Dawn Patrol: Former Schaumburg cop released; Grayslake jobs on line
Last of accused Schaumburg cops released on bond
Former Schaumburg police officer Terrance O’Brien was released from jail Wednesday after his brother posted $30,000 cash. O’Brien is accused of skimming drugs from police seizures and using an informant to sell them on the street. He had been held at the DuPage County jail since his arrest Jan. 16 on multiple felony charges. Full story.
15 teachers’ jobs in jeopardy in Dist. 46
Grayslake Elementary District 46 board members heard a presentation Wednesday on proposed job cuts and other measures designed to reduce what’s expected to be a growing budget deficit. A $2.2 million hole is projected for the 2013-14 academic year. Under the preliminary plan to shrink the deficit, average class sizes would go up, leading to the dismissal of about 15 teachers at a savings of $725,000. Full story.
Man gets 15 years for Aurora outlet mall robbery
A Chicago man was sentenced to 15 years in prison Tuesday for his role in a June robbery at the Chicago Premium Outlet mall in Aurora. Kevin C. Jones, 36, pleaded guilty Nov. 1 to two counts of aggravated robbery. According to authorities, he fled with 48 watches valued at more than $77,000 after he entered a store on the 1600 block of Premium Outlet Boulevard and showed what appeared to be a gun. Full story.
Suburban residents protest same-sex marriage
Hundreds of people flocked to the Illinois Capitol Wednesday to oppose legislation that would legalize same-sex marriage. The Carol Stream-based Illinois Family Institute organized the day of lobbying, which comes almost one week after the Illinois Senate voted to allow same-sex marriage in Illinois, and while same-sex marriage supporters in the House work to line up votes. Full story.
Multimillion-dollar Hawthorn mall improvements OK’d
After years of promises, a major upgrade of the Westfield Hawthorn mall in Vernon Hills appears to be on track. With the pending commitment of AMC Theatres as a main draw and the Dave & Buster’s restaurant/arcade chain already on board, Westfield is set to embark on a $40 million to $50 million renovation and expansion centered on re-branding the mall as a destination for entertainment. Full story
Mundelein candidates divided on video gambling
The seven candidates running for seats on Mundelein’s village board are split on the issue of video gambling in town. Two favor it, three oppose it, and one doesn’t have a strong opinion one way or the other. The controversial issue came up Wednesday during Daily Herald candidate interviews. Full story.
Investigators looking at speed, weather in fatal Antioch Twp. crash
Accident investigators say they are looking at speed and weather in trying to determine the cause of a single-vehicle crash that killed two teenagers in Antioch Township. Lake County Sheriff Mark Curran said it’s unknown how long the investigation will take and when that information would be available to the public. Full story.
Offer made for library’s Kuhn Road property
A developer has expressed interest in building a nursing home facility on a vacant 7½-acre piece of property owned by the Carol Stream Public Library, officials said Wednesday. Lombard-based Alter 360, a realty firm representing the nursing home company, sent the library an offer to buy the land for $1,225,000. Full story.
Loan will help Grafton Twp. make payroll
In special meeting last night. Grafton Township officials decided to borrow about $100,000 from Road Commissioner Jack Freund in a move that buys the township about a month to pay bills and to make the payroll. Also, the township now can make a $10,000 deposit for an audit, which means Township Supervisor Linda Moore will avoid jail time after being found in contempt on a court order last week. Full story.
Weather
The snow is rolling in late this evening, with accumulation reports expected to be between 3-inches and 6-inches — maybe more in the northern suburbs. Temperatures will be about 17 degrees when you head out the door, then climb to about 29 degrees later this afternoon. It will dip back to 24 degrees during the snowfall, but windchills will make temperatures feel like only 7 degrees tonight. Full story.
Traffic
Roadwork continues in East Dundee on Van Buren Street between IL Route 72 and William Street, then again on Elgin Avenue. between Barrington Road and the south corporate limits of the village. The construction will continue through November. Full story.
Hansen suspended one game for hit on Hossa
The NHL suspended the Vancouver Canucks’ Jannik Hansen for one game for his hit against the Blackhawks’ Marian Hossa in Tuesday’s 4-3 Hawks shootout victory at the United Center. Early in the third period, Hansen hit Hossa in the back of the head with his forearm or elbow, putting Hossa out of the game. Hansen received a two-minute roughing penalty and missed Wednesday’s game at Dallas. Full story.