Orland Park's Most-Read Stories Of 2024: See What Made Headlines

ORLAND PARK, IL — Whew, what a year.

As we send off 2024, let's revisit some of the local headlines that grabbed your attention.

Presented below in no particular order, here’s a recap of the most-read Orland Park Patch stories of 2024. Let's take a look back.

Woman Strips, Flees After 'Too Hot' Wings At Cheesecake Factory: PD

A Chicago woman was charged with public indecency, after stripping naked while running through the parking lot of Cheesecake Factory. It wasn't the tiramisu that did it. Monique Walker, 31, of Chicago, told police she ate wings that were "too hot," so she ran out of the restaurant while peeling off her clothes as she ran through the parking lot.

Election Judge Punched In Face, Orland Man, 24, Arrested

A 24-year-old Orland Park man faces felony charges after police said he punched an election judge in the face during early voting at Orland Township.

At 103, It's Portillo's Chocolate Cake And A Lifetime Of Memories

Orland Park resident Manus Keane turned 103 years old last month, and he's pretty humble about it.

Fate Of Petey's II Unclear Amid Temporary Closing, Moving Trucks

The steakhouse that opened in 1969 closed temporarily Jan. 16. Less than two weeks later, moving trucks have been spotted outside.

• Follow-up: Orland's Petey's II Closes Permanently, Parcel Purchased:
  • After more than half a century, beloved Orland Park restaurant Petey's II has closed permanently, its owners announced Monday via social media. The parcel on which the restaurant sits has been purchased by commercial realty firm JD Real Estate, which owns others properties leased to Pete's Fresh Market.

2 Cleared, Ex-Sergeant Charged After Orland Park PD Probe

After a months-long private investigation into a former Orland Park police sergeant's claims of retaliation, discrimination and harassment by leadership, two names have been cleared, and another former sergeant is facing charges.

Woman, 28, Found Shot To Death In Car Identified: Orland PD

Orland Park police have released the identity of a woman found fatally shot inside a car.

• Follow-up:
  • Orland Park Shooting Victim Was Mom of 3 Boys, 'Embodied Love': Family
  • 3 Arrested In Slaying Of Postal Service Worker In Orland Park: PD

Orland Man Wanted In Underage Sex Sting Arrested In Florida

A year-long manhunt for an Orland Park man wanted for child solicitation has ended, with an arrest made in Florida in March.

Former Orland Officials' Families Question Removal Of Names From Signs

The families of three former Orland Park officials for whom village buildings were named are questioning the removal and planned removal of their loved ones’ names from the exteriors of buildings dedicated to their memories. Replacing the names, instead, is that of current Mayor Keith Pekau. Orland Park officials say the changes are necessary to simplify and improve awareness of several buildings in the Village campus.

Hate Crime Charge For Orland Man After Fight Over Garbage Cans: PD

An Orland man charged with hate crime and battery after a fight with neighbors allegedly insulted neighbors over their Palestinian heritage.

Orland Mayor's 'Go To Another Country' Remark Draws Heat

Orland Mayor Keith Pekau rejected pleas that officials support a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war. His comments have drawn harsh criticism.

D146 Teacher In Cancer Fight Gifted $26K For Mortgage

An Orland Park teacher stood in shock before her entire school, holding a check for nearly $27,000. Though used to holding a captive audience in the classroom, Julie Drew found herself nearly speechless at first.

The Lockport resident and beloved fifth-grade teacher at Community Consolidated District 146's Kruse Education Center was flustered, but grateful

Midlothian Man, 44, Arrested In Orland Park Carjacking

A Midlothian man was arrested Thursday in connection with a carjacking at gunpoint Wednesday evening in Orland Park, police said Friday.

'Trying My Hardest': Orland Gaston's Bistro Owner Fights To Stay Open

Gaston's Bistro's Yaser Elkayyal said things need to start to look up, or he could be forced to close down.

A Very Bug Deal: Rare, Blue-Eyed Cicada Emerges From Orland Grassland

A south suburban woman made a stunning "1 in a million" find May 20 at Orland Grassland.

Armed Robbery Suspect In Custody After Standoff With Police

The suspect barricaded themself inside a car after leading police on a chase through multiple towns Tuesday night.