Blizzards. Wind storms. Floods.

Intense weather was a  big part of 2011 in Palatine. It began with a record snowfall that buried much of the village.

July was particularly rough. First a wind storm blew through the area, downing trees and power lines. Some residents were without power for several days including a Palak Desai, whose 4-year-old daughter is dependent on a feeding pump to survive. The family resorted to charging the girl's feeding pump at Norma's Coffee Corner.

In late July, a record rainfall flooded various areas of the village. In the aftermath of the massive rainfall, a sinkhole formed under Hicks Road. Repairs would take months, causing traffic woes for many.

There also was plenty of controversy in the village in 2011. The Palatine Park District decided to close Willow Pool. The decision generated an impassioned plea from residents. Later residents enjoyed a final day at Willow.

The Palatine Jaycees decision to reject a banner from Palatine Area Catholics Respect Life for the 4th of July parade also sparked controversy.

In politics, local elections brought some changes in April. Challengers in Community Consolidated School District 15 won a clean sweep. Kollin Kozlowski defeated long-time Village Council member Jack Wagner. And newcomer Bill Roberston joined the Township High School District 211 school board.

In February a Palatine neighborhood was shocked by a murder-suicide in the 1500 block of Reynolds Drive. Edward Kuemper, 49, shot and killed 21-year-old Arilngton Heights resident Bradley Morrison. Kuemper then shot himself. Kuemper and his wife were having marital problems and his daughter was dating Morrison.

In September, police investigated the stabbing death of a man outside of Ports O Call apartments along Rand Road. Police determined the stabbing to have been self defense and no criminal charges were brought in the case.

In sports, the Palatine High School boys cross country team captured the state title. The Palatine football team had a nine game winning streak before their season came to an end in the state playoffs against Glenbard North.

There also was the story of Joseph D'Amico – a Palatine resident who trained for a marathon on a diet of McDonald's.

The Fremd boys soccer team advanced to the state semi-finals before losing to Naperville Central on penalty kicks.

Fremd football also saw the end of an era as head football coach Mike Donatucci coached his final season.