On a whim, Brian Ernst of Westchester applied for the chance to create a project at the Cannes Film Festival in France in 2010, cementing his dream to become an independent filmmaker. “Luckily, I got in,” said the 22-year-old senior at DePaul University. “I was paired with an international group of students, but in my group, everyone spoke English. I was the cinematographer.” Ernst said his group followed a Frenchman and created a documentary on petanque, the French version of bocce, in 2010. “After the film played at the festival, everyone seemed to like it,” he said. “It got second … ]]> Tue, 15 May 2012 17:00:26 -0500 http://lagrange.suntimes.com/12529896-418/westchester-filmmaker-strives-to-build-exposure.html http://lagrange.suntimes.com/12529896-418/westchester-filmmaker-strives-to-build-exposure.html

The Illinois High School Association girls state track and field meet will be held this weekend ­— and Fenwick’s Mary Kate Callahan won’t be taking part. But a lawsuit to be filed Wednesday by Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan in federal court aims to make it possible for student-athletes with disabilities, like Callahan who is paralyzed from the waist down, to compete in future IHSA state meets. ]]> Wed, 16 May 2012 13:56:38 -0500 http://lagrange.suntimes.com/12554505-418/suit-let-disabled-athletes-go-to-ihsa-state-meet.html http://lagrange.suntimes.com/12554505-418/suit-let-disabled-athletes-go-to-ihsa-state-meet.html

The unusually warm spring provided the best weather ever for the annual Native Plant Sale at Mayslake Peabody Estate, which was buzzing with eager gardeners this weekend. As the primary fundraiser for the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County’s education department, the Plant Sale provided an opportunity to purchase plants indigenous to the county, support local programs and receive advice from Forest Preserve District staff. Retired florist and LaGrange resident Joyce Cincer stopped by and picked up a bag full of liatris flowers as she prepared to work on her very large garden at home. “It provided a lot of … ]]> Wed, 16 May 2012 00:41:08 -0500 http://lagrange.suntimes.com/12556832-423/mayslake-plant-sale-continues-to-grow.html http://lagrange.suntimes.com/12556832-423/mayslake-plant-sale-continues-to-grow.html

Heroin use might not be widespread in Western Springs and La Grange, but officials know it is present and where it is, the effect is deadly. Seven area high school students have died of overdoses. ]]> Mon, 14 May 2012 13:55:58 -0500 http://lagrange.suntimes.com/12474316-417/groups-address-increasing-heroin-threat-in-western-suburbs.html http://lagrange.suntimes.com/12474316-417/groups-address-increasing-heroin-threat-in-western-suburbs.html

John L. Wilson of Chicago, accused of killing Indian Head Park 14-year-old Kelli O’Laughlin in her home, is fit to stand trial, a Cook County judge ruled Monday. ]]> Mon, 14 May 2012 16:18:33 -0500 http://lagrange.suntimes.com/12527251-418/man-found-fit-to-stand-trial-in-killing-of-indian-head-park-teen.html http://lagrange.suntimes.com/12527251-418/man-found-fit-to-stand-trial-in-killing-of-indian-head-park-teen.html

Toes were tapping at the American Legion in La Grange May 9 when the jazz ensemble from Gurrie Middle School in La Grange crooned and wailed some of their favorite tunes for veterans and their families. Members of the Walter E. Coulter, Jr. Post 1941 appreciated the solos of the seventh- and eighth-graders dressed for the part with an assortment of cool hats. The ensemble is under the direction of Gurrie music teacher Jerry Lowrey. … ]]> Tue, 15 May 2012 19:17:12 -0500 http://lagrange.suntimes.com/12306908-417/gurrie-middle-school-musicians-jazz-up-concert-for-verterans.html http://lagrange.suntimes.com/12306908-417/gurrie-middle-school-musicians-jazz-up-concert-for-verterans.html