Meaningful Mugs, 'Rat Hole' Uproar: Good News, Illinois

ACROSS ILLINOIS — The weather outside is cold and snowy, so what better time to take a few moments to warm your spirit with this week's roundup of good news stories from throughout Illinois? This week, we learn about a woman in Canada who's still showing love to her hometown, a man who brought notoriety to a "rat hole"... and other residents who remind us that there's plenty of joy and fun out there, sometimes where you least expect it.

Designing Mug Art Connects Canada Resident To Hometown Of Plainfield

A Plainfield South grad living in Canada has made a small business of designing mugs for coffee shops in communities close to her heart.

After Viral Pic, Chicago Artist Says 'I Can't Be The Rat Hole Guy'

Winslow Dumaine's photo of the image of a rat indented into a local sidewalk has garnered more than 5 million views and 135,000 likes.

McAuley Volleyball Standout Ellie White 'Gatorade Player Of The Year'

"Without Ellie, I am not sure they would have won the state championship," rival coach says of Mighty Mac outside hitter Ellie White.

Blackhawks Sign Former Glenbrook North Student Jaycob Megna

The 31-year-old defenseman grew up in Northbrook and played youth hockey for the Glenview Stars.

'Legendary' Beef Roll Puts Rockdale's Roc City Bar & Grill On The Map

"As soon as they taste the beef roll, they crave it," remarked Kevin Batus, who owns Roc City Bar & Grill along with Tommy Zoretic.

Want to celebrate someone or something that made you smile? Have a Good News, Illinois, story of your own you'd like us to feature? Email lisa.farver@patch.com