Dawn Patrol: OCC pioneer dies; parishioners rally for fired director
Hartstein, Oakton Community College pioneer, dies
Ray Hartstein, founding chairman of the Oakton Community College board and a member for 35 years, died peacefully yesterday at his Vernon Hills home at 96. Hartstein, for whom Oakton's eastern campus was named, was surrounded by family, said his son, former Buffalo Grove Village President Elliott Hartstein. Ray Hartstein was a former president of the Rotary Club of Skokie Valley, as well as a past president and board member of Orchard Village, which provides services to those with developmental disabilities. Full story.
Parishioners show support for fired gay music director
Colin Collette will meet with Cardinal Francis George tomorrow to discuss his dismissal from Holy Family Parish in Inverness after announcing his engagement to his male partner, but in the meantime, Collette's supporters participated in a prayer vigil yesterday to show that they are behind him. Dozens of parishioners from Holy Family gathered at the church to express support for Collette. Full story.
Mom's punch to stomach leads to 11-year-old's death
A Waukegan woman has been charged with first-degree murder in the death of her 11-year-old daughter, resulting from a punch to the abdomen. Nicholette R. Lawrence, 32, told investigators that she had punched the girl early last week, police said. The Lake County Coroner's Office has confirmed through autopsy that Lawrence's daughter, Raasania J. Coley, suffered a torn stomach as the result of blunt force trauma, which led to her death. Full story.
3 Aurora men charged in KFC robbery
Three Aurora men are in jail this morning, facing multiple felony charges in connection with the Thursday night armed robbery of a KFC restaurant in Aurora in which three people were shot, Aurora Police announced Sunday evening. Claude Jackson, 45, of the 1100 block of Liberty Street; Joshua O. Scott, 26, of the 1800 block of Thornapple Way; and Chase N. West, 19, of the 700 block of Columbia Street were charged with three counts each of attempted murder and aggravated battery with a firearm and single counts of armed robbery. Full story. Gurnee honors first responders lost on Sept. 11
More than 200 people turned out yesterday afternoon in Gurnee to honor the firefighters and police officers who lost their lives 13 years ago in the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States. The Exchange Club of Gurnee held its annual 9/11 remembrance ceremony at the Viking Park Bandshell. The solemn occasion featured the posting of colors by the Police & Fire Color Guard, the Great Lakes Navy State Flag Unit and guest speakers including Gurnee Mayor Kristina Kovarik and Navy Capt. William Bulis. "I am proud to be here to honor those who work diligently to serve and protect us every day," Kovarik said. Full story.
Weather
Clear and 60 degrees to start the day. Temperatures will climb to 74 degrees this afternoon before dropping to 61 degrees this evening. Full weather.
Traffic
Construction delays are expected on Lake Street between Oak and Park avenues in Bartlett. Full traffic.
Bears' offense more hurtful than helpful
Yesterday, the Bears lost their season opener in overtime 23-20 to the Buffalo Bills. Today, the upset loss at home to an opponent that won six games last year may already have dialed down playoff aspirations. The offense alternated between potent and careless against the Bills. It was able to overcome a strong dose of adversity, losing two offensive-line starters (left guard Matt Slauson and center Roberto Garza) within minutes of each other in the second quarter. Pro Bowl wide receiver Alshon Jeffery suffered a hamstring injury early in the third quarter and didn't return. Full story.
Rozner: Bears have nowhere to go but up
Daily Herald sports columnist Barry Rozner writes today that "the start to the 2014 NFL season in Chicago was what you'd call - to use a technical football term - a 'disaster.'" The Bears lost 23-20 in overtime at Soldier Field to a Buffalo team expected to finish last again in its division, perhaps winning a handful of games this season. And this was supposed to be the easy one, with night road games coming up against the Niners and Jets, before a home match with Green Bay. Yeah, the Bears were going to have outcomes like this and in precisely this fashion against quality opponents, but against the Bills? Full column.
Imrem: Cutler was good, bad and ugly
Mike Imrem, Daily Herald sports columnist, writes today about Bears Quarterback Jay Cutler's snarly disposition and the bad choices he made on and off the field. "Bears bosses still give Cutler the celebrity treatment - and still make excuses for him - even though he remains more a project than a $127 million quarterback. 'I thought Jay made some great decisions today,' Trestman said. 'Other times he tried to make a couple things happen, and that's part of what makes him special.' Stop it. Jay Cutler isn't special."Full column.
Images: Bears vs. Bills
The Bears weren't at their best during their 23-20 overtime loss to the Buffalo Bills Sunday afternoon, but the Daily Herald photo staff was. Click here for a gallery of our best pictures from the sunny afternoon at Soldier Field.