Oak Forest Makes List of 15 Fastest-Growing Towns in Illinois

New Lenox, Orland Park, Joliet, Bolingbrook, Lockport also made top 100.

Oak Forest Woman Tries Her Luck on 'Price is Right'

Dana Gartlan, 26, was giddy about her appearance on one of her family's favorite game shows.

After the Fire: Oak Forest Family Thanks Neighbors for Support

Cathy Ryskamp and her family saw their garage go up in flames March 29. They never expected what happened next.

Softball League Will Honor Memory of 'Angel' Teammate Bailee Zaker

Bailee Zaker, 7, died suddenly in October 2013. But before her death, she left a lasting impression on the fields of Oak Forest Park District softball.

Harp Healing: Woman Uses Music Therapy to Help Hospital Patients

After losing three people close to her in eight months, Edie Elkan picked up a harp for the first time in 28 years. Now she runs a program training others to play the instrument for patients in hospitals.

Brews and Bald Heads at Blarney Stone for St. Baldrick's

Blarney Stone Pub led its own St. Baldrick's Day effort Saturday, March 22. Find out how much they raised.

Find St. Baldrick's Day Events in the Southland

If you're feeling braver with each bald photo you see, maybe you can fit one of these into your schedule.

Nominate 'Everyday Inspirations' in Your Town

Patch wants to share stories about people who work every day to change others' lives for the better.

League Dreams of a Field for Handicapped Players to Call Their Own

Local baseball organization Tinley Park Bobcats wants all players to be comfortable—and safe—taking the field at Bettenhausen Park. The group is raising money to build handicapped-accessible Challengers Field.

Win Tickets to See Disney On Ice

Patch and Disney on Ice will give away five family packs of four tickets each to the show of your choice. Enter to win through Jan. 20.

2014 Resolution: Love Your Imperfections

These animals have it all figured out.

'Seductive' Cabbie Calendar Raises Money for Lawsuit

The cabbies pose against the hoods of their cars, mostly fully dressed, to raise money for a lawsuit against the City of Chicago.

Mom Tears Up Reading Son's Note Asking Dad to Come Home for Christmas

Watch Janet Rivera, of Tinley Park, get choked up as she reads the letter to Santa from her son, Dominic, that led to last week's surprise reunion with the boy's Army dad.

Army Dad's Return Grants Son's Christmas Wish

Sgt. John Rivera surprised his sixth-grade son, Dominic, during a Central Middle School assembly Friday. Watch the touching reunion.

Cardinal Francis George Marks 50 Years as a Catholic Priest

Leader of the Chicago Archdiocese reflects on his life and his service to the church.

Have You Ever Given Your Kid a 'Terrible' Christmas Present?

Is this dad a jerk or a prankster? What a terrible gift. (Unless you're a Packers fan.)

Gigi's Playhouse Celebrates 2nd Annual Supper With Santa

Check out photos from the event at the newly opened Down syndrome support and education center in Oak Forest.

Guiding Lights: A Map to the Best Decorations in the 'Burbs

Find out which homes and neighborhoods Patch readers suggested had halls decked to the nines. We map more than 60 displays across the south and southwest suburbs.

D228 Board President Honors TPHS Hero in Emotional Fashion

John Kirkton was brought to tears as he and the board honored maintenance worker Jim Smith for saving a teacher from choking to death. Watch the video of this emotional scene.

Sign of the Times: What Do You Think of Central Ave. Christmas Banners?

An Oak Forest resident has hung religious signs of the season on fences that line Central Avenue as a way to keep the focus of Christmas on Jesus.

Local Bell Ringer Places 2nd in TV Contest

Only $150 separated Stephanie Porche from first place as part of WGN's Salvation Army Bell Ringer Idol contest.

Man Steals from Coffee Shop—and You’ll Never Guess What Happened Next

Who says the punishment always has to fit the crime?

Second Grader’s “Buddy Bench” Goes Viral

Christian Bucks’ idea to foster friendship spreads to 32 states—and counting.

A Vote for Salvation Army Bell Ringer Helps a Good Cause

Volunteer Stephanie Porche uses her musical talent to raise money and spirits at Sam's Club during the holiday season. Now she's competing with other bell ringers as part of WGN's Bell Ringer Idol contest.

Find the Best Christmas Lights Displays in Oak Forest

Do you know of the best Christmas lights in town? Tell us!

Bremen Youth Services Collecting Toys, Clothes for Tornado Victims

Bremen Youth Services can't forget the kids who lost clothes, beloved toys and necessities in a tornado that struck Washington, Ill.

'The Blues Brothers' Shopping Mall Chase Scene As You've Never Seen It Before — in Legos

You'll watch this a couple of times with a smile on your face. Quite the homage to a quintessential piece of Chicago lore and Southland history.

Get your Pet's Pic with Santa this Weekend

Stop into Tinley Park PetSmart for photos with your pet and Santa, and a special adoption event, brought to you by South Suburban Humane Society.

Maintenance Man Rescues Teacher from Choking to Death

One Tinley Park High School teacher in a dangerous situation, another man in the right place at the right time. One high school maintenance man changed the lives of a teacher and his family.

Oak Forest Natives Pitch in with Tornado Relief in Coal City

Chad Sprayberry organized a group effort to help out in Coal City and Diamond, Ill., after a Nov. 17 tornado devastated the area.

Oak Forest HS Invites Basketball Alum to Come 'Home'

In anticipation of the start of the basketball season, alumni are invited back for a special weekend in their honor.

Oak Forest Native Collects Blankets, Builds Forts to Help Homeless

Liam Corley, a 2010 OFHS graduate, has set his sights on collecting blankets for the homeless around his campus community in Louisville, Kentucky. Can you help?

Oak Forest Cop Honored for Saving 2-year-old Girl

Officer Michael Lynch was quick to act when he responded to a girl not breathing. His actions saved her life, and Lynch was recently honored with an award for his heroism.

Welcome Home, Marine: Photo Gallery

After a wreath-laying ceremony at his mom's grave in Mount Greenwood Cemetery, Tinley Park VFW hosts a welcome home party for Sgt. Matt Sternquist.

Hundreds of Memorial’s Family Supported Reilly Fundraiser

Parents and staff from Memorial Elementary filled up Gaelic Park Thursday at a fundraiser for the family of deceased Memorial Elementary teacher Mark Reilly.

Marian Catholic Band to Play NYC Thanksgiving Day Parade

Don't forget to tune into NBC on Thursday to catch Marian on national television.

Marist's Nic Weishar Receives All-American Jersey

Midlothian resident Nic Weishar and Marist High School senior was tapped for the extremely selective bowl game coming in January 2014.

The Week's Best Good News: A Winning Wedding, 26 Days of Kindness and More

Here's our roundup of the most uplifting and feel-good stories from Patch towns across the country.

Comedian to People Without Kids: YOU HAVE NO IDEA

Marist's Nic Weishar Selected to U.S. Army All-American Bowl

Midlothian resident Nic Weishar and Marist High School senior was tapped for the extremely selective bowl game coming in January 2014.