Dawn Patrol: Quick hits as you head out the door
Breaking news
Karen Jakstas, daughter of Pete Jakstas, the owner of the Mineola Hotel in Fox Lake, died Sunday morning. The cause of her death is unknown at this time, though medical in nature. She was a lifelong Fox Lake resident and served for two years as the village-appointed business liason.
Hester sets return TD record in Bears win
Sunday's 34-29 Bears victory over the Carolina Panthers was filled with big plays and huge statlines including a Devin Hester punt return for a touchdown. Just a week after Matt Forte failed to reach double digits in rushing yards, he racked up 205 yards and a touchdown. Hester's return touchdown was his 11th of his career, setting an NFL record. The defense, on the other hand, gave up more than 500 total yards. Full story.
What does $84,780 buy Metra? How about a really nice paperweight?
Metra paid $84,780 to security consultants Hillard Heintz to craft the August 2010 report, “Launching the New Metra Office of Inspector General.” Trouble is, Metra never created an office of inspector general. Metra board Director Jim LaBelle said it's important to look at the expense in the context of 2010, “We were faced with a situation where we needed to bring internal controls and accountability into practice as soon as possible,” LaBelle said. Full story.
Preckwinkle calls controversial ordinance “fair policy”
In a letter to Hanover Park Mayor Rodney Craig, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle defends a controversial new county ordinance addressing the handling of suspected illegal immigrants charged with a crime. Craig blasted the policy last week after three men accused of assaulting a pair of village police officers were released on bond, despite federal immigration holds on them. Full story.
ComEd to sit down with Wheeling residents after 85 hours of outages
Andy Rooney gives final commentary on #8220;60 Minutes#8221;
The most famous voice of CBS News' #8220;60 Minutes#8221; signed off for the final time last night after spending 33 years with the newsmagazine. #8220;I probably haven't said anything here that you didn't already know or have already thought,#8221; Rooney said. #8220;That's what a writer does. A writer's job is to tell the truth.#8221; The 92-yearold delivered his 1,097th commentary. #8220;I wish I could do this forever. I can't, though,#8221; he said. Full story.
Authorities to release name of St. Charles crash victim
Authorities are expected to release the name of a 48-year-old St. Charles resident this morning who was killed in a weekend car crash in Batavia. The head-on crash, which remains under investigation, sent three other people to hospitals. Full story.
Mr. Spock bids fans farewell in Rosemont
Leonard Nimoy, who played Mr. Spock on #8220;Star Trek,#8221; was at the West O'Hare in Rosemont yesterday for a #8220;Trek#8221; convention, where he said farewell to fans an announced it would be his last appearance at a convention. #8220;This is hard,#8221; he told the convention crowd at the Westin O'Hare in Rosemont. #8220;I thought it would be, and it is.#8221; At the end of his speech he flashed his trademark V with his fingers spread before a standing ovation. Full story.
Cullerton's mother dies
The mother of Illinois Senate President John J. Cullerton died Friday at a Naperville nursing home. Mary Patricia Cullerton was 85 and a mother of nine children. #8220;As her oldest child, she held a special place in his life,#8221; said Rikeesha Phelon, spokeswoman for Cullerton. #8220;They are taking the opportunity at this time to honor her memory, but to celebrate the legacy she left behind.#8221; Full story.
Weather
It will be a touch cool but clear to start your day today, but temperatures will climb into the 70s by this afternoon maiking it nice and comfortable. Enjoy. Full weather.
Traffic
Column traffic update:
Traffic is moving along slowly along the mahjor highways throughout the Chicago area. Police are on the scene of a crash at Naperville Road Danada Drive in Wheaton, sp people should avoid that area. Starting Wednesday, people may want to avoid Route 22 in Lake County. Construction on a Metra railroad crossing west of Waukegan Road and east of Telegraph Road will close Route 22, also known as Half Day Road, between Oct. 5 and Oct. 13. Full traffic