Dawn Patrol: 11 charged in drug conspiracy; Man wins $1 million
Police arrest 11 men accused in DuPage heroin conspiracy
After a two-month investigation, 11 men from West Chicago, Warrenville, Geneva, Naperville and Chicago were charged for their part in a heroin conspiracy, according to the DuPage County sheriff's office. The office's multijurisdictional Tactical Narcotics Team and SR-22 Unit conducted the investigation with the West Chicago and Woodridge police departments and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Full story.
Streamwood man wins big
A Streamwood salesman was awarded a $1 million check Wednesday at the gas station where he bought his winning Illinois Lottery ticket earlier this month. Larry Szpajer decided to try a different route Feb. 6 while making his usual sales calls. While driving through Lake Villa, he stopped to buy a Powerball ticket at the Citgo at 400 E. Grand Ave. Full story.
Duckworth will cut own pay if sequester happens
U.S. Rep. Tammy Duckworth, a Hoffman Estates Democrat, plans to take a pay cut of 8.4 percent if automatic spending cuts go into effect Friday. She is believed to be the first member of Congress to offer such a pledge, A full 8.4 percent reduction of Duckworth's $174,000 congressional salary would be $14,616. Full story.
Addison man convicted of federal gun charge
An Addison man faces a minimum of 15 years in prison after being convicted by a federal jury Wednesday of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Mario J. Rainone, 58, is a self-admitted Outfit member. A search warrant executed at an apartment where he was staying resulted in the federal firearms charge. Full story.
No sign of foul play in Grayslake man's death
A police investigation has found a 20-year-old Grayslake man likely became confused in a subdivision and walked the wrong way before freezing to death last month. Round Lake Park Police Chief George Filenko said Wednesday the in-depth probe showed foul play was not involved in the death of Joseph “Joey” Frase. Full story.
Elgin man charged with molesting young girl
Police have charged a 28-year-old Elgin man with aggravated criminal sexual abuse. Police say that after the assault, which occurred about Feb. 15, the 11-year-old victim told a neighbor who urged her to tell her mother. Full story.
Dismal voter turnout wasted tax dollars, officials say
Voter turnout Tuesday was so poor area election officials were calling the effort a waste of tax dollars. And the waste may not be over. With so many races decided by only a few votes, the potential for costly recounts and court battles may see more money flushed down the drain, county clerks said. Numbers show no county in the area managed even a 15 percent turnout. Full story.
Former Des Plaines cop pleads not guilty
Retired Des Plaines police commander Timothy Veit, who is accused of padding overtime hours in reports, pleaded not guilty to the charge in federal court Wednesday. Veit, 55, of Mount Prospect, is charged with making false statements that led to the department fraudulently receiving $132,893 in overtime reimbursements. Full story.
Weather
Windy with some light snow possible today, with a high of 34 degrees will greet people today. Temps will increase about 2 degrees later — increasing temperatures to 36 degrees — this afternoon, before dipping back to 25 degrees tonight. Full story.
Traffic
Roadwork continues on Charles J. Miller Road between Green Street and River Road — over the Fox River Bridge — in McHenry. People are also urged to slow down in areas with blowing snow. Full story.
Prosecutor drops drug case against Bears' Webb
A prosecutor said Wednesday he will not pursue marijuana possession charges against Bears offensive lineman J'Marcus Webb, who was charged after a traffic stop in southern Illinois Sunday night. Authorities said a deputy stopped the 24-year-old Webb for speeding on Interstate 57 in Pulaski County. Webb was freed Monday on bond. Full story.
Still no telling when Rose will return to Bulls
Today marks the 10-month anniversary of Rose's torn ACL, and the team will face the same opponent, Philadelphia, as it did when the injury occurred. It could be an ideal time to make a big splash, with the game airing on TNT, but there's no telling whether Rose will play Thursday, two weeks from now or seven months from now. Full story.