Dawn Patrol: New contract in Dist. 300; Mayans miscalculated
Dist. 300 board approves contract
Carpentersville-based Community Unit District 300’s contract with the teachers union is a done deal. The three-year calls for increasing salaries and lowering class sizes, the latter beginning next year. The board of education approved the contract in a 5-1 vote at a special meeting last night. Full story.
Wayne man acquitted in beating case
The last of three men charged with beating a Glendale Heights man at an underage drinking party in August 2011 was acquitted yesterday. Judge George Bakalis found Tom Randich, 21, of Wayne, not guilty of aggravated battery, saying Randich’s actions were justified. Full story.
World didn’t end? Let’s party
Most people found the Mayan doomsday prediction preposterous, and in the suburbs, it’s being used as an excuse for a party, a topic for sketch-comedy performances, and even an apocalypse-themed art show tonight. Full story.
Rumors of violence unfounded in St. Charles, Palatine
Officials in St. Charles Unit District 303 found rampant talk of school violence resulted from lingering fear in schools from the recent shooting in Connecticut, but there was not a true threat. Superintendent Don Schlomann said school officials became aware of rumors about potential violence today at Thompson Middle School and St. Charles East High School, and they asked police to investigate the claims. Full story.
Meanwhile, Palatine High School Principal Gary Steiger issued a statement to students and parents Thursday morning dispelling rumors that someone was bringing a gun to the school today. According to the statement, school officials investigated the “noncredible” rumors, which were being posted on Twitter and possibly other social media sites. Full story.
Naperville man accused of rape
A Naperville man was arrested on a sexual assault charge stemming from an incident in a LaGrange parking garage. David A. Mason, 28, a homeless man whose last address was in Naperville, was taken into custody after a foot chase with LaGrange officers after the attack, police said. Full story.
‘Christmas Story’ or ‘Wonderful Life’?
What’s your favorite holiday movie? Is it one of the above, or perhaps “Elf” or “Miracle on 34th Street”? Click here to weigh in on this week’s Poll Vault.
Weather
Winter is officially here. Although it will be partly sunny all day, expect windy, cooler weather with a high of about 33 degrees. Temperatures are expected to hover in the mid-20s for the morning commute, with winds around 20 mph. Full story.
Traffic
The major roadways are clear this morning, with no delays to report. There are reports that in Mount Prospect, Rand Road is closed between Kensington and Central roads due to low hanging wires. In Long Grove, Robert Parker Coffin Road will be closed between IL-83 and Schaffer Road until at least Dec. 24 due to emergency bridge repair. Full story.
A mystery man at QB
The casual fan may not be familiar with Cardinals quarterback Ryan Lindley, and neither are the Bears. “I’ve heard of Lindley,” Bears linebacker Lance Briggs said. Still, the Bears will need to be prepared for the Arizona rookie making his fourth NFL start on Sunday. Click here to read Bob LeGere’s take.