Dawn Patrol: Apartment fire, stabbing arrest
Mount Prospect fire leaves 12 apartments uninhabitable
Mount Prospect fire officials continue to investigate a blaze that displaced residents of 12 apartment units and injured a firefighters last night. Firefighters rescued a resident who was trapped on a third-flood balcony as the apartment unit at 715 W. Central Road filled with smoke. Early estimates gauged the damage to the building and contents at $300,000. Full story.
Elk Grove residents let Schaumburg library board hear it
Emotions ran high last night as Elk Grove Village residents voiced their disappointment with the Schaumburg Township District Library board's decision to end a tax-sharing agreement with the Elk Grove Village Public Library. More than two dozen residents urged board members to reconsider their decision. “We go to the library at least four to eight times a month,” a 14-year-old said. “I take my bike whenever I can.” But the library board president the decision will stand, and the library will try to accommodate the Elk Grove residents' wishes. Full story.
Vernon Hills singer gets picked on ‘The Voice'
Anyone who turned into NBC's new hit show “The Voice” last night may have witnessed the suburbs' latest star. Jamie Lono, 22, of Vernon Hills chose CeeLo Green as his coach during his debut on the national stage. Lono sang Johnny Cash's “Folson Prison Blues.” Lono will appear on the next round in a few weeks, but in the meantime fans can visit him at Potbelly Sandwich Works in Vernon Hills where he will be working until auditions are over. Full story.
OTB restaurant headed for Hoffman Estates
Construction on an upscale restaurant with an off-track betting facility will likely break ground in March in Hoffman Estates now that village board approved the final plans for The Saddle Room. Developers hope the OTB restaurant will be open by the fall at 2559 Pratum Ave., currently owned by Cabela's. The project has been in the works since August 2009, but has faced a number of setbacks along the way. Full story.
Stubborn fire damages Algonquin home
A roaring fire caused extensive damage to an Algonquin home last night, but early reports indicate no one was injured. The blaze destroyed a three-car garage and spread throughout the majority of the two-story home. Firefighters arrived on Spring Hill Drive just before 9 p.m., and continued fighting back flames in the attic area after 10 p.m. Full story.
Palatine urges IDOT to reconsider median down Dundee Road
Palatine officials are urging the Illinois Department of Transportation not to build a barrier median on Dundee Road, which they say will severely affect businesses and potential developments on the commercial corridor. “There'd be very limited access going north or south,” Village Manager Reid Ottesen said. “There are so many other road projects out there that communities want, so we're saying let them redirect their money elsewhere.” Full story.
South Elgin brothers charged in Elgin stabbing
Champaign police arrested two South Elgin brothers last week who were wanted on aggravated battery charges stemming from a stabbing outside an Elgin restaurant in January. An Elgin man was charged in late January, but police later learned the two South Elgin brothers were involved and were granted a warrant for their arrest. The victim was stabbed three times during a fight at El Paraiso Restaurant on Jan. 8, and has since recovered. Full story.
Eurozone approves $170 billion bailout for Greece
European Union members hope a $170 billion bailout package for Greece will easy global tensions over the debt crisis, which has plagued the 17-country currency union for two years. It took more than 12 hours of talks reaching into early this morning to agree on the deal. The Euro climbed 0.7 percent within minutes of the deal. Full story.
Weather
Rain and snow mix are making it slick outside as you step out the door early this morning, with a high of only 36 degrees. Temperatures will rise to about 42 degrees today, but snow flurries can continue to mix with the rain throughout the day, creating slushy problems depending on where people live. Stay safe and slow down. Full weather.
Traffic
Traffic is moving along as best as can be expected early this morning, but congestion and delays are expected to increase as the morning continues because of the wet, slick conditions. Be prepared for a longer than normal commute and be stay safe. Full traffic.
We're all happy Derrick Rose is back
Shortly after the opening tipoff Monday, fans at the United Center let out a cheer simply at the sight of Derrick Rose dribbling the ball routinely up court. Much to everyone's relief, Rose returned against Atlanta after missing five games with back spasms, the longest absence of his pro career. There seemed to be no setbacks. Rose drove aggressively to the basket, twisted in the air, got fouled and fell to the ground and led the Bulls to a 90-79 victory. “We're not going anywhere without that guy,” center Joakim Noah said. “Having him tonight was definitely huge for us.” Full story.