Dawn Patrol: Reward in Elgin murder; zoo's bison dies
Award announced in recent Elgin murder
Dash Elis yesterday tearfully announced a reward for any information that leads to the arrest and conviction in the murder of his wife, Lisa Koziol-Ellis. Friends of the couple organized donations for the reward. Full story.
Longtime Elgin zoo bison put down
The longest resident of Elgin's Lords Park Zoo, Po-Key, has died. Po-Key was born in the spring of 1991 at the zoo and lived there all her life. Zoo officials noticed she was having a hard time walking Monday, and she quickly deteriorated. Full story.
Banned Gail Borden trustee gets OK to attend forum
For the first time in more than 3½ years, Gail Borden Public Library Trustee Randy Hopp will be able to enter the library for something other than a board meeting. The board of trustees unanimously voted last night to allow Hopp — who's banned from the Elgin library other than board meetings — to attend an election forum organized by the League of Women Voters of the Elgin Area Thursday night. Full story.
Elk Grove man seeks to vacate drug conviction
An Elk Grove Village man serving time for a drug conviction is asking a judge to vacate the sentence based on incorrect testimony given by a Schaumburg police officer who has since been charged with a criminal drug conspiracy. Victor Alvarado was sentenced last year to six years in prison. Full story.
State board begs lawmakers for more funding
Members of the Illinois State Board of Education pleaded at a committee meeting in Springfield yesterday for more money after Gov. Pat Quinn announced a budget last week that gives even less to schools. Schools are on the verge of a “free fall,” they said, after years of decreased funding. Full story.
CLC rejects tuition hike
College of Lake County board members voted against raising tuition last night — a move that would have generated about $810,000. Board members said they'd rather see belt tightening than transfer that cost to students. Full story.
McHenry County coroner to release info teen death
The McHenry County coroner is expected to release information today regarding the death of a Lake in the Hills teen found dead Sunday in Crystal Lake. Stephanie R. Chiakas, 17, was a junior at Crystal Lake South High School. Police say an investigation is pending. Full story.
New Arlington Heights restaurant sparks hope for revival
Arlington Heights leaders hope the recent opening of Rack House Kitchen & Tavern, 222 E. Algonquin Road, sparks a revival in the southern portion of the city. The 10,000-square-foot new-American cuisine smokehouse restaurant opened in the former Boston Blackie's location. Full story.
Weather
Cloudy and cool with a high of only 25 degrees to start the morning. The clouds will give way to some sun later this afternoon, but temperatures will only reach about 32 degrees. Clear and crisp tonight with temperatures around 24 degrees tonight. Full story.
Traffic
Construction continues on McDonald Road between the west village limits and Robin Glen Road in South Elgin. This construction is expected to last through June of 2013. Full story.
Rose tells reporters he's not ready
Derrick Rose says he doesn't feel ready to return to the court yet since having surgery on a torn ACL last May. Rose told reporters yesterday that he's not sure that he'll make it back to the court this season. Full story.