Patch Roundup: Thanksgiving Garage Fire, Kidnapping/Murder Charge

Here are some of the top stories from the past week in Patch's west Chicago region:

Batavia——A vehicle was also damaged in the blaze. Here are some photos from the scene.

Darien/Woodridge——Joseph Spitalli, of Darien, will be held without bond in DuPage County Jail. He's charged with first-degree murder and kidnapping his ex-girlfriend at knifepoint.

St. Charles—'Geek Squad' Tip Leads to Child-Porn Guilty Plea—A 20-year-old Elburn man faces a Dec. 20 sentencing after pleading guilty to child-pornography charges.

Downers Grove—Four Enter Race for Downers Grove Village Council—Commissioners Bob Barnett and Marilyn Schnell both filed petitions seeking re-election in the April 9, 2013 consolidated election. Petitions were also filed by residents David S. Olsen and Susan Walaszek.

Wheaton——Mark McDonald and David Tepper deny charges they planned to bilk the DuPage County Forest Preserve of $150,000.

Geneva——Reliable sources say Actor Alec Baldwin has been spending the last few days in sleepy, enchanting Geneva, IL.

Naperville—Naperville Babysitter Pleads Not Guilty in Child Slayings—Elzbieta Plackowska, 40, pleads not guilty on 10 counts of first-degree murder for the alleged stabbing deaths of her 7-year-old son Justin and 5-year-old Olivia Dworakowski and 2 counts of aggravated animal cruelty.

Oak Park/River Forest/Forest Park—Fenwick Teacher Wins Jeopardy! Teacher's Tournament—Fenwick High School instructor Colby Burnett captures the Jeopardy! Teachers Tournament.

Lemont—Police: Downers Grove Duo Caught Driving Stolen Car after Evading Roadside Check in Lemont—Vidmantas Karla, 45, and Virginijus Karla, 25, were arrested early Sunday morning by Lemont police on charges of felony vehicle theft conspiracy.

Elmhurst—Waverton Hotel Evacuated During Weekend Fire—Hotel guests were displaced after Elmhurst firefighters and police responded to a fire on the third floor of the Waverton Hotel.

La Grange/La Grange Park/Western Springs—Chimney Fire in La Grange Park Caught by Alert Neighbor—What might have developed into a dangerous house fire was secured for certain by the quick neighborly action of a La Grange Park resident.

Hinsdale/Clarendon Hills/Burr Ridge——Patch recaps happenings in major court cases, including indictments in the largest DuPage County meth bust to date and a case of a father's death threat to his daughter's volleyball coach.

Glen Ellyn—Dream Matchup: Glenbard West vs. Lincoln-Way East—The Class 7A Illinois football championship is a game two years in the making. After Glenbard West and Lincoln-Way East were upset as favorites in 2011, they found their way back in 2012.