Five Things to Know Today: Aug. 3

1. Patch Named Fifth Most Important Online Publisher by MediaPost

In a recent article highlighting the 100 most important online publishers, Patch was named No. 5, ahead of the likes of CNN, The Wall Street Journal, Google, Twitter and, of course, Charlie Sheen.

Patch's parent companies The Huffington Post and AOL also rated in the top 10.

From the report: 

Founded by former Google sales chief Tim Armstrong before he was ceo of aol, local online news reporting hub Patch has since been acquired by aol and is now the core of the company's hyper-local media strategy. With a network of more than 500 community news reporting sites, Patch now rivals much, maybe most, of local newspaper and tv coverage. It's also becoming a big factor in aol's attempts to convince Madison Avenue to act local, even as it thinks global.

2. New Rob Lowe as Drew Peterson Photos Released

From The Scoop:

When it was announced that Rob Lowe would be playing Drew Peterson in the Lifetime movie about the disappearance of Stacy Peterson, it was difficult to fathom how the fit actor would transform into the former police officer. Well, wonder no more; the resemblance is pretty remarkable, thanks to some movie magic.

To view the new photo, click HERE.

3. Facebook Fan Poll

Bolingbrook Patch's daily "Facebook Fan Poll" now appears in our daily "Five Things to Know Today" feature.

Today's question: Where is Bolingbrook's best pizza?

Chime in below by leaving a comment!

Or, to participate in the poll and become a fan of Bolingbrook Patch via Facebook, click HERE. 

4. Rotary Club Selling leases for Annual "Riase-A-Stink" 

The Rotary Club of Bolingbrook is now selling leases for the annual "Riase-A-Stink" Cow Dump raffle and fundraiser.

The raffle will be held along with the Bolingbrook Jubilee at Village Hall Aug. 21.

The Jubilee will feature two cows on a giant, grassy Bingo board. Lease numbers will be drawn the morning of Aug. 21 and assigned a square on the field.

The first three cow plops will win cash prizes. First prize will receive $1,000; second prize will get $500; and third prize $250.

Leases can be purchased at the Jubilee or in advance for $5 by calling (630) 759-7676; visit www.bolingbrookrotary.org; or visiting First American Bank, 1290 W. Boughton Road, Bolingbrook.

Lease sale proceeds will fund scholarship for Bolingbrook students.

5. Yesterday's Headlines