Dawn Patrol: Innocent man freed; Blues thump Hawks
Romney wins Ohio, five others on Super Tuesday
Mitt Romney pulled out a pivotal win in Ohio, and went on to capture delegates in five other states with ease to pad his lead in the race for the Republican presidential nomination over Rick Santorum. In addition to Ohio, Romney scored a home-state win in Massachusetts, then added victories in Vermont, Virginia, Idaho and Alaska. Santorum countered with wins in Oklahoma, Tennessee and the North Dakota caucuses — raising fresh doubts about Romney's ability to corral the votes of conservatives in some of the most Republican states in the country. Gingrich picked up a home state win in Georgia. Full story.
Aurora man's murder conviction overturned 10 years later
A 30-year-old Aurora man convicted of a 2000 murder faced a parole date of 2057, but he walked out of jail yesterday and is now a free man. Jonathan Moore's conviction was vacated yesterday because prosectors admitted they sent the wrong man to prison. A witness to the shooting death of Shawn Miller came forward last year, according to prosecutors, prompting them to reopen the case. Full story.
Blackhawks' win streak ends in St. Louis
The Blues' relentless physical play took the fight out of the Blackhawks early in a 5-1 thumping that brought their three-game winning streak to a grinding halt. Andrew Brunette scored the only goal for Chicago. Mike Spellman has the full story.
Smart meter referendum not likely
A Naperville anti-smart meter group faced another setback yesterday when a court refused to hear an appeal of an earlier decision to keep a referendum question about the meters off the March 20 ballot. The referendum would have asked voters if the city should stop the implementation of the project and dismantle all related equipment. Full story.
Visiting state parks could cost $10
As state park officials struggle to maintain the parks and their facilities amid budget cuts, a new law could push that cost onto park goers. Rep. JoAnn Osmond, an Antioch Republican, proposed a bill that would allow entrance fees at state parks. The proposal was approved by a committee Tuesday. An IDNR official said guests would likely pay a fee of $5 to $10. Full story.
Dog bites Lake County candidate in the face
A Republican candidate for Lake County office had his face stitched up over the weekend after a dog bit him while he was going door to door. Bob Bednar, who is running for record of deeds, was hanging a plastic bag with literature on a home's door in Lindenhurst when a boy opened the door allowing the dog out. “He jumped through the door opening, and he clamped on my lower jaw,” Bednar said. Full story.
Winds fuel St. Charles house fire
Gusts of up to 35 mph fueled a St. Charles house fire that injured one firefighter and caused more than $200,000 in damage, officials said. Firefighters from seven departments battled the blaze on the 2000 block of Cambridge Drive for nearly an hour before it was under control. The firefighter suffered minor injuries, and the residents of the home escaped safely. Full story.
Cabdriver beaten in prostitute ruse
A 52-year-old cabdriver who thought he was meeting a prostitute at a Crystal Lake hotel instead was beaten and robbed by a group of men hiding inside the room. Seven residents from Crystal Lake and Woodstock between the ages of 17 and 28 were later arrested. The group demanded money from the man as they beat him and threatened him with two knives. Full story.
North Aurora student brings grenade to middle school
For the second time in as many days, a suburban school faced a weapons scare. A 12-year-old North Aurora student brough a deactivated hand grenade to school Tuesday, prompting a response from the Kane County bomb unit. The student was charged with disorderly conduct. On Monday, an Island Lake middle schooler brought a loaded handgun to school. Full story.
Weather
Another amazing day on tap today, though it will just as windy as yesterday. It'll be about 45 degrees when you head out the door this morning, then the sun will come out and temperatures will increase to 65 degrees this afternoon. Wind gusts will be the only issue — expect steady winds of about 25 mph, with gusts of about 40 degrees today. Full story.
Traffic
Two accidents in Naperville are causing travel problems. A crash has been reported at Naperville and Butterfield roads, as well as on Route 53 and Warrenville Road. People should also find an alternate route around a ramp leading from McLean Blvd. to eastbound Route 20 in Elgin. The ramp has been closed because of construction until June, authorities said. Full story.