Dawn Patrol: Elgin frying pan murder; N. Aurora stabbing death
Elgin woman accused of hitting boyfriend with pan, killing him
A 34-year-old Elgin woman is due in court this morning on a first-degree murder charge after police said she hit her boyfriend in the head with a frying pan over the weekend, causing him to fall and strike his head. Police said Michael N. Mielczarek, 55, stopped breathing after his head struck the floor Saturday afternoon; he was pronounced dead at an area hospital shortly after. Full story.
North Aurora man charged with stabbing father to death
Martrell Harris, 23, of North Aurora is set to appear in court today after he was charged with stabbing and killing his father yesterday. Harris was found hiding in the garage at his house more than three hours after police found his father’s body on the porch of their home Monday morning. Police say Harris stabbed Michael D. Harris Sr., 41, in the chest after an argument. Full story.
Two Antioch paramedics accused of abuse could lose licenses
State public health officials say two EMTs accused of abusing and mistreating patients and co-workers while employed by the Antioch Rescue Squad in 2008 could lose their licenses. The allegations include putting prescription medication into the food and drinks of other unsuspecting EMTs and stealing prescription-only bags of IV solution to use on themselves or others at the rescue squad. Full story.
Police probe robbery motive in Wheaton native’s murder
St. Louis police are asking the public to turn over any video footage taken near the scene of the murder of St. Francis High School volleyball standout Megan Boken of Wheaton, who was shot in St. Louis over the weekend during a probable robbery. A neighborhood watch group is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to an arrest in the shooting, which police say happened in an upscale area of St. Louis. “Hopefully, the suspect is on camera somewhere, even several blocks away,” St. Louis police spokesman Dave Marzullo said. “We’ve got a good description of him.” Full story.
Aurora library urging employees to take TB test
Many Aurora Public Library employees are undergoing voluntary tuberculosis testing this week after two regular patrons of the main library tested positive for the infection. Officials said there have been 42 cases confirmed in the Aurora area over the past three years; a majority have been linked to homeless shelter. A health department official said the recommendation was for all library staff to be tested. Full story.
Dist. 203 drops ‘interim’ from Dan Bridges’ superintendent title
The District 203 board ended its months-long search for Mark Mitrovich’s successor and signed the interim superintendent, Dan Bridges, to a three-year contract worth $225,000 a year. Board President Mike Jaensch said throughout the search process, board members knew they were looking for an inspirational leader and an outstanding communicator who has consistently demonstrated the highest ethical and moral standards. “As these discussions matured, we realized we had the perfect person right in front of us.” Full story.
Weather
Clear but a little cool today with high temperatures only reaching 80 degrees this afternoon. It’s 55 degrees right now, as you start your day, and temperatures are expected to dip back to 59 degrees tonight. Full story.
Traffic
Construction continues on U.S. Route 45 between West Edwards Road and West Washington Street in Antioch. Officials said the pavement patching project will be in place until October 31st. Construction includes lane closures and road reductions are possible. Flaggers will be on scene to direct traffic through. Full story,
Sox beat Yankees in first game — now if they can keep it up
The Sox badly needed to win the opener of a three-game series between division leaders, and they did 9-6. The pennant race is in the air. The gold-standard Yankees are in town. It was a compelling atmosphere for a team like the Sox trying to prove it belongs among the best in the American League. Most compelling of all, however, was that the Sox just came off being swept in three games by the Royals. Mike Imrem writes.
Cubs blasted by Milwaukee
Jonathan Lucroy hit two home runs and the Milwaukee Brewers scored eight runs in the fifth inning Monday night to rally for a 9-4 victory over the Chicago Cubs. The Brewers sent 11 batters to the plate and recorded seven hits in the game-turning inning. Full story.
Bears O-line to receive true test in Giants
The Bears’ offense, especially the offensive line, couldn’t ask for a tougher test than the Super Bowl-champion Giants will provide in Friday night’s third preseason game at MetLife Stadium. New York’s trio of defensive ends — Jason Pierre-Paul, Osi Umenyiora and Justin Tuck — are the envy of every NFL team. Pierre-Paul had 16½ sacks last season; Umenyiora had 9 in 2011 and has 61 over the past six seasons. Full story.