Dawn Patrol: Sen. Kirk prognosis, Elgin casino-entertainment complex

Sen. Kirk might not regain full use of left arm, leg after stroke

U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk had a 4-by-8-inch portion of his skull removed late Sunday to alleviate brain swelling as he continues to recover at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, his surgeon said yesterday. Kirk, who suffered a stroke, is expected to recover full mental abilities, but the chances that he'll regain full use of his left arm and leg are “not great,” according to doctors. Kirk, 52, checked into a hospital Saturday after feeling dizzy. Full story.

Elgin's Grand Victoria wants entertainment venue

The owners of Elgin's Grand Victoria Casino have agreed to fund a study to explore whether to build an entertainment facility to help better compete with the new Rivers Casino in Des Plaines. City officials had considered a 2,000-seat facility in 2006, but council members did not want to spend $125 million on the construction. Council members said a new venue would replace the Hemmens Cultural Center and allow for bigger acts. Full story.

Romney to release tax returns today

With a week of campaigning ahead, Mitt Romney is expected to release his income tax return for 2010 as well as an estimate for 2011 today. He said at last night's Republican debate with Newt Gingrich, Rick Santorum and Ron Paul that it will show he paid all the taxes he was obligated to pay, adding, “I don't think the voters want a president who pays more than he owes.” More on last night's debate.

Kane County chairman candidates debate taxes, budget, cameras

More contrasts between the four candidates for Kane County Board chairman became apparent at a forum last night. Geneva Mayor Kevin Burns and state Sen. Chris Lauzen tussled over road impact fees and government growth. Sue Klinkhamer and Bill Sarto debated a tax-cut pledge. And Klinkhamer, Sarto and Lauzen all jumped on Burns for his town's use of red-light cameras. Full story.

Geneva school board president steps down

The Geneva school board will be picking a new leader, as Tim Moran stepped down as president last night. Moran intends to remain on the board and serve out the rest of his term, which expires in April 2013. He announced his decision at the start of Monday's meeting then turned the gavel over to Vice President Mark Grosso, who will serve as president pro tem until the board selects a new president. Full story.

Glen Ellyn board gets back into Glenbard West field lights debate

For the first time in a year, Glen Ellyn's last night took up a controversial proposal to install lights at a Glenbard West practice field. But an organizer with Our Field Our Town, the residents group opposed to the lights, criticized some board members for perhaps having already made a decision. Trustees responded by admitting they did indeed have an idea of which way they were leaning but that their decisions weren't final until after all hearings were done. Full story.

Hoffman Estates increasing water rate again because of Chicago

The Hoffman Estates finance committee approved amending the village's existing water rate schedule Tuesday to reflect scheduled water rate increases by the city of Chicago in 2012-14 but not without agreeing to put up a fight. “I just can't believe that the city of Chicago can hold us hostage like this and do that,” Trustee Raymond Kincaid said. “I would certainly hope that we will fight this.” In December the water rate increased 32 cents and the sewer rate went up 3 cents, making the total combined rate $6 for every 1,000 gallons used. Effective March 1, the combined rate will rise to $6.81. Full story.

Lawsuit blames equipment manufacturer in Lake in the Hills man's death

The family of Timothy Pittas, the 26-year-old Lake in the Hills man killed last month when he became trapped in a salt spreader auger, filed a lawsuit yesterday claiming a safety device would have prevented his death. Pittas was unloading salt from the bed of his pickup truck near Streamwood when his clothing became entangled in the auger. The suit claims the salt spreader was dangerous and defective because it wasn't equipped with an emergency shut-off device or other guards. Full story.

Ex-hoops star Jereme Richmond gets probation for gun possession

Former Waukegan High School basketball star and Fighting Illini freshman Jereme Richmond, 19, was placed on probation for 18 months after admitting he was in a car that had a gun inside. Richmond had been charged with aggravated battery the day before showing up at his girlfriend's house in August with a loaded handgun in the car. Prosecutors said no one claimed to see Richmond with the gun in his hands, but was guilty of possessing it because it was in the car. Full story.

Gurnee honors 5 officers injured in line of duty

Five Gurnee police officers who were injured in the line of duty since 2004 were honored last night. “I am in awe of what they do, all of our officers, every day,” said Mayor Kristina Kovarik. “They put their lives on the line every day they go on patrol.” Crime prevention technician Tom Agos, Sgt. James Lange and officers Matthew Baumann, Brian Jacobson and Scott Kotrba received the village's Purple Heart award. Full story.

GOP debate gets heated in Florida

Republican presidential contenders Mitt Romney and Newt Gingrich clashed repeatedly in heated, personal terms Monday night in a crackling campaign debate, the former Massachusetts governor tagging his rival as a Washington “influence peddler,” only to be accused in turn of spreading falsehoods over many years in politics. Full story.

Weather

Cloudy and near freezing this morning, with a high of about 29 degrees. It'll pretty much remain there all day, as the high temperature is expected to hit 30 degrees before slipping to about 20 degrees this evening. It'll climb over freezing tomorrow, so we have that going for us. Full weather.

Traffic

Really light traffic conditions to start the morning, but things are expected to pick up as normal traffic patterns kick in for the rush hour. Resurfacing and widening continue on Walkup Road between Route 176 and Burning Bush Trail in Crystal Lake, so avoid that area if possible. Full traffic.

Bulls win easy, this time without Deng

Last week, the Bulls took the floor without Derrick Rose, Joakim Noah and Taj Gibson. Last night against New Jersey, Rose and Noah returned, Gibson stayed on the sideline, while minutes-leader Luol Deng went out with a left wrist injury. Using two different short-handed lineups, the Bulls still were able to post easy victories, the latest a 110-95 win over the Nets at the United Center. Full story.

Toews to miss Nashville game, may skip All-Star Game

From what Hawks coach Joel Quenneville said yesterday, the suspected left arm injury Jonathan Toews suffered over the weekend isn't serious, but it will keep him out of tonight's key Central Division game against Nashville at the United Center. “He's going to be out for (tonight's) game,” Quenneville said. “It's not serious, but he's out.” Toews is likely going to skip Sunday's All-Star Game and all this week's festivities in Ottawa as well. Full story.