Dawn Patrol: Gold coins left in kettle; $1,000 stolen from kettle
Gold coins in Salvation Army kettle ...
Four gold coins valued at $1,300 each were dropped into a Salvation Army kettle in Lake Zurich this week, though officials say they don’t have any idea who made the donation. “(It was) totally anonymous,” said Salvation Army spokesman Alyse Chadwick Chung. The coins, which were $50 U.S. pieces, were dropped into a kettle at the Walmart store at 820 S. Rand Road and discovered Wednesday night. They are the first to be donated in a Chicago-area kettle this season. Full story.
... but one bell-ringer plays Grinch
A Salvation Army bell-ringer is facing theft and identify theft charges after authorities said he pilfered more than $1,000 from his collection bucket in Naperville. Joe Horton, 52, of Chicago was charged with stealing $1,030 from the bucket. “The very idea that someone would steal donations meant for the less fortunate is sickening,” DuPage County State’s Attorney Bob Berlin said in a written statement, “particularly given the fact that we are in the heart of the holiday season.” Full story.
Remembering Mandela
South Africa and the world are remembering the man described by current President Jacob Zuma as “our greatest son” — Nelson Mandela — the country’s first black president and one-time political prisoner during apartheid. See the full story with a photo gallery of pictures from our archives and interactive graphic on his life.
Pension bill becomes law
Pension reform is officially law in Illinois, after Gov. Pat Quinn’s private signing ceremony attended by a few lawmakers yesterday. The landmark legislation is intended to reform the state’s massively underfunded pension system, though labor unions have threatened a lawsuit challenging the new law. Full story.
Elgin mayor: City best it’s been in 50 years
Elgin Mayor David Kaptain says the image of his city is better today than it has been in over 50 years. But there’s still improvements to be made, he says. Kaptain spoke to local business leaders during the annual “state of the city” on Thursday. Among his key points: the city should create a handbook detailing all locally manufactured products, and businesses should hire more interns and participate in strengthening the education system. Full story.
Physician’s assistant at Palatine office acquitted
A physician’s assistant who worked at the Vista Health Center in Palatine was acquitted yesterday of molesting a female patient during an October 2010 gynecological exam. “I can’t find him guilty beyond a reasonable doubt,” said Cook County Judge Kay Hanlon of 51-year-old Alejandro Sanchez. She added that she believed Sanchez acted inappropriately “in a lot of ways.” Full story.
Weather
Bundle up because it will be cold today with high temperatures of only 23 degrees. It will be about 19 degrees when you head out this morning and temps will plummet to 10 degrees tonight. Full story.
Traffic
Construction continues on Rollins Road between IL Route 83 and IL. Route 45 in Round Lake Beach. People are urged to seek alternate routes around the heavy construction zones. More traffic from ABC 7 Chicago.
Bulls beat Heat without Rose
Even without Derrick Rose, the Bulls took the court at the United Center last night and rose to the occasion against the two-time defending champion Miami Heat. The Bulls led by as many as 25 points en route to a 107-87 victory. It was the fourth time in the last three seasons the Bulls beat the Heat without Rose. “It’s not hard to get up. They’re our rivals,” Taj Gibson said. Full story.
Hawks lose two in a row
The Hawks suffered their second loss in a row last night, despite having won their previous six. The Minnesota Wild scored 2 goals in the final six minutes to steal a 4-3 win from the Hawks. “We had the game right where we wanted it, six minutes to go and a 1-goal lead,” Hawks coach Joel Quenneville said. “Generally, that’s our bread and butter. We had to kill a penalty and we didn’t get it done.” Full story.