Patch Roundup: Pizza Guy Hits Robber with Broom, Wheaton Soldier Killed in Afghanistan

Memorial Day weekend is a time for honoring our heroes, and in that spirit, we lead this week with two stories of bravery. The first is in the honored and tragic sense: that of a young local man who gave his life this week in the defense of his country and his countrymen. Samuel Watts is a true hero, and everyone should take a moment, perhaps Monday, to step aside from enjoying the long weekend and remember Mr. Watts and his sacrifice.

The second story is a bit different, although with a happier resolution. Guy walks into pizza shop, brandishes gun, demands money... and gets clocked by a broom-wielding employee and promptly arrested. We also salute the bravery of the Ledo's Pizza Broom Ninja, and hope that he continues to use his broom-fu only in advancing the cause of justice.

Check out any or all of the following:

La Grange/La Grange Park——An employee of Ledo’s Pizza hit an armed man on the head with a broom and other workers helped subdue him during an attempted robbery early Sunday morning as the restaurant was closing.

Wheaton——Army Spc. Samuel Watts of Wheaton died Saturday, May 19 of wounds sustained last month from an explosive in Afghanistan. He will be honored at the DuPage County Memorial Day ceremony.

Batavia——A 54-year-old Chicago man faces an attempted murder charge after he allegedly stabbed his co-worker on May 21 in Batavia, police said. He is being held on $250,000 bail.

Burr Ridge——A church in Chicago's southwest suburbs helps women get free mammograms who can't afford them. The church's Pastor says pride keeps a lot of women from speaking up to ask for the help they need.

Glen Ellyn——Lombard police believe the 20-year-old female of Lombard that was killed after being struck by a freight train in Lombard Wednesday night committed suicide.

Western Springs——The DuPage County Health Department has announced that the first positive tests for West Nile virus (WNV) this year have been discovered in mosquito traps in Hinsdale, Clarendon Hills, Westmont, Lisle and Woodridge.

Geneva——A 19-year-old pickup truck driver is charged with failure to yield turning left, after his pickup collided with a motorcycle Sunday on Kirk Road. Killed was the motorcycle passenger, 48-year-old cheerleading coach Angela Tedesco of Bolingbrook.

Hinsdale/Clarendon Hills——The Peoria native recently bought a home in neighboring Burr Ridge, according to multiple news outlets.

Oak Park/River Forest——Julian Middle School students participate in discussion of "epic journey" toward pension and Medicaid reform.

Lisle——Grandmothers to Grandmothers, a group of women from St. Joan of Arc Church whose volunteer efforts benefit women in Kenya, hosts its semi-annual bake sale this weekend. The ladies raised more than $3,000 through two sales last year.

St. Charles——Monday night the city Government Operations Committee delayed voting on a packet of changes that included 12 changes to the liquor ordinances. 

Elmhurst——Electricity aggregation is becoming more common among area municipalities. Elmhurst last week chose MC2 as residents' alternative to ComEd.

Downers Grove——In the event of a crisis that shortens the school year, D99 will be able to use various school holidays as attendance days to balance out the school calendar.