Dawn Patrol: Sheriff sergeant charged with sex assault
Breaking News:
Classes will be canceled at Zion-Benton Township High School for a third day Monday after teacher contract negotiations stalled early Sunday morning. Teachers will be back on the picket line at 7 a.m. this morning, union officials said. The teachers union went on strike Thursday after negotiations over salary structure and benefits ended. It's unclear when the two sides are expected to return to the negotiation table.
Sheriff's sergeant charged with sexually assaulting child
A McHenry County sheriff's sergeant from Crystal Lake has been accused of sexually assaulting a minor, according to police. Sgt. Gregory Pyle, 36, is a 10-year veteran of the sheriff's department and now faces 10 counts of predatory criminal sexual assault. Pyle surrendered to authorities Saturday night, but posted bail just after midnight. Full story.
Woman's death from hunger strike in jail leaves behind questions
A 52-year-old Vernon Hills woman died last week after going on a prolonged hunger strike while she was at the Lake County jail. Officials continue to investigate Lyvita Gomes' death, which occurred 21 days into the strike. Full story.
Carpentersville winery moving to Algonquin
The Village Vinter Winery in Carpentersville is closing up and moving two miles north to Algonquin after a six-year run at its location on Randall Road. The winery is expanding to two storefronts on Esplanade Drive, and will soon include a microbrewery and restaurant. “I thought I'd get more exposure on Randall Road, but it's amazing how many people still come in after six years, not realizing I was here,” said the business's owner. http://dailyherald.com/article/20120108/news/701089885/"> Full story.
Family, friends mourn West Aurora H.S. graduate killed in Afghanistan
Friends and family of West Aurora High School graduate Christopher Patterson, who was killed in Afghanistan while serving with the National Guard, remembered him yesterday as a musical talent who was dedicated to his country. #8220;He said #8216;I didn't join the National Guard just for money for school. I joined to serve my country. I have to be with them,'#8221; his father, Robert Patterson, recalled yesterday. Full story.
Fire severely damages Des Plaines home
An early morning fire yesterday left a Des Plaines home uninhabitable and caused an estimated $25,000 in damage, according to fire officials. The lone occupant of the home on the 1700 block of Farwell Avenue escaped with her dog after being alerted by a smoke detector. The fire caused extensive damage to the first floor of the home. Fire officials continue to investigate the cause of the blaze. Full story.
Blackhawks' continue slide, drop to 3rd in Central
Less than two weeks after leading the Central Division by 5 points and leading the NHL in overall standings, the Blackhawks have slipped to third in the Central and fifth in the West. The team extended losing streak to four games last night with a 3-2 overtime loss to the Detroit Red Wings at the United Center. The Hawks also lost Patrick Sharp who left the game after being slashed near his wrist. #8220;We'll see,#8221; said coach Joel Quenneville, who normally lets the media know if the injury isn't anything to worry about. Full story.
Tebow connects on 80-yard pass in OT for playoff win
Tim Tebow struck again, this time in his first NFL playoff matchup last night, by connecting in an 80-yard touchdown pass on the first play of overtime as the Denver Broncos knocked off the Pittsburgh Steelers 29-23. The Broncos are next set to face star quarterback Tom Brady and the New England Patriots. Full story.
Weather
Extremely mild weather on tap again today, with partially sunny skies and high temperatures of about 46 degrees this afternoon. It'll be about 30 degrees this morning when you head out the door, mostly comfortable for January. The temperatures are expected to climb to 53 degrees tomorrow, before cold weather blows in and we return back to January weather on Thursday. Full weather.
Traffic
Decent travel conditions this morning, with only one accident to report. People should avoid Ogden Avenue and Old Tavern Road in Lisle due to a crash slowing things down. People should be aware of constrution on Butterfield Road between Route 59 and Naperville Road near Naperville. Full traffic.