Dawn Patrol: 500 million reasons to hope; mediator for Dist. 220
Powerball prize up to half a billion dollars
If you haven’t heard, the $500 million Powerball drawing is tonight. Authorities are saying that ticket sales are brisk and pushing the figure up more than $6 million and hour. The record for any American lottery payout is $656 million. Full story.
Barrington District 220 sides requests mediator
Teachers and members of the Barrington District 220 board of education hope contacting a federal mediator today to help with teacher contract negotiations will speed things along. Both groups met in a closed-door session last night that resulted in the request for help. The district sought out help from a mediator during the 2009 contract negotiations and it avoided a strike. Full story.
Man on parole for murder faces attempted murder charge
A man on parole for murder faces new charges of attempted murder after police say he tried to run down an acquaintance with a car. LaShone B. White was charged with attempted murder, aggravated assault, criminal damage to property, driving under the influence, driving without headlights, and failure to yield to an emergency vehicle. Full story.
Arlington Heights Park District to poll ‘no’ voters from election
The Arlington Heights Park District is trying to figure out why two attempts to pass tax increases have failed this year by going straight to the source — the voters. The park district has contracted with Public Research Group for $7,200 to do a telephone poll of people who voted “no” in the November election, said Executive Director Steve Scholten on Tuesday. Full story.
Naperville chief: No interest in boosting police pension
Naperville Police Chief Bob Marshall testified last night before the five-member Naperville Police Pension Board that he never even considered re-entering the Illinois Downstate Police Pension program when he was appointed the city’s new police chief in May. Marshall is collecting $98,148 annually from the fund he paid into during his 28-year police career. Since 2005, when he retired and was named assistant city manager, however, Marshall’s second pension has been held in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund. Marshall and city officials have maintained that Marshall should be allowed to continue paying 5 percent of his earnings into the IMRF while also collecting his police pension and his current $151,000 salary. Full story.
Mundelein man charged in fatal Round Lake crash
A Mundelein man faces alcohol charges after crashing head-on into a vehicle on Cedar Lake Road near Route 120. Mark Oelerich, 22, has been charged with aggravated DUI, improper lane usage and failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident. Araceli Villasenor died in the crash and the condition of three children who were passengers in the vehicle remains unknown. Full story.
Dogs return to home of fatal mauling
Two of the dogs who lived in the home of a fatal mauling returned to their Big Rock home earlier this week. Police believe Dawn Brown, 44, was killed by a six-year-old Bull Mastiff. That dog has since been put down. Full story.
Elgin man gets 15 years for Ecstasy pills
An Elgin man found in possession of 30,000 Ecstasy pills begins a 15-year sentence today after a judge found him guilty earlier this year for possession with the intent to deliver. Agustin Velasquez, 27, of the 200 block of Comstock Drive, could have been sentenced yesterday for up to 60 years for possessing the pills, which were worth $450,000. Full story.
Wauconda discusses treating winter roads with molasses
The roads in Wauconda could become sticky, sweet this winter in an effort to combat ice and snow. Wauconda officials last night discussed using the organic alternative to cut back on the amount of salt used to treat roads. Brine and beet juice have also become popular alternatives. Full story.
Weather
It will be about 30 degrees when you head out the door early this morning, but climb to about 40 degrees before the end of the day. Temperatures will dip back to about 30 degrees overnight tonight. Full story.
Traffic
Roadwork continues in Naperville at Diehl Road between IL Route 59 and Raymond Drive. The construction is expected to continue through November. Full story.
Cubs add fifth starting pitcher
Chicago Cubs’ General Manager Jed Hoyer added a fifth person to the pitching rotation yesterday when he signed former Texas Rangers right-hander Scott Feldman to a one-year deal worth $6 million. Feldman joins Matt Garza, Jeff Samardzija, Travis Wood and Scott Baker. Full story.
Can’t wait for the Big Ten? Maryland runs away from Northwestern 77-57
Northwestern welcomed its future conference rival to the Big Ten with open arms and porous defense. Dez Wells set a career high with 23 points as Maryland blew out Northwestern in the second half en route to a 77-57 win last night. Full story.