Dawn Patrol: 10 inches of snow? School closings abound
Impending snow shuts down suburban schools
The majority of suburban schools are electing to close today in anticipation of the snowstorm expected to head into the area later this morning. As much as 10 inches of snow could fall throughout the day. Full story.
Dist. 303 considers fee for low-income kindergartners
Education isn’t free, say some St. Charles Unit District 303 school board members as they recently debated putting a price tag on all-day kindergarten for the families of low income students. Parents save money on child care by having their children in all-day kindergarten, some board member say, and the district could really use the extra money. Full story.
Arlington Heights approves new snow and ice sensors
A new road weather information system in Arlington Heights will improve snow and ice removal, but it won’t be here in time to help during today’s storm. The village board last night approved spending $65,000 on the system, which will be installed throughout the village and will be able to tell if pavement is wet, dry or icy, as well as provide weather data. Full story.
West Aurora High gets a new principal
The West Aurora school board last night hired a new principal for West Aurora High School. Charles G. Hiscock, 48, will assume duties there July 1. Hiscock is an associate principal at Downers Grove North High School, a post he has held since 2005. Full story.
Coroner says Elgin woman died of stab wounds
An Elgin woman who was killed over the weekend in her townhouse died of multiple stab wounds, the Kane County coroner said yesterday. Lisa Koziol-Ellis died of more than three stab wounds. Police had no further information on the crime last night. Full story.
Elgin man pleads guilty to 9 armed robberies
An Elgin man admitted guilt in nine armed robberies that took place in August 2011 through June 2012 in Elgin, Aurora and East Dundee. Fernando D. Zavala, 39, entered a cold plea, admitting guilt without any sort of agreed-upon sentence. A judge will sentence him April 10. Full story.
Governor’s budget proposal looms
With financial problems lingering in Springfield, suburban officials will find out Wednesday how Gov. Pat Quinn’s next budget will affect them. From pension funding to money to fund education, the state is expected to make cuts that will likely be unpopular with cash strapped school districts and communities. Full story.
Weather
You might have expected to see the white stuff falling from the sky this morning, then were shocked when it wasn’t there. Don’t worry, it’s on the way. A winter storm advisory has been pushed back until 9 a.m., but the 10-inches of snow expected is still coming. That storm advisory is expected to last through midnight. Temperatures are expected to reach about 33 degrees this afternoon before dipping back to 23 degrees tonight. Full story.
Traffic
Nothing major to report early, but people who can stay home should. The snow will be upon us by the morning rush hour, creating slick roads and possible spin outs. People are urged by state officials to not pass snow plows and to let the drivers do their jobs. Full story.
Hawks look to new records
If the Blackhawks earn a point tonight against Minnesota, they’ll hold the second-longest point streak in NHL history at 29 games, dating back to last season. It’s another feather in the cap that is the Hawks’ remarkable start to their season. Full story.