Dawn Patrol: Happy Election Day; Naperville D203 superintendent resigns

Get out and cast your vote

Illinois Election Day today will not only have an impact on local elections, but Republican voters in the Democratic-run state will have a major impact on who will end up with the GOP presidential nomination. The Illinois election has fallen under the national spotlight as the state’s 54 delegates would provide a major boost to the victor of President Obama’s home state. Full story, complete with polling place and other election information.

Naperville 203 superintendent announces resignation

Naperville Unit District 203 Superintendent Mark Mitrovich announced his resignation last night, which he called a personal decision and not related to the recent boundary map controversy. Mitrovich, 65, has been with the district since July 2009 on a three-year contract. The district faces the challenge of finding a new superintendent by July 1, but could fill the position with an interim, according to district officials. Full story.

Glenbard H.S. District 87 names new superintendent

Glenbard High School District 87 school board voted unanimously for a suburban Detroit school district superintendent to take over beginning July 1. David F. Larson has been a superintendent for 12 years, with the last four in Birmingham, Mich. The appointment follows a seven-month-long search. Larson will oversee the state’s third largest district. Full story.

Cubs chairman pushes for Wrigley funding at Naperville Chamber event

Chicago Cubs Chairman Tom Ricketts pitched the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce yesterday to gain support for the team acquiring $200 million in public funds to renovate Wrigley Field. Ricketts mentioned his dissatisfaction with the stadium expense model, which has the team covering all the expenses while still paying taxes. “When everyone is in their chairs, they’re pretty happy. When they have to get up to get in line for the washroom or food, then some of the shortcomings step up and you can kind of see them,” he said. Full story.

U-46 approves layoffs for 178 employees

Elgin Area School District U-46 voted to lay off 178 employees, including 77 teachers, which officials said was a normal procedure for this time of year. Many of those people will be rehired depending on class sizes, the district’s budget and grant availability, officials said. In 2010 the district approved layoffs for 1,177 personnel and in 2011, 324 teachers and staff. Full story.

Gurnee parks may go tobacco-free

The Gurnee Park District could be joining a handful of Lake County park districts to ban smoking or all tobacco products from outdoor properties. A teenage anti-tobacco group approached the district last year pushing for the ban. The director of the park district said she prefers that smoking, not all tobacco products, be banned from playgrounds, athletic fields and outdoor special events. Full story.

Arlington Heights man who offered girls ride pleads guilty

An Arlington Heights man who was cited after offering two 13-year-old girls a ride earlier this month, pleaded guilty in court yesterday. Rodney T. Peterson, 33, proclaimed his innocence after agreeing to two years’ supervision and a $400 fine. Police said contrary to Peterson’s claims, it was not snowing when he approached the girls, nor were they improperly dressed for winter weather. Barrington police charged him with disorderly conduct. Full story.

Man suffers 100 puncture wounds during dogfight

A Wonder Lake man suffered 100 punctures wounds and possibly nerve and tendon damage while attempting to break up a fight between his dog and a dog on the loose. Animal control officers are going door-to-door in their search for the dog’s owner but believe the animal is unregistered. Either a pit bull or American bull dog entered the man’s garage and attacked his dog about a week ago. A county health department spokeswoman believes the owner might be hiding the dog. Full story.

Cause of destructive North Chicago blaze still under investigation

North Chicago fire officials continue to investigate a blaze that destroyed an auto repair shop and a neighboring residence while burning into the early morning hours Monday. Nearly a dozen people were left homeless after the fire. A third building suffered major damage, but was left standing, officials said. Full story.

Weather

Another absolutely gorgeous day again today. We will start out in the mid-60s in the morning, but temperatures will climb into the 80s this afternoon, potentially breaking another weather record before the day is over. If it reaches 80, it will mark the sixth time in the last seven days that the ‘burbs have hit the 80 degree mark, an amazing streak considering it’s a rarity that one 80 degree day takes place in March. Full story.

Traffic

Nothing major to report overnight that could affect the flow of traffic early this morning. However, people near Lake in the Hills and Crystal Lake should be ready for construction delays on Rakow Road between McHenry Avenue and Route 31. Full story.

Bulls beat Orlando — 85-59?!?

It was Carlos Boozer’s night — and not the Orlando Magic’s — while Derrick Rose sat out again. Boozer scored 24 while all of Orlando scored only 59 as the Bulls had themselves another easy win. Full story.