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Jacobs boys basketball tops Prairie Ridge for unofficial Fox Valley Conference title / C1 NWHerald.com
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Lantz’s attorney rips indictment Says case against ex-coroner has ‘political undertones’; Bianchi disputes claim By CHELSEA McDOUGALL cmcdougall@shawmedia.com WOODSTOCK – The attorney defending the former McHenry County coroner on official misconduct and forgery charges says the case is “overshadowed with political undertones,” as a number of questions remain about the case. State’s Attorney Lou Bianchi vehemently rejected the notion that Marlene Lantz’s indictment
was the settling of old scores. Lantz, 68, of McHenry, and Bianchi never were friendly in the local political arena. She’s publicly endorsed Bianchi’s opponents and sharply criticized the state’s attorney when he was indicted on corruption charges. Bianchi eventually was cleared of all wrongdoing. “This is about justice and nothing else,” Bianchi said Friday. “We have a baby that wasn’t given an appropriate burial.”
“Ms. Lantz, just like any other defendant, is presumed innocent until proven otherwise.” Lantz is accused of not disposing of 22-year-old remains of a child referred to in the bill of indictment as “Baby Doe” or “Baby Reinert.” The remains were discovered at the coroner’s office in January. Lantz retired as coroner in 2012. According to the indictment, Lantz, in her official capacity,
took control of the remains in March 1992. Part of her official duties as coroner was to dispose of the body either through cremation, burial or by donating to science. She also is accused of later signing a death certificate with false information that the child’s mother was unidentified, although authorities knew her identity. The death certificate Lantz allegedly signed in 1997 also indicates the child was bur-
SPECIAL SECTION INSIDE
hose who have a positive impact on our lives can do so at any age. But, when we reflect on those who made the most impact, we often think of people we were fortunate enough to meet during our youth. We weren’t as strong. We weren’t as sure. We couldn’t even pretend to have many of the answers. We looked to teachers, coaches, clergy members and other adults whom we respected. As adults, we cherish the people who fill those roles in our communities. That’s why the 2015 Everyday Heroes special section focuses on them. Sports figures, actors and musicians might be who teens idolize, but the people who fill their lives with confidence, wisdom and courage will be the ones they remember for decades to come. People like Lisa Gatewood of Wonder Lake, who temporarily has taken in more than 30 children facing difficult family situations including parental drug addiction or incarceration. Another, like John Jelinek, a McHenry youth pastor, who helps teens find their worth and spiritual needs. Or an Everyday Hero like Jennifer Cody, a Harvard teacher who helps special education students learn life skills. We hope you enjoy their stories as much as we enjoy sharing them.
ied although it was not, the indictment reads. Lantz was coroner for 24 years and worked as a chief deputy coroner for eight years before that. Her attorney, Mark Gummerson, called the indictment “a travesty.” “The woman has given 32 years of her life to this county, to the victims, and their families, and they [the State’s Attorney’s
Marlene Lantz Former McHenry County coroner
See LANTZ, page A4
Lawmaker reimbursed costs for office decor HEROES IN PRINT
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By JACK GILLUM and STEPHEN BRAUN The Associated Press
A 52-page special section with stories celebrating McHenry County residents who make a difference in the lives of youth.
HEROES ONLINE Access all the interviews with our heroes at NWHerald. com/heroes-2015. Also online is a photo gallery of this year’s Everyday Heroes.
WASHINGTON – Illinois Rep. Aaron Schock repaid $40,000 from his personal checking account for redecorations to his congressional office in the style of the TV show “Downton Abbey,” according to financial records reviewed by The Associated Press. Schock paid $35,000 this month to the owner of the Illinois decorating firm Euro Trash, and $5,000 more Thursday, the records showed. His official House expense account previously had paid the group for its services. Schock, a rising star in the Republican Party, has been under scrutiny for using taxpayer money to pay for the redecorating, as well as using his official and campaign funds for flights on donor-owned planes and concert tickets. The Washington Post was first to describe the office decorations in early February. A watchdog group has since requested a House ethics review of the congressman’s spending. Schock’s office said Friday his payments made good on an earlier promise to personally shoulder the costs of the office renovation. Schock wrote two checks – for $25,000 on Feb. 4 and $10,000 on Feb. 6 – to Tracy “Annie” Brahler, owner of Euro Trash. He wrote a third check for $5,000 on Thursday. “Congressman Schock has fulfilled his commitment to pay for all the renovation costs,” his office said Friday in a prepared statement. It said that while congressional office costs usually are paid from office expense accounts, “the congressman
Aaron Schock The Illinois representative has been under scrutiny for using taxpayer money to pay for redecorating his congressional office, as well as using his official and campaign funds for flights on donor-owned planes and concert tickets. According to financial records, Schock has repaid $40,000 from his personal checking account for the redecorations to his office.
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Congress passes bill late Friday to keep Homeland Security Department open / A9 LOCAL
State swimming
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McHenry’s Kevin Braun qualifies for two consolation finals at state / C1
A 22-year-old McHenry County murder will be featured this weekend on TV show / A3
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See DECOR, page A4