Community Corner

Patch Roundup: FBI Accuses Man of Hiring Killer, Autism School Finds Success

Also this week: a teacher's body found in a lake, a tragedy in public in downtown Wheaton and the All-American Rejects head for Lisle.

Combine the FBI, $8 million, an attempt at murder-for-hire and an arrest in sleepy Oakbrook Terrace of all places, and you can't help but have a must-read story. Elmhurst Patch has all the details from this bizarre story.

For something less criminal and more heartwarming, how about the saga of Soaring Eagle Academy in Burr Ridge, specifically devoted to fostering the development of students with autism? The school is meeting with remarkable success, growing its enrollment by 600 percent since its opening.

Check out any or all of the following:

Find out what's happening in Western Springswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Elmhurst—A Lombard man who lost a civil suit and was ordered to pay $8.2 million to another corporate entity, was arrested July 5 for attempting to arrange the murder of the plaintiff in that case, according to a release from the Chicago FBI.

Burr Ridge——The autism academy, which hosted an open house Saturday, opened in Burr Ridge in September of 2010 with only five students and has since grown to more than 30.

Find out what's happening in Western Springswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Western Springs——The body of John Michalek, 62, was recovered Monday, Anitoch Fire Department officials said. Michalek was a social studies teacher at Nazareth Academy in La Grange Park.

Wheaton—A man took his life near the intersection of Roosevelt Road and Blanchard Street around 7 a.m. Thursday, officials say.

Batavia——Ashley Szymski stepped down last week, Batavia High School's athletic director confirmed. She was with the high school girls softball team for three seasons.

Hinsdale/Clarendon Hills——The Civil War re-enactor collapsed during last year's Hinsdale Fourth of July parade, leading to an episode first-responders refer to as "The Miracle on Grant Street."

Lisle——National recording artist and synth-pop/alternative rock revivalist Neon Trees will team up with rocker The All-American Rejects to perform at the Village of Lise-Benedictine University Sports Complex.

Oak Park/River Forest——Dozens of union workers employed by the Village of Oak Park will strike on Saturday and Monday, the result of simmering tensions over contract negotiations.

La Grange/La Grange Park——Dozens of friends of the slain LT student hosed down cars (and each other) for the KJO Memorial Fund at Pleasantview Fire Station in La Grange Highlands on Saturday.

Geneva——Stephen LeMaire, former Geneva streets superintendent, changed his not guilty plea to guilty for a probation and community service sentence.

Downers Grove—District 99 superintendent Mark McDonald releases statement on what it was like to work with North High teacher and baseball coach Mike Amrhein, who passed away on Thursday.

Glen Ellyn—Check out the new signage that adorns the central business district.

St. Charles——Despite the sluggish national economy, St. Charles officials reported a slight gain of nine newly opened businesses versus business that have closed since April.


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