Community Corner

Rags 'Spontaneously Ignite' At Bar | Bar Owner's Accused Killer Jailed | Dog Survives Attack By 2 Coyotes

ALSO: Pizza place to close after 40 yrs | Child sex abuse materials arrest | Credit cards skimmed | | $75K for teen center | Train derails

The Southland's top stories for Thursday, Feb. 12.
The Southland's top stories for Thursday, Feb. 12. (Mary Compton/Patch)

Miss a day, miss a lot. Catch up on the Southland's top stories for Thursday, Feb. 12.


Rags Soaked In Cooking Oils Spontaneously Ignited In Midtown Bar & Grill Kitchen Fire: Investigators

Rags were stored in a way that allowed heat to build up as the oils oxidized, then igniting without external flame. Fire ruled accidental.


Indiana Man Charged In Momence Bar Owner's Slaying To Remain In Custody Until Trial: Judge

Julius E. Burkes, Jr. appeared in Kankakee County Circuit Court Wednesday, where a judge ordered him to remain in custody.

Find out what's happening in Orland Parkfor free with the latest updates from Patch.


Mokena Dog Lucky To Be Alive After Attacked By Pair Of Coyotes, Owner Says

"Sydney" the 10-year-old Jack Russell Terrier was attacked three weeks ago in the family's yard in unincorporated Mokena.


Freight Train Derails Near Chicago Ridge

Chicago Ridge police said Metra SWS service may not be restored until Thursday after a freight derailed.

Find out what's happening in Orland Parkfor free with the latest updates from Patch.


'You Gotta Know When It's Time': Kenootz Pizza To Close After Nearly 4 Decades, Owners To Retire

Ken and Diane "Dee" Keeler have announced on social media that they'll close the beloved pizza place.


Lockport Man Charged With Possession Of Child Sexual Abuse Material: Sheriff

The sheriff's office said the investigation started nine months ago, when detectives were notified by an online tip.


Business Owner Believes Company Credit Cards Were Skimmed: Palos Hills Reports

The business owner soon learned that all the company credit cards daily allowances were maxed out, reports said.


$850,000 Winning Lucky Day Lotto Ticket Sold At Downstate Gas Station

The ticket was sold at Casey's General Store in Washington, Illinois, Lottery officials said.


Lincoln-Way East Athletic Boosters Offer $1,000 Scholarships

Students can apply for the scholarships on their Schoolinks account. Applications are due by 12 p.m. on March 5.


Homewood, Flossmoor Partner In 2026 Community Cleanup Day

The inaugural joint community clean-up day is set for Saturday, April 4.


Early Voting Site Moves To Orland Park Civic Center For Upcoming Election Cycle: Village

Officials announced the relocation for early voting this week.


New Lenox, Will County Health Department To Offer Free Virtual Narcan Training

The Feb. 19 session will be held virtually. All who complete the training will receive a free Narcan Nasal Spray Kit.


Orland Park Teen Center Wins $75K Grant With Chick-fil-A True Inspiration Award

The Bridge Teen Center is one of two Illinois nonprofits to receive the award.


New Lenox Family Expands Reach Of Scholarship In Memory Of LW West Grad Killed In Crash

The Tyler Koscinski Memorial Foundation will award scholarships to students from all three Lincoln-Way D210 schools. Applications open now.


Brats To Sizzle, Brush To Burn At Orland Grassland Cleanup Event

The seasonal brush cleanup event will be held Saturday, Feb. 14. Volunteers are treated to brats, potatoes, and this time—chocolate.

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