Weekend in Review: Maine West abuse, horse neglect investigation
Palatine residents reuniting soldier's family with WWII prayer book
At the height of World War II in 1944, 11-year-old Claude Juin found a battered prayer book belonging to an American soldier near his small village in coastal France. Nearly 70 years later, Juin and members of Palatine's Sister Cities Association are close to getting the book back to its rightful owners. Full story.
DCFS places Maine West educators on abuse registry
The Department of Children and Family Services has validated several claims of abuse and neglect filed against two Maine West educators following allegations of hazing in the school's sports program and put their names on a state list of child abusers which is accessible to employers. The department's investigation concluded Jan. 30. Full story.
Kotowski a central player as gun issues take the state stage
Before being elected to the state Senate, Democrat Dan Kotowski of Park Ridge was a visible player in the emotional debate over guns in Illinois. Kotowski worked for six years as the executive director for the Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence, making him one of the state's top gun control lobbyists. Now, as both sides are set to clash on the issue in 2013, Kotowski could have a key role in that debate. Full story.
Brothers' silliness brings serious help to those fighting cancer
Brothers Tom and Bill Latourette have been competitive since they were kids. So when the suburban dads took to the golf course to raise a few bucks for a friend with cancer, they vowed to raise more the next year. A dozen years and nearly $400,000 later, they're pushing to raise more through the wackiest fundraiser ever. Full story.
'Super crocs' coming to Elgin library
An exhibit featuring enormous 40-foot crocodiles that lived 110 million years ago is headed in early May to Gail Borden Public Library in Elgin. The Grand Victoria Foundation gave the library a $25,000 grant and another $25,000 challenge grant, for which the library is seeking matching donations. Full story.
DuPage probes horse neglect claims at Danada
DuPage Forest Preserve Commissioners quietly have launched their own investigation into claims of mistreatment of horses at Danada Equestrian Center in Wheaton. The new probe comes 10 months after the issue apparently was settled when a veterinarian told forest officials that his assessment of the 25-horse herd found no signs of abuse. Full story.
Island Lake records detail activists' financial ties to village hall
A Daily Herald examination of Island Lake village records reveals details of the financial relationship between village hall and the two activists who successfully pushed to get mayoral hopeful Charles Amrich knocked off April's ballot. In 2012, two companies owned by Daniel Field billed the town for nearly $59,000 in services, while former trustee Louis Sharp's towing company handled more than 200 tows for the police department. Full story.
Arlington Heights man has app for fighting off attacker
Peter Cahill of Arlington Heights is marketing a smartphone application that is designed to summon help immediately if someone is being attacked or robbed, and he wants to offer it free for a year to Barrington Unit District 220. Full story.
New Christian-based basketball program in Elgin
Childhood friends Justin Anthony and Josie Wallace, of Elgin, are the co-founders of Epic Youth, a new Christian-based program in Elgin that combines basketball with leadership development and college preparation. “We're doing this so these kids can start to think bigger and understand there's more to life than what they see in their daily life in Elgin,” Anthony said. Full story.
Lake Zurich business would make hard liquor
A proposal to open a craft distillery on Lake Zurich's Main Street appears to suit the tastes of village officials. Copper Fiddle Distillery would produce primarily whiskeys but also gins and other specialty liquors, and offer tours and tastings from a 2,100-square-foot storefront at 532 W. Route 22. “I think it could be a very interesting thing,” Mayor Suzanne Branding said. Full story.
World & Nation
Northeast slowly recovering from blizzard. Full story.
Source: AMR, US Airways delay meeting on merger. Full story.
Wave of expiring stadium name deals draws attention. Full story.
Senator vows to delay Obama appointments over Libya. Full story.
New U.S. commander takes helm in Afghanistan. Full story.
Cruise lifeboat drill turns deadly. Full story.
Slain teen's mom will be Schneider's guest at State of Union. Full story.
Entertainment
Mumford and fun. triumph at Grammys. Full story.
View images from the Grammys red carpet here and the show here.
Watch video from the Grammys here.
Affleck chalks up another 'Argo' win at BAFTAs. Full story.
Neighbors might not recognize Wheeling's 'Biggest Loser.' Full story.
Chicago Film Critics honor 'Glee' star Jane Lynch. Full story.
Sports
Shutout puts Blackhawks at 10-2. Full story.
Illinois upsets another Big Ten foe. Full story.
Is All-Star Game in jeopardy for Noah? Full story.
Paterno family challenge's Freeh report findings. Full story.
Thibs preaching patience about Rose. Full story.