Dawn Patrol: Fittest Loser announced; Senate OKs gambling plan
Carol Stream social worker sets Fittest Loser record
Determination and drive led Marianne Costales-Roman of Carol Stream to not only win the Daily Herald’s 2013 Fittest Loser competition Wednesday but also set the weight-loss record for the five-year history of the event. The 38-year-old wife, mother and high school social worker lost 60 pounds over the course of the 12-week competition. She dropped from 222 to 162 pounds. Full story.
Senate OKs huge gambling plan
The Illinois Senate approved a large-scale, contentious, gambling proposal Wednesday that would allow for five new Illinois casinos, including ones in Lake County and Chicago, as well as slot machines at Arlington Park. The massive proposal was presented by longtime gambling advocate state Sen. Terry Link, a Waukegan Democrat. Full story.
Two firefighters injured in Crystal Lake blaze
Two firefighters were injured while helping combat four house fires in Crystal Lake Wednesday afternoon. The Crystal Lake Fire Rescue Department was dispatched to a structure fire on the 3200 block of Carrington Drive around 3:30 p.m., according to a news release issued by Battalion Chief Jerry Larsen. Full story.
Arlington Hts. molester gets 30 years
An Arlington Heights man was sentenced to 30 years in prison Wednesday in exchange for pleading guilty to sexually assaulting two girls over about five years beginning when they were 11 and 13. Cook County Judge Ellen Mandletort sentenced Danny Sims, 44, to 15 years in prison on one count of criminal sexual assault and 12 years on a second count of criminal sexual assault, plus three years for sexual abuse. Full story.
Streamwood man pleads guilty to stalking child
A former substitute lunchroom monitor from Streamwood pleaded guilty Wednesday to stalking an 8-year-old girl. In exchange for Peter Surges’ guilty plea, Cook County Judge Ellen Mandletort sentenced the 53-year-old to two years in prison. In 2010, he began sending the girl notes — between 40 and 50 in all — in which he wrote that he loved her and that her body was sexy. Full story.
DuPage flood costs top $6.5 million
Cleaning up the aftermath of last month’s widespread floods will cost communities throughout DuPage County at least $6.58 million. The estimate provided Wednesday more than doubles the $3.16 million threshold for DuPage to qualify for federal assistance. Municipalities, libraries and other local governments now need to see if the state surpasses $17.57 million in total flood damage costs. Full story.
South Elgin soldier surprises son at school
Sgt. 1st Class Tim Gleason got a hero’s welcome when he arrived home to South Elgin Wednesday, and the biggest thrill for the Army National Guard soldier was seeing his four sons, one of whom was born during his recent deployment to Kuwait. Gleason and his wife, Katie, arranged to surprise their oldest son, T.J., at Corron Elementary School in South Elgin. Full story.
Weather
Mostly cloudy with cool temperatures today. It will be around 45 degrees this morning when you head out, increasing to 58 degrees with a possible thunderstorm later. It will dip back to 43 degrees tonight with some rain possible. Full story.Traffic
Roadwork continues in McHenry on Charles J. Miller Road between Green Street and River Road. The work will continue through October. More traffic.
Bulls-Nets Game 6 tonight
The Bulls will play the Nets tonight at the United Center, but they might be without Kirk Hinrich. The Bulls guard was no longer wearing a walking boot but still moving slowly on Wednesday. Full story.
NHL confirms Soldier Field game
The Blackhawks are going outside again. The NHL on Wednesday confirmed that the Hawks and Pittsburgh Penguins will play a regular-season outdoor game March 1, 2014, at Soldier Field. The event is part of the 2014 Coors Light NHL Stadium Series. Full story.