Dawn Patrol: 'Artist,' 'Descendants' win Globes; Elgin, Bartlett fires
‘The Artist' and ‘The Descendants' take top honors at Golden Globes
Black-and-white silent film “The Artist” won three Golden Globes last night, including best musical or comedy picture, while George Clooney's film “The Descendants” took home best drama. The two are the most likely candidates for the top honor of best picture at next month's Academy Awards. ABC's “Modern Family” won best television musical or comedy series, and Showtime's “Homeland” was named best television drama series. Full story, with a picture gallery and videos.
Elgin man and children escape fire through windows
An Elgin man escaped his burning home through a bedroom window yesterday morning and woke his two children by banging on their windows as the fire grew. Firefighters responding to the home on the 100 block of South Weston Avenue found the man and his children, ages 5 and 10, outside and unscathed, but the home was heavily involved in fire. “Luckily they had their doors closed,” said Elgin Fire Department Batallion Chief Timothy Michaels. Full story.
Fireplace sparks Bartlett house fire
A fireplace malfunction is to blame for a Sunday afternoon blaze that caused extensive damage to a Bartlett home and killed the family's fish. Firefighters from eight neighboring departments helped at the scene on the 1000 block of Knollwood Lane. Early reports estimated the damage to the home at $150,000. No one was injured in the fire. Full story.
Wheaton man angry about dead deer in forest preserve
A Wheaton man who found a dead deer that had been shot to death in the Timber Ridge Forest Preserve is questioning the county's culling program, used to control the deer population. Marty Adeszko says the deer was less than 100 yards from a bait pile. Police say the deer management program was not involved, and it was likely someone sport shooting. “I love hiking and taking pictures of wildlife, so it hurts to see something like this,” he said. “They are liable for this animal.” Full story.
Jon Hunstman to drop out of GOP race
Republican hopeful Jon Huntsman will withdraw from the race for the GOP presidential nomination today, according to The Associated Press. Huntsman will endorse Mitt Romney at an event in South Carolina, officials said. The former ambassador to China believes Mitt Romney is the best candidate to beat Barack Obama, according to campaign officials. Full story.
Cubs announce plans to outfield patio, LED board
This weekend's Cubs Convention brought out the usual die-hard Cub fans, but it was a chance for many to hear the team's new management and coach staff's philosophies heading into what could be a dismal year for the North-Siders. “The bottom line is we're putting together a team,” first-year manager Dale Sveum said. “We're not rebuilding. We're just building for a long time. We want to build a team that's very competitive on the field this year.” The biggest news of the weekend may be the announcement of an outfield patio deck and LED board on the right-field-corner wall. Full story.
Hawks' Stalberg stays hot in 4-3 win over San Jose
The Blackhawks top line dominated in a 4-3 win over San Jose and former teammate Antti Niemi at the United Center last night. Viktor Stalberg continued his hot streak, lighting the lamp for the fifth time in his past four games. “He's playing unbelievable,” said line-mate Patrick Kane. “It seems like we're getting better and better playing together,” Stalberg said. The win bumped the Hawks back into first place in the Central division. Full story.
Green Bay sent packing in playoff loss
The Pack will not be repeat Super Bowl champs this year thanks to a three-touchdown performance by New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning in Green Bay yesterday. Manning's 330-yard performance outshined Aaron Rodgers', who threw for 264 yards and two touchdowns but was intercepted. The Giants will meet the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship game while the Baltimore Ravens and New England Patriots will play in the AFC Championship game. Full story.
Weather
A bit of some strange weather is on tap today. First, it's 31 degrees as you walk out the door this morning, and temperatures will rise to about 40 degrees later this morning. That heat will bring on heavy fog later this morning, meteorologists said, before cool air rushes in and brings freezing rain, then snow, later tonight and into tomorrow morning. Full weather.
Traffic
An accident is blocking two left lanes on the southbound Tri-State Tollway this morning near Golf Road. Other than that, no major delays out of the norm to report early Monday. People are urged to avoid reconstruction and widening of Walkup Road from Route 176 to Burning Bush Trail in Crystal Lake. Full traffic.