Dawn Patrol: Earthquake up north; Glenbard West lights OK'd
Earthquake felt especially in Lake County
An earthquake centered just west of Kenosha, Wis., was reported by the U.S. Geological Survey at 9:54 p.m. last night. What it called the 2.4-magnitude earthquake was felt throughout the Northern and Northwest suburbs and as far south as Minooka and Valparaiso, Ind. Wauconda police took several phone calls last night, but no danger was reported. Full story.
Glen Ellyn unanimously OKs Glenbard West field lights
After 13 meetings on the matter in Glen Ellyn, village trustees last night unanimously approved a controversial proposal to install lights at a Glenbard West High School practice field. The Glenbard High School District 87 proposal calls for four 70-foot-tall and two 60-foot-tall light poles. Trustees voted 6-0 to grant the district's variance requests for the lights at Memorial Field, as well as installation of fencing, an ornamental gate, a batting cage, a sidewalk and bleachers. Per the zoning variance approvals, a district-led advisory group will be established to discuss the lights. Full story.
Elgin crime as a whole down 17%, but burglaries rise sharply
While Elgin's 2011 crime report looks promising, burglaries alone increased 31 percent. Still, violent crime as a whole went down in the city by 17 percent and serious crime — including all burglaries, robberies, homicides and assaults — reached its lowest point in 40 years. Full story.
As State of the State address nears, Quinn focuses on teacher pensions
In response to a dire new report on state finances, Gov. Pat Quinn said yesterday he wants schools and universities to help pay for their employees' retirement costs. A statement from Quinn's budget office said the practice of state government paying for the retirement of downstate teachers and professors “requires careful examination and reform” because “employers need to have a stake in funding their own employees' pension costs.” Full story.
Former Mt. Prospect massage parlor operator guilty of human trafficking
A federal jury yesterday convicted the former operator of Day and Night Spa on Northwest Highway in Mount Prospect of sex trafficking, forced labor, harboring illegal aliens and other offenses alleging he mentally and physically abused four women to force them to work for him from July 2008 to January 2010. Alex Campbell, 45, of Glenview faces 15 years to life in prison after being found guilty on numerous counts. Full story.
Sugar Grove Library settles with former library director
Sugar Grove Library trustees yesterday approved a lump sum settlement of $37,500 for Beverly Holmes Hughes — their former library director who was fired in July 2011 after 21 years on the job — in addition to the $16,093.75 paid to her last August for unused vacation time and personal days. In August the library board issued a statement saying Hughes' employment was terminated because of increasing tensions between her and trustees, among other issues. The firing triggered a wave of community support for Hughes, including a protest rally. Full story.
Palatine-based music firm sues Gingrich over ‘Eye of the Tiger'
Newt Gingrich, fighting for the Republican Party's nomination to challenge President Barack Obama in the 2012 election, was sued for unauthorized use of “Eye of the Tiger,” the Grammy-winning theme song from “Rocky III.” Rude Music Inc., a Palatine-based music publisher owned by song co-author Frank Sullivan, filed suit Monday in federal court in Chicago, seeking an order blocking Gingrich's unauthorized use of the song at campaign rallies. Rude Music is also seeking unspecified money damages. Full story.
Weather
Yes, it's true, today is the last day of January, even though the weather will not feel like it. It will be 46 degrees when you walk out this morning, and temperatures will climb to 60 degrees before the day is over. A rain shower will come tonight and temperatures will fall to the 40s overnight. Full weather.
Traffic
No problems to report early this morning and the roadways are running wide open. People should avoid construction on Walkup Drive between Route 176 and Burning Bush Drive in Crystal Lake that will last until later this year. Full traffic.
New Bears GM introduced
The Bears new general manager, Phil Emery, was introduced by Bears CEO and President Ted Phillips yesterday. Emery, 53, was hired Saturday to replace Jerry Angelo, who was fired after 11 seasons with the Bears. Emery has 14 years of experience scouting college football talent, most recently with the Kansas City Chiefs and the Atlanta Falcons. Full story.
Now, how do we like him so far?
Phil Emery gushed over the Bears management and Lovie Smith. That's not what Bears fans wanted to hear, is it? Read Mike Imrem's and Barry Rozner's takes.
Bulls win with help of 35 points from Rose
The Bulls were led to their 98-88 win over the Washington Wizards last night by Derrick Rose, who scored a season-high 35 points. Carlos Boozer scored 18 and Kyle Korver added 17. The win, which improved the Bulls' Eastern Conference-leading record to 18-5, comes one day after a four-point loss in Miami. Full story.