Dawn Patrol: Flooding next? Nearly a fight at Palatine meeting
Monday's snow creates a mess, could lead to flooding
Snow yesterday created more headaches for commuters and travelers and even led to a couple of near-misses as a plane slipped off a runway in West Chicago and a train glanced off a car stuck in snow in Des Plaines. Higher temperatures and rain in the forecast later this week could mean flooding in some areas as snow melts. Full story.
Palatine sign rejection leads to confrontation
Palatine leaders voted down a proposal for a sign installation for a local flower shop last night, and it led to a shouting match outside the council chambers. Ken Kinsch, owner of Kinsch Village Florist and Garden Center, was held back by a Palatine police officer while he yelled at a resident who had come to speak against the proposed sign. Full story.
Arlington church backs off church expansion
Orchard Evangelical Free Church announced yesterday that it's calling off controversial plans to demolish eight homes it owns near the church to make way for a new parking lot. Instead, the church plans to sell the homes. A group of neighbors called the Hickory Meadows Community Group have strongly opposed the parking lot expansion. Full story.
Batavia OKs new Walgreens for downtown
After three years of consideration, the building of a new Walgreens store in downtown Batavia was approved last night. The city council voted 8-4 to sign a redevelopment agreement with Batavia Enterprises Inc., wherein BEI will receive $1.143 million in financial aid to build a store at 122 W. Wilson St., on the site of a former hardware store. Full story.
Elk Grove's Mayor Johnson wants to point water-rate finger at Emanuel
Elk Grove Mayor Craig Johnson expressed frustration with the latest set of water bills received by residents that reflect the city of Chicago's most recent water rate increase, so he's having the village seek water options for the future. "If you get up in the morning, look to the east and tell Mayor (Rahm) Emanuel he's number one in your book," Johnson told residents at a recent village board meeting. "And you know which finger I'm talking about." Full story.
District 93 reaches deal with teachers
Bargaining teams for Carol Stream Elementary District 93 and its teachers union have reached a tentative five-year agreement. Teachers are expected to formally vote on the contract sometime in the next few weeks and ratify the deal at a March meeting. Full story.
Elgin resident wants all of Lords Park road plowed
An Elgin resident says plowing all of Lords Park's road would make it easier for people walking dogs and looking for exercise to navigate the park. Village and park district leaders remain undecided, saying they're not sure plowing that stretch would be beneficial for many people. Full story.
Weather
No snow is expected today, which should bring a resounding cheer from the masses. It is expected to reach 40 degrees today, before temperatures slip back to 27 degrees tonight. Full weather.
Traffic
Construction continues on Route 22 between US Route 12 and US Route 14 in Lake County. People should expect delays in those areas. Full traffic.
Division won't make things any easier for Cubs this year
The Cubs will find it difficult to escape the Central cellar again this season. The Cardinals, along with the Cincinnati Reds and Pittsburgh Pirates, are still light years ahead of the Cubs at the major-league level. And the Milwaukee Brewers will get a key player back in Ryan Braun. Bruce Miles takes a look. And Scot Gregor takes a look at the White Sox and the AL Central.