New Lenox Dad Home from Kuwait: Surprises Son at Haines School

Daniel Powers, a 1st-grader at Haines School in New Lenox, got an amazing surprise. His dad, Keith Powers, arrived home from Kuwait today. The National Guardsman has been overseas for 9 months.

  A New Lenox National Guardsman returned home from Kuwait today, and surprised his 7-year-old son at a 2:15 p.m. assembly at Haines School. The May 1 assembly that included a discussion about the sacrifices that men and women in the military make regularly to preserve our nation became real when Keith Powers, of the National Guard's 935th Aviation Support Battalion walked in. Still in uniform, Powers was armed with balloons and opened his arms wide. Daniel spotted him, yelled, "Daddy," and rushed in for a hug.  Weighing no more than 45 pounds, Daniel was wearing the khaki military garb that his mom, Angeline Powers, had picked out for the day.  Keith had been on active duty for the last 11 months and away in Kuwait for the last nine …

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NFL Playoffs: Where to Watch, TV Schedule

The first game features the Cincinnati Bengals at the Houston Texans at 3:30 p.m. (CST). Notre Dame vs. Alabama at 7:30 p.m. (CST) on Monday, Jan. 7.

Although the Bears didn't make it into the playoffs, there are still plenty of teams to watch as they battle it out to take home the title of Super Bowl XLVII Champions. But first, they have to get through the playoffs. And for eight teams, this weekend is all about getting that Wildcard spot.  The teams playing this weekend are: For those already looking ahead, check out the full NFL playoff schedule here. If you're looking for someplace to take in the game other than your couch, here are some local bars and grills around New Lenox that might be a great location.

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Have You Seen Alue the Lost Dog?

The 8-month-old Siberian husky was last seen in New Lenox.

Alue the dog is lost. He slipped out of his collar on Sunday and has been missing ever since. He was last seen at the intersection of Parker Road and W. Regan Road in New Lenox. Alue is an 80 pound, 8-month-old Siberian husky with blue eyes. He is very timid, so those who see him should not call or chase him, as he may run in fear. If you've seen Alue or have any information about his whereabouts, call Virginia Rojas-Garcia at 773-817-0456 or 815-717-6312, or email her at virginiarojasgarcia@comcast.net. Get news alerts and Facebook updates from these Lincoln-Way Patch sites:

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New Lenox Grocery Stores and Drug Stores Open for Christmas: Limited Hours

Get the hours for New Lenox grocery stores and convenience stores for all your last-minute needs on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Nominate the 'Person of the Year" New Lenox 2012

Don't miss your last chance to share your appreciation for someone you believe changed New Lenox for the better in 2012.

Victory Over Cerebral Palsy Results in Gift of Love for 2 New Lenox Sisters

The gift of a video for Christmas, from one sister to another, shows how living with Cerebral Palsy worked to shape a deeper bond of love after they decided to room together in college.

Two sisters from New Lenox—one who lives with Cerebral Palsy—found rooming together in college has worked to cement an adult friendship and a deep respect for each other. The outcome would be depicted in a tear-jerking Christmas video, produced by the younger of the two. It's called, "For My Sister Lisa." Lisa and Amy Kandziorski, of New Lenox, are not your typical college coeds. The older of the two, 22-year-old Lisa, was born with Cerebral Palsy and is bound to her wheelchair. Her younger sister, 18-year-old Amy, is her chief cheerleader and best friend.   Yet the two are pretty much like any other kids who want to leave home after high school and go away to college. Lisa, whose form of Cerebral Palsy presents itself as mild in terms of …

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Lincoln-Way Walgreens Employees Join Diabetes Walk at Soldier Field

Pharmacy managers and store clerks are joining a 5K Walk to fight diabetes.

The staff at Walgreens stores in New Lenox and Mokena know their customers as friends. That's why they're joining the American Diabetes Association's Walk to Stop Diabetes, beginning at 10 a.m. Oct. 20, at Soldier Field in Chicago.   In a store where people come for prescriptions and to talk to the pharmacist, they gain more than a bottle of pills and directions on how best to take the medication. They gain friends—a lot of them. It's an authentic relationship, said Walgreens managers from New Lenox's Schoolhouse store and Mokena's store on Wolf Road. "The regular customers—those who come in three times a week or more—are not just faces; they're Barb, Mary Ann, Jose or Mike. These people come in my store, and I can't help but to care about…

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Tax Rebates Going to Two-Thirds of New Lenox Residents

New Lenox officials received property tax rebate forms this month.

Locally Owned

Gatto's Restaurant Proud to be Part of New Lenox

Frank and Chuck Gatto opened their restaurant in New Lenox in 2006 and have be pleasing local residents’ palates ever since.

Walk into Gatto’s Restaurant & Bar on any given night and you'll find families, friends, laughter and good food. Located near the intersection of Schoolhouse Road and Lincoln Highway in New Lenox, this family-friendly establishment is geared toward making people happy and being a part of the community outside the walls of the restaurant. The brothers gained restaurant and customer service experience from working in the hotel industry. They also spent 13 years working for one of the most established restaurants in Chicago's Little Italy neighborhood. Stressing the family restaurant atmosphere, Frank Gatto calls his restaurant one of the best places to bring your children.   "We are probably one of the most kid friendly restaurants out there…

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