Everest Adventure, Multi-Million Dollar Nickel: Good News, Illinois

ACROSS ILLINOIS — As the weather gets warmer, we're finding even more reasons to smile, including this weekly dose of the cheeriest news stories in Illinois. We created this roundup of the week's best "good news" articles to put the spotlight on the stories that make us happy. From an ambitious teen who recently set out to summit Everest, to a local farmer who's using his land to make art, we hope these Good News, Illinois, stories brighten your day.

Manhattan Farmer Uses Land To Create Another Work Of 'Ag Art'

Dave Kestel, who made a giant American flag in the snow in February, created an 840-foot-long cross to celebrate Easter.

Teen Aims To Set Record, Inspire Others With Everest Climb

Since she was 7, Lucy Westlake has summited dozens of mountains. Now, she aims to be the youngest American woman to climb Mount Everest.

Local Restaurants Raise Over $13K To Aid Ukrainian Refugees

More than a dozen restaurants joined forces to raise funds for World Relief Kitchen, which has been feeding refugees in war-torn Ukraine.

Company Makes $10,000 Donation To Botanic Garden's Mission

Nicor Gas has donated the funds to help ensure that the garden's 100-acre McDonald Woods area which provides critical wildlife habitats.

$7.5 Million Nickel, $2 Million Dime To Be Exhibited In Schaumburg

The historic coins have a combined face value of only $1.16, but are insured for $19 million.

Want to celebrate someone or something that made you smile? Have a Good News, Illinois, story of your own you'd like us to feature? Email lisa.farver@patch.com