Dawn Patrol: Slick roadways; huge turnout in Dist. 300
First snowfall creates havoc
The first snowfall of the year last night resulted in numerous accidents and road closings throughout the West and Northwest suburbs. By 11 p.m., accidents closed the Elgin-O’Hare Expressway in both directions and the northbound lanes of Route 53 at Higgins Road, as well as the northbound lanes of the Tri-State at Touhy Avenue. Numerous accidents were reported up and down Route 59 and Route 53. Full story.
Hundreds attend District 300 meeting
As contract negotiations continue in Community Unit District 300, hundreds turned out last night to support teachers. A meeting at Westfield Community School in Algonquin drew an overflow crowd who rallied for teachers for more than 90 minutes. The teachers union last week declared an impasse, allowing the teachers to strike early next month, if need be. The school board did not reply at the meeting. Full story.
Geneva teachers to approve contract today
Geneva teachers will vote today on a contract settled just hours before they were expected to strike Monday. The union representing more than 400 Geneva teachers, psychologists, librarians and social workers will present members with the new contract — details of which are being kept under wraps until after the vote. The school board has not set a date to vote on the agreement. Full story.
Gurnee police warn against phone scams
Gurnee police want residents to be wary of callers who insist upon payment for services after a resident reported a scam attempt. Yesterday, a caller who identified himself as a ComEd employee told the resident that he needed a payment of $199 in order to keep the resident’s electricity on. Police say unanticipated and pressured phone solicitations stressing immediate action are almost always fraud attempts. Anyone with questions can call the crime prevention line at (847) 599-7080. Full story.
Barrington’s business face changing
Barrington’s business district will soon be changing with the approval to demolish a long-vacant building. Trustees last night approved destruction of the two-story, 27,000-square-foot building — formerly the home of Starck & Co. Realtors — that sits at 222 E. Main St. The building has been empty for four years. Full story.
Arlington Heights theater deal could be coming soon
A movie theater company is negotiating with the owners of the vacant Arlington Theaters to have a new cinema up and running in downtown Arlington Heights by spring, Village President Arlene Mulder said. Arlington Theaters closed in July when negotiations for a new lease fell through, ending a 13-year run in the village’s downtown. The property’s owner has since engaged in talks with another theater operator aimed at bringing movies back to Arlington Heights. Mulder wouldn’t identify the theater operator. Full story.
Hoffman Estates opts against noise wall near CN tracks
After listening to residents and weighing two options for many months, Hoffman Estates officials opted against the construction of a noise wall close to homes that are near Canadian National railroad tracks. CN Railroad, which bought the EJ&E railroad in 2009, had agreed to either install noise walls on railroad property that borders parts of three subdivisions — Deer Crossing, Winding Trails/Hunters Ridge and Bridlewood — or provide funds for noise wall alternatives. Full story.
Weather
Clear but cold with a high of only 24 degrees when you head out the door this morning. The high temperature will only reach 41 degrees this afternoon, before dipping back to 31 degrees tonight. Full story.
Traffic
Roadwork continues in Downers Grove at Carpenter Street between Maple Road and Gilbert Road. The construction will take place through the end of the month. More traffic.
Bulls ‘try’ too late as Celtics hold on
The Bulls played one quality quarter of defense, but it wasn’t enough. They sliced a Boston lead from 13 points to 2 in the fourth quarter but came up on the short end of a 101-95 loss at the United Center. It may have been a case of the teacher getting the best of the student in the Doc Rivers-Tom Thibodeau relationship. Full story.