Dawn Patrol: Woman gets 8 years for dirty dish shooting
West Chicago Dist. 33 classes resuming this morning
After hours at the bargaining table that ended about 12:15 a.m., negotiating teams for the West Chicago Elementary District 33 school board and teachers union said they've reached a tentative agreement on a new teachers contract. While the details won't be revealed until teachers are made aware of them this afternoon, classes are resuming on a normal schedule this morning. Parents were called by the district's automated system overnight. The school board had announced it will hold a special meeting to discuss the negotiations with the public at 5 p.m. today in advance of a regularly scheduled board meeting at 7 p.m. Full story.
Woman found guilty of sledgehammer attack
After only three hours of deliberations yesterday, a Lake County jury found Sandra Rogers guilty of attempting to murder her ex-husband with a sledgehammer in an early-morning attack almost a decade ago. Rogers, 56, was found guilty on four counts of home invasion, two counts of attempted murder and a single count of conspiracy to commit murder. Full story.
Waukegan High teacher charged with possession of child porn
Gurnee police say a Waukegan High School teacher who lives in the village has been charged with possessing child pornography. Francisco J. Garcia Almolda, 54, was held on a $50,000 cash bond Wednesday at the Lake County jail. Almolda, an English Language Learner instructor, is the third instructor from Waukegan High's Brookside campus who has been arrested since October. Full story.
Joe Walsh considers starting a SuperPAC
Founding a SuperPAC may be among former Congressman Joe Walsh's plans in the near future. He tweeted Tuesday, “I'm filing the paperwork to form a super PAC to support freedom-loving conservative alternatives to @KarlRove on FOX,” referencing Rove's plans to form a SuperPAC to support traditionally moderate, establishment Republicans. “If Karl Rove wants a fight for the soul of the Republican Party, game on,” he said. Full story.
Downers Grove woman gets eight years for shooting over dirty dish
A Downers Grove woman was sentenced yesterday to eight years in prison for shooting her boyfriend last February after a quarrel about their relationship. Authorities said tensions mounted when 44-year-old Vickie Podruzek put a dirty dish in her boyfriend's pillow after he left it out. He threw it at her and she responded by grabbing a shotgun. Full story.
Palatine Library about to undergo major renovation
Work will begin later this month to renovate the main floor of the Palatine Public Library. Some new services will include green screen technology with which patrons can create a video and equipment to convert a vinyl record to a digital file. The renovations are slated to be done by mid-May. “We don't have the ability to expand our space, so we need to re-purpose it,” said Assistant Director Anthony Auston. Full story.
Mount Prospect man gets 24 years for sexual assault
A Mount Prospect man convicted of sexually assaulting a then 15-year-old boy in August 2011 was sentenced to 24 years in prison yesterday. Herbert Burgess, 58, must serve at least 85 percent of his sentence before he is eligible for parole. Full story.
Weather
Freezing rain is falling in the northern and western suburbs, and people should be prepared for extremely slick conditions because of it. Temperatures are 32 degrees this morning, causing the rain to fall, but freeze and turn to ice when it hits the ground. Temperatures are expected to rise to 38 degrees later, but then drop back to 26 degrees and flip to snow tonight. Full story.
Traffic
Due to the freezing rain, roads are expected to turn exceptionally slick this morning. People are urged to watch their speed and slow down on bridges and overpasses. Be prepared to stop. More traffic from ABC Chicago.
Bears announce season ticket price increases
Bears season ticket holders will see an overall average increase of 4.2 percent in ticket prices next season, team officials announced yesterday. Price increases range from $3 to $10 for 90 percent of the seating bowl at Soldier Field, with some United Club seats remaining flat. Lower-level midfield seating price increases range from $15 to $30. Full story.
NIU football signs 24 players from eight states
Northern Illinois University head coach Rod Carey added 24 future Huskies to his first football recruiting class yesterday, including three teammates from Aurora Christian and players from Naperville, Crystal Lake and Streamwood. The signing day roster consists of 12 offensive players, 10 defensive players, one athlete and one specialist. Players come from eight states, with the largest group from Illinois. Full story.