Dawn Patrol: Brush fire, Borgnine, Sox’ first half
Cops: Fireworks ignited Buffalo Grove brush fire
A large brush fire that produced a 30-foot wall of flames in Buffalo Grove yesterday was sparked by an illegal firework, according to police. A 20-year-old Buffalo Grove man has been charged in connection to the blaze, which threatened about 25 homes. Police evacuated the homes, and said the fire came within 15 feet of at least one house. Full story.
Woman charged with DUI in crash that killed Woodridge man
A 24-year-old woman is accused of driving drunk in a December 2011 crash that killed a Woodridge man. The woman told police that the victim, Cesar Ramirez, was driving the SUV when it rolled multiple times and ended up on the lawn of a Riverside residence. Surveillance tape shows the woman driving the vehicle from a restaurant less than a mile from the crash, according to police. Full story.
Film star Ernest Borgnine dies at 95
Oscar winning star Ernest Borgnine, known for his often villainous roles, died yesterday at the age of 95. A spokesman said Borgnine died of renal failure. Borgnine won the best-actor Oscar for playing a lovesick butcher in “Marty” in 1955. Full story.
5,000 watch Lake County Civil War re-enactment
More than 5,000 spectators were on hand at the Lakewood Forest Preserve Sunday to watch the re-enactment of the Battle of Fort Donelson, which was fought at the site near Wauconda in 1862. Five hundred re-enactors were decked out in Civil War costumes as black powder rose from rifles and cannons. The real battle cost the lives of 1,000 troops. Full story.
Weather
It’s clear but cool this morning with a high of only 68 degrees. Temperatures will reach 86 degrees this afternoon before dipping back to 64 degrees tonight. Full story.
Traffic
No major traffic problems to report this morning on the morning commutes, though there is congestion popping up on I-290 and the Elgin-O’Hare Expressway. Motorists should know construction continues on Pingree Road between Cog Circle and Grandview Drive in Crystal Lake. People should use Route 31 and Route 14 as alternate routes.Full story.
White Sox finish first half in first
The White Sox have retained hold on first place in the AL Central for most of the first half of the season and despite yesterday’s 11-9 loss to the Blue Jays, look steady heading into the All-Star break. The team is 47-38, and has a 3-game lead over the Cleveland Indians. Full story.
Dempster extends scoreless streak to 27 innings
Ryan Dempster headed back to the mound for his first start since a stint on the disabled list yesterday and continued his dominant ways extending his scoreless innings streak to 27. Dempster threw five innings against the New York Mets during the Cubs 7-0 victory and has won four in a row after an 18-start winless streak dating back to Aug. 11. Full story.