290.

Area residents have until Monday, May 20, to share their comments on an IDOT plan to ease congestion along Interstate 290. The Illinois Department of Transportation has four final alternatives to address this issue, all of which include adding a lane and moving the Harlem Avenue and Austin Boulevard ramps to the outside. State officials say no Oak Park property will be needed for the new ramps, but a Village of Oak Park news release said that some citizens have said the placement could have negative impacts.  To learn more about the plans, go to the Eisenhower Expressway project website. The seven documents at the top of the page are the most relevant, especially the I-290 Alternatives Evaluation Summary 2013 Apr02. Residents can share …

Sunday Comic: All Eyes On the Tea Party Graduate

Some people are destined to draw more attention than others, apparently.

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Stones

10:16 am on Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Gary, this is not Nazi Germany, nor will it ever be. Get your head out of Glenn Beck's arse before you become his prostate. And you wonder why moderate voters are leaving the Republican Party? It's because of people like you that repulse our sense of decency.   more ›

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