Dawn Patrol: Lawsuit over I-90 crane accident; final election filings
Lawsuit filed after I-90 construction accident in Elgin
The wife of a worker who was seriously injured in a construction accident in Elgin earlier this month filed a lawsuit against a crane operator, the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority and others. Mechanical engineer Rudolph Das of Naperville spent nearly three weeks in intensive care at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge after he was crushed by a 20-foot crane component Dec. 1 while working on a barge under the Jane Addams Tollway bridge over the Fox River, attorney Jim Morici said. Full story.
New Lake County mayors next April for certain
With candidate filing for the April 2015 election completed, it's clear some Lake County suburbs will see new mayors take office next year. Longtime Lincolnshire Mayor Brett Blomberg won't seek re-election, and the mayors of Volo, Lindenhurst and Tower Lakes aren't seeking re-election, either. Full story.
Traffic
Traffic on most expressways and tollways remains light this morning, but a handful of crashes have been reported. There was a truck in the ditch near the interchange of Route 53 and I-90, a three-car fender bender on I-88 near York Road and a crash in Barrington at Hart Road and Northwest Highway. Full traffic.
Weather
Highs are expected to reach the mid-40s today after a soggy start to the morning with showers in the area. Although it will reach a seasonably mild high of 44, the wind chill is expected to remain at 37 with gusts up to 20 miles from the south-southwest. Rain mixing with snow and a high of 38 is expected for Wednesday. Full weather.
Current Campton Hills mayor challenges possible successor's petition
Campton Hills Village President Patsy Smith is not seeking re-election after serving two terms in office. But she is still challenging the petition filed by Trustee Harry Blecker, who wants to be the next president. Full story on this and other Tri-Cities races. Full story.
Races take shape for Arlington Heights board, schools, parks
Arlington Heights voters will have contested races next spring for village trustee, two school boards and park board. Six candidates, including all four incumbents and two challengers, are running for four seats with four-year terms on the Arlington Heights village board. Full story.
Mayor's critics among those running for Des Plaines council
Among the contested elections for Des Plaines city council are candidates outspoken in their opposition to Mayor Matt Bogusz. The race for 7th Ward alderman will pit incumbent Don Smith, who Bogusz appointed after the death of 29-year-old Alderman Joanna Sojka in August, against Bob Porada, a member of the zoning board of appeals who isn't being reappointed to that panel by the mayor. Full story.
Crowded Mount Prospect village board race
A crowded race has developed for the Mount Prospect village board, with seven candidates filing nomination papers for three available seats. Incumbent Paul Hoefert, John Korn and Richard Rogers are seeking re-election to 4-year terms, while newcomers John Dyslin, Kevin Grouwinkel, Kevin J. Nohelty and Colleen Saccotelli have also filed. Full story.
Three-way village president race in Oak Brook
Oak Brook Village President Gopal Lalmalani will face a pair of challengers, including a sitting trustee, in the April 7 election, but two other municipal leaders, Carol Stream Village President Frank Saverino and Wood Dale Mayor Annunziato "Nunzio" Pulice will run unopposed. Full story.
Rolling Meadows High School sophomore dies
A sophomore at Rolling Meadows High School died over the weekend at his home in Mount Prospect, but police said yesterday foul play is not suspected. Israel Echeverria, 15, was pronounced dead at 2:20 p.m. on Saturday, according to the Cook County medical examiner's office. Officials said an autopsy has been done, but results are pending toxicology tests, which can take four to six weeks. Full story.
Gold coin donated to Salvation Army in Lake County
A gold coin donated to The Salvation Army this past weekend makes 13 such coins netted this holiday season by the charity in Lake County. The one-ounce fine gold coin, valued at approximately $1,200, was dropped into a Salvation Army red kettle at a Jewel-Osco store at 885 East Belvidere Road in Grayslake. Full story.
49-point fourth quarter does the trick for the Bulls
The Bulls set a franchise record by scoring 49 points in the fourth quarter and rolled up a 129-120 victory over the East-leading Toronto Raptors last night at the United Center. Derrick Rose scored 15 of his 29 points in the fourth. Full story.