The "location, location, location" rule of success in real estate apparently held true last year for the sale of homes located close to a METRA train line, according to a survey by RE/MAX Northern Illinois. Even though the market is down, RE/MAX's research shows that the market is not as bad for home sales along a METRA line.

A group of 18 elected officials have put their "John Hancocks" on a letter to Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn opposing his September move toward closing seven state facilities, including the Tinley Park Mental Health Center. The center treated 2,000 patients last year, according to the letter, and employs 207 employees. Quinn's proposal to close it is part of a plan to cut state spending. He blamed the move on state lawmakers who gave him a budget that was $2.2 billion less than he requested.

The Shorewood man who killed a motorcyclist in a roll-over accident on Route 59 Saturday was drunk and uninsured at the time of the collision. David C. Dietrich, 32, of 902 Bittersweet, has been charged with aggravated driving under the influence of alcohol, resulting in the death of another; driving under the influence; improper lane usage; driving too fast for conditions; and operating an uninsured motor vehicle. The victim was George A. Weikum, 58, of Naperville, who was pronounced dead at the scene.

Cicero spent $1,000 on rubber chickens for Svengoolie to throw to the crowd at the Czech heritage parade. The sale was contracted through You & Me, a company owned by Rosemary Konz, who gets paid to sit on the town board and is the daughter of a town trustee.

Should Dan Hampton have gone to the White House? Hampton said he didn’t want to go to the ’85 Bears Super Bowl team reception because his family wasn’t invited and he’s not a fan of the president. Did he make the right call? Vote in Oak Forest Patch’s poll.