Good News, Illinois: Kindergarten Hero, Stuffed Animal Reunion

ACROSS ILLINOIS — Readers shouldn't dread looking at headlines. That's why we created this roundup of good news in Illinois. Whether it's a martial arts legend helping out a local teen or a cop helping to get a stuffed animal home safely, you're sure to smile over these bits of Good News, Illinois.

Hero Kindergartener Saves Family, Neighbors From Fire

See how six-year-old Vinny Ramirez made sure his family —and other residents in his apartment complex— escaped the blaze without harm.

Lambie Found: Lost Stuffed Animal is Back Home

Thousands of people rallied on social media to help get a stuffed animal back home to its 4-year-old owner, who was "heartbroken and just [wanted] her best friend back." Click the link to see how the little stuffed lamb made its way home.

Martial Arts Legend Helps Plainfield Teen Get To Rome Competition

It's not every day that a budding martial artists gets to strike up a friendship with the inspiration for such iconic characters as Mortal Kombat's Sub Zero and Johnny Cage, but one Plainfield teen had that honor. Read the story to see how martial artist Daniel Pesina gave 16-year-old Andrew Swanson the inspiration he needed to compete in Rome.

'Queen Bee' Celebrates 5 Years Cancer-Free

Maureen 'Mo' Welborn was diagnosed with lung cancer in April 2014. Read about her journey and see why she's inspiring others to believe that "that they can stay active and that cancer is not a death sentence."

Training Plane Makes Emergency Landing From 5K Feet In Aurora

A flight instructor and student were 5,000 feet in the air just after taking off when something went wrong. Miraculously, they walked away from the emergency landing.

Got any Illinois good news you just can't keep to yourself? Email lisa.farver@patch.com with your pitch.