Dawn Patrol: Fire captain killed in crash; Blackhawks lose Game 1 in OT
Huntley fire captain dies in motorcycle crash
Huntley Fire Capt. John C. Winkelman, who was known as “Winky,” died in a motorcycle crash Thursday afternoon in Crystal Lake. The 54-year-old husband and father of two was riding his Harley-Davidson on Route 176 when a vehicle pulled out in front of him, police said. Firefighters said the 20-year veteran of the department always had a smile on his face and was a fixture of the firehouse. Full story.
Wife of fallen Elgin Marine remembers him as shy, loving
The wife of 21-year-old Marine Cpl. Alex Martinez says she wears her late husband’s wedding band around her neck along with a locket with his photo and last post on her Facebook page:“I loved you yesterday, I love you still. I always have and I always will.” Julianna Martinez, 22, yesterday talked about her husband who was killed while on his second tour in Afghanistan last week. “He was basically loved by everybody, everybody he met,” said Julianna, who met Alex at Larkin High School in Elgin when she was a senior and he was a shy sophomore. Services are set for Saturday. Full story.
18 horses confirmed dead in McHenry fire
Authorities said 18 horses were killed and 2 remain missing in a fire on Bay Road in McHenry on Wednesday. But, volunteers have come together to help out the surviving horses throughout Lake and McHenry counties. Full story.
Elgin Teachers Association rejects new contract
The Elgin Teachers Association voted down a tentative contract agreement last night, with 1,319 teachers voting against the three-year deal and just 673 teachers voting for it. Gary Lorber, an English teacher at Bartlett High School, said the vote was an “overwhelming statement against the agreement.” The contract included a clause that establishes a task force on lengthening the school day before the end of the calendar year. Full story.
Standoff ends peacefully thanks to McDonald’s lunch
A standoff between police and a Waukegan veteran during an eviction ended peacefully about 24 hours after the man threated to kill any officer who came to his door, police said. About 40 officers surrounded the apartment building while civilians evacuated the area, but Robert Newberry, 44, would not come out. Police returned a day later with a bag of McDonald’s and plans to help Newberry find alternative housing, and he surrendered peacefully. Full story.
Weather
A warmer day on tap, though rain is coming in and could spoil the day. It’ll be about 43 degrees when you step out the door this morning, but temperatures will rise to about 65 degrees before the day is over. The storms are expected to start at some point around 5 p.m., and could dump up to one inch of rain before the day is done. Full story.
Traffic
Nothing too major slowing things down, though motorists should avoid the intersection of Naperville and Illinois in Wheaton because of a crash. Red Gate Road is closed between Route 31 and Route 25 in St. Charles because of bridge repairs over the Fox River. The bridge is expected to reopen in June. Full story.
Bulls clinch division, beat Heat in OT
C.J. Watson drained a dramatic 3-pointer over Dwyane Wade to tie the score with 2.2 seconds left in regulation. The Bulls then dominated overtime and pulled out a 96-86 victory over the Heat at the United Center. Mike McGraw has the full story.
Blackhawks down 0-1 in playoffs
Martin Hanzal scored 9:29 into overtime and the Phoenix Coyotes opened the playoffs with a 3-2 win over the Blackhawks. Chicago defenseman Brent Seabrook had scored with 14.2 seconds left in regulation to send the game to overtime. Full story.
Home opener for Sox is today
The White Sox are off to a good start at 3-2 as they await the Tigers in today’s home opener. But they need to play much better at U.S. Cellular Field if they hope to contend this season. Last year, they were 36-45 at the Cell, Sox beat writer Scot Gregor points out. Full story.