Patch Roundup: Women Jailed for Tying Girl in Basement, 'Hell's Kitchen' Chef's Local Gig

The sentence has finally come down in one of the most astonishing stories a west suburban Patch has ever covered: an 11-year-old girl who was beaten and tied in her basement by her legal guardian escaped to police, thanks to what she learned in her school's D.A.R.E. program; said guardian will spend the next seven years behind bars. You go brave girl, and we pray your next guardian gives you all the respect you deserve.

In culinary news, Wheaton will welcome back Chef Patrick Cassata, who recently competed on Fox's reality cooking series Hell's Kitchen as a local head chef with a focus on local and sustainable farming. And if you're a lover of spectacle, you won't want to miss some of the videos of a raging electrical fire in Western Springs from Wednesday night's thunderstorm.

Check out any or all of the following:

La Grange/La Grange Park—— Rocio Ochoa, 44, was fined and sentenced to seven years in jail for tying up an 11-year-old girl in her basement. The girl came to the La Grange Police Department in June last year after escaping.

Wheaton——As the new head chef at The Bank Restaurant in downtown Wheaton, "Hell's Kitchen" star Patrick Cassata has helped revamp the menu to feature local, sustainable foods at lower prices.

Hinsdale/Clarendon Hills——The TCF Bank branch in the Westmont Jewel at Cass and Ogden avenues was robbed just before 9 a.m. Friday, police said.

Western Springs——Arcing electricity ignited the Western Springs garage and melted its contents, causing an estimated $60,000 in damage; fire apparently started when dead power lines lying against the garage were re-energized.

Geneva— —A Friday fire blocks Route 31 and guts a beautiful, historic home in the heart of Geneva.

Oak Park/River Forest—— Federal authorities say Dean Nichols was key part of kickback scheme during his tenure as former state Sen. Rickey Hendon's campaign aide.

Lisle——Four men, including two from Lisle, were charged with robbery and mob action after police said they robbed the Old Tavern Road 7-Eleven and assaulted the clerk on duty.

Batavia——A woman's body was found in a vehicle Wednesday morning north of the Kaneland High School property, police said.

Glen Ellyn—State OKs Allocating Grant to Willowbrook Master Plan—The $3 million grant will fund the first phase of a multiyear improvement plan at the DuPage Forest Preserve District's wildlife center in Glen Ellyn.

Elmhurst——Elmhurst residents whose children use the facilities say this could mean the end of club sports in town.

Downers Grove— — Omega restaurant has been closed since Tuesday after its water was shut off for non-payment.

Burr Ridge——It's an issue that many Burr Ridge residents were adamantly against when it came up years ago, but also one the village is considering again.

St. Charles— — On Aug. 9 residents and business leaders are asked to participate in a 7 p.m. workshop to craft a plan for the future of Charlestowne Mall and the east gateway business district.