New Lenox's Top News Stories for 2012

These are the stories that impacted residents; some are connected to the actions of governing bodies, and others are exciting, unique or tragic things that our community experienced this year.

Here are list of top news stories for each month in 2012.  

January

'We Will Rebuild': Fire Destroys LA Cafe in New Lenox

No one was injured in an early-morning fire that destroyed LA Cafe Saturday in New Lenox, but the employees and owner were saddened by the loss of the popular Mexican…

Update: Village Commons Spot for New Police Station

The Village of New Lenox and the Park District could trade land that would provide a spot for a new police station and allow the parks to get more office space in the existing station at no cost to taxpayers.

'Shame on You!' Residents Upset With Senior Housing Recommendation

New Lenox developer William Bolker hopes to build an age- and income-restricted housing complex on 3 acres just east of the commercial development that includes Berkot's Super Foods. The village's Plan Commission voted Tuesday to recommend a special use.

PHOTO GALLERY: Silver Cross Hospital Nears Opening

So many people are anticipating the opening of the new Silver Cross Hospital campus in New Lenox that staff had to cut off registration for tours this Sunday.

UPDATE: Pipeline Explosion Kills 2 in New Lenox

Two men died and three more were injured in a fiery car accident early Saturday morning in New Lenox Township.

Memorial Services Set for Men Who Died in Pipeline Explosion

Police Say Students are Safe After Gun Threat at L-W Central

Lincoln-Way Central High School was on lockdown Tuesday morning after an unknown caller threatened to bring weapons to school and start shooting.

New Lenox Mayor: 'Go Buy Your Gas Somewhere Else'

Mayor Tim Baldermann says local gas prices have become "unacceptable" because they're often much higher than neighboring towns. He called on residents to send a message.

Look tomorrow for New Lenox's "most tragic" stories of 2012.

MAY

Caller Threatens L-W Central; Police at 4 Schools

For the second time in about two months, an anonymous caller threatened Lincoln-Way Central High School. Police believe a call Monday came from the same person, and they don't believe there is a threat on the school.

Man Charged With Terrorism Threats Against Lincoln-Way

June

District 122 Board VP Gillooley Resigns Following Stalking Accusations

Gillooley said she wants to spend more time with her children. Last week, a Will County judge extended an order of protection against Gillooley.

Baldermann to be Union School District Supt.

New Lenox Mayor Tim Baldermann was hired as the new superintendent of the one-school Union District 81 during a special meeting Saturday morning.

Triple Play Concert Series Opens This Weekend

New Lenox's annual Triple Play Concert Series opens this weekend with Night Ranger headlining the show

July

Heart Concert in New Lenox: Everything You Need to Know

Ready to rock out to "Barracuda" and "Crazy on You" in New Lenox? Get everything you need for tonight's show, including information about seating, a shuttle and the weather.

August

Bad BP Gas Affected 6 L-W Area Service Stations

Tainted fuel from an Indiana refinery did make its way to local goal stations, the oil company says. Find out which pumps contained gas that could damage your car's engine.

Styx Concert Coming to New Lenox

The Chicago-born Styx band is the final act in the Triple Play Concert Series. Concertgoers can look forward to top hits from the band, including "Lady" and "Come Sail Away" along with newer releases, such as "Pieces of Eight."

Early Morning Fire Destroys the 2nd story of a 100-Year-Old Home

A pre-dawn fire destroyed the second story of a 100-year-old home today in the 1400 block of Cedar Road near Lenox Street.

Readers might like:

• 12 New Business Stories in New Lenox in 2012

September

PHOTOS: Volunteers Make ShareFest a Day of Giving

ShareFest's "11 Days of Giving" began Sept. 1, but today marks the main event—a festival of sorts that features free health care, a hazardous waste collection, lots of entertainment and a whole lot of giving. 

Portillo's Opening Tuesday

Crowds of well-wishers and hungry customers gathered for the grand opening of Portillo's Restaurant in New Lenox on Tuesday, including one man who's been going to openings for years.

Mayor Baldermann's Disability Payout with Chicago Ridge Police Tops the Charts

According to the Sun-Times, the New Lenox mayor's disability pay is the highest found during the newspaper's investigation into police and fire pensions.

Mayor Baldermann Responds to Disability and Pension Report

October

New Lenox Police Arrest Retired White Sox Star Carlton Fisk

New Lenox police arrested retired Chicago White Sox player, Carlton Fisk, 64, on charges of drunken driving.

November

Election 2012: Was New Lenox an Obama or Romney Town?

If New Lenox residents had their way, Tuesday night would have been all about the newly-elected President Mitt Romney. 

Coyotes Spotted in New Lenox: Where Have You Seen Them?

Have you heard that eerie howl or scream in the night? It's likely a coyote. It could be digging into your garbage or on the prowl for easy prey.

December

PHOTO GALLERY: A Balmy Day for New Lenox's Christmas in the Commons

The Village of New Lenox held its annual "Christmas in the Commons" Sunday, celebrating with Santa, carriage rides, tree decorating and more. Christmas carols filled the commons and music was performed by numerous school choral groups, including Medieval-dressed Madrigal Singers from Lincoln-Way West High School along with youngsters from Martino and Liberty Junior High Schools. Meanwhile, parents and children decked out a field of evergreen trees and many enjoyed a horse-drawn, snow-less sleigh ride. 

Former L-Way Teacher Allegedly Threatened to Shoot School Officials (Update)

Former high school teacher Ryan Gardner faces a felony in connection with threats against Lincoln-Way school officials.

Lincoln-Way Supt. Lawrence Wyllie Announces Retirement

Lincoln-Way High School District 210 Superintendent Larry Wyllie, who announced his retirement at the Thursday Board of Education meeting, has helped shape a generation of students in the 105-square miles of the district. His retirement is effective June 28, 2013.

Scenes From a Manhunt (Photo Gallery)

Patch captured the images from Tuesday's search in Tinley Park and the surrounding area by the FBI and other law enforcement agencies for two men who escaped a downtown Chicago prison complex. Cook County Sheriff's Police were investigating a possible lead in the 800 block of South Cedar Road in New Lenox. According to police, a New Lenox resident was identified as having shared a mutual friendship with one of the escaped convicts. A police officer, who refused to give his name, said the lead "didn't pan out."

Two ways to stay connected:

• Sign up for breaking news on New Lenox Patch.
  

• "Like" New Lenox Patch on Facebook.