Dawn Patrol: 2nd Maine West coach fired; McHenry County fugitive caught
District 207 fires second Maine West coach
After deliberating for more than three hours, the Maine Township High School District 207 school board last night fired a second Maine West High School staff member, freshman soccer coach Emilio Rodriguez, for not doing enough to stop hazing at the school. His dismissal comes more than month after the board fired head boys varsity soccer coach Michael Divincenzo after allegations that senior members of the soccer team hazed freshman teammates. Full story.
McHenry County sheriff’s office nabs No. 8 fugitive
The McHenry County sheriff’s office said it has apprehended a 23-year-old Crystal Lake man who held the No. 8 spot on its Top 10 Fugitives List. Ivan G. Hernandez-Gonzalez, of the 600 block of Coventry Lane, was captured without incident Wednesday in Madison, Wis. He was wanted for criminal sexual assault, violation of order of protection and several other offenses. Full story.
Fire at Carpentersville pizzeria
A fire broke out yesterday morning at a Carpentersville pizzeria as employees prepared to open for the day, authorities said last night. Taylor Street Pizza, at 7000 Huntley Road, reported the blaze about 9:45 a.m., Battalion Chief Kieran Stout said. Full story.
Cameras approved for Lake County courtrooms
Lake County judges will be able to open their courtrooms to cameras for the first time, after the Illinois Supreme Court gave its approval yesterday. “Our 15 circuit judges have expressed unanimous support for this pilot project,” Lake County Chief Judge Fred Foreman said. Before cameras could be let into a courtroom, several conditions would have to be met, including permission from the judge, who would be able to set guidelines. Full story.
Elburn woman gets seven years in fatal DUI crash
A 48-year-old former Elburn woman was sentenced to seven years in prison yesterday after she pleaded guilty to aggravated DUI and causing the death of a 54-year-old man in a Sugar Grove crash in 2009. According to prosecutors, Linda Knotts, now of Aurora, had cocaine in her system when she was driving at an estimated 73 mph in a 55 mph zone when she caused a head-on collision. Full story.
Schock hints he’ll run for governor, slams Dillard
Congressman Aaron Schock hasn’t formally confirmed a bid for governor yet, but he’s already come out swinging at the wide field of likely GOP primary candidates. The Peoria Republican also took a more direct shot Kirk Dillard, of Hinsdale, who in November announced he plans to run again. “You can hear crickets,” Schock said of excitement over Dillard’s bid. Full story.
Kirk working on bipartisan gun bill
U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk, newly returned to Congress after suffering a stroke, is becoming a central figure in the Senate’s gun control debate. An aide in Kirk’s office has confirmed that the Highland Park Republican is working with two Democrats to draft bipartisan gun control legislation. Full story.
‘America’s Got Talent’ audition taps suburban competition
NBC’s “America’s Got Talent” will hold auditions this weekend at McCormick Place, and several familiar names will give it a go. Screeners of the popular TV show got wind of the Daily Herald’s Suburban Chicago’s Got Talent competition last summer, and offered up audition opportunities for a couple dozen finalists. Among them will be iLLest Vocals’ Shawn Kurian and Sanu John, the beat-boxing duo that won the suburban contest. Full story.
Weather
It will be roughly 20 degrees when you head out the door this morning, but a light dusting of snow could make the morning commute a bit slippery. Temperatures will climb to about 28 degrees by the end of the day, before dipping back to 12 degrees overnight tonight. Full story.
Traffic
Slippery roads are causing minor traffic related crashes throughout the system. Travel times are lengthy due to the inch of snow, so people are urged to use caution when traveling this morning. ABC traffic center.
Hossa, Kane do it again for Blackhawks
The Blackhawks’ best players continue to be their best players. Marian Hossa’s power-play goal in overtime last night gave the Hawks a 3-2 come-from-behind win over the Dallas Stars for their fourth straight victory to start the season. It was Hossa’s fifth goal in four games and was set up by Patrick Kane, who has four straight multi-point games. The Hawks haven’t won their first four games since 1972-73. Full story.
Bulls land Noah, Deng on all-star team
A stellar season two years ago sent the Bulls to the conference finals, but only Derrick Rose got an all-star nod. This year, with Rose recovering from knee surgery and the team downgraded to a pleasant surprise, the squad will send two players to next month’s game in Houston. Joakim Noah and Luol Deng both were selected by Eastern Conference coaches as all-star reserves. Full story.
Poll Vault: Are you a union member?
Michelle Holdway asks, are you or have you ever been a member of a labor union? What do you think of union influence in politics? Are they still necessary? Leave a comment with Poll Vault.