Dawn Patrol: Runners gather in Palatine; sandbagging in Gurnee
Palatine running club holds memorial run for Boston
Shoe and athletic gear reflectors shined on a dimly lit track in Palatine last night as about 30 people ran and walked a mile in solidarity with the victims of the Boston Marathon bombings. Before the walk and run, organizers spoke about why the group gathered and what the Boston Marathon means to runners around the world. “I kept striving to try to do Boston, and it literally took me nine times to get a qualifying time,” said Leo Tyska. “When you get there, it’s truly an amazing experience.” Full story.
Runners gathered at Chicago’s lakefront, too.
Local event and race organizers talk security
In the wake of the bombings Monday near the finish line of the Boston Marathon, security experts say now is the time for those in charge of public places and events to review and heighten their protective measures. Best practices vary across events and venues, but being vigilant and following the “see something, say something” rule are prudent steps everyone can take, said Norm Sturm, director of DuPage County’s office of Homeland Security. Full story.
Hayes: Boston experience lesson for Arlington Hts.
Tom Hayes, trustee and mayor-elect in Arlington Heights, finished his 9th Boston Marathon safely Monday, but soon after he got his medal, he learned others weren’t as lucky, he told the Daily Herald yesterday. With Arlington Heights home to several summer outdoor events and the major sporting venue of Arlington Park, Hayes said the impact of Monday’s attack is something to consider. “We do need to increase our awareness with events or large groups of people, as well as on our transportation lines,” he said. Full story.
Gurnee asks for volunteers to sandbag in fear of flooding
Sandbagging efforts will begin at 9 a.m. today at the Gurnee Grade School playground, 940 Kilbourne Road, and throughout the day the Gurnee Public Works Department and Warren Township’s Highway Department will continue assembling and delivering sandbags. As of 6 p.m. yesterday, the Des Plaines River was at 7.65 feet, causing minor flooding. But additional rainfall of three or more inches is predicted by the National Weather Service throughout the rest of the week. Full story.
Trial begins without missing nuclear engineer
A victim testified that a seemingly elderly man approached her outside a Kohl’s in Woodridge last May, pointed a gun at her and stole her vehicle. Shortly after, police arrested Michael Burhman, a senior reactor operator at a downstate power plant, still wearing a mask and with a loaded gun. He’s since fled. Full story.
Des Plaines officers suspended in grant scheme
Des Plaines police department suspended 13 officers between 7 and 60 days over allegations of participating in a scheme to misrepresent participation in grant-funded traffic enforcement campaigns. Full story.
Naperville approves using tax revenue to pay down debt
Twenty-five percent of Naperville’s food and beverage tax revenue will now go to pay down the city’s public safety pension obligations, as council members approved last night. The move should save the city $25 million. Full story.
Geneva OKs $83.6 million budget despite ex-candidate’s queries
The Geneva city council approved a new budget for the city last night, despite questions brought up by a former mayoral candidate. Bob McQuillan asked aldermen to delay the vote based on conflicting numbers posted on the city’s budget website; city officials said the numbers had been updated and declined his request. Full story.
Weather
Heavy rain and thunderstorms are expected today, with a high of 54 degrees this afternoon. It will be 43 to start the day, then dip back to 50 tonight. The rain that starts this afternoon is expected to dump up to 3-inches over the area by Thursday, so people with flood-prone homes should be prepared. Full story.
Traffic
Roadwork continues in Aurora on Austin Avenue over Indian Creek. The construction is expected to last through May. More traffic.
White Sox hitters show patience in win
After starting out the season with the league’s least amount of walks, the White Sox showed some patience last night and beat the Toronto Bluejays 4-3. The Sox drew three walks early in the game and a couple more key walks later in the game. Full story.