Weekend in Review: Paralyzed athlete, activist Komosa dies

Paralyzed athlete, activist Komosa dies

Rob Komosa, who was critically injured during a high-school football practice more than 13 years ago, has died, sources close to his family said Sunday night. “Rob Komosa awakened a sleeping giant of compassion and caring with thousands of people in the Northwest suburbs,” said family friend Don Grossnickle of the outpouring of support in the years after Komosa's 1999 accident. Full story.

Arrested? You can pay in more than one way

There's a chance your mug shot is already online if you were booked into the Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake or McHenry County jail in the last couple of years — even if your arrest didn't make the daily news. At least a half dozen websites now post suburban booking photos on a pay-to-remove basis. When attorneys protested, “They basically said 'Sue us,'” one lawyer recalled. “Eventually, just about every one of my clients paid the blood money.” Full story.

Slain Streamwood man came to U.S. seeking better life

The family of Anandkumar Jaiswal remembered the slain 24-year-old Streamwood resident Sunday as a friendly young man who came to the United States from his native India three years ago hoping to attend college and build a better life for his family. Family members gathered in Jaiswal's townhouse Sunday to mourn as police continued to investigate his murder early Saturday morning at the gas station where he worked as an attendant. Full story.

A contest to help 'heroes' with disabilities

We're used to seeing suburbanites competing for prizes on 'American Idol,' 'Biggest Loser,' 'The Amazing Race' and such. But the local folks with disabilities vying to become a National Mobility Awareness Month 'Local Hero' all could use the prize of a new accessible van. Full story.

Kirk adjusting to life post-stroke

In his first major appearance this year outside the halls of Congress, U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk had a succinct message to convey. “I have one message for the dictators in Tehran, 'I'm baaack,'” Kirk called out to the attendees of the AIPAC 2013 policy conference. He was met with a roaring standing ovation. Kirk's dedication to Iran sanctions reveals how the senator is adjusting to work back at the Capitol, and how his presence is encouraging some bipartisanship in the politically divided upper chamber. Full story.

Ex-Carpentersville fire chief says he wasn't paid to leave

The former longtime Carpentersville fire chief who was on paid administrative leave before he retired last month, said the village didn't pay him to leave. Moreover, the separation agreement he signed says that he could be asked to consult with the village when it hires a permanent replacement. “I chose to retire,” John Schuldt said. Full story.

Barrington boy struck by train upgraded to stable condition

An 11-year-old Barrington boy struck by a train Friday as he attempted to walk across tracks in the village's downtown has been upgraded to stable condition as he prepares for additional surgeries to repair his injuries, school officials reported Sunday.Dominic Szymanski, a fifth-grader at Hough Street Elementary School, was hit by a Metra train just after 6 p.m. Friday as he crossed the tracks at Route 59 north of Lake-Cook Road, according to authorities.Full story.

Arlington Hts. mayoral candidates differ sharply

One hates the new police station idea. One opposes slots at Arlington Park. One calls village hall a bureaucratic “maze” for business owners. The three candidates running for Arlington Heights village president pulled no punches at a lively forum Saturday. Full story.

Lake County woman murdered despite order of protection

A Lake County woman who obtained an order of protection this week against her ex-boyfriend was killed by the man Friday morning before he took his own life, authorities said. Diane Kephart, 61, was attacked in the driveway of her parents' Antioch Township home, police said. She recently had moved there from Vernon Hills. Full story.

Darch, Kozel debate Barrington's railroad fight

Barrington's nearly five-year legal fight with Canadian National over the need to mitigate increased freight train traffic through the village is one of the points of contention between Village President Karen Darch and her write-in challenger Mike Kozel. Kozel said he believes a less confrontational approach with CN would have made the company more willing to pay for mitigations other communities like Lake Zurich, Aurora and Joliet are receiving. Full story.

25-mile chase ends at Elgin police station

A Fox River Grove man led authorities on a chase for more than 25 miles early Saturday before he stopped at the Elgin Police Department and was arrested, officials said. Nickolas Poole, 28, of Center Street, was charged with aggravated fleeing, reckless driving, leaving the scene of an accident, possession of a stolen motor vehicle and driving on an expired license, among other offenses. Full story.

Police: Suspect in custody in Elgin woman's murder

Police announced Sunday night that there is a person in custody related to the murder of Lisa Koziol-Ellis in her Elgin home two weeks ago. Charges and more information will be announced at a news conference at 8 a.m. today, officials said. Elgin Police Chief Jeffrey Swoboda and Kane County State's Attorney Joe McMahon will be making an announcement this morning at the Elgin Police Department. Full story.

World & Nation

2 Ohio football players convicted of rape. Full story.

Pope wades into crowds, surprising onlookers. Full story.

Insurers warn of health care overhaul-induced sticker shock. Full story.

So the Dow hit a record, now where do we go? Full story.

Must voters have to prove citizenship to register? Full story.

Sports

Can Urlacher still help Bears? Full story.

Blackhawks' Bowman in sweet spot for deadline. Full story.

Winfield native finally a PGA Tour winner. Full story.

Bowden feels right at home with Cubs. Full story.

Northwestern again looking for sign of hope. Full story.

NCAA tourney: Illini get 7-spot. Full story.