Year in Review 2015: Top 10 Stories on Downers Grove Patch

Downers Grove, IL - As the year winds down, we are looking back at some of the Downers Grove Patch’s top stories of 2015.

These are the stories you’ve read, shared and talked about most over the past 12 months. Patch has had a great year, thanks to your loyal readership, your news tips, suggestions and constructive feedback. We look forward to kicking off 2016 with even more inspiring, helpful and informative local stories.

Be sure to sign up for the Downers Grove Patch newsletter and like us on Facebook to continue following the latest in Downers Grove news in 2016. You can sign up for other Chicago-area Patch newsletters here.

Here is a look at the 10 most read stories from 2015:

1. This is What a $24 McDonald’s Burger Looks Like
   Patch readers were hungry for this story about a monster Big Mac assembled at the Downers Grove McDonald’s. This burger of one man’s dreams was served with a “lake of sauce.”
2. Charlie Sheen Rips on Downers Grove and Denise Richards
   In one of several big stories featuring Sheen this year, the actor called his ex-wife, Denise Richards, a string of mean-spirited names before dragging her birthplace, Downers Grove, into the fray.
3. Watch: ‘The Curse of Downers Grove’ Movie Trailer
   In this novel-turned-horror-movie released in August, Bella Heathcote stars as a student at the fictional Downers Grove High School, where a curse brings death to one victim each year.
4. Police Arrest Downers Grove Resident Suspected in Darien Walmart Shooting
   In this ongoing case, a Downers Grove resident is accused of shooting a man after an argument inside a Darien Walmart. His bail has been set at $3 million. His next court date is set for Jan. 4.
5. Suspicious Package Prompts Evacuation of Downers Grove Public Library
   The library was evacuated in early December for reports of a mysterious package on the second floor. Residents reported heavy police presence in the area and helicopters overhead. The package was deemed not dangerous.
6. Family of Man Who Died in Police Custody: He Didn’t Kill Himself
   A former resident of Downers Grove died in police custody in Texas, and though authorities claim his death was a suicide, his family doesn’t believe the loving father and grandfather killed himself.
7. ‘Restaurant: Impossible’ Filming at Zest Bistro, Lemon Tree Grocer
   Chef Robert Irvine brought “Restaurant: Impossible” to Downers Grove in an attempt to improve Zest Bistro. Locals were invited to a grand reveal, and Irvine even posed around town with fans. Unfortunately, the flip didn’t take, as Lemon Tree Grocer has announced plans to close and remodel.
   
8. Downers Grove Man Wins $2 Million Lottery Prize
   Wedding errands led one lucky local to a $2 million lottery prize.
9. Sneak Peek: Art Van Furniture Flagship in Downers Grove Opening Soon
   Before the gigantic new furniture flagship opened its doors to the public, Patch gave readers a sneak peek at the largest Art Van Furniture location in the history of the company.
10. ‘I Want to Make a Difference’: Willowbrook Woman Talks About Assault
    The survivor of a frightening home invasion voluntarily stepped into the public eye in hopes that her story might make a difference for others involved in similar crimes.

There you have it — 2015 in a nutshell. Thanks again for keeping up with your Patch! Have a happy holiday season and a wonderful New Year’s! - Morgan Searles, Downers Grove Patch editor.