Patch Roundup: Dead Baby Found in Cooler, Chasing Tornados

Here are some of the top stories from the past week in Patch's south suburban region:

Oak Lawn—Dead Baby Found in Cooler at Chicago Ridge Recycling Center— Police are investigating the body of a baby boy discovered Wednesday morning among trash picked up by a recycling truck.

Beverly-Mt. Greenwood—Police: Oak Lawn Man Exposed and Fondled Himself Near School in Mt. Greenwood—Ald. Matt O'Shea vowed to work with prosecutors to ensure an "aggressive prosecution" while he described the man as having an "extensive criminal history." 

Orland Park——James Lewis said he planned to fight the couple and punch the man’s mother in the face, according to the witness’ statements.

Evergreen Park—Five Minutes With the 'Tornado Kid’—By day he runs into the burning buildings for his job as a local firefighter, but during his free time drives into tornados.

Palos—House Burns While Palos Park Couple is Out of Town— Investigators are trying to determine what sparked a house fire Wednesday afternoon in Palos Park.

Tinley Park—Tinley Park Disputes Cop's Discrimination Claims— The Illinois Department of Human Rights found evidence that the Tinley Park Police Department discriminated against one of its officer when he applied for a task force position in 2011.

Homewood-Flossmoor——Several small explosions occurred in the garage during the blaze.

Chicago Heights—Retired State Trooper Jailed on Murder Charge Gets New Court Date—A retired state trooper jailed since September for allegedly gunning down a man in a gas station parking lot was brought before a Cook County judge for a brief hearing Tuesday morning.

Oak Forest—Unidentified Robber Steals $70 Jordans Off Victim's Feet—An unknown suspect pressed a 'hard object' against the back of a 20-year-old Oak Forest man's head near the Metra station at 159th Street and Cicero Avenue before taking off with the victim's Nike shoes and $200 in cash, police report.

Mokena—Morgan’s Thunder Bowl Sees Major Overhaul—The long time Mokena business recently saw some major renovations, including a new restaurant and bar with 30 craft beers available on tap.

New Lenox—Floyd's Alehouse is Open for Business— New Lenox’s newest fine dining restaurant offers a menu that features items such as oxtail arancini, caramelized pork, lobster ravioli and barbeque bourbon ribs.

Frankfort—Golden Apple Award Winner Surprised in Lincoln-Way North Classroom—Spanish teacher Linda Egnatz got the surprise of her life last week.