Weekend in Review: N. Aurora soldier killed
North Aurora soldier killed in Afghanistan:
Through his music and friendship Christopher Patterson touched a lot of people in his short life, said mentors, friends and family members who remembered him Sunday as a young man who loved life, cared about others and died too soon. Patterson, 20, was with three other soldiers Friday when an improvised explosive device detonated in the Kandahar Province of Afghanistan, where they were serving with the Indiana National Guard. http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20120108/news/701089802/">Full story.
Holly Staker's parents share memories of their daughter
In Mike and Nancy Kalinowski's memories, an 11-year-old girl scampers up the stairs at home after school, laughing and singing Mariah Carey songs. #8220;Holly was a little girl, an innocent little girl,#8221; Nancy says of her daughter, Holly Staker, who was murdered on Aug. 17, 1992. Full story.
Prosecutors, police unfairly maligned, investigator says
A former police office whose investigation helped convict now-freed Juan Rivera for the murder of an 11-year-old Waukegan girl writes a three-page letter to the Daily Herald defending police and prosecutors as #8220;not the kind of people who would frame an innocent person.#8221; Full story.
McHenry Co. sergeant charged with sex assault
A veteran McHenry County sheriff's sergeant has been arrested on 10 counts of predatory criminal sexual assault. Gregory Pyle, 36, was relieved of his duties Friday after sheriff's officials learned of the investigation that led to charges Saturday. Pyle is now free on bond.
Apartment fire leaves Schaumburg woman in critical condition
An 85-year-old woman was in critical condition Saturday morning after an apartment fire in Schaumburg, authorities said. The fire was reported about 5:45 a.m. on the fourth floor of a seven-story building at 1234 Valley Lake Drive, fire Captain John Steele said. The injured woman lived in the fourth-floor apartment where the fire originated, said Schaumburg police Sgt. John Nebl. Full story.
Legislator faces calls for tougher laws on distracted driving
Momentum is building for new laws curbing distracted driving in Illinois, lawmakers say. #8220;I hope it will save people from being injured or killed,#8221; state Rep. John Millner from Carol Stream said. Full story.
Involuntary manslaughter charge filed in Inverness man's hunting death
An East Dubuque man has been charged with involuntary manslaughter and reckless conduct in connection with a hunting accident in November that killed an Inverness businessman. Full story.
Fire guts Des Plaines home:
Fire swept through a Des Plaines home Sunday morning, causing an estimated $250,000 in damage and leaving the residence uninhabitable, officials said. The sole occupant of the home was able to escape, along with a dog, after being alerted to the fire by an alarm. Full story.
Dying woman finds #8216;family' at Barrington church:
In the gated community of Lake Barrington Shores, a woman alone and given months to live finds a community, and a family, when she reaches out to a 165-year-old church. Full story.
Vernon Hills woman dies after jail hunger strike:
The death last week of a onetime Vernon Hills woman after she went on a hunger strike while in the Lake County jail has left behind many questions, including where she came from and why she chose to starve herself. Full story.
World Nation
Hundreds gather at service to recall Tuscon attack. Full story.
Quiet birthday for Kate Middleton as she turns 30. Full story.
Clooney, Pitt kick off 2012 award season. Full story.
Fox to add late-night animated shows. Full story.
N. Korean TV shows young Kim threatening war in 2009. Full story.
Architecture, art majors are the most unemployed. Full story.
Sports
Hawks giving up ground. Full story.
Hawks fall to the Red Wings in OT. Full story.
Hawks' O'Donnell just keeps going. Full story.
LSU and Alabama to duke it out for BCS title. Full story.
Tebow rules in OT. Full story.
Bulls hit the wall. Full story.
#8216;The right guy' takes over at Penn State. Full story.