I've known for about two weeks that my days were numbered in Lemont. I've been a mixed bag of emotions thinking about it—sometimes giddy with excitement about what's ahead, but often completely overwhelmed with sadness about what I'm leaving behind. Friday is my last day with Lemont Patch. When I launched this site in September 2010, I never imagined those words would be so hard to write. I also never imagined how much I would come to love this wonderful, little community. Being your editor for the past two years has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. It's been challenging…

If I've learned one thing since coming to Lemont, it's that there are a ton of amazing, talented kids. Each week, we honor the best of the best with our "Whiz Kids" feature. The Wednesday column highlights Lemont students, athletes, volunteers and more—all of whom are 18 and younger. Know a Whiz Kid? Submit your nomination in our comment box below or e-mail the information to amanda@patch.com. Be sure to include all of the following information: Nominator's Name Nominator's E-Mail Whiz Kid's Name Whiz Kid's Age Whiz Kid's School Whiz Kid's Accomplishment Whiz Kid's Key to Awesomeness (what …

The only thing louder than tornado sirens going off on a quiet, clear Sunday night is the barrage of text messages and Facebook alerts a community reporter receives when it happens. That was the scene at my Romeoville home just after 10 p.m. when a mechanical malfunction caused Lemont's tornado sirens to sound on and off for nearly two hours. With no immediate explanation, dozens of Patch readers turned to our Facebook page to see what the community knew about the situation, which at first was very little. Within minutes, however, residents were connecting and sharing updates while they …

Somewhere, "Pomp and Circumstance" is playing, and someone is struggling to keep that mortarboard in place. It's graduation season, and whether it's your preschooler moving on to the big K, or your college senior heading out into the real world, you can brag about it on Lemont Patch. First, make sure you are a registered user of your Patch (if you aren't, click on Sign Up in the top right corner of the home page). Once you are logged in, scroll to the bottom of the home page and under Contribute on the right side, click "Announce something to everyone." In the announcement template, fill out …

It's May, which means most of us have made a dent in our spring cleaning -- which also means garage and yard sale season is in full swing. Here at Lemont Patch we pride ourselves on local, useful information. That includes who has books for a bargain, a dresser in their driveway or some clothes laid out on the lawn. Posting information about Lemont garage sales is easy ... and even better yet, it's free. You must be registered on Patch and logged in to enter an event, so do that first at lemont.patch.com/login. (If you're signing up for a new account, remember that our Terms of Use do not …

Small businesses are important. Some say they are the backbone of our economy. And they don't particularly need to be that small on Facebook: Lemont Patch has 1,323 Facebook fans. PC's Pancake Cafe has 819. Front Street Cantina has 919. Some local businesses have fewer, though. So, I'm proposing a special Facebook exchange. I'll post about you, if you post about me. Then, other local businesses can "share" that post from the Lemont Patch Facebook page on their own pages to help support other local businesses. If you are a Lemont area business with an independent Facebook page and you'd like …

Are you a baseball fan? Of course you are—why else would you have clicked on this article? As the 2012 baseball season quickly approaches, Lemont Patch is looking for bloggers to write about the Chicago White Sox and/or Chicago Cubs. Anyone may apply. Die-hard fans or casual fans alike can all lend their voice—here’s a chance to share your expertise and opinion. So if you're a baseball fan—or know of a baseball fan—and think you might enjoy writing about the White Sox or the Cubs in your free time, we'd love to have you as a blogger. (Note: My family will likely disown me for allowing a Cubs …

If you're a reporter covering Lemont, there's a pretty good chance that your interactions with police are limited to collecting blotter and calling to check on occasional accident reports. With a few exceptions (most notably, a bank robbery), that's been my experience. I've been fortunate enough to receive a tour of the station and meet some great officers, but my knowledge of law enforcement has remained somewhat limited. Back in November, however, I received an email from the Lemont Police Department about a Citizens Police Academy they were co-hosting with the Illinois State Police. The …

A Lemont man has become an overnight star on Chicago sports radio and Internet blogs after he bravely declared his love for a Comcast reporter during an on-air contest at the Chicago Blackhawks game. The man—identified as Greg DiMenna, a 2004 graduate of Lemont High School— was one of three lucky participants Thursday night in the Blackhawks' "Shoot the Puck" contest prior to the third period. During an on-air interview for Comcast SportsNet, DiMenna gave a brief shoutout to his sister before putting his arm around reporter Sarah Kustok and confessing his love in front of a packed house at …

The holiday season may be behind us, but it's never too late to recognize some local heroes. Each year, a number of Lemont families are treated to 12 Days of Christmas, courtesy of Mrs. Claus and her "secret elves." The project, which began in 2009, is the brainchild of several Lemont families and friends who wanted to provide deserving families with 12 days of gifts, activities and food leading up to Christmas. I should mention now that these individuals and their families wished to remain anonymous, asking instead to be referred to as "Lemont elves." Santa's helpers, which included the …

One of the drawbacks to running a Patch site is the lack of a permanent business address. Don't get me wrong — I love working out in the community and seeing different people every day. It's the best part of my job. But earlier this week, the Lemont Area Chamber of Commerce sent out an email encouraging local businesses to support the undefeated Lemont High School football team, which is playing in the IHSA state semifinals Saturday in Peoria. Businesses were asked to change their marquees or window displays to include a "good luck" message to the team. Only problem: I don't have a window in …

What a difference a year makes. On Sept. 10, 2010, I spent most of the day battling nerves, stress and adrenaline as Lemont Patch went live to the world. It was something I had been waiting for all summer, but when it finally came I wondered if anyone would actually visit and if the hard work would pay off. Thankfully, people came. And the hard work? I can only hope it's made as much of a difference to you as it has to me. I have never been prouder of anything as I am to be the editor of Lemont Patch. This first year has been both amazing and stressful, and I am so grateful for all of the …

If you visited one of the Lemont Legends Cruise Nights this summer, or perhaps the Lemont Park District's Independence Day Extravaganza, chances are you've seen Patch Ad Manager Tim Wall and I passing out balloons under a bright green tent. Keepataw Days will be no exception. Tim, a longtime Lemonter, will be hanging out with me at the Patch table from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday as I take in my first Keepataw experience. We'll be handing out tons of goodies—balloons for the kids, magnets and pens for the adults. We even have some awesome Patch water bottles to give away for those who sign up for…

We're happy to unveil yet another great feature this week—Patch Daily Deals—that will help readers save money and shop local. Patch Daily Deals will help readers save up to 90 percent on products and services at some of the best businesses in the southwest suburbs. This includes not just your hometown, but also several of its neighboring communities. Today, for example, you can get $30 worth of Italian fare and seafood at Capri D'Amici in Woodridge for just $15—that's 50 percent off the regular price. Most deals will be available for a week. If your town's deal doesn't pique your interest, …

For most Americans—at least those of us old enough to remember — it seems like it was yesterday. And it’s a date that will forever be etched into our memories: Sept. 11, 2001. The deadliest terrorist attacks on American soil divided our history into pre- and post-9/11. From the war on terror and the thousands of brave servicemen and women who have given their lives to keep America safe, to a shifting political landscape, the events of that day have forever changed our country. The attacks touched all Americans, not just the ones who were in New York or Washington or a field in Pennsylvania …

We're excited to inaugurate a new series for our Patch Readers: "Dispatches: The Changing American Dream."Every day, the national media is full of stories about how American families, businesses, and neighbors are adjusting to these trying times. There are so many changes happening so fast that it's dizzying: national debates about unemployment, foreclosures, debt, religion, government and private enterprise all touch on fundamental ways in which we see ourselves and our communities. At Lemont Patch, we want to explore that conversation on a daily basis so we can better understand how our …

Is your youngster headed off to college?  Well, aside from school supplies—and cash, lots of it—here are two great ways to help your college student stay in touch with hometown news. Sign your student up for a Lemont Patch newsletter and let them know about adding the Patch apps for iPhone and Android phones.  Did we mention it's all free? Finally, a college essential without a price tag. Your family scholar can keep up with local news, including the wide variety of events going on at their high schools and in their communities back home. Besides, we want to stay connected to some of our most…

More congratulations are in order for the athletes of Lemont High School. After a year of outstanding performances and state playoff appearances, the school was honored by our friends in print, the SouthtownStar, as having the top athletic program for the 2011-2012 school year. The newspaper announced Sunday that Lemont had captured its second SouthtownStar Cup, finishing ahead of 50 other Southland schools. The winner is chosen based on a system that awards points for "state, regional sectional and conference success per sport, weighs those points based on the number of Southland schools …

Did you get a great fireworks shot at the Independence Day Extravaganza? Snap some memorable photos at Heritage Fest or Relay for Life? Lemont Patch photographer Rob Krueger and I have had a busy week with all the recent summer festivities in Lemont, but that doesn't mean you can't share your photographs with the community, too. In fact, readers can upload photographs and videos on any Lemont Patch article, but reader contributions are appreciated even more for big community events like the Fourth of July, Relay for Life or Heritage Fest. Here's how you do it: 1) You must be registered on …