Dawn Patrol: Snow tapers off; now get ready for the big chill
The snow has mostly moved on, minus a shower here or there, but the cold weather is starting to move in. It's 18 degrees this morning, but gusty winds and a butal wind chill is making it feel like its four degrees below zero. We are looking at sustained winds of about 25 mph, with gusts of about 40 mph, so watch out for blowing snow while commuting. Temperatures will climb to about 20 degrees by this afternoon. Full weather.
Traffic
More than 40 crashes have been reported throughout the system this morning, as slippery roadways from the snow overnight is making things slick. Most of the accidents have taken place nearer to Indiana, but accidents are being reported in Bartlett and Hanover Park. The Metra Milwaukee District West Line also has a delay in Wooddale this morning. Train 2200 was scheduled to arrive in Chicago at 5:30 a.m. is stopped due to mechanical problems. Passengers are being transfered to another train and will be in the city by 6:13. Full traffic.
Cops: Woman who crashed into Wheaton home was drunk
A 22-year-old Downers Grove woman who crashed an SUV into a Wheaton home Tuesday afternoon was charged yesterday with DUI along with “numerous other offenses.” The woman, whose name has not been released, also had trace marks on her arms, indicating she may be a heroin user, police said. The woman with a 27-year-old passenger onboard was involved in two separate crashes before rolling the vehicle over and into the home Tuesday, police said. Full story.
Randy Ramey DUI video: Clout or blackmail?
A video of State Rep. Randy Ramey's DUI arrest last August has surfaced, showing the chairman of the DuPage County Republican party asking a Carol Stream officer, “Do you know who I am?” as he is being handcuffed. Ramey says his opponent in the race threatened to release the video if he did not drop out. The campaign of his opponent, Republican Carol Pankau of Itasca, released a statement saying the decision to share the video was for the good of the Republican Party. Full story.
Hoffman teacher who lived with student won't be charged
A Hoffman Estates High School teacher who resigned over allegations that a male student lived with her for a month will not be charged. Police found no violations of “criminal code” during their investigation, which began on Sept. 22, about 10 days after school officials were notified the teacher and student were living together. The teacher said she student moved in with her with the approval of his mother. Full story.
97 people sickened after eating at Bob Chinn's
So far 97 people have been confirmed to have a gastrointestinal illness after eating at Bob Chinn's Crab House in Wheeling, but that number is expected to rise, according to public health officials. Chinn's reopened to serve dinner Wednesday evening after the health scare forced the restaurant to shut down Tuesday afternoon. “We don't have any kind of confirmation about what the gastrointestinal illness is,” a state health official yesterday. Full story.
Navy recruit who died at Great Lakes was out for a run
Navy recruit Christopher Walker told Great Lakes Naval Station officials he was disoriented during a 1½-mile run Wednesday morning before collapsing and dying shortly after. Walker was in the final stages of his 8-week boot camp during the test, which also involved sit-ups and push-ups. Walker, who was from Kittanning, Pa., may have had undiagnosed diabetes, according to the Lake County coroner. Full story.
Cook commissioner wants to amend controversial immigrant law
Cook County Commissioner Tim Schneider of Bartlett is attempting to amend the new ordinance that allows suspected illegal immigrants to be released from jail without notifying federal authorities. Schneider wants the county to notify ICE when detainees who committed forceable felonies or are on a terrorism watch list are released. Full story.
Woman, 24, who embezzled $100,000 sentenced to 4 years
A 24-year-old woman was sentenced to four years in prison after telling police she embezzled more than $100,000 from a Naperville business where she worked as a receptionist. Erican Salgado originally told police she took the money because she liked to buy designer purses, but Thursday she told the judge she stole to help a relative with cancer and a couple whose baby died. Investigators never found a record of any purse purchases. Full story.
Hawks rookies continue to shine in 5-2 win
The Blackhawks won for a second game in a row last night and rookies Jimmy Hayes and Andrew Shaw both scored a night after coach Joel Quenneville said the two were making a strong case to stay on the team. The 5-2 win over Minnesota at home pushed them back into first place in the Central Division. “We have some roster problems we're going to have to look at here,” Quenneville said. “(Marcus) Kruger looks like he could be back here playing on the weekend, so we'll have to look at some options here.” Full story.