Dawn Patrol: Complaints against Gurnee ex-chief; Chihuahua killed
Grevers showed promise of gold throughout swimming career
Lake Forest High and Northwestern graduate Matt Grevers won a gold medal while setting an Olympic record in the men’s 100-meter backstroke last night, thus solidifying himself among the United States backstroke legends. Grevers’ former coaches at Northwestern say they saw the gold medal coming years ago, and added that he has a shot at the world record when he swims in the 4x100-meter medley relay Saturday. Full story.
Former Gurnee chief faced complaints of harassment before retirement
Former Gurnee Police Chief Robert Jones was facing complaints of sexual harassment and using employees for personal errands on village time when he decided to retire with a $139,600 severance deal a year ago. The Daily Herald obtained documents detailing the complaints, which were not known to the public or village trustees during an internal probe of Jones. Gurnee Mayor Kristina Kovarik has stressed that Jones was not accused of any criminal wrongdoing. Full story.
Prosecutors: Man killed girlfriend’s Chihuahua, blood everywhere
A 23-year-old Glendale Heights man has been charged with beating his girlfriend’s Chihuahua to death after an argument, according to prosecutors. Prosecutors said Michael Chacon called his girlfriend at work to tell her the animal was dead and when she came home there was blood “everywhere.” He is being held on $75,000 bail. Full story.
Cubs trade Johnson, Maholm and Soto; no word on Dempster
On the night before the MLB trade deadline, the Cubs made two surprise moves that did not include Ryan Dempster during the team’s 14-4 victory over the Pirates. Outfielder Reed Johnson and left-handed pitcher Paul Maholm were dealt to the Atlanta Braves, and catcher Geovany Soto was traded to the Texas Rangers. Players in the Cubs’ dugout hugged their soon-to-be former teammates during the game when the news broke. Dempster remained a Cub as of late Monday. Full story.
Naperville violated Open Meeting Act during smart meter discussions
Naperville’s electoral board violated the state’s Open Meeting Act three times during deliberations regarding a proposed advisory referendum question for the March 20 election ballot, according to an Illinois attorney general’s report. The weeklong hearing in question was held in January as the Naperville Smart Meter Awareness Group attempted to defend several hundred signatures necessary for the referendum question to have been placed on the ballot. Full story.
Elgin man struck and killed by train
Police are investigating the death of a 52-year-old Elgin man who was struck and killed by a Metra train near the Elgin station last night. Police said the man was with another person a few blocks north of the station near the track before he was struck. Full story.
Island Lake trustee to return after missing months of meetings
Amid pressure and questions from fellow trustees and the Island Lake village attorney, Trustee Laurie Rabattini said she plans on returning to work “effective immediately” after months of absence due to an unspecified illness. Rabattini said her decision to end her medical leave was prompted by a growing controversy over developing plans to build a new village hall and police station. Full story.
Weather
Partly cloudy and a high of 70 degrees when you head out the door, but temperatures will climb to 88 degrees and turn sunny by this afternoon. Temperatures are expected to scale back to 66 degrees overnight tonight. Full story.
Traffic
No major delays are being reported on the area highways this morning. Bridge replacement continues in St. Charles at Burr Road between Bolcum Road and Silver Glen Road. Find an alternate route until late August. Full story.
Sox drop close one in 9th inning
Jamey Caroll’s sacrifice fly in the ninth inning scored Alexi Casilla and the Minnesota Twins won their fourth straight, beating the White Sox 7-6 Monday night. A.J. Pierzynski homered in his first game after missing five with a strained oblique, and Alejandro De Aza returned from a wrist injury and matched a career high with four hits for the White Sox. Full story.
Cubs blast Pirates by a final of 14-4
Cubs batters went wild against Pirates left-hander Erik Bedard, and Justin Germano picked up a victory in a spot start Tuesday night. On a night when players hugged each other in the dugout to say goodbye, there were still some celebratory hugs and handshakes on a big offensive night as the Cubs crushed the Pirates 14-4 at Wrigley Field. Full story.