Dawn Patrol: 2 hurt after Arlington Heights basement explosion
Arlington Heights man, firefighter hurt after explosion
An Arlington Heights man was burned and a firefighter was injured in a Wednesday night house fire that exploded in the man’s basement, but officials said their injuries could have been much worse. The man was able to escape the smoky basement after chemical fumes exploded in his face, and firefighters pulled out of the building just before the first floor collapsed. Full story.
Dist. 220 bus driver accused of touching student
A South Barrington school bus driver is on leave after allegations that he inappropriately touched an elementary school student last week. District 220 officials said the inappropriate conduct might have been occurring for a few days before the child told his or her parents, who contacted the school. The school district has turned over surveillance tapes from the bus to South Barrington police, who are investigating along with the Department of Children and Family Services. Full story.
Cook County GOP elects new chairman
Cook County Republicans elected a Palatine councilman to lead the problem-fraught organization after more than an hour of debate last night. Aaron Del Maar, the 33-year-old Palatine Township committeeman, was elected with the backing of former Chairman Sig Vaznelis. Cook County Democrats unanimously re-elected Assessor Joe Berrios in a vote earlier in the day. Full story.
Parent, trainer save Schaumburg coach’s life
A Schaumburg High School athletic trainer and a parent of a Schaumburg High School softball player are being heralded as heroes after saving a man’s life following a heart attack near the third base line Monday night. Rich Keller was unresponsive and ultimately without a pulse when Joe Boshold, the parent of a player on the team, and Kelly Wika began lifesaving measures on him. Wika ran and grabbed a defibrillator, while Boshold performed CPR. Full story.
Officials: Stevenson dean sent ‘inappropriate’ texts to student
A few months after Stevenson High School officials looked through students’ cellphones, sparking a controversy, a dean at the school is now under investigation after sending inappropriate text messages to a female student. Lincolnshire police were asked to investigate the matter and found messages a parent might deem “inappropriate,” according to the police chief. None of the messages appeared criminal, but copies were turned over to the state’s attorney’s office as a precaution. Full story.
Memorial at West Chicago H.S. for mayor
A memorial service for West Chicago Mayor Mike Kwasman, who died Tuesday, will be held at West Chicago Community High School on Sunday. Kwasman, who was 65, suffered a heart attack Saturday afternoon and never regained consciousness. The memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. and will be followed by words of remembrance at 4 p.m. at the high school. Full story.
Kane coroner facing trial might not be fit to stand
Kane County Coroner Chuck West, who is facing charges that he allowed a TV to be taken from a dead man’s home in 2007, might not be able to stand trial, according to his attorney. West needs a liver transplant and has not been present for his last two hearings, but is out of the hospital, his attorney told a judge yesterday. His attorney plans to file a motion seeking to have West evaluated by an expert to see if he can stand trial. Full story.
Weather
Grab an umbrella because the rain is expected to fall throughout the day. High temperatures will reach about 61 degrees today, with a low temperature of about 50 degrees. The rain is expected to be light this morning, but start falling harder this afternoon. About a half inch is expected before the end of the day. Full story.
Traffic
A rollover accident is blocking southbound Randall Road at Big Timber Road, while an accident is slowing things down at south Bartlett and Irving Park roads near Hanover Park. Police are on the scene in both areas. People should find an alternate route around reconstruction and widening of Walkup Road between Route 176 and Burning Bush Trail in Crystal Lake. That construction will last through November. Full story.
Peavy puts White Sox back in order
Mired in a three-game losing streak and teetering between not very good and boring, the White Sox needed a jolt last night. The Sox needed a spark, a kick in the pants, anything. Fortunately, it was Jake Peavy’s turn to pitch. Scot Gregor’s full story.
Buehrle, Marlins destroy Cubs
Cubs pitcher Matt Garza had a poor outing, the bats never came alive, and Miami pitcher Mark Buehrle just overpowered the Cubs to win his first game as a Marlin. The Cubs dropped their fourth straight by a final tally of 9-1. Bruce Miles’ Full story.
Charlotte? No problem for Bulls — now, Miami
Derrick Rose and Luol Deng didn’t play and it hardly mattered on Wednesday when the Bulls rolled past Charlotte 100-68. It was the Bobcats’ 18th straight loss. The question now is whether Rose or Deng will be ready for Thursday’s semi-showdown in Miami. Full story.