Weekend in Review: Dist. 33 strike; fatal hammer attack in Aurora

Dist. 33 cancels classes as contract talks collapse

Teachers will be walking picket lines and thousands of students will be locked out of classes Monday in West Chicago Elementary District 33 after the school board and teachers union failed to come to a contract agreement following nearly 11 hours at the bargaining table. “Discussions have stopped,” school board spokesman Dave Barclay said shortly before midnight. “There definitely will be no school Monday.” Full story.

Hitler's silver set among Hawthorn Woods man's war collection

Jim Dryden was a boy when he received a Japanese sword his uncle brought back from World War II. Now nearing retirement, the Hawthorn Woods man has amassed a collection or more than 100,000 war items and hopes to open a museum. “It's a hobby,” observes the reserved Dryden, who lives in Hawthorn Woods and makes his living as a financial services consultant and partner in collection agencies. Full story.

Congress may take up Aurora man's campaign to help grieving parents

Kelly Farley of Aurora has been working more than two years to get the Family Medical Leave Act amended so the death of a child can qualify workers for unpaid time off. A bill to that end is expected to be introduced the week of Feb. 4 in both the U.S. House and Senate. “People need the time to grieve,” he said. Full story.

Huntley man killed in Sunday apartment fire

A 47-year-old man was killed and about a dozen others were displaced after a fire ripped through a Huntley apartment building early Sunday morning. Allen R. Jacobs was found dead at 6:25 a.m. in the first-floor unit of the Woodcreek Apartments where the fire originated. Authorities do not believe the fire is suspicious. Full story.

Duffy considering Taser legislation after friend's death

The death of a friend he made on a quest to learn more about the needs of black communities has inspired a suburban state senator to look into authoring legislation regulating the use of stun-guns, or Tasers. “We need to look at stricter guidelines and training regarding the use and power of these weapons,” state Sen. Dan Duffy said. Full story.

Taxing bodies get welcome rebate from Libertyville

Libertyville is rebating more than $1.9 million from its tax increment financing fund to various entities in the district. The rebate is part of an agreement with the agencies that allowed the village to extend the life of the district, established to make improvements in the downtown area, until 2021. Full story.

Barrington Hills mom's mission receives a boost

Lisa Siefert of Barrington Hills has been trying to inform parents about how to prevent furniture tip-over accidents from happening since March 2011, when her son died after a dresser fell on him. And though her cause got two major assists this week from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Illinois Attorney General, she says the effort is just a start. Full story.

Vernon Township man killed in tollway crash

A Vernon Township man was killed and four others were injured early Sunday in a three-vehicle crash on Interstate 294 in Lake County, according to the Illinois State Police. Cesar Salas, 39, of Prairie View was pronounced dead after the crash, according to the Lake County coroner. Four others were transported to Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge with nonlife threatening injuries, state police said. Full story.

Less snow means big savings for suburbs

Say what you want about the winter of 2012-13, but your town is saving a pile of money. With no major snowstorms, overtime for public works personnel has been nearly nonexistent and salt usage is way down. Naperville, Arlington Heights, Palatine, Vernon Hills — all are saving. “They prepare for the worst and hope for the best,” Mark Fowler said about suburbs. Full story.

Million-dollar gift revives Little City project

Little City in Palatine finally will break ground this spring on a new children's village. The catalyst for the stalled project was a $1 million gift from John and Becky Duffey of Long Grove. “I was speechless, which John knows is rare,” Executive Director Shawn Jeffers said. “It means so much to this organization. It will be the catalyst for many great things to come.” Full story.

No progress in Barrington Unit Dist. 220 contract talks

A negotiation meeting Friday resulted in no progress on a new contract between Barrington Unit District 220 and its teachers. Teachers could strike Feb. 21 if no deal is reached before then. Full story.

Fire damages Des Plaines businesses

An early morning blaze caused an estimated $25,000 damage to a Des Plaines building Sunday, but fire officials say the result could have been much worse had the property not been equipped with sprinklers. Des Plaines firefighters were called to the fire at 216 Graceland Ave., on the southwest corner of Graceland and Rand Road, at 12:01 a.m. and arrived four minutes later to find a large fire in the north end of the building, officials said. Full story.

3 charged in fatal Aurora hammer attack

Police have charged three men in the fatal hammer attack of an 18-year-old woman who was a senior at West Aurora High School, officials said Sunday night. Abigail Villalpando, 18, of Aurora, was found burned beyond recognition by the Kane County sheriff's department K-9 unit around 9 a.m. Saturday in a wooded area just inside the village of Montgomery in the area of Fifth Street and Wabansia Avenue, according to police. Full story.

World & Nation

Man charged in fatal shooting of ex-Navy SEAL, author. Full story.

Obama says Boy Scouts should allow gay members. Full story.

Ride-hailing apps offer new way to get around town. Full story.

Money fears vs. real benefits in Medicaid choice. Full story.

3 months after Sandy, victims waiting for relief. Full story.

NRA likens universal checks to gun registry. Full story.

Facebook unveils gift cards that can be sent to other users. Full story.

New rules aim to get rid of junk food in schools. Full story.

Super Bowl

10 Super Bowl ads that stood out. Full story.

Ravens beat 49ers in electric Super Bowl. Full story.

5 moments to remember from the game. Full story.

Super Bowl ads heavy on drama. Full story.

Beyoncé electrifies at halftime show. Full story.

Flacco wins MVP award. Full story.

Power outage stops Super Bowl for 34 minutes. Full story.

Super Bowl Bites. Full story.

View images from the game here and the entertainment here.

Sports

Emery leaves Flames shaking their heads. Full story.

Bears' Trestman might be next great surprise. Full story.

Prospects to land a big man iffy at best for Bulls. Full story.