Dawn Patrol: Jockey death investigation; Schaumburg man killed
Fire that killed jockey still under investigation
Fire investigators continue to work with police to determine what caused the death of Eusebio “Eddie” Razo Jr., whose body was found in a badly burned Long Grove garage Tuesday morning. An autopsy on the longtime Arlington Park jockey was inconclusive and investigators are awaiting toxicology results. “We are waiting to see what the fire marshal has to say as well,” said Lake County Coroner Artis Yancey. “We are treating it as a pending suspicious death.” Full story.
South Elgin man charged with ripping off Indiana baseball team
A South Elgin man accused of stealing thousands of dollars from an Indiana youth baseball team has been charged with 10 counts of theft. The good news is the team will be able to have a season and are in the process of getting uniforms thanks to donations that are flooding in for the 11-year-old boys. Jeffrey Halter, 40, canceled the team’s first game earlier this month and skipped town, according to police. Full story.
Schaumburg man killed in motorcycle crash
A 50-year-old Schaumburg man was killed in a motorcycle crash last night that remains under police investigation. Officials are expected to identify the man this morning. Police said he crashed after striking a curb at the intersection of Irving Park and Wise roads in Schaumburg at about 6:35 p.m. Full story.
Veterans memorial approved in Mount Prospect
After years of planning and discussion, the Mt. Prospect Park District Board approved a bid for a permanent veterans memorial in Lions Memorial Park, and construction could begin almost immediately heading toward an early 2013 opening. Full story.
Lake County hires attorney to investigate jail deaths
An independent attorney has been hired to investigate whether misconduct led to the recent deaths of two inmates at the Lake County jail. Terry Ekl has handled high-profile cases such as the defense for Rod Blagojevich’s former chief of staff, and McHenry County State’s Attorney Louis Bianchi. He will now investigate if Lake County sheriff’s employees contributed to the deaths of Eugene Gruber or Lyvita Gomes. Full story.
Cops: Teens printed fake bills to buy pot
Two teenagers have been charged with counterfeiting $20 bills, which they then tried to buy pot with, according to police. The Crystal Lake teens used a scanner and printer to create more than $700 in counterfeit bills, reports said. “It’s real low-tech,” said McHenry County Undersheriff Andrey Zinke. “They just scanned it and printed it off.” Full story.
Student called texts from Stevenson dean ‘weird’ and uncomfortable
The student at the other end of text messages from a Stevenson High School dean who resigned last week said the texts were “weird” and made him uncomfortable, according to police reports. The messages were not criminal or overtly sexual but were “odd,” according to police. Police reports indicate a staff member notified administrators after hearing of the inappropriate texts to a student. Full story.
Hot dog restaurant says Lily Lake roadwork will hurt business
The owner of Pete’s Famous Hot Dogs and Country Restaurant is furious with a construction project that is widening the intersection at routes 47 and 64, which he says is ruining his business. IDOT is widening the intersection to install left-turn lanes and a traffic signal. Pete Prevenas says not only is the project going to prohibit left turns into his lot, but curbs will prevent drivers from pulling into the gravel lot from wherever they want. Full story.
Financial experts help Subscriber Total Access members
A team of financial experts with the Financial Planning Association of Illinois manned the phones Wednesday evening to provide free financial advice to Daily Herald Subscriber Total Access members, as well as members of the military, veterans and retirees. The volunteers helped callers with budgeting, debt and investment management, mortgages and bankruptcy. Full story.
Weather
Chilly today as cool temperatures move back into the area to stay for about a week. It’s about 48 degrees right now, but the high temperatures will only climb to about 56 before the day ends. It’ll dip back down to 35 degrees tonight. Full story.
Traffic
Only one accident is slowing things down on the highways this morning, though congestion is showing throughout the system. Authorities have shut down the left lane of I-94 near Waukegan Road, near the Tri-state spur, due to an accident on the left shoulder. Motorists should also avoid Lake Cook Road Road between Wilmot and Pfingston roads due to periodic construction lane closures through May 11. Full story.
Bulls win as they go through final tuneups
The Bulls promised to follow coach Tom Thibodeau’s game plan and treat Wednesday’s trip to Indiana as a playoff preview. They delivered a 92-87 victory over the Pacers in Indianapolis as Kyle Korver scored 20 points. But their immediate future remains a question mark. Full story.
Cubs, Sox both lose.
The Cubs attempt to sweep the St. Louis Cardinals fell short Wednesday after dropping an afternoon game to the Cardinals 5-1. On the West Coast, the Sox gave up three runs in the 14th inning to lose to Oakland by a final score of 5-4. Check out the Cubs report here, or Sox report here.
Emery on the clock
Chicago Bears General Manager Phil Emery will make his first draft pick as general manager of the Bears tonight, and Bob LeGere’s mock draft has the Bears selecting an offensive tackle in the first round. Full story.