Patch Roundup: Metra UP-N Fatality, Lottery Tickets Stolen

Dear Patch readers, we cannot emphasize enough: trains are extremely scary, dangerous behemoths... please be careful around them. And if it's something more intentional than carelessness putting you in proximity with a speeding engine, don't do that, either. You're way too important to people!

While we're on the list of "don'ts," don't steal MegaMillions tickets (it really doesn't increase your chances of winning by enough to be worth it) or go robbing anyone at knifepoint, either. What you should do is get that knife sharpened by the Knife Sharpening Guy (and use it for legal, safe purposes).

This week's stories have a little less focus on the scary and more on the quirky, although both are present. Check out any or all of the following:

Glen Ellyn——56-year-old Glen Ellyn resident Lynn Netzel was struck and killed by an outbound Metra train in Glen Ellyn Monday around 1:30 p.m., according to the DuPage County Coroner's Office.

Hinsdale/Clarendon Hills——The Hinsdale Police Department said the theft occurred on the day of the $640 million jackpot drawing.

Batavia——A man robbed a juvenile at knifepoint last week at Batavia's Clark Island park area.

Burr Ridge——What are some of life's biggest stressors? Losing your job and losing a family member. This suburban mom had both hit her within the same year.

Western Springs——One of the very last of his breed, the beloved 68-year-old Oak Park travelling knife-sharpener is once again walking the streets of the southwest suburbs.

La Grange/La Grange Park——A new photo book on the classic west suburban steakhouse, The Flame, captures the glitz and glamor of its final New Year's Eve celebration.

Oak Park/River Forest——Village President calls plan to connect Oak Park and Chicago "transformative."

Elmhurst——An impasse had been declared last month after 18 months of negotiations, but it appears a crisis has been averted. The School Board is expected ratify the contract April 10.

Geneva——The Kane County Cougars are throwing a fun little curveball in this year's schedule by opening the newly renamed Fifth Third Bank Ballpark for music events. And signing up Grammy-winning alternative band Wilco is a bit of a coup.

Lisle——Downtown business owner Bill Weldon has watched the landscape change over a few decades said he still encounters customers who don't know what's available in their own downtown.

St. Charles—Kane Moves Up to 8th in State Health Rankings—Apparently, we're getting healthier. The County moves up from ninth last year and 11th in 2010.

Wheaton——Princeton Review analysis ranks Wheaton College among the 75 best values in private education in 2012.

Downers Grove——It's down to four restaurants from each town. Vote for your favorite!

Want to stay updated on the news? Sign up for our newsletter or like us on Facebook to get news where you want it.