Olympics-Bound Athlete, Artist With Heart: Good News, Illinois

Illinois Patch welcomed the new year with uplifting news stories that featured outstanding athletes, passionate artists and bright new business plans for our local towns and cities. As you scroll the news, enjoy the silver linings that are part of this week's good news roundup.

Abbey Murphy Returns For Second Shot At Olympic Gold For Team USA Women's Hockey

Evergreen Park native Abbey Murphy makes second trip to Olympic Winter Games next month for Team USA Women's Hockey.

4 Athletes, 1 Coach To Be Inducted Into West Aurora High School Hall Of Fame

This year's inductees, the athlete alumni and a current coach, will be celebrated before a varsity basketball game against Plainfield East.

Amy Morton's The Barn Steakhouse Coming To Highland Park: Report

The famed steakhouse The Barn is expected to open in Highland Park in March.

Santera Artist Says She Prayed As She Carved Sculpture Of Our Lady of Guadalupe For SXU

The statue, by Santera artist, Rhonda Crespin, will be added to Saint Xavier University's permanent collection in McDonough Chapel.

Plainfield South Alumna 1 Of 5 Nationwide To Win Grant For Entrepreneurial Spirit

The Plainfield South Class of 2025 student was on the team that won District 202's inaugural Entrepreneurial Student Pitch Night in May.

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