Dawn Patrol: Sleepy I-88 trucker convicted; MCC student killed
Trucker found guilty of most charges in fatal I-88 crash
A truck driver charged in the fiery crash in January of last year that killed a tollway worker and seriously injured a state trooper was found guilty yesterday of most of the charges against him. A DuPage County judge found Renato Velasquez, 47, of Hanover Park, guilty of the felony charges of operating a commercial motor vehicle under the impairment of fatigue, and two counts of failure to comply with hours of service requirements. Full story.
MCC student killed in crash with commuter train
A McHenry County College student and member of the volleyball team was killed yesterday when a Metra train collided with her vehicle on a snow-covered crossing in Woodstock. The coroner's office identified her as Amanda L. Williams, 19, of Woodstock. Full story.
Elgin man charged in break-ins
An Elgin man was charged with four counts of residential burglary in connection to several recent break-ins near the Century Oaks East neighborhood, Elgin police said. The burglaries took place between Jan. 30 and Feb. 20 and involved the theft of electronics and jewelry. Full story.
Farnham sentencing won't be delayed despite illness
A federal judge won't delay the sentencing for former state Rep. Keith Farnham for child pornography even though Farnham's attorney said his client is sick and could die soon. U.S. District Judge Edmond E. Chang yesterday ordered the Elgin Democrat's sentencing take place on March 19 as scheduled, a spokeswoman for the U.S. attorney's office said. Full story.
Fire destroys van in Palatine
Fire destroyed a van near the intersection of Rand Road and West Frontage Road in Palatine yesterday afternoon. The van was destroyed but a nearby convenience store did not sustain any damage. Full story with pictures and video of the fire as it happened.
Island Lake cop gets new $60,000-a-year-job
A part-time Island Lake police officer with political ties to Mayor Charles Amrich and his allies on the village board was awarded a full-time municipal job by that panel last night. Wayne Schnell will earn up to $60,000 a year as the town's new building commissioner and code enforcement official. More than 20 other applicants were not interviewed. Full story.
Weather
Clear but frigid with temperatures hovering at 1 degree above zero. Temperatures are expected to climb to 16 degrees above zero, before dipping back to 1 degree overnight tonight. Full story.
Traffic
Widening and reconstruction work will cause restrictions on Butterfield Road between Route 59 and Naperville Road in Wheaton until May. Full traffic.
Derrick Rose going for the quick-recovery surgery today
Derrick Rose's latest knee surgery is scheduled for this morning, and there's optimism around the team that Rose will be able to return before the end of the regular season. There should be a better answer once the surgery is complete. The Bulls have 24 games left in the regular season. Full story.