Dawn Patrol: Repeat DUI arrest in Hampshire; sad Gurnee house fire
Family displaced, three dogs killed in Gurnee house fire
A Christmas Eve fire killed three dogs and left a Gurnee family displaced, fire officials said yesterday. Firefighters responded to a report of a single-family home on fire on Ridge Drive shortly after 7:30 p.m. Monday and saw flames coming from the front and back of the house. Full story.
Man who injured Hampshire couple while driving drunk charged with another DUI
A South Elgin man who seriously injuring an elderly Hampshire couple in 2010 while driving drunk, was arrested Christmas Day on felony DUI charges. Eric M. Barth, 23, is being held on $100,000 bail and faces up to three years in prison. Full story.
Gurnee village board approves lawsuit settlement
Trustee Kirk Morris’ private foundation — created in memory of his son, Pfc. Geoffrey Morris — will be reimbursed $200,000 as part of a settlement over its effort to build a memorial on public property for troops who died in Iraq and Afghanistan. Full story.
Carol Stream apartment fire causes about $250,000 in damages
Seven families were displaced after a fire caused damage to a Carol Stream apartment building yesterday afternoon, officials said. The fire was limited to two units on the second floor of the eight-unit building, but caused about $250,000 in damage, said Battalion Chief Joe Gilles. Full story.
Geneva resident files for three offices
A Geneva man has filed to be on the ballot for the local park district, school and library boards. But there’s some doubt about whether Jay Moffat, who currently serves as chairman of the Geneva Plan Commission, could serve on all three of the boards simultaneously. Full story.
Interest high in most Northwest suburban races
North Barrington could not garner the minimum number of candidates needed to run for the village board, but other municipalities, including Arlington Heights, Bartlett, Des Plaines, Hoffman Estates, Streamwood and Wheeling, will have mayoral contests. Full story.
Weather
Thursday morning will again start out cold and gloomy with temperatures in the mid 20s and reaching the early 30s later in the day. People may see a few flurries in the morning with mostly cloudy skies, but no accumulating snow is expected on Thursday. The next possibility for a snow event will move in over the weekend, but still with minimal accumulation expected. Full story.
Traffic
All major tollways and expressways in the suburbs are clear early Thursday, but traffic could build later in the morning. With many still taking the day off for the holidays, traffic may not be as crowded as normal. Full story.
Five Bears heading to the Pro Bowl
Defensive star Julius Peppers, wide receiver Brandon Marshall, cornerback Charles Tillman, defensive tackle Henry Melton and cornerback Tim Jennings have all earned a spot on the NFC Pro Bowl roster. But linebacker Lance Briggs did not earn the honor after seven straight Pro Bowl nods. Full story.
Bulls game postponed due to snow
The Pacers canceled their game last night against the Bulls in Indianapolis due to the snowstorm, and no date was set to reschedule. The Bulls are off until Saturday, when they’ll host Washington at the United Center. Full story.