Weekend in Review: Case costing Schaumburg; Crash investigation continues

Schaumburg case fallout adding up

Three months after three former Schaumburg undercover cops were charged with selling drugs, the toll includes four federal lawsuits and charges dismissed against at least 19 former defendants. While defense attorneys praised the decision to drop the charges, some officials worried about former defendants returning to the street. “Speaking from an agent's point of view, it frustrates you,” said Jack Riley, special agent in charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration's Chicago office. Full story.

Sleepy Hollow man dies in Carpentersville fire

A Sleepy Hollow man died in a fire Friday night in the warehouse of a landscaping company he owned in Carpentersville, a relative said. Kurta Cina was a father of six, and a great person, said his brother-in-law, Joe Curran. Full story.

Infants move to new children's hospital in Hoffman Estates

They began arriving around 6:30 a.m. Saturday. First one, then two. Then: baby invasion! Fifty-five patients, including 18 premature and dangerously underweight babies, entered their newly constructed $125 million home, the Alexian Brothers Women & Children's Hospital. The 126-bed, six-level building is located on the east side of the St. Alexius Medical Center campus in Hoffman Estates. Full story.

Investigation of fatal bus crash continues

A horrific three-vehicle crash involving a school bus left one driver dead Friday in northern Lake County. However, the 34 students suffered only minor injuries, even though the vehicle rolled over. “Honestly, it really is a miracle and a blessing that not one of these kids is more seriously injured than they are,” said Lake County sheriff's office operations chief Brian Keller, adding that the high-backed seats played some role in protecting children. Full story.

Crash victim was entrepreneur, ‘could build nearly anything'

The Beach Park man who died in a three-vehicle crash Friday morning in rural northern Lake County was driving the yellow Jeep Wrangler he bought and customized for his wife as a Christmas present, his family said. Philip Smith, 62, died at the scene of the crash in which his Jeep collided with a school bus and a tan Jeep Cherokee. Full story.

State's attorney investigating Island Lake robocall

The Lake County State's Attorney's office is investigating a robocall made Saturday to Island Lake residents about mayoral candidate Charles Amrich. The recording, from a man claiming to be an Island Lake police officer, has been disavowed by all four candidates running for election with Island Lake Mayor Debbie Herrmann — Amrich's opponent in Tuesday's election. Full story.

Records provide insight into District 15 bus safety

As the debate in Palatine Township Elementary District 15 over whether to privatize school bus service continues to heat up — and negotiations with the transportation union remain at a standstill — the issue of safety has emerged alongside finances as paramount. But exactly how safely the transportation department operates is a big point of contention. The Daily Herald obtained records that provide some insight into the safety record. Full story.

Batavia residents protest downtown entry arch

Batavia Alderman Dan Chanzit said he plans to ask the city council to reconsider a recent decision to build an entry arch downtown after an outpour of criticism from residents. About 15-20 people gathered Saturday in downtown Batavia to protest the April 1 decision by the Batavia City Council to spend as much as $117,000 on an entry arch for North River Street at the intersection with Wilson Street. Full story.

Round Lake man wins $3 million jackpot

A Round Lake Park man may have missed out on winning $1 million around the Christmas holiday, but he won three times that amount this week through a related lottery promotion. Richard Kenyon scored $3 million Friday after he entered his losing ticket online as part of the Illinois Lottery's second-chance drawing, according to Micaela Small, a lottery spokeswoman, Kenyon was the lone winner of that promotion. Full story.

Residents, dogs escape Long Grove fire

Six dogs were saved out of the basement of a burning farmhouse in Long Grove after four residents also escaped unharmed, authorities said Saturday. A fire at an older, two-story farmhouse began about 9:15 p.m. Friday on the 4200 block of Route 83. It drew crews from multiple departments to extinguish flames that engulfed the front porch and spread through several of the walls. Full story.

Grayslake man convicted in business scheme

Two white men — one from Grayslake and the other from Kentucky — were found guilty last week of passing their Chicago cable installation company off as black-owned, a front that allowed them to win $8.3 million in contracts, prosecutors said. Matthew Giovenco of Grayslake and Guy Potter of Kentucky were convicted in federal court of six counts of mail fraud. Full story.

Suburban diplomat killed in Afghanistan

Chicago area friends and family are remembering River Forest native Anne Smedinghoff, who was killed Saturday in southern Afghanistan. The 25-year-old was a member of the U.S. Foreign Service and was the first American diplomat to die on the job since last year's attack in Benghazi, Libya. “It was a great adventure for her ... She loved it,” her father, Tom Smedinghoff said on Sunday. “She was tailor-made for this job.” Full story.

World & Nation

S Korea: N. Korea may be preparing to test missile. Full story.

Dem, GOP senators work on background check deal. Full story.

Hackers target Israeli websites. Full story.

Chaplain gets Medal of Honor 62 years after death. Full story.

Miranda Lambert has a good night at ACMs. Full story.

Monitoring your kids on Facebook? Full story.

Broadcasters worry about ‘Zero TV' homes. Full story.

Little-known surveillance tool raises questions. Full story.

Sports

Blackhawks clinch playoff spot. Full story.

Pistons end losing streak vs. Bulls. Full story.

Viciedo powers White Sox to victory. Full story.

White Sox looking good so far. Full story.

Wrigley Field deal is fine as long as fine print is too. Full story.

Fire beat the Red Bulls. Full story.