Weekend in Review: Round Lake boy dies; Bears' hopes fade

Round Lake boy remembered for his constant smile

Alex Lancaster, 12, of Round Lake, a sixth-grader at Big Hollow Middle School in Ingleside, died last week after practicing a Batman stunt in his bedroom. “Not many young people have the gift of touching so many lives. Alex truly had the gift of character, love and perseverance,” a school social worker wrote in a remembrance. Full story.

Supporters celebrate Nativity at Arlington Heights park

A majority Catholic crowd with at least one atheist gathered Saturday afternoon to mark the opening of the controversial Nativity scene now displayed at North School Park in Arlington Heights. “It's great to see the toys in the park, but what can be better than to see the baby Jesus to refresh why we celebrate Christmas,” said Sue McPherrin of Arlington Heights. Full story.

Rolling Meadows alderman succumbs to cancer

Rolling Meadows alderman and longtime community member Larry Buske died Sunday after battling lung cancer for more than a year. “That big bear loved three things: people, nature and the city of Rolling Meadows,” said Mayor Tom Rooney, who worked with Buske for eight years. Full story.

Auto business has faced environment issues elsewhere

Three environmental issues that Insurance Auto Auctions settled in recent years elsewhere have given a Barrington Hills-based citizens group renewed vigor fighting the company's plans to build in neighboring East Dundee. IAA says no allegations were proven in one case and the others involved minor problems that were corrected. Full story.

Gun threat cancels Barrington High dance, game

A gun threat fueled a decision by Barrington Unit District 220 officials to cancel a high school dance scheduled for Saturday evening. The school also canceled the varsity girls basketball game with Hoffman Estates High School. “We're not sure of the credibility of the information completely,” Superintendent Tom Leonard said, but school officials decided to avoid any chance of trouble. Full story.

Redgate bridge opens in St. Charles

The long-awaited St. Charles Red Gate bridge opens to vehicular traffic Saturday. State and local officials applauded the bridge as needed relief to traffic congestion. The $30 million bridge has been No. 1 on the radar for the last several years, and talked about for 80 years. Full story.

'Firewall' saves Barrington area house

A “firewall” built between a two-story house and its attached garage may have helped prevent a fire that started in the garage from spreading in an unincorporated area near Barrington early Friday evening, authorities said. Full story.

Music of Palatine brass echoes through White House

The echo and acoustics of the White House grand foyer made a lasting impression on a group of Palatine High School musicians. Six members of the school's Brass Ensemble performed for two hours Saturday morning, serenading about 1,000 visitors. “There is a lot of echo in the room, so the brass sounded fantastic in that type of acoustical space,” said Raeleen Horn, Palatine's director of bands. Full story.

Three face murder charges in Waukegan killing

Three Waukegan men have been charged with first-degree murder after the intended victim of a robbery was shot and killed at his Waukegan apartment, authorities said Saturday. Full story.

Buffalo Grove group seeks referendum on project

A Buffalo Grove citizens group opposed to a massive downtown redevelopment proposal is asking the village board to put the question of its final approval to voters and then to abide by the outcome. Full story.

Mundelein to retire automated train crossing horns

Mundelein's original solution to train horn noise — the automated horn — will be retired and removed from crossings next month. The removal of the digital equipment marks the end of a 10-year run. “I think our action is based on the feeling of our public who want a quieter quiet zone,” Assistant Village Manager Mike Flynn said. Full story.

St. Charles man charged with sending texts about false kidnapping

A St. Charles man was arrested Friday after sending text messages that falsely claimed he had been kidnapped, Chicago Police said on Sunday. 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.

World & Nation

Obama offers 'love, prayers of nation' to Newtown. Full story.

Remembering the victims at Sandy Hook. Full story.

Staffers hailed as heroes after Connecticut school shooting. Full story.

Evidence hints at deadlier plan in Connecticut shootings. Full story.

On foreign policy, Kerry is Obama's good soldier. Full story.

Illinois faces difficult choices with gun law. Full story.

Millions face higher taxes without fix real soon. Full story.

Madoff trustee still pursuing assets four years later. Full story.

Boehner offers “fiscal cliff” deal that includes tax hike. Full story.

Small businesses already slipping off the “cliff.” Full story.

“Hobbit” sets Decemeber box office record. Full story.

Sports

Enough is enough: Time to send Smith packing. Full story.

Has Lovie's Bears luck run out? Full story.

Playoffs? Not after Packers beat Bears. Full story.

Seems just about over now for Bears, Lovie. Full story.

Bears' offense proves inept. Full story.