Dawn Patrol: Van hits library, Hawks win, towns hike tax pie
Breaking news
All lanes of the northbound Kennedy were blocked but have been reopened at Division Street in Chicago because another wrong-way driver caused a crash. Two vehicles were involved in the 4:30 a.m. crash that caused a massive delay on the Kennedy. Illinois State Police are still investigating the accident and the extent of the injuries is unknown at this point.
Quinn targets Aurora facility for closure
Gov. Pat Quinn wants to close the Fox Valley Adult Transition Center in Aurora, a facility where female inmates in Illinois go to prepare to move from prison to daily life. The center, at 1329 N. Lake St., houses nearly 130 women who are low-level offenders. The center is on a long list of facilities Quinn will target for closure in his annual budget proposal today.
82 of 83 suburbs are pulling in more property taxes
At a time when property values have gone down considerably, many suburbs have sharply increased how much they're receiving in property taxes. More than two dozen towns throughout the suburbs have raised property taxes by more than 20 percent since 2006, according to an analysis of five years' worth of property tax records. Full story.
Blackhawks top Red Wings
Corey Crawford made 31 saves and the Blackhawks beat the Red Wings 2-1 in a matchup of depleted Central Division rivals. ”Corey was rock solid,” Chicago coach Joel Quenneville said. “He was big, strong, controlled rebounds.” The Hawks have won four in a row and host Dallas on Thursday night. Full story.
Man drives into Schaumburg library
The 80-year-old driver and his wife who was in the passenger's seat of a minivan that crashed into the Schaumburg Township District Library yesterday were both injured in the accident, police said. The two suffered cuts and other minor injuries when their vehicle drove through the front glass doors and into the foyer, officials said. The library, 130 S. Roselle Road, was able to remain open and suffered no structural damage. No one inside the library was injured. Full story.
Wheaton woman working to bury 'hero'
Heidi Quitter won't be able to live with herself if she doesn't give a proper burial to the man who lost his own life saving hers. Longtime boyfriend Lionel Lane was shot and killed Jan. 5 on Chicago's West Side as he protected her from a gunman who forced her into a gangway. Now she's trying to find the money to bury him. “He died a hero and I'm not going to let his death go in vain,” Quitter said. Full story.
Judge sets date for Elgin teen's murder trial
A Kane County judge set the trial date for LaCorbek Benion, an Elgin teen whose mom was convicted last month of ramming and killing his rival with her car. Timera Branch of Streamwood, was sentenced to 34 years in the death of 17-year-old John W. Keyes III. Benion is accused of striking Keyes with a bat while he lay on the ground after being struck by the vehicle. Full story.
Ronald McDonald Family Room at Edward is 1st in Illinois
Family with relatives undergoing treatment at Edward Hospital will now have a comfortable place to rest rather than sleep in a chair near their loved ones. The Naperville hospital unveiled the first Ronald McDonald Family Room in Illinois. “Having a calm area where they can regroup is really essential,” Edward President and CEO Pam Davis said. “It helps them know that with the ups and downs there are other people who have been there.” The nearly 2,000-square-foot space is a short walk from Edward's Newborn Intensive Care and Pediatric Intensive Care units. Full story.
Cunningham back on ballot in 11th Congressional District
Jack Cunningham, whose name was taken off the ballot for the 11th Congressional District, will be put back on the ballot today when the state election board meets. The board already notified local election authorities of the decision. Some of Cunningham's petitions were thrown out because the circulator had listed his address incorrectly on the forms, but Cunningham's attorney argued it was an accidental error in the address. Military and absentee ballots that have been mailed out do not, and will not, contain Cunningham's name. Full story.
Lauzen under fire for using Geneva email
A part-time political consultant for State Sen. Chris Lauzen raised allegations Tuesday that Geneva Mayor Kevin Burns used his taxpayer-funded email address to run his campaign for Kane County Board chairman. Records show more than 100 pages of emails connected to that account, involving exchanges between Burns and various supporters and campaign employees. Full story.
Weather
Snow flurries totaling about 1 inch is expected to fall this morning, which could make things slick for the morning commute. But, after the sun comes up, the temperatures will rise to about 45 degrees and any precipitation will turn into rain. The wind will make it feel a bit cooler though, so keep the warm jacket nearby. Full weather.
Traffic
The outbound Kennedy is facing long delays due to a crash in Chicago earlier this morning. But, other than that, traffic is moving along as well as can be expected. Congestion will build swiftly, though, as snow flurries will undoubtedly slow things down. People should avoid construction delays on Walkup Avenue between Route 176 and Burning Bush Trail in Crystal Lake. Full traffic.