Dawn Patrol: Authorities want pedophile committed; Pool might close
Authorities want pedophile committed after prison release
A man convicted of sexually assaulting and abusing six boys at Mooseheart in the 1990s would be committed to a state facility when he finishes his prison term if the attorney general’s office has its way. Chad E. Wahl, now 44, was scheduled to be released Friday. Instead, he has been transferred to a state detention center until a hearing later this month. Full story.
Elgin pool could be closed for all of next season
The Elgin City Council on Wednesday night debated closing the Wing Park pool in Elgin next summer — for either part or all of the season — so extensive maintenance and repair work can be done. The pool needs new water pumps, sandblasting and repainting, and a lift to be in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Full story.
Absences down at Wheaton school
On Monday, more than half of the students at Edison Middle School were absent. By Wednesday, though, that number had dropped from 465 to just 89. School officials say many of the students had a gastrointestinal illness. Full story.
Aurora man accused of molestation
An Aurora man was arrested last week and charged with sexually assaulting a child in Kendall County, police announced Wednesday. Joseph J. Evans, 38, of the 1500 block of Galway Drive, was charged with predatory criminal sexual assault of a child and aggravated criminal sexual abuse. Full story.
Naperville businessman joins Republican primary
Bert Miller, a Naperville businessman whose company Phoenix Closures makes the lids for Coffeemate, Skippy and Jif, has thrown his hat into the race for 11th Congressional District seat. Miller joins Rep. Darlene Senger of Naperville, Grundy County board member Chris Balkema and Aurora private investigator Ian Bayne in the GOP contest to take on Democratic U.S. Rep. Bill Foster. Full story.
Weather
The harsh cold may be over for now as warmer temperatures are expected to move in this afternoon. Temperatures are expected to top out at 50 degrees this afternoon, but it will be about 33 degrees as you leave the house this morning. Temperatures will roll back to about 36 degrees tonight before reaching 52 degrees tomorrow. Full weather.
Traffic
Construction continues on Swift Road between Army Trail Road and Collins Avenue near Addison. People should seek alternate routes. Full traffic.
Trestman avoids excuses
Bears coach Marc Trestman isn’t giving his players any easy way out despite the numerous injuries — especially to the struggling defense. “You don’t make excuses about it,” he said. “(The backups) are here because they’re expected to play. We’re expected to develop players and coach them, and that’s what we’re doing in a demanding and passionate way to get them ready to play.” Full story.
Hinrich ready to start in place of Rose
Yesterday wasn’t the day for Derrick Rose, whose status remains up in the air with a sore right hamstring. Rose didn’t practice yesterday. He hasn’t gotten an MRI for injury. Veteran Kirk Hinrich started 60 games last season while Rose recovered from his torn ACL. He’ll step in for Rose, if need be. Full story.