Winning Flag Design, Blue-Eyed Birthday Bug: Good News, Illinois

ACROSS ILLINOIS — As another week comes to a close, we take a few moments to reflect on the cheerful stories that really stood out. This time, we're giving metaphorical flowers to a seven-year-old who designed a city's new flag, another young girl who snagged a rare cicada and other local residents with smile-worthy stories.

7-Year-Old Evanston Girl Designs City's New Flag

"I hope when people see my flag they will think about how to take care of Evanston's nature for a really long time," the first grader said.

Girl Finds Rare Blue-Eyed Cicada 'Bluey' In Oak Lawn

Ava found a one-in-a-million blue-eyed cicada at a birthday party near Covington Elementary School. His name is Bluey.

Rich & Creamy On Broadway: Banana Splits, Turtle Sundaes, Dirt Cups

Bill Gulas has co-owned Rich & Creamy 23 years, and worked at Joliet's iconic ice cream stand since 1977, then called Creamy Delight.

$450,000 Still Unclaimed From Winning Ticket Sold In Skokie A Year Ago

Whoever's got the ticket has three weeks to claim the nearly half-million dollar prize before it expires.

Northbrook 4th-Grader Wins National Writing Award

Paityn Han, a student at Wescott School, was one of just five students to win the award nationwide.

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