Darien Year-In-Review: Top Stories of 2017

DARIEN, IL — It's hard to believe 2017 is almost over and whether you are sad to say goodbye or eager to ring in the new year, one thing is clear: a lot happened in 2017. There's no doubt there was a lot of news on the national level, but let's take a look at this year-in-review to reflect on some of the wacky, tragic, and heartwarming moments that shaped Darien in 2017.

Million Dollar Lottery Ticket Sold at Darien Gas Station

Luck was certainly on Norbert Michalak's side when he bought a winning $1 million lottery raffle ticket on St. Patrick's Day at the Speedway gas station at 75th and Cass. Michalak said he planned to invest and to send his parents "on a nice vacation."

Darien Boy, Cubs Fan Battling Rare, Inoperable Brain Tumor

Joey Ventimiglia's story touched a lot of neighbors in Darien and far beyond. The Cubs fan, baseball player, and football star is fighting a rare brain tumor, but the community has rallied to raise funds for his treatment and to surprise Joey with something Cubs-related every chance they get!

Cass Middle School Art Teacher Named Educator Of The Year

The Illinois Art Education Association recognized one of Darien's own for his dedication and innovation in the field of art education. Matt Etherington, who teaches art at Cass Junior High School was named Early Professional Art Educator of the Year for 2017, an honor that certainly made Darien proud!

2017 left a lot of memories behind. If you have a story you'd like to share about someone who made a difference in Darien in 2017, email lisa.farver@patch.com.

>>Image credits from top to bottom: Kristin Borden/Patch, Illinois Lottery, GoFundMe, Cass School District 63