advertisement

Weekend in Review: Guns in the suburbs; Cutler, Bears still in playoff hunt

State data paints an imperfect picture of gun ownership across the suburbs

Even though their towns share a border, people who live in Libertyville are twice as likely to be legally authorized to own guns as their Vernon Hills neighbors. Similar wide variations show up across the suburbs, a Daily Herald town-by-town analysis of 2013 Firearm Owner’s Identification data shows. Full story.

Illinois one of few states to require gun licenses

Illinois’ requirement that anyone owning or buying a firearm be licensed by the state is meant to ensure guns stay out of the hands of dangerous criminals and those with significant mental health issues. But critics argue it’s an unnecessary hindrance to a person’s constitutional right to own firearms and drives Illinois gun buyers to neighboring states with less restrictive laws. Full story.

WWII vet an art institution at Harper

Having taken just about every art course offered at Harper College, 90-year-old Bernie Bluestein has put together quite a collection of his own works. And he’s got memories of those fake tanks he made to fool the Nazis during World War II. Full story.

Tax hike plan for former Libertyville High School to be on March ballot

Libertyville voters will be asked in March whether they would approve a tax hike to pay for up to $11.5 million in bonds to be issued by the village to rehab the former Libertyville High School into a community center. The project includes a higher estimated price and aspects that are different from what originally was envisioned. “There could be some pushback from seniors and the Civic Center board.” Mayor Terry Weppler said. Full story.

Kane keeping DUI patrols

Even though the most recent “No Refusal” event in Kane County only netted two DUI arrests, State’s Attorney Joe McMahon said his office will continue to organize these law enforcement efforts even if they render zero arrests. McMahon says driving under the influence is a serious crime with huge costs to society and driving impaired is less socially acceptable now than it was 20 years ago. Full story.

Grave markers to honor Revolutionary War veterans

Few people may know about the role two men buried at Elk Grove Cemetery played in the fight for American independence. That’s why the Illinois Sons of the American Revolution organization plans to install a historical marker to recognize them — a project the group’s membership plans to expand to every cemetery in the state where Revolutionary War veterans are buried. “It’s being part of our legacy and part of our history. It’s trying to live up to the standards these men lived up to and made our country what it is,” said Franz Herder, who is spearheading the project. Full story.

Suburban groups stage Newtown remembrances

Groups throughout the suburbs gathered Saturday to remember the tragedy a year ago at a Newtown, Conn., school. On Dec. 14, 2012, 20 children and six adults were shot and killed at the Sandy Hook Elementary School by a gunman, who invaded the building and later killed himself. Full story.

Million-light Elburn display earns TV spot

The Larsen Family of Elburn is one of 20 families competing in “The Great Christmas Light Fight,” a new series on ABC. Brian Larsen, his family and friends had three weeks in October to set up an estimated 1 million lights. Their story will air between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. Monday and the winners get a $50,000 prize. “Some guys collect Corvettes and Porsches and sports cars. I do Christmas lights,” Larsen said. Full story.

Zebra Technologies consolidating in Lincolnshire

Zebra Technologies Corp. is consolidating offices in Vernon Hills and Lincolnshire at a new location in Lincolnshire, bringing its presence there to 800 jobs, the village announced. The company is leasing a 290,000-square-foot office building at 3 Overlook Point in the 330-acre Lincolnshire Corporate Center, managed by Van Vlissingen & Co., for its corporate, international and engineering offices. Full story.

Oak Brook jewelry story robbed

Police are investigating an armed robbery that occurred Saturday evening at an Oak Brook jewelry store, according to a news release. Two males wearing black ski masks entered the store shortly before 6:30 p.m. at Helzberg Diamonds, 3031 Butterfield Road, according to police. One of the offenders displayed a hand gun while the other used a baseball bat to smash a display case, police said. Both offenders then grabbed jewelry from the case and fled on foot heading northbound toward Butterfield Road. Full story.

Comrades rally to aid of shot Arlington Hts. cop

The Chicago Police Memorial Foundation’s 7th annual Operation Santa made a last-minute stop in its tribute tour to fallen officers, bringing gifts Saturday to the Arlington Heights police headquarters for the officer shot Thursday evening while responding to a hostage situation. “He has a long road ahead of him with his recovery, but he is expected to make a full recovery,” said Cmdr. Andrew Whowell. Full story.

Arlington Hts. officer remains in hospital. Full story.

World & Nation

Mandela buried in rolling hills of South Africa. Full story.

Poll: Health law seen as eroding coverage. Full story.

How Volcker Rule would limit banks’ risky bets. Full story.

Loophole in law causes food stamp costs to swell. Full story.

Big tech companies lash out at government snooping. Full story.

Maybe not sci-fi, but robots readied for big tests. Full story.

‘Lawrence of Arabia’ star Peter O’Toole dies. Full story.

‘Billy Jack’ creator, star dies at 82. Full story.

Sports

Cutler keeps Bears in playoff hunt. Full story.

Cutler rewards Trestman, Bears with win. Full story.

Another big Jeffrey catch for Bears. Full story.

A step in right direction for Bears. Full story.

Blackhawks’ Raanta bounces back in big way. Full story.

Coach Q pondering some options in goal. Full story.

Can Bulls take advantage of mediocre East? Full story.

Article Comments
Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.