Dawn Patrol: Elgin police seek animal abuser; Metra CEO on way out?
Elgin police seek owner in animal cruelty case
A dog named Liberty will soon be free to move into a new, loving home after being rescued from an abusive owner whom Elgin police are still trying to track down, authorities said. The Elgin Police Department Animal Control Unit responded to a complaint regarding the abuse of the dog after a witness reported seeing the owner kick the animal while its head was stuck in a door frame. Full story.
Is Metra CEO on his way out?
Two years ago, Metra CEO Alex Clifford promised an era of change at the agency, which had been rocked by a financial scandal. But changes could be under way for Clifford if his contract, which expires next year, is not renewed. Several officials confirmed that Clifford’s contract is up for discussion and some directors are underwhelmed with his performance. Full story.
Art, music programs safe in Grayslake Dist. 46
More than 250 parents, teachers and students attended Wednesday night’s Grayslake Elementary District 46 board meeting with concerns about the possibility of additional budget cuts, including art and music programs. But it turned out board members voted against eliminating art and music programs for kindergarten through eighth grade. Full story.
Elgin’s Fox River Country Day School site to be split up
In just over a month or so, the former Fox River Country Day School property is expected to be divvied up among the city of Elgin, the Max McGraw Wildlife Foundation and the Kane County Forest Preserve District. The Elgin City Council last night approved intergovernmental agreements with the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority and the forest preserve district, and a real estate sales agreement with the wildlife foundation.
Obama gives Kirk a call to talk gun control
For the second time in as many months, President Barack Obama has reached out to Sen. Mark Kirk. Obama called the Highland Park Republican, who occupies his old Senate seat, to talk gun control late Tuesday. Kirk has taken a leading role on the issue, one that the President can’t afford to lose. Full story.
12 years for Aurora man who robbed for gambling addiction
On his best day of gambling Fernando Zavala won $8,000, which he used to buy a truck. On his worst day, the 39-year-old Elgin man lost $10,000 at the blackjack tables at the Aurora casino. Yesterday, Zavala’s choice to commit nine robberies — albeit with a toy gun — to feed his addiction cost him his freedom after he was sentenced to 12 years in prison. Full story.
Updated Brandt’s restaurant reopens in Palatine
The wait for those burgers, ribs and some updated decor is finally over with Brandt’s Little Cafe officially reopening this week as Brandt’s of Palatine. “We were hoping to keep it quiet at first, but we’ve already been bombarded,” co-owner Walt Oswald said. “Word is getting out, and people are excited.” Full story.
Sugar Grove Legion post ready for video gambling
By the time you read this, it’s likely somebody will have gambled via a video machine in Sugar Grove. Three machines at the Sugar Grove American Legion post were turned on yesterday. Sugar Grove voters said in an advisory referendum, 632 to 586 votes, that the town should allow video gambling. Full story.
Weather
More rain expected today with a high of only 38 degrees. Temperatures will rise to about 50 degrees this afternoon, but the rain will continue to fall — and potentially turn to snow — throughout the evening into tomorrow. Full story.
Traffic
Roadwork continues in Crystal Lake on Crystal Lake Avenue between Main Street and Erick Street. The construction is expected to last through May. Full story.
Goat’s head delivered to Wrigley Field
Goats that previously appeared at Wrigley Field were alive and kicking. But not yesterday, when a goat’s head was left in a box outside the home of the Cubs. The box was addressed to team chairman Tom Ricketts. A spokeswoman said Wrigley Field staffers discovered the package and immediately called police. Full story.
Sharp thrilled to be back on ice
Patrick Sharp returned to the Blackhawks’ lineup this week and shook off the rust of missing 14 games with a sprained left shoulder. “It felt like the first game after the lockout ended, just my timing was off a little,” Sharp told reporters. Full story by Tim Sassone.