Weekend in Review: Fatal crash; $52,000 bill for unused sick days?

Calls from Kirk, Cross eroded support to oust Brady

Illinois Republican Committeemen pulled the plug on a special meeting to oust the party chairman over statements supporting gay marriage less than 13 hours before it was set to start. While organizers say they wanted to give Brady an opportunity to defend himself, efforts from top-ranking Republican officials including U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk and House Leader Tom Cross eroded the votes they needed for his removal. Full story.

Dist. 121 pays $52,000 bill for boss' unused sick days

Phil Sobocincki's ability to report to work as Warren Township High School's superintendent and not use 200 sick days that were part of his final three-year contract came at a direct cost to local taxpayers. Sobocincki's untapped sick-leave time that was converted into a cash credit when he retired last year resulted in a state agency billing more than $52,000 to Gurnee-based Warren District 121 for extra pension costs, according to documents obtained through a Daily Herald Freedom of Information Act request. Full story.

Woman killed after car crashes into icy Aurora pond

One person was killed and three others injured after a car veered off Interstate 88 near Eola Road in Aurora and ended up in a retention pond Saturday night, state police said. Police have identified the victim as Emory Sepulveda, 21, of Aurora. An autopsy is scheduled for today, according to the DuPage County coroner's office. Full story.

U of I can't move on if Chief still serves as lightning rod

Banned by the NCAA since 2007 but still beloved by some students and alumni, Chief Illiniwek won't be put to rest at the University of Illinois until officials find his replacement. “People are going to cling to it as long as there is nothing in its place,” says recent U of I graduate Thomas Ferrarell, a Hawthorn Woods native and Lake Zurich High School graduate who led a so far unsuccessful attempt to find a new mascot. Full story.

Strikes a lasting part of Senate Bill 7's legacy?

An education reform package pushed through the state legislature in the spring of 2011 was hailed as nothing short of historic — among its components, limiting teachers' ability to strike. Or so its authors thought. But two years after Senate Bill 7's passage — and a year after its implementation — many more strikes are occurring, making them a lasting part of the education reform package's legacy. Full story.

Strikes don't add much heat to suburban school board elections

Suburban school districts have seen an unusual number of teacher's strikes in recent months. Yet, those strikes — and the disagreements that led to them — have not been a major force in campaigns leading up to the April 9 school board election. Full story.

Elgin crash kills man, injures woman

One man is dead and a woman severely injured in a two-vehicle crash Sunday afternoon on Route 20 just east of Shales Parkway in Elgin, police said. Full story.

Suburban write-in candidates hope to overcome hefty odds

They're given little attention and even less chance of winning, so what drives people who mount campaigns as a write-in candidate for a local office? Candidates cite a variety of motivations for bucking the odds — and express confidence that they will be among the rare write-ins to score a victory. Full story.

Glen Ellyn parents hesitant about change in school structure

Two days before the Glen Ellyn District 41 school board is scheduled to vote on a new structure for elementary education that includes multi-age classes, board members met with almost 100 parents Saturday morning, many of them concerned implementation is moving too fast. The proposal, called the Think Tank, has become controversial as it calls for the combination of second- and third-grade, and fourth- and fifth-grade classes. Full story.

Former Buffalo Grove trustee arrested

Former Buffalo Grove Trustee Lisa Stone was arrested Friday by Mundelein police on allegations she violated an order of protection obtained by her stepmother last month. The charge accuses Stone of violating the order by contacting her father through a third party, Mundelein Police Chief Eric Guenther said. Full story.

Mom, son arrested in Round Lake Park drug probe

Round Lake Park police say they have arrested a mother and her son as part of a continuing effort targeting local narcotics sales. Full story.

Kane coroner questions method of storing remains

Kane County Coroner Rob Russell is calling on county board members to help him provide a proper final resting place to 47 cremated people whose ashes were never claimed by their families. Some of the cremains are more than 50 years old and currently sit on a shelf at his office. Full story.

Buffalo Creek needs more cleanup, agency says

The waters of Buffalo Creek are not very healthy, a representative of the Buffalo Creek Clean Water Partnership said this week. Jeff Weiss, the partnership's founder, said their study has shown the lake water contains phosphorous, suspended solids and dissolved oxygen; and in the creeks, fecal coliform chloride and dissolved oxygen levels that exceed EPA allowances. Full story.

World & Nation

Nuclear chief: US plants safer after Japan crisis. Full story.

Seeking small business relief? Get ready to wait. Full story.

Before the papal conclave, deal making has began. Full story.

Hot chicks: Peeps more popular than ever at 60. Full story.

Lawmakers: Obama wooing might break budget logjam. Full story.

Twitter ends some Tweetdeck apps. Full story.

Valerie Harper to talk about 'incurable' cancer on 'Today.' Full story.

Sports

Hawks drop second straight. Full story.

Bulls trampled by Kobe, Howard. Full story.

Mingo leads Purdue to Big Ten title. Full story.

Tiger wins another championship at Doral. Full story.

Streak over, Blackhawks set sights on Cup. Full story.

Soriano's results inspire Cubs coaches' confidence. Full story.

White Sox hoping Baines can make a difference with hitters. Full story.