Dawn Patrol: No 70 mph limits here; Wheaton bullying response
Most suburban roads exempt from 70 mph speed limit
The speed limit throughout most of the Chicago and suburban expressways won’t likely change, even though Gov. Pat Quinn signed legislation yesterday to let drivers go 70 mph. The increased limit, effective Jan. 1, applies to roads currently marked 65 mph. County boards will have the option to opt out of the new limit in areas where it could apply. Full story.
Wheaton vows to bounce back from bullying, harassment case
Wheaton city officials said last night that the city plans to bounce back from recent claims that a culture of bullying and harassment have taken place for years in a certain department within the village. Full story.
Barrington Fire Department to expand in light of layoffs
Despite laying off 20 firefighters used by the Barrington Countryside Fire Protection District, the Barrington village board last night increased its own fire services for a cost of about $80,000 per year. From Jan. 1, Barrington will employ 18 fire personnel — 16 firefighters and two command officers. Full story.
U-46 students return to class
As the school year fired up yesterday in the state’s second-largest school district, about 40,500 students returned to Elgin Area School District U-46 schools — mostly without a hitch. Changes in the district include six new classrooms at Ontarioville Elementary; full day kindergarten being explored at Fox Meadow and Prairieview elementary schools; 90 new buses that joined the fleet; and 18 new elementary art, music and physical education teachers. Full story.
St. Charles says goodbye to Townsend, hires new city administrator
In an emotional tribute, St. Charles Mayor Ray Rogina said farewell last night to departing City Administrator Brian Townsend. Rogina credited Townsend for navigating the city safely through rough financial times. The board also unanimously hired Mark Koenen, the longtime director of the city’s public works department, to fill Townsend’s spot. Full story.
Rivers Casino to host ‘Price is Right’ tryouts
CBS 2 Chicago and “The Price is Right” game show are holding auditions from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 12 at Rivers Casino in Des Plaines. Two winners will be flown to Los Angeles to see the show and try for a chance to be a contestant. Applicants must be 18 or older. Full story.
Weather
Another hot and humid day on tap with temperatures hovering around 88 degrees this afternoon. It will be about 70 degrees as you head out the door this morning, and dip back to 68 degrees tonight. Full story.
Traffic
Construction continues on US Route 14 between Potter Road and Greenwood Avenue near Des Plaines. Only one lane gets by in each direction until August 30th. Full traffic.
Schierholtz carries Cubs to 11-1 victory
Nate Schierholtz hit two home runs and drove in a career-high six runs, pushing the Cubs to a 11-1 victory last night over the Washington Nationals. It was the highest scoring game since a 14-6 victory over Houston in June. Full story.