Dawn Patrol: Alderman Buske dies; Sikh community gathers in Palatine
Rolling Meadows alderman dies after battle with cancer
Rolling Meadows alderman and longtime community member Larry Buske died yesterday after battling lung cancer for more than a year. Buske, 68, held the 3rd Ward City Council seat since 2003 and until last month continued coming to council meetings during his illness, said Mayor Tom Rooney. Remembered as a tough guy who wouldn't hesitate to disagree with his fellow council members — sometimes heatedly — Buske also had a soft side, particularly for his wife, Brenda, and their family. Full story.
Sikh community gathers to commemorate anti-hate resolution
When the South Asian and Sikh community planned an event to commend the Illinois House of Representatives on a resolution denouncing hate crimes, they expected to refer back to an August shooting at a Sikh temple in Wisconsin. Instead, a moment of silence yesterday came for those killed Friday at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn. With heavy hearts, religious leaders and elected officials joined the Sikh Religious Society in Palatine to discuss House Resolution 1193, which encourages tolerance and promotes education about diverse cultures and religions to end violence.” Full story.
Elgin drunken driver gets 5 years
A repeat drunken driver from Elgin who authorities said was driving with a blood-alcohol level nearly four times the legal limit recently was sentenced to five years in prison by a Kane County judge. Holly M. Deihs, 34, of the 500 block of South State Street, was sentenced by Judge Marmarie Kostelny after pleading guilty to a fourth DUI, according to court records. Full story.
Man charged after joke text prompts investigation
A St. Charles man was arrested Friday after sending text messages that falsely claimed he had been kidnapped, Chicago police said yesterday. Matthew Barker, 32, of the 34800 block of South James, was charged with one felony count of disorderly conduct for false reporting, according to police. Full story.
Obama offers ‘love, prayers of nation' to Newtown
He spoke for a nation in sorrow, but the slaughter of all those little boys and girls left President Barack Obama, like so many others, reaching for words. “I am very mindful that mere words cannot match the depth of your sorrow, nor can they heal your wounded hearts,” Obama said at an evening vigil in the grieving community of Newtown, Conn. “I can only hope that it helps for you to know that you are not alone in your grief.” Full story.
Weather
Cloudy with a high of 38 degrees as you head out the door this morning. Temperatures will climb to 42 degrees this afternoon before dropping back to 29 overnight tonight. Full story.
Traffic
Construction continues in Naperville on Diehl Road between IL Route 59 and Raymond Drive. More traffic.
Playoffs?!? Not after Packers beat Bears 21-13
Dead men walking. That's what the Bears looked like as they left the field Sunday after their fifth loss in six games overall and their sixth straight loss to the Packers, who clinched the NFC North title with a 21-13 victory at Soldier Field. If the season ended now, the 8-6 Bears would not be invited to the postseason party. Full story.
Seems just about over now for Bears, Lovie
The most difficult walks are often made alone, the silence a welcome respite offering the opportunity for reflection, if not perspective. Lovie Smith took such a walk Sunday afternoon. The Bears head coach shook hands with Aaron Rodgers, got a hug from Mike McCarthy, then was suddenly alone — probably for the last time at Soldier Field as head coach of the Chicago Bears. Full story by Barry Rozner.
Paul, Adams lead No. 10 Illini over E Kentucky
Brandon Paul scored 17 points, Tracy Adams added 13 and No. 10 Illinois pulled away late to remain unbeaten with a 66-53 victory over Eastern Kentucky last night. In a game between undefeated teams, the Illini led by 11 early but needed a late 12-2 run to gain control and help John Groce become only the second coach in Illinois history to win his first 12 games. Full story.