Lemont's 2017 Year In Review: Most Read Stories This Year

LEMONT, IL — As we head into 2018, it can be a good time to take a look back at the past year and what stories were the most read. These stories include new businesses, crime and community events.

So let's take a few moments to have a stroll down memory lane and peruse Patch's most memorable Lemont stories of 2017:

Vistancia Subdivision Approved By Lemont Village Board

• The Lemont Village Board approved the annexation, rezoning and preliminary development in April for the Vistancia subdivision which will be built in the 105 acres north of 127th Street and east of Interstate 355. Despite resident opposition, at its April 10 meeting, the village board approved the 209 single-family lot subdivision which will have 270 homes. 61 of the lots are duplexes...Read More.

Thousands Of Pounds Of Fireworks Found In Lemont Township Residence

• One person was arrested in June after police found more than 4,000 pounds of fireworks and materials to create fireworks at a residence in the 14800 block of Kotlin Road in unincorporated Lemont. Police said approximately 4,000 pounds of fireworks and approximately 40 pounds of commercial grade and homemade fireworks were recovered...Read more.

China Wok Reportedly Closes In Lemont

• A Lemont Chinese restaurant has seemingly closed its doors. China Wok, located at 1138 State St., has removed its storefront sign and disconnected its phone. The restaurant has been in Lemont for several years, and is just the latest business in that plaza off of State Street to either close its doors or relocate. In March, Chipain's Fresh Market closed its doors after 29 years in the village. China Wok was located just a few doors down from the former grocery store location...Read more.

Lemont Soccer Player Achieves Dream with Chicago Fire

• Growing up in Lemont, Djordje Mihailovic started kicking around a soccer ball as soon as he could walk. Mihailovic, 18, has continued to play soccer his entire life, and he reached the culmination of his dreams in January when he signed with the Chicago Fire as a homegrown player...Read more.

"Hamilton" Musicians Visit Old Quarry Middle School in Lemont

• Old Quarry Middle School band students had quite an exciting rehearsal in May when they were joined by three "Hamilton" musicians from the hit musical in Chicago. The band played a "Hamilton" mashup, and the "Hamilton" musicians, musical director Colin Welford, bassist Tom Mendel and drummer Tom Hipskind, were able to give some tips and advice...Read more.

Lemont Man Sentenced To 30 Months In Federal Prison On Bribery Charges

• A physician from Lemont has been sentenced to 30 months in federal prison on a bribery charge, according to a release from the United States Attorney's Office. Neil Sharma, 37, of Lemont, who has been a licensed physician since March 2011, pleaded guilty to the charge in February 2017...Read more.

LHS Honors 2017 Alumni Hall of Fame Inductees

• Lemont High School has welcomed its third group of Alumni Hall of Fame inductees. Al Albrecht '59, Mary Lou Carlson '71 and Norma (Landgren) Johnson '38 were recognized at the school's annual Jazz Band Dinner Dance on March 4...Read more.

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Pizza Restaurant To Open Early 2018 In Lemont

• An Orland Park business is relocating to Lemont, and is already passionate about their new location. Wooden Paddle, a pizza restaurant, will open in January 2018 at 212 Stephen St. in downtown Lemont. The new owners, the Cowan family, is already remodeling the building built in 1883, and is planning 75 seats for the restaurant...Read more.