Weekend in review: Wheaton College student killed in plane crash
Parachute deploys, but plane still crashes near Crystal Lake
Wheaton College students and faculty mourned Ramie Harris, a 21-year-old junior psychology student who died Saturday in a plane crash near Crystal Lake. “There was nothing anyone could do,” said Darren Smith, one of the first people on the scene of a plane crash that killed three other people Saturday near Crystal Lake. Smith heard an airplane in trouble around 10:30 a.m. The aircraft broke through the clouds above Smith's head and crashed in a soybean field. Harris, her father, sister and a male passenger were all killed. See Sunday's story about Harris and Saturday's report of the crash.
Chicago's beloved former first lady dies
Maggie Daley, wife of former Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley, died Thanksgiving night after her long fight with breast cancer. Suburban mayors remembered the beloved first lady. “The impression I had then was of a terrifically sweet lady — a beautiful lady with a sweet smile,” Schaumburg Mayor Al Larson said. “I think gracious with a capital ‘G' is how I'd describe it.” A public Mass is scheduled today. Full story.
Suburban stores hoppin' on Black Friday
At Woodfield Shopping Center in Schaumburg, “sales have been up every month this year,” said Marc Stritch, general manager. And the mall seemed headed for a sales gain over Black Friday a year ago, as the mall opened at 4 a.m. — an hour earlier than last year — with 31 stores and restaurants opening at midnight. Melissa Troy, manager of Macy's at Woodfield, said customers responded to the store opening at midnight for the first time. “In some cases, I think it's almost easier for shoppers,” she said. “They can just stay up till midnight rather than getting up to be here at 4 a.m. or staying up till 4 a.m.” See what bargains they found.
Police nab abusers of disabled parking at Woodfield
Investigators from the Illinois Secretary of State Police heard all the excuses during a Black Friday enforcement crackdown at Woodfield Shopping Center in Schaumburg, and they weren't accepting any of them. Instead they were issuing fines of $500 minimum to people who couldn't justify taking the spaces. Full story.
Fielder's lawsuit: We were duped by Zion officials
Zion Mayor Lane Harrison and others are accused in a lawsuit of luring the Lake County Fielders to play a second season in a temporary ballpark in 2011 by misleading team ownership about construction of a permanent facility. Full story.
Mount Prospect, Des Plaines teens give up child but stay connected
If having love and a lot of people looking out for you means success for a child, Sara Dillon has it made. Sara is a child with many families: the one that adopted her shortly after her birth last year; the biological mother and father who continue to play a part in her life; and grandparents and relatives on both sides. “More people loving Sara ... how can that be bad?” asked her adoptive father, Matt Dillon. Full story.
Libertyville losing Arden's Furniture & Design store
Downtown Libertyville is losing one of its better known and longest running retailers, but the prominent and expansive space isn't expected to be empty long. Arden's Furniture & Design has sold an eclectic mix of middle to high-end furnishings and accessories since 1974 on Milwaukee Avenue across from Cook Park, a popular community gathering spot. “We bought it too high and basically couldn't support it anymore,” said Mike Main, who with his mother, Carla Davidovic are partners in the business. Full story.
Des Plaines' “last farmer” dies at 92
A 92-year-old Des Plaines man who was born and still lived at the city's last farm died Wednesday, it was announced this weekend. Irvin Moehling lived on the 2.5 acres of what was once a 200-acre farm at Rand and Wolf roads. “His father was born in this house and died in this house. His great-grandparents bought this house in 1865,” said his wife, Beverly Moehling. “He was the last farmer.” Full story.
Good weekend for Christmas on the Fox Art and Craft Show
Many of the people strolling through the rows of indoor displays Sunday at the Christmas on the Fox Art and Craft Show held bags of purchased items and several of the vendors said they had a successful weekend during the two-day show in St. Charles. This is the fourth year Robin Reed, of Art of the Heartland Inc., held the show at the Kane County Fairgrounds. Reed said Saturday was especially busy but plenty of people stopped in Sunday as well, some for the second day in a row.“I don't see many just looking,” Reed said. Full story.
World & Nation
New Mass translation launches in American parishes. Full story.
American student discusses his arrest in Egypt. Full story.
Egypt heads to vote in turmoil, confusion. Full story.
Newt Gingrich gets endorsement from New Hampshire's largest newspaper. Full story.
Afghan officials: Fire from Pakistan led to attack. Full story.
Ohio puts 200-lb. third-grader in foster care. Full story.
6th earthquake in 4 days recorded in Oklahoma. Full story.
NATO apologizes for unintended Pakistan attacks. Full story.
Arab League approves Syria sanctions. Full story.
Life & Entertainment
Altar girls part of wider Catholic debate. Full story.
Top Olympic tickets available, at a price. Full story.
Kermit talks about the Muppets' comeback.
Drought may force migrating birds to New Mexico. Full story.
Sports
Illini coach Ron Zook gets the ax. Full story.
Caleb Hanie's rough first half put Bears in a hole. Full story.
Jonathan Toews gets the Blackhawks home in good shape.
Syracuse fires assistant coach in wake of scandal. Full story.
Guard C.J. Watson hoping Bulls can 'make a run at it.' Full story.