Dawn Patrol: Grayslake classes resume; Township drops Dems

Classes resume in Grayslake

Children return to classes today in Grayslake after the conclusion of the three-day strike by teachers in Grayslake Elementary District 46. The teachers and school board reached a deal, but no details have been released pending votes by each group. Teachers walked out Jan. 16 in the district of about 4,000 students. It’s the third teachers strike in Lake County since September. Full story.

Grayslake board member threatened

Police are investigating after a Grayslake school board member received a threatening phone message regarding the now-concluded teachers strike in Grayslake Elementary District 46. Shannon Smigielski reported the message, in which a man called her a liar and insinuated that he would instruct his children to taunt Smigielski’s children at school. A police report has been filed. Full story.

Schaumburg Twp. drops Dems from ballot

All five Democratic candidates for Schaumburg Township offices were struck last night from the April 9 ballot after the township electoral board voted for the measure. They were slated by an acting Democratic committeeman who wasn’t properly appointed himself, they said. Full story.

Palatine man gets to keep some hens at his house

A Palatine man hoping to raise backyard chickens got his wish last night, but officials are keeping the coop door shut elsewhere in the village — for now, at least. Steve Brosio will be allowed to house up to six hens as part of a hobby he’s quietly kept up without much notice over the past decade, but only because his property is large. Full story.

Meanwhile, in Arlington Heights ...

Tonight the Arlington Heights village board will consider requests from two residents wanting to keep up to three hens in their backyards. A similar request was rejected by trustees nearly a year ago. Full story.

Pastor in Carol Stream talks about taking a stand like MLK

Like the words and actions of Martin Luther King Jr., Pastor Corey Brooks says he’s learned how to take a stand. The 44-year-old “rooftop pastor” from New Beginnings Church in Chicago came to Carol Stream last night and implored attendees of the village’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration to do the same in their lives — whether it’s in their community or in the world. Full story.

Also see a collection of pictures from the holiday honoring Martin Luther King Jr.

While we’re talking about pictures: The inauguration balls

See the collection of pictures of the Obamas and the stars performing for them at last night’s events in Washington.

Tony Blair to headline Judson University event

Former Prime Minister Tony Blair will headline Judson University’s third World Leaders Forum in April, according to the school’s website. The official community announcement will be made today, but students got the news yesterday in chapel. Full story.

State funds will run out by summer, Topinka says

Illinois Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka said yesterday that the state’s going to be broke by summer if lawmakers don’t find money for necessary state programs. The state’s fiscal year ends June 30. Lawmakers need to add money into the budget midyear so there’s no interruption of services to programs for the elderly, among others. Full story.

Weather

It’s freezing outside, with a current temperature of only 1 degree above zero, and a wind chill making it feel like it’s minus-13. Temperatures will rise to 10 degrees by the end of the day, but wind chills will keep people feeling like it is subzero throughout the day. Temperatures are expected to rise to 20 degrees tomorrow, breaking the subzero cold snap. Full story.

Traffic

No major problems to report this morning with traffic mostly light. However, people should use caution and, due to the frigid temperatures, watch out for ice, specifically on bridges and overpasses. Check ABC Chicago traffic.

Bulls beat the road-lowly Lakers

Flying into town fresh off an afternoon loss in Toronto were the Los Angeles Lakers, a team that perfectly illustrates the term “road woes.” The Lakers started the night 5-13 away from Southern California, with 5 straight road defeats. The Bulls finished the game on a 20-8 surge and beat the Lakers 95-83. Full story.