Western Springs, IL|News|
Brookfield Zoo Shares Photo of Amur Leopard Cub's First Snow
...and it's adorable.

A Michigan native, I spent my formative years growing up in Wassenaar, the Netherlands, before moving back to the States to pursue my journalism degree at Indiana University in Bloomington. After having grown up, studying in and covering several small communities, I've grown to appreciate the individualism and rarity that comes with hyper-local reporting, and am really enjoying working for Patch to cover Chicago's western suburbs. When I'm not making phone calls, writing or reporting, I'm probably feeding my chocolate addiction, watching a musical or trying to keep up with my reading list. Reach me at anicka.slachta@patch.com with any comments, questions, concerns or tips.
...and it's adorable.

The classes covered table manners, conversation and writing thank-you notes.
Take a look at what the Elmhurst police have been up to for the past several days.
They've said they believe it could be an attempt to defraud senior citizens.
We have photos of the winners' creations, too. All houses are on display at local businesses through Dec. 14.
The Downers Grove couple lost most of the money in jewelry items.
Downers Grove Grade School District 58 said it strives to maintain a balanced budget while meeting student and staff needs.
A hit-and-run also made an appearance on last week's blotter.
Take a look at what's been happening this past week in Woodridge.
West was issued a ticket at the Walgreens on Ogden Ave.
She tried to knock the phone out of a victim's hand, as well as unplug the phone.
An all-inclusive party package will be $74.95.
Three residents reported separate instances of stolen packages.
The drive will run from Monday through Friday.
They received a $10,000 award.
Many media outlets called the election the night of, naming Blass the District 2 seat winner.
Officials said the woman didn't violate any traffic laws when she collided with the cyclist Aug. 22.
The patient is suing three entities over her damaged peroneal nerve.
The majority of Darien residents felt the city was providing them with good quality of life.
They allegedly forced the victim into his car before ordering him to drive to several ATMs for cash withdrawals, police reported.