Dawn Patrol: Van starts Elgin house fire; stabbing victim remembered
Local counselors get few inquiries on first day of health reform
In-person counselors trained to help people navigate the purchase of health insurance through the Affordable Care Act got very few inquiries from potential customers throughout the suburbs yesterday — the first official day that the health insurance exchanges opened. Full story.
Van rolls into Elgin home, starts fire
An Elgin homeowner’s van rolled backward into the house, breaking off the gas meter and starting a fire. The blaze, in the 300 block of south May Street, caused extensive damage to the home but no injuries were reported. Full story.
Wauconda trustees lambaste mayor
A week after a long-awaited deal to bring Lake Michigan drinking water to Wauconda fell apart, village trustees on Tuesday night blasted Mayor Frank Bart for his role in the snafu. Full story.
Stabbing victim’s mom remembers daughter
Linda Valez was a giving person, even though she had very little herself, said her mother, Gloria Araujo, who was mourning the loss of her daughter after Glen Ellyn police found her Saturday in a shallow grave. Valez struggled with mental illness and was currently living in a Wheaton homeless shelter, Araujo said, but still tried to help others. Full story.
Man who held Glen Ellyn couple hostage gets 12 years
A man who held a Glen Ellyn woman and her boyfriend hostage in her house last year was sentenced yesterday to 12 years in prison. Authorities said Jeffrey Beard, 65, of Wheaton held the pair at gunpoint after entering the home uninvited. Full story.
Darien man gets 5 years for stabbing mom
A Darien man who stabbed his mother in the face with a meat carving fork was sentenced yesterday to five years in prison. Marcos Osoteo, 54, pleaded not guilty but mentally ill to charges of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. Full story.
Second woman testifies against Palatine physician’s assistant
The second day of Alejandro Sanchez’s trial on charges that he sexually molested a patient at a Palatine clinic began with testimony from another woman who said the licensed physician’s assistant abused her. Full story.
Tickets on sale for food fest
You can now buy tickets for Hoffman Estates’ second annual International Food Tasting Festival. About 20 restaurants will provide samples of ethnic foods, ranging from French and Italian to Chinese and Pakistani, from 5 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 29, at the Stonegate Banquet and Conference Centre, 2401 W. Higgins Road. Full story.
Weather
Fog early, but a beautiful day later when temperatures reach 79 degrees. Temperatures will start out as 65 degrees in the early morning, then dip back to 64 degrees tonight. Full story.
Traffic
Construction continues on I-88 between IL Route and Orchard Road near North Aurora. People are urged to use caution when traveling through the area and look out for road workers. More traffic.
Blackhawks win 6-4 in opener
Returning Blackhawks players watched their championship banner rise to the rafters Tuesday night and then began defending their title with a 6-4 win over the Washington Capitals. Click here to read Tim Sassone’s take.