Good News Illinois: Snow Flag, Smiling Speed Skater, Polar Plunge

ACROSS ILLINOIS — A little bit of good news can go a long way. We at Illinois Patch created this roundup of the week's best "good news" articles to celebrate the stories that make us smile. From a snow flag that went viral in Manhattan, to a Special Olympics athlete who doubles as a T-shirt designer, a suburban speed-skating Olympic bronze medalist and a widow who picked up her late husband's filmmaking project, we hope these Good News, Illinois, stories brighten your day!

Spreading A Little Patriotism: Snow Flag In Manhattan Goes Viral

The huge American flag was created by Manhattan resident Dave Kestel and has been widely shared across multiple social media outlets.

Special Olympics Chicago Athlete Designs 2022 Polar Plunge Shirt

21 Pineapples CEO and Special Olympics athlete Nate Simon has created an exclusive shirt for the 2022 Chicago Polar Plunge on March 6.

Second-Graders Ready To Take First Plunge For Special Olympics

Instead of birthday presents, 8-year-old best friends are asking for donations to Parker's Party team for their first Chicago Polar Plunge.

A Naperville Husband's Filmmaking Passion Now His Widow's Mission

Sarah Potter has devoted herself to finishing "When The Lotus Blooms" two years after her husband of 13 years, Scott, died unexpectedly.

Glen Ellyn's 'Happy Speed Skater' Cepuran Captures Beijing Bronze

Ethan Cepuran, a 2018 Glenbard West graduate, is part of a U.S. speed skating team that will compete for an Olympic medal early Tuesday.

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.