5 Must-Read Stories From Jan. 2013: Local American Idol and More

American Idol Sends Darien Native Mariah Pulice to Hollywood

It takes a lot to shake up a diva like Mariah Carey. But Mariah Pulice, of Darien, brought tears to the eyes of the Grammy-winning singer on Thursday night’s episode of American Idol with her lyrical rendition of The Beatles’ Let it Be.

The moment, however, was about more than just the power of Pulice’s voice. The Downers Grove South alum, 19, shared her struggle with anorexia in a video segment prior to her performance. Read more. 

Hunter Himes, who was hit by a car while riding his bike in Darien, died Sunday, Jan. 13. He was 15. In June 2012, Patch spoke to Hunter's mother about her talented, caring and generous son. That full story can be read below. Read more. 

Darien Man Accused of Seeking Hit Man From Jail to Kill Ex-Girlfriend

A Darien man charged with kidnapping his ex-girlfriend and slitting the throat of her new boyfriend was additionally accused Monday of trying to put out a hit on his ex.

"In a recording, Spitalli allegedly proposed staging a car crash or a heroin overdose to kill Baltrimaviciene, though he expressed concern about the drugs because the girlfriend does not use drugs, prosecutors said," according to the Chicago Tribune. Read more.

Citizen of the Year: Cathlyn Marchese Gives Endless Service to Darien

Through years of service in a diverse array of community groups, Cathlyn Marchese has made Darien live up to its motto, "A Nice Place to Live."  On Thursday it was announced that Marchese was named Darien's 2013 Citizen of the Year.

"Our choice for the 2013 nomination has truly made this city a much nicer place to live since moving here 26 years ago," said Kathy Lyons, chairwoman of the Citizen of the Year committee. "We feel that the time has come for the city to formally recognize her for all of her hard work and dedication." Read more. 

Two Darien natives opened Vintage Confections in Clarendon Hills in 2008,  making different kinds candy in, and shipping it from, her Darien home. After her lollipops were featured in Martha Stewart Weddings in 2010, hard candy became the focus.

That “spin,” which shows up in Vintage Confections’ translucent lollipops that at their core feature pictures of planets, cartoon characters, even the Hinsdale Central Red Devils logo, has gotten the Darien natives’ business international attention. Read more.