Dawn Patrol: Messy snow outside; Fox Valley schools closed
This morning could be messy outside
The National Weather Service dropped its expected snowfall total for the storm that began last night, but a winter advisory is still in effect through 6 p.m. today. It says the storm might drop 5 inches of snow in some spots, but more like 3 inches on average. The toughest part might be when the temperature increases and the snow turns to sleet and rain. Full story
Classes called off across Fox Valley
The Emergency Closing Center website has listed school closings for several Fox Valley schools for today, due to the expected snow. Click here for the list.
Blackhawks can get the record tonight — and want to
All season the Blackhawks have downplayed the fact they haven’t lost a game in regulation. Now that they can set the NHL record tonight against San Jose with a 17th straight game to start the season with at least 1 point, the Hawks figure what the heck, let’s go for it. Full story.
Attorneys open their cases in road rage trial
The road rage trial of Michael Moreno of Plainfield resumes today after prosecutors said yesterday he was so enraged about a rush-hour traffic spat that he killed an unsuspecting motorcyclist while trying to chase down another driver on Ogden Avenue at River Road in Naperville. Moreno’s attorney says the cause of the crash is in dispute and eyewitnesses gave conflicting accounts. Full story.
Slain Aurora teen hit 7 times with hammer, reports show
Abigail Villalpando of Aurora was hit in the head with a hammer seven times, then rolled up in a blanket, which was stored it in a blue container in the rafters of a garage. Those are among the details contained in a search warrant obtained by Aurora detectives investigating the city’s first murder since late 2011, the Daily Herald has learned. Police also have a suspect’s bloody clothes. Full story.
$20,000 in pledges so far for orchestra
Less than a week after pledge cards were sent to supporters of the New Philharmonic Orchestra at the College of DuPage, the 36-year-old professional orchestra has drawn a total of $20,000, the college’s board of trustees learned last night. The college’s annual goal to patrons is $150,000, as part of a three-season pledge drive that officials say would guarantee the orchestra remains at the McAninch Arts Center through 2016. Full story.
West Chicago Dist. 33 contract is official; now the details
The West Chicago Elementary District 33 school board approved a three-year contract with its teachers union last night, officially ending 16 months of often bitter contract talks that included a three-day strike. The new pact, retroactive to Sept. 1, includes compromises on salaries and health benefits. Details of the agreement were made public for the first time after the board’s ratification by a 6-0 vote. Full story.
St. Charles man’s disappearance still a mystery
It has been six years since Stephanie McNeil learned that her brother John Spira, a St. Charles resident and DuPage County businessman, was missing. Since then, she has been trying to find answers from the DuPage County sheriff’s office and placing billboards along highways and in train stations. Full story
Woodridge drug dealer gets 20 years
A Woodridge man has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for operating a Chicago-area drug ring. DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan announced yesterday the sentencing of Dorian Luzaj, 29, of the 6300 block of Winston Drive. Full story
ECC moves ahead with land acquisition
Elgin Community College officials are moving forward with plans to purchase the remaining 41 acres of the former Spartan Meadows Golf Course from the city of Elgin. Full story
Weather
The heaviest of the snow is over, but flurries will continue to fall throughout the day. Temperatures will climb to about 34 degrees later this afternoon, before dipping back to 23 degrees overnight tonight. Full story.
Traffic
Traffic is slow this morning as plows work to get ahead of the snow that fell overnight. Numerous accidents are being reported n the western suburbs, like Hanover Park, Glen Ellyn and Downers Grove due to the snow. People should slow down and use extra caution when traveling. More traffic from ABC Chicago.
Rose sides with Bulls over brother on roster
The Bulls keep saying all parties are on the same page regarding Derrick Rose’s conservative comeback from ACL surgery. That may be true, but apparently Rose’s older brother Reggie is reading from a different chapter. Full story
Poll Vault: What TV shows are you hooked on?
Michelle Holdway just discovered “Downton Abbey” and went on a weekend marathon watching Season 1 on demand. What TV series, new or old, have you just gotten hooked on? Join Michelle’s Facebook conversation by leaving your comment.