Dawn Patrol: Property taxes on luxury treehouse? Restitution for maggots in ear
Property taxes for luxury treehouse in Schaumburg?
Is a 112-square-foot, backyard treehouse equipped with all the comforts of home actually a second residence? That's the question Schaumburg Township Assessor John Lawson is exploring amid the media attention given in the last week to Schaumburg resident Dan Alexander's luxury treehouse on Winchester Lane. As of yesterday afternoon, Lawson was still researching the issue with Cook County Assessor Joseph Berrios' office in Chicago. Full story.
Lutheran Home ordered to pay family of woman found with earful of maggots
The Lutheran Home in Arlington Heights has been ordered to pay $250,000 to the family of a woman who was found to have 57 maggots crawling in her ear in 2012, a judge ruled. Catherine McCann, of Arlington Heights, suffered from severe Alzheimer's and lived at Lutheran Home for the Aged, 800 W. Oakton St., for two years before family members noticed her tugging her ear on Sept. 16, 2012. Full story.
Defense suggests half brother in 2013 Elgin murder
The trial continues today after the attorney for Paul A. Johnson of Elgin, accused of stabbing neighbor Lisa Koziol-Ellis to death with 55 blows in 2013, told a Kane County jury yesterday the man's late half-brother, visiting at the time, could have done it. He also said Johnson's shoeprint, blood and DNA found at the scene could have gotten there if Johnson helped clean up a crime scene out "blind loyalty" to the half brother. Full story.
New COD board chairwoman tells reforms she plans next:
Sweeping reforms enacted by the just-installed College of DuPage board were only the beginning, according to new board Chairwoman Kathy Hamilton. She told the Daily Herald that in the coming days and weeks, the board hopes to make several more moves, starting with forming a transition team to examine the operation and governance of the Glen Ellyn-based community college. Full story.
Notorious bank robber 'Phantom Bandit' charged with theft in Barrington
A man known as the Phantom Bandit, one of the most notorious bank robbers in Canadian history, is behind bars in the Lake County jail accused of trying to steal more than $900 in liquor from a downtown Barrington grocery store. Gilbert Galvan, 58, also at times dubbed "The Flying Bandit," faces four counts of felony retail theft stemming from his arrest at a Jewel-Osco store, Barrington Police Chief David Dorn said yesterday. Full story.
'Fittest Loser' anticipation:
Tonight, we find out who won the Daily Herald's annual "Fittest Loser" and "Fittest Loser At Work" contests this year. You're invited to celebrate with them at the finale party in Schaumburg. Full story.
Baking champ's best:
Brian Emmett of Itasca, the 2013 champion of the TV show "The American Baking Competition," is excited that his cookbook - "Get Your Bake On" - is out. And it has whetted his appetite for writing cookbooks. Full story.
Weather
Sunny and 41 degrees to start this morning. Temperatures are expected to reach 56 degrees this afternoon before dipping back to 4 degrees overnight tonight. Full story.
Traffic
Intersection work will cause restrictions at Route 31 and Route 176 in Crystal Lake through the end of June. Full story.
Cavs crimp Bulls' plans:
The Cleveland Cavaliers forced the Bulls into a sixth game in the second-round playoff series, as LeBron James racked up 38 points in a 106-101 victory last night. The Bulls lost Taj Gibson when he was ejected with 10:25 left in the fourth quarter. Essentially, Gibson was given a flagrant 2 foul for kicking at Cleveland guard Matthew Dellavedova. Gibson insisted he was not guilty of the crime. Full story.
Sale strikes out 11 to win:
Scot Gregor says White Sox pitcher Chris Sale looked a lot like his old self last night in his 4-2 win over the Milwaukee Brewers, and that's a good thing. Full story.