Dawn Patrol: Quick hits as you head out the door
Breaking News
Elgin Police are investigating a reported home invasion in which a shot was fired near the 1500 block of Mark Avenue. Officials said police received a call just after 1 p.m. Tuesday reporting a fight in which a gun had been fired once. Police said the intruder then ran away on foot, but no one was injured.
Father refutes detective's claim Calusinski admitted killing toddler
Closing arguments are expected today in the case against Melissa Calusinski, who is accused of killing a 16-month-old in 2009 at a Lincolnshire day care center where she worked. Her father testified yesterday that her daughter never told him she killed the boy during a phone call shortly after her arrest, contradicting earlier statements from a detective. The 25-year-old faces first-degree murder charges and could face life in prison if convicted. Full story.
Schaumburg Christian teacher accused of sexual exploitation during class
A 75-year-old teacher at Schaumburg Christian School has been charged after a student reported seeing him last week with his pants unzipped behind the classroom podium, police said yesterday. A student witnessed Paul A. LaDuke of Hanover Park engage in the inappropriate behavior while students were in the classroom, police said. Full story.
Priest who gambled church money to go free for holidays
A Roselle priest dubbed the “riverboat priest” by prosecutors and serving jail time for gambling away about $300,000 of his church's money will be allowed one-day furloughs for both Thanksgiving and Christmas. A judge ruled yesterday that the Rev. John Regan, who pleaded guilty to stealing from St. Walter Catholic Church in Roselle, would be allowed the days off presuming he would be engaging in “ministerial work” on those days. Prosecutors argued Regan already received a “fortunate” sentence. Full story.
Second woman killed at Palatine intersection in two years
Palatine police are investigating a second fatal pedestrian accident at a Northwest Highway intersection in less than two years. Margaret Gibbons, 78, died five days after she was struck while crossing at Benton Street on Nov. 5. In February 2010, Aida Guss, 73, died while on her walk to Mass. IDOT officials say the fatalities were “freak accidents,” but some neighbors say safety improvements are needed, especially with Quest Academy and St. Theresa School at the intersection. Full story.
Elgin sees 22% jump in burglaries
Elgin police have taken notice of a 22 percent spike in burglaries this year compared to 2010 and are urging residents to be vigilant in the neighborhoods heading into the holiday season. There have been 453 reported burglaries this year, compared to 370 reported from January through October 2010. The city has seen a decline in crime overall, but police hope to put a dent in the rise in burglaries before the end of the year. Full story.
‘American Idol' star to return to Wheeling
Wheeling native Haley Reinhart of “American Idol” fame will help officially flip the switch on Wheeling's holiday lights Sunday night at Friendship Park. Reinhart is in town with “Idol” alum Casey Abrams of Wilmette to sing at the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival Saturday afternoon. Rumor has it she may also have a surprise song at the Wheeling lighting. Full story.
Kaner for MVP?
The move to center has done good for Patrick Kane, who has some sports writers whispering three letters last heard in Chicago last year before the name Derrick Rose. Our Barry Rozner reports that a couple of longtime NHL execs made reference to Kane being the best player in the NHL. Through a quarter of the season Kane is third in plus-minus, eighth in assists, 10th in points and averaging 19:31 per game. Full story.
Zook walks out on reporter's question of job security
Illinois football coach Ron Zook opened his news conference warning reporters he would walk out if asked about his job security and ended it by walking out. The Zooker is in the midst of a four-game losing streak and is dealing with off-field trouble including starting linebacker Trulon Henry being shot over the weekend and two other Illini being arrested in a separate incident. No. 15 Wisconsin heads to Champaign Saturday. Full story.
Weather
Breezy and much colder today. Highs are only expected to reach 42 degrees today, and will be about 25 when most people leave for work. The only good news is that no rain is expected at least for the next 48 hours. Full weather.
Traffic
No accidents or major delays reported early on the expressways or major roadways in the area. However, construction is slowing things down on Hunt Club Road between Millburn and Wadsworth roads in Old Mill Creek and northbound S. Cass Avenue between W. 56th and W. Des Moines Street in Westmont. Its best to find an alternate route. Full traffic.