Beat the Heat and Try Something Sweet at One of These 59 Ice Cream Shops in Illinois

A list of 59 must-try ice cream shops throughout the state.

Take a dip with the family at these 43 water parks and pools in Illinois

Cool off at these 43 water parks and pools this summer.

Lincoln-Way East's Elliott Adams Designs Winning Fall Fest Poster

The design by Elliot Adams was up against 19 0thers.

How to be a Princess camp in Mokena - July 28

Ambassador Girl Scout troop holding camp for girls 5-10 years old on July 28 in Mokena

FBI Looks for Young Victims in International Sexual Exploitation Case

VIDEO: A young woman shares her story of "sextortion" as a teen victim of Lucas Chansler. The FBI has released the screen names he used.

Water Balloon Fight!

Water Balloon fight!! Signed parent permission slip required. (grades 4-8)

Amy Logan, author of A Girl With a Cape is back to discuss and sign her second book

Amy Logan, author of A Girl With a Cape is back to discuss and sign her second book

kids & cameras summer photo camp with jean lachat photography in mokena

for inquisitive kids who love taking pictures!

Summer in Chicago Photo Safaris with jean lachat photography in mokena

Summer Camp for inquisitive kids who love taking photographs!

25 Trips to Make with the Family this Summer

Sure, Chicago has a lot of fun things to do, but let us introduce you to what the rest of Illinois has to offer this summer.

STAR WARS Scavenger Hunt at the Museum

Saturday, May 16th - 10:00am - 5:00 pm FREE ADMISSION ALL DAY!

Yelp's Top Spots for Brunch in Frankfort, Mokena, New Lenox

Looking for a great place dine with mom for Mother's Day? Share your favorites with us.

The Best Brunch Spots Around Illinois

Warning: Do not read when hungry.

Lincoln-Way North to Host Peter Pan Party for Area Children

Party set for Saturday, March 28.

Mokena Burros Registration Open Online Until March 31

Sign up for cheerleading and youth football.

Help the Lincolnway Special Rec Association Send Its Basketball Teams to State

Can you help them reach their $1,000 goal?

12 Months, 1,300 Lives Later: Alsip Nursery Rescue Operation Going Strong

Alsip Nursery has marked one year since it went from breeder-based sales to rescue operation—and from criticized to exalted.

Arbury Hills Second-Grader Hailed as Hero

Seven-year-old Shaina Girten sprung into action when her great-grandmother fell down.

Abraham Lincoln's love for cats and other little-known facts about the 16th president

Honest Abe’s 206th birthday is Feb. 12. Celebrate by learning 20 new facts about the president from Illinois.

There are a lot of things for Illinoisans to be proud of, and here's the proof!

Lest we forget just how wonderful our state is, take a look at the Illinois Wall of Fame.

So Doggone Sweet: Dog Lovers Worldwide Reach Out to Teen Battling Cancer

A Facebook page to collect photos of dogs for a teen fighting leukemia has drawn half a million posts from dog owners.

Almost $30,000 Raised to Repair New Lenox Veterans Memorial Damaged by Vandal

LincolnWay Community Bank on Friday donated $2,694 raised by the bank, its chairman and customers.

Fireballs in the Sky: Orionids Meteor Shower Peak 2014 on Tuesday

Halley's Comet says hello this week, and conditions in Illinois are good for viewing.

First Ailing Illinoisan Learns He'll Get a Medical Marijuana License

Army vet Jim Champion has multiple sclerosis.

$250,000 Winning Lottery Ticket Sold in Frankfort

Christopher Bielecki of Burbank plans a trip to Universal Studios theme park in Florida.

Richard Petty Surprises War Vet with a New Car in New Lenox

Surprised NASCAR fan, who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, received a year's supply of groceries from Jewel and race tickets, too.

ShareFest Needs Volunteers! You Can Help

Hundreds of volunteers are needed to put together the annual even that gives back to the community. Find out how you can help and what kind

Pronto Pizza Kitchen and the Toppen Family Raise Money for "Puppies Behind Bars"

Puppies Behind Bars will name one of its service dogs "Toppen" in honor of the Mokena man who lost his life in Iraq.

Diane Masters Golf Outing Raises $30,000

Crisis Center of South Suburbia benefits from the Southland's generosity.

1,200-Gallon ALS Ice Bucket Challenge

Ozinga concrete mixer delivers big in the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge.

Lincoln-Way East Teen Plays Hopstring Fest on Saturday

15-year-old singer-songwriter Chase Walsh, of Frankfort, has recorded his first EP, too, "Your Friend the Robber."

JJC Student Earns Spot on Culinary Olympic Team USA

Kristyn Chatlosh will compete in Germany in 2016.

11 Years After 'Heaven,' What Life is Like for the Burpo Family

The movie, in stores July 22, is about a real-life boy who says he went to Heaven and met Jesus during surgery. We spoke with the family behind the film about how it can help start a discussion in your town.

24 Amazing Ways Residents Inspire Their Communities

Patch readers told us who the "Everyday Inspirations" in their communities are, and we're sharing their stories and the work they've done locally.

Patrick Major and Samantha Gabrys Are Getting Hitched!

Congratulations go out to the happy couple, from their friends at a local gym.

51 Chicago Area Cadets and Leaders Headed to Cadet International Camporee in Canada

The group leaves July 22 for the camporee, where they'll earn badges in fire safety, axe-manship and camp cooking.

Everyday Inspirations: Incredible Ways People Give Back Locally

Patch readers told us who the "Everyday Inspirations" in their communities are, and we're sharing their stories and the work they've done locally.

Road to Be Renamed in Honor of Mokena's Fallen Aaron Toppen

Plans are still in the works to dedicate Townline Road in honor of Toppen, 19, killed in friendly fire.

McAuley Accepting Nominations for 'Hall of Honor'

Deadline deadline for alumnae nominations is June 20. Honorees into Hall of Honor will be announced at Mother McAuley's all-school reunion in October.

Help this Local Couple Win Free Wedding Photography

Fate brought Angela Plachy and Paul Vanderhei together—but you can help them win free wedding photography.