Hi-Liter Illinois 1/18/2023

Former petting zoo turned party barn

Brian Grams remembers when this particular building on the grounds of the Volo Museum was the bane of his existence.

“Right over there is where I was spit on by a llama,” he said during a recent tour of his latest project. “I have a scar on my right hand where a rabbit bit me. I was bucked in the face by a horse. My brother, Jay, and I had to clean out the stalls. So, as a kid, yeah, not a lot of fond memories in this building.”

But all of that is about to change. Today, what once was an animal barn just east of the ticketing area at the Volo Museum is fast becoming a party barn. The roughly 1,300-square-foot building is undergoing a noexpense-spared facelift. The Grams family is investing about $300,000 into flooring, insulation, plumbing, a kitchen, a high-quality, sound-deadening dividing wall and more.

“We’ll have two smaller party rooms available, or one larger one,” said Grams, director of the museum at 27582 Volo Village Road, Volo. Groups can rent one of the two 24-foot-by-20-foot spaces or both, with the divider retracted, for a 24-by40-foot space.

Starting this March, standard party packages will

be available for groups of 15, 30 or 45 people. Each package includes one hour in the private room, pizza made fresh in-house from Buddyz Pizzeria-supplied stock, soda, all-day admission passes, a party hostess, tables, chairs, plates and napkins, plus five game or ride tokens for the guest of honor, as well as cleanup.

Additionally, the museum is on the cusp of acquiring a liquor license, Grams said. He anticipates that by March, alcoholic beverages also will be available for purchase.

Pricing ranges from $395 for a group of 15 with admission to Jurassic Gardens to $895 for a group of 30 with admission to the Volo Museum and $1,895 for a group of 45 with admission to both. Availability will be on a first-reserved, firstserved basis with openings daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For those who’d like to be among the first to check out the new space and party packages for free, an upcoming contest will be key. Those 18 and older will be eligible to enter the contest Jan. 23-30 online at volofun.com.

The winner, announced Jan. 31, will receive one combo (all-access) party for 15, a prize valued at $695, and may select from among available openings. No pur-

chase is necessary to enter the contest.

Grams said his family decided to invest in the new amenity after receiving countless inquiries about hosting birthday, retirement, corporate or reunion gatherings on-site.

“As a parent, I am also well aware of the need for more quality party locations in the area,” he said. “Our party packages will offer guests a very unique, fun and hassle-free experience.”

And for Grams, the memories that lie ahead are a far cry from those of his youth.

“Let’s just say I’m happy to be going from farm animals to party animals,” he said. “It’s going to be a terrific, really special visitor experience.”

The Volo Museum is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Admission is $19.95 per adult, $17.95 per senior, $16.95 for military, $12.95 for children ages 5 to 12 and free for children 4 and younger. Separate admission to the Jurassic Gardens dinosaur park is $15.95 each; free for children 4 and younger. Combo passes for both attractions cost $31.95 for an adult or $24.95 for children ages 5 to 12, and are good for two consecutive days.

For other details, visit volofun.com, find Volo Museum on social, or call 815-385-3644.

Above: Workers install signage on the Volo Museum’s new Party Barn. The space will be available to accommodate private parties starting in March.

Left: Marketing Director Jim Wojdyla (right) looks on as Volo Museum Director Brian Grams points out the spot where a llama once mistreated him in what is now becoming the museum’s new Party Barn at 27582 Volo Village Road.

Cynthia Wolf CONTRIBUTOR

JIM WOJDYLA Hi-Liter/MCN

CYNTHIA WOLF Hi-Liter/MCN

Sheriffs say they want no role in enforcing state’s assault weapon registry

Approximately 80 top law enforcement officials issue warning

By Hannah Meisel FOR CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS

Dozens of county sheriffs in Illinois—approximately “80-ish,” per Illinois Sheriffs’ Association head Jim Kaitschuck—say they’ll refuse to enforce a provision of a new assault weapons ban that would require owners of such guns to register them with the state.

In the wake of Gov. JB Pritzker’s signature last week of the law banning the sale and manufacture of assault weapons in Illinois, many sheriffs have written nearly identical letters expressing their unwillingness to enforce the law’s requirement for registering assault-style weapons with the state.

Beginning next year, a gun owner’s failure to provide the state police with the serial numbers for assault-style rifles they own prior to Jan. 1, 2024, will be a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to 364 days in prison. The degree of charges could increase based on the number of unregistered guns.

But Kaitschuck contended it would be impossible for local sheriffs to know who in their county owns assault

weapons if those gun owners don’t voluntarily comply with the law, suggesting it would be ridiculous to go door-to-door to find out.

“We have no inventory of guns bought and sold that are available to local sheriffs,” Kaitschuck said of information partially available to the Illinois State Police.

“We don’t have access to it—and I’m not asking for it either, by the way.”

Several gun rights organizations say they are planning to challenge the law in federal court, buoyed by a 2022 U.S. Supreme Court decision which Second Amendment proponents believe could mean friendlier opinions on firearms-related claims moving forward.

Democrats and advocates who pushed for Illinois to pass the nation’s ninth statewide ban on assault weapons had expected litigation, but on Jan. 12, maintained that unless the law gets struck down, sheriffs’ refusal to enforce any part of it is a dereliction of duty.

“They took an oath of office to uphold the law,” Pritzker said at an unrelated news conference. “As law enforcement, that’s their job. And I expect them to do that

job. You can have all the resolutions and declarations that you want (but) the reality is that the laws that are on the books, you don’t get to choose which ones people are going to follow.”

But Kaitschuck countered with the common example of police declining to write a ticket to a driver pulled over for driving 10 miles over the speed limit.

“If I pull somebody over for speeding going 65 in a 55, and I don’t write them a ticket, does that mean I’m not enforcing (the law)?” he asked. “And I know we’re talking apples to oranges here, but… my point on this is that officers have discretion. We don’t arrest everybody we could or else our jails would be totally overrun.”

The sheriffs’ letters this week primarily dealt with enforcing the registry portion of the assault weapons law, and Kaitschuck said he wasn’t aware of any sheriffs in his organization who don’t plan on complying with the law’s other provisions, like the ban of sales of assault weapons at Illinois gun shops.

However, Chicago-Kent College of Law professor Harold Krent argued the

sheriffs’ letters go beyond what was explicitly stated and said the symbolism of law enforcement officers refusing to comply with state law is a slippery slope.

Krent contrasted the sheriffs’ move with state’s attorneys’ actions surrounding the cashless bail provision of Illinois’ SAFE-T Act, which was supposed to do away with cash bond in Illinois on Jan. 1. Despite grumbling from dozens of state’s attorneys in Illinois, even the staunchest opponents to the law were at least somewhat prepared to comply with it in the new year, at least until the Illinois Supreme Court stayed the law on Dec. 31, pending a full appeal.

“There, (the state’s attorneys) went to court and said, ‘We’re not going to block the process but we want a judicial resolution.’ That’s a norm in our country,” Krent said. “...The General Assembly has decided (the assault weapons ban is) constitutional. The attorney general has decided it’s constitutional. I think it’s an incredible risk for sheriffs to say, ‘We’re not going to enforce a law.’ … because that’s encouraging a lack of respect for the law.”

Community invited to grand opening of CLC Student Center Jan. 28

Join College of Lake County (CLC) to celebrate the grand opening of the Student Center at the Lakeshore Campus in Waukegan from to 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28. The event is free and open to the public and the public is invited to come at any time during those hours.

The six-story building is the newest addition to Waukegan’s skyline, likely being the first thing someone sees after stepping off the Metra train. It is fully integrated on campus, with the second and third floors connecting to one of the college’s existing buildings.

“One of the things we wanted to do with the campus is go beyond what we already have on site,” said Lakeshore Campus Dean Jesus Ruiz. “We wanted to think outside the box and imagine what we could become as a campus.”

The Student Center is part of CLC’s Lakeshore Commitment to offer a wider variety of courses at its Waukegan campus. Along with providing essential courses like English and math, the added instructional space will bring programs including digital media design and cybersecurity. Other programs offered at Lakeshore include dental hygiene, phlebotomy, medical assisting and certified nursing assisting.

The Student Center is on track to achieve U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification for its sustainability features. The building is energy efficient and the windows are made of glass that tints during the day to block out excess sunlight. The glass also has tiny dots embedded throughout to deter bird strikes, which is an important feature given how many migratory birds fly through Waukegan.

As a part of the Waukegan community, the new building is also home to a large community gathering space. The top floor of the student center will house the Eleanor Murkey Community Center, named after the first dean of the Lakeshore Campus. The space features a balcony overlooking the lakefront.

Community will be a big focus of the grand opening event, with food and entertainment being provided by local restaurants and performance groups.

“We want to make sure that whatever initiative we bring to Lakeshore is relevant and supportive of the needs of the community,” Ruiz said.

The College of Lake County Student Center is located at 34 N. Sheridan Road, Waukegan.

After frenzied ‘lame duck’ session, 103rd General Assembly is sworn in

Ceremonies held at Old State Capitol, University of Illinois Springfield

By Nika Schoonover and Hannah Meisel

FOR CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS

A mix of incumbents and newly minted lawmakers were sworn into their terms in the 103rd General Assembly last week following a hectic week of “lame duck” action in the House and Senate.

The crowning achievement from Democrats who wield total control of state government was a ban on the sale and manufacture of assault weapons in Illinois. Sixteen hours after Gov. JB Pritzker signed the measure into law, the Rev. Jerry Doss of Springfield’s Abundant Faith Christian Center recognized it before his invocation over the House swearing-in ceremony.

“I want to also personally thank you—the leaders and the decision-makers—for passing the bill on banning assault weapons,” Doss said. “We appreciate you. Thank you.”

Doss’ comment was met with rousing cheers from Democratic supporters— and silence from Republicans. Though the dozens of speeches during inauguration activities on Jan. 11 struck positive notes about working together for the good of Illinois, they also contained subtle hints about the growing partisan divide in Springfield.

“Those who choose discord, those whose blind allegiance to extreme ideology would dismantle our fundamental institutions, those who would derail the work people have sent us here to do: they will find that this House will not waste the people’s time on their games,” House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, D-Hillside, warned in his address in the auditorium at the University of Illinois Springfield.

Seven miles north during the Senate’s inauguration ceremony at the Old State Capitol, incoming Senate GOP Leader John Curran of Downers Grove spoke as a member of the superminority party.

Local students named to Bradley Dean’s List for fall 2022 semester

More than 1800 students were named to Bradley’s Fall 2022 Dean’s List. To be eligible for the Dean’s List, a student must achieve a minimum 3.5 grade point average for the semester on a 4.0 scale.

Local students named to the list are:

• Logan Delgado of Antioch, majoring in Criminology

• Sloan Townsend of Antioch, majoring in Accounting Bradley University is a top-ranked, private university in Peoria, Illinois, offering nearly 6,000 undergraduate and graduate students opportunities, choices, and resources to build their futures. Innovation, action, and collaboration drive Bradley students to generate ideas and create solutions that remake the world around them.

“We are all here to do one thing: create a better Illinois,” Curran said. “That means that all legislators— not just the majority—are here to represent our constituents through creating strong, practical public policy.”

Welch touted the importance of debate and compromise while reminding legislators to remember their “why.”

“As legislators, we’re going to disagree on ‘how’ to achieve a goal, or ‘when’ is the right time to do it. But more often than not, our ‘why’ is very much the same,” he said. “We want to help people. We want to use the opportunities afforded to us to create more opportunities for those who come after us.”

He then took a moment to acknowledge former Republican Leader Jim Durkin, of Western Springs, who officially resigned his seat on Jan. 10.

“It’s no secret that Rep. Jim Durkin and I would disagree on many of the ‘hows’ and ‘whens’ of lawmaking, and we would often make those disagreements known—sometimes at maximum volume,” Welch said. “And that’s a good thing, because debate and disagreement are necessary steps toward compromise and cooperation – as long as we never lose sight of our ‘why.’”

Welch was formally elected to a second term as Speaker of the House with unanimous Democratic support and was sworn in by his wife, ShawnTe RainesWelch, a new Cook County Judge. He took his oath on a family Bible that was passed on to him and his wife when they got married 12 years ago.

Last year ’s campaign cycle added to the tremendous churn in lawmakers Springfield has seen over the past handful of years, resulting in the least-tenured crop of House and Senate members in modern history.

Senate President Don Harmon, D-Oak Park, noted that “with a whopping tenure of not quite three years” he’s now the longest-serving legislative leader in the General Assembly.

“Make of that what you will,” he quipped.

Tony McCombie, elected for the first time as Republican Minority Leader, became the first woman to ever lead a House caucus. In her speech, the Savanna Republican stressed a need for better balance in Illinois, making special note of the state’s “gerrymandered maps.”

“We must prioritize the co-equal nature of our government and prioritize fulfilling the constitutional duty,” McCombie told the crowd. “My Republican colleagues in the House have put their faith in me to restore, and to rebuild, and to bring balance to Illinois. It will be difficult but we will claw back in the wake of the worst gerrymandered maps in the country.”

Part of the turnover is also due to forced resignations as legislators have found themselves mired in scandal in a wide-ranging federal probe alleging wrongdoing connected with legislation including gambling operations, red light cameras and giant utility companies.

Welch’s predecessor, longtime powerful House Speaker Mike Madigan ceded his gavel nearly two years ago after growing pressure from his caucus to step down after being named as the target of alleged bribes by Chicago-based electric utility Commonwealth Edison. Madigan faces trial next year, while others connected with the scandal are scheduled for their day in court this spring.

After the feds filed even more evidence in their case against ComEd’s former lobbyists and executives late Tuesday night, Harmon’s address also included a warning to his colleagues, noting the “sweeping tarnish” that affects all Springfield politicians “that comes when even one elected official strays.”

“What is best for the nearly 13 million people who collectively call Illinois home?” Harmon challenged his fellow senators to think about. “Be guided by that truth, whether it be politically convenient or not. If your motivations are elsewhere, the Illinois Senate is not for you.”

Curran’s rise to minority leader began around the Nov. 8 election, when Republicans only netted one

seat in the Senate under the direction of Sen. Dan McConchie, R-Hawthorn Woods, who will remain in office despite being pushed out of his leadership role after narrowly surviving a Democratic challenge in November.

In his speech, Curran noted he replaced former Republican Leader Christine Radogno of Lemont in the Senate after her retirement in 2017. The suburban leader had been stymied in her efforts to broker a bipartisan deal to end Illinois’ budget impasse under one-term GOP Gov. Bruce Rauner.

While her efforts were ultimately unsuccessful, Curran’s voting record is reminiscent of the type of suburban Republicans once common in Springfield, who have largely followed Radogno out of office. Curran has often been one of, if not the only, Republican vote on legislation pushed by Democrats.

Sen. Jason Plummer, R-Edwardsville, joked that as Curran’s seatmate, he “showed him there actually is a little red button” to vote against a bill.

“A lot of people in this chamber get [us] confused for each other. It might be our height, it might be our dashing good looks, it could be our votes—well, maybe two out of three,” Plummer joked, referring to the difference between his staunchly conservative voting record and that of Curran.

Standing in the chamber where President Abraham Lincoln delivered his famous “House Divided” speech, references to the 16th president were not in short supply during the Senate’s inauguration. But Harmon pointed out that when Lincoln gave that speech in 1858, it “bombed.”

“His friends and advisers warned it was far too radical for the times,” Harmon said of the pre-Civil War era when the South was threatening to secede. “Lincoln would lose that Senate race to Stephen Douglas. Some would blame the tone of the speech for the loss. So why give it? Because Lincoln believed there was an important message that people needed to hear. The debate had gone on long enough. It was time to pick a side.”

Historical Society offering scholarship

This year ’s Nancy Fike Scholarship checks the box on an important topic: Voting.

Named in honor of the Society’s former administrator, the McHenry County Historical Society & Museum awards a $1,000 scholarship annually. Applications, available online at GotHistory. org, must be submitted by April 10.

The scholarship is open to graduating seniors and (new) firstyear college students who have graduated from a McHenry County high school and who are, or plan on, studying history, education or the social sciences. Children and grandchildren of MCHS Board members and staff are not eligible. The financial award will be given on behalf of the student to his or her chosen college or university.

Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA, show proof of community service and write a minimum 500-word essay relevant to McHenry County. The applicant also must be accepted to or attending a college or university by May 5, and notify MCHS where he or she will attend. MCHS will pay the scholarship funds directly to the school on behalf of the scholarship winner after

the successful completion of one semester. The scholarship award must be used for the upcoming school term.

This year ’s topic is: As we approach the 250th anniversary of our independence in 2026, the hallmark of our representative democracy – free and fair elections – has come under recent scrutiny and question. Share your thoughts about the importance of fair and transparent elections at every level, and the repercussions should the process be undermined.

In other words, what is the importance of free and fair elections to a representative democracy? What should be done to ensure the right to vote? For example, should the Voting Rights Act of 1965 be renewed?

Essays will be judged on content, grammar, historical accuracy, originality, and their bibliography (students are expected to cite their sources). In some cases, interviewing a person(s) about the topic is advised. Smart phones are no substitute for smart people.

For additional information, call the Society at 815-9232267, email info@ mchenrycountyhistory. org or visit www. gothistory.org.

COURTESY OF THE U.S. NATIONAL ARCHIVES Hi-Liter/MCN

This “Don’t Sell Your Vote” poster was distributed in Asia, compiled ca. 1950 – 1955, by the U.S. Information Agency. This year’s Nancy Fike Scholarship focuses on the topic of voting. Applications must be submitted by April 10.

Sheriff’s Office welcomes new Undersheriff and Chief of Corrections

McHenry County Sheriff’s Office is excited to announce the hiring of Undersheriff John Bucci and Chief of Corrections Ryan Sciame.

Undersheriff Bucci and Chief Sciame were sworn in on January 3 by Sheriff Robb Tadelman in front of family, friends, coworkers, and McHenry County law enforcement partners.

“McHenry County is lucky to have these two law enforcement professionals join the ranks of the Sheriff’s Office. With their combined experiences and knowledge, I am confident that McHenry County Sheriff’s Office will continue to head in a positive direction.” Sheriff Robb Tadelman said.

Undersheriff Bucci, former Chief of Algonquin Police Department, comes to the Sheriff’s Office with 25 years of experience in

law enforcement. Working first as a dispatcher, Undersheriff Bucci was hired by Algonquin Police Department as a police officer in 1997. He retired in December 2022 after 8 years as Chief. During his time at Algonquin, Bucci served in numerous positions, from patrolman to detective, and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy.

Chief Sciame, former Commander at McHenry Police Department, comes to the Sheriff’s Office with 24 years of experience as a police officer. Chief Sciame started his career at McHenry Police Department, where he recently retired from in December 2022. Chief Sciame’s experiences lie within many aspects of law enforcement and is a graduate of Northwestern School of Staff and Command.

25 apply for two Associate Judge positions in Lake County

Chief Judge Mark L. Levitt has received notification from Marcia M. Meis, Director of the Administrative Office of Illinois Courts, that 25 attorneys have timely filed their applications for the Associate Judge vacancies in the Nineteenth Judicial Circuit. These vacancies are the result of Justice Elizabeth M. Rochford’s election to the Illinois Supreme Court and Judge Christopher M. Kennedy’s election to the Illinois Appellate Court effective December 5, 2022.

In the coming weeks, the applicants will be interviewed by the circuit judges and evaluated by members of the Lake County Bar Association’s Judicial Se-

lection and Retention Committee. The Bar Association will also conduct a poll of its membership on all candidates’ qualifications.

The public will have the opportunity to comment in writing, which should be addressed to: The Office of the Chief Judge, Lake County Courthouse, 18 N. County Street, Waukegan, IL 600854359. These letters will be accepted until February 10, 2023.

After the review process is completed, the nominating committee of circuit judges will select the names of 4 candidates to be placed on a ballot. All circuit judges will receive individual

ballots naming the finalists and they will submit their ballots to the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts in Springfield. The ballots will be tallied by the Administrative Office and Chief Judge Levitt will receive the name of the two candidates who received the majority of votes cast.

Applicants include Paul J. Augustyn of Lake Barrington, Caryn A. Barone of Gurnee, Kevin J. Berrill of Lake Forest, James C. Bertucci of Libertyville, Shyama P. Chauhan of Lake Forest, Gabriel J. Conroe of Highland Park, Michael J. Conway of Lake Villa, Matthew J. DeMartini of

Antioch, Roderick A. Drobinski of Wauconda, Lisa L. Dunn of Deerfield, Eric J. Kalata of Lindenhurst, Karen G. Levi of Highwood, Ruth H. Lofthouse of Highland Park, Craig M. Mandell of Highland Park, Deborah J. Menas of Libertyville, Sari W. Montgomery of Riverwoods, Daniel Naranjo of Barrington, Gretchen A. Neddenriep of Third Lake, James R. M. Newman of Lake Villa, Michael J. Perillo of Grayslake, Stephen J. Rice of Libertyville, David M. Spada of Wauconda, Mary E. Stanton of Grayslake, Michael E. Starzec of Grayslake, and Donald R. Tyer of Long Grove.

Biden signs legislation appropriating nearly $5 million to Lake County infrastructure projects

Lake County is slated to receive nearly $5 million in infrastructure funding as part of a new federal bill. In December, President Biden signed into law the omnibus bill that included federal funding for infrastructure projects in Lake County. The funding was awarded for the following projects:

$4 Million: Cedar Lake Road Realignment Realignment of Cedar Lake Road to the west with a new at-grade crossing with the railroad in downtown Round Lake. Improvements to Metra’s Milwaukee District North Round Lake station site, a new bike path, sidewalks and flooding mitigation improvements.

$750,000: Lake Bluff Downtown Flood

Mitigation Project

Installation of a new upsized storm sewer and realigning an existing storm sewer to mitigate flooding that significantly impacts public safety, economic development, and local transportation in Lake Bluff.

Earlier this year, US Representative Brad Schneider (IL-10) submitted these projects for Congress to consider as part of a federal initiative called Community Projects Funding (CPF).

“Thank you to Congressman Schneider for advocating for this much-needed funding for these critical projects,” said Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart. “We are excited to see these funds quickly put to good use on infrastructure that will benefit Lake County residents and businesses for years to

Conservation district to host series of local ecological research presentations

Guest researchers will present their latest studies from District sites in this virtual program on January 24 from 6-7:30 p.m. Dr. Joy O’Keefe from University of Illinois Extension will discuss findings about acoustic monitoring of bats, and Nia Haller from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency will discuss the findings of macroinvertebrate studies in

County seeking applicants to fill Regional Planning Commission vacancy

The McHenry County Board is accepting applications to fill a vacancy on the Regional Planning Commission.

The commission, consisting of nine voting members and a number of ex-officio advisers, is tasked with guiding the drafting of the McHenry County 2050 Comprehensive Plan. Applicants must live in McHenry County, and have a demonstrated interest in land use planning and policy-related issues.

Interested persons have until Wednesday, Feb. 1 to apply; they can do so through the county’s application portal for boards and commissions at https://www.mchenrycountyil.gov/county-government/departments-a-i/county-board/county-board-committees-and-appointments. People who submit the application will then be emailed a one-page supplemental form to complete.

the Nippersink Creek.

Each researcher will present for thirty minutes over zoom and time will be reserved at the end of each session for public questions.

An additional Research Roundup presentation will be held in-person on Saturday, February 11 from 10 a.m. –noon at Lost Valley Visitor Center in Glacial Park, Route 31 and Harts Road, Ring-

wood. Dr. Tom Simpson, Research Field Station Ecologist at McHenry County Conservation District, will present “Thirty-Four Years of Forest Change” focusing on both Glacial Park and Marengo Ridge Conservation Areas. Cindi Jablonski, Wildlife Ecologist at McHenry County Conservation District, will give a talk titled “Our Altered Wa-

terways.” Anastasia Rahlin, Urban Biotic Assessment Manager & Ornithologist from Illinois Natural History Survey and a PhD Student at University of Illinois will share results from a study on Marsh and Sedge Wrens.

Registration is required for both dates. Visit MCCD.me/ ResearchRoundup to register. Content is suited for ages 14 an up.

come.”

The Lake County Board regularly works with local legislators on opportunities through its Legislative Committee.

“We are grateful for the outstanding partnerships we have at both the State and Federal levels,” said John

Wasik, Lake County Legislative Committee Chair. “Infrastructure projects are costly, and collaboration is crucial to obtain the funding needed to make big, regionally significant improvements. We look forward to working with our great partners to get to the finish line on these projects.”

Pet of the week

Ramen, a Shiba Inu mix, is about 3 years old, up-to-date on routine shots (incl. rabies), tested negative for heartworm and on preventative and microchipped.

While walk-ins are welcome, adoptions are by appointments only to ensure we have the staff available to help adopters. For information and/ or to complete an online application, please visit www.saveapetil.org/adopt.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Hi-Liter/MCN

McHenry County Sheriff’s Offices welcomes (from left) Chief of Corrections Ryan Sciame and Undersheriff John Bucci.

Sheriff’s Deputies save life of elderly woman thanks to R.U.O.K. program

On January 13, three Lake County Sheriff’s Deputies worked together to save a life.

The Lake County Sheriff’s Office provides a program called, R.U.O.K. (Are You Okay) for Lake County residents living alone, who benefit from being checked on every day or two. A member of the sheriff’s office calls the R.U.O.K. client to check their well-being. The program is designed to assist those who do not have family or friends that are regularly able to check in on them.

On January 13, Deputy Katie Gordon was conducting the R.U.O.K. telephone calls for the day She was unable to reach a 77-year-old woman who residents in unincorporated Lake Villa. The prior day, the woman sounded tired when she was contacted. Deputy Gordon contacted the Patrol Division and requested deputies conduct a check for wellbeing.

When Sheriff’s Deputies Trish List and Jessica Fill arrived at the residence, they did not receive an answer at the door. The deputies were able to obtain a key for the residence and entered. They found the woman on the floor, confused and unable to move. Deputies List and Fill called for an ambulance and she was transported to an area

hospital for treatment. It is likely the woman was on the floor for 18-24 hours. The woman is expected to recover.

Four years ago, Sheriff Idleburg changed the nature of the program from reactive to proactive, where members of the sheriff’s office proactively call the R.U.O.K resident, versus the resident calling and leaving a message for the sheriff’s office.

Sheriff John D. Idleburg said, “The collaboration between Deputies Gordon, List, and Fill undoubtedly saved a life. This is not the first time the R.U.O.K. program saved a life and I am very proud of everyone who has a role in the program.”

Anyone interested in learning more about the R.U.O.K. program can go to: https://bit. ly/3X1Ngu5

Man charged with possession of large amount of methamphetamine

On January 14, at 12:25 a.m., a Lake County Sheriff’s Deputy on patrol in the area of Grass Lake Road and Ackermann Road in Antioch Township observed a vehicle on Grass Lake Road traveling at a high rate of speed. The sheriff’s deputy conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle and identified the driver as Steven Mors, 32, of the 28000 block of Stewart Avenue, unincorporated Spring Grove. The sheriff’s deputy learned Mors’ driver’s license was suspended, and Mors was placed under arrest.

During a search of Mors’ vehicle following his arrest, the sheriff’s deputy found a container inside the vehicle containing baggies with 110 grams of methamphetamine, over 25 grams of cocaine, 19 Adderall tablets, over 30

grams of cannabis, an electronic scale, and other drug paraphernalia. Mors was transported to the Lake County Jail.

After reviewing the facts and circumstances, the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office approved the following charges against Mors: Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine (Class X Felony), Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Deliver (Class X Felony), Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Deliver (Class X Felony), Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance (Class 1 Felony), Illegal Transportation of Adult-Use Cannabis in Vehicle (Class A Misdemeanor), Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (Class A Misdemeanor), Driving While License Suspended (Class A Misdemeanor), and other traffic violations.

He was being held in the Lake County Jail pending his initial court hearing.

Steven Mors

Katie Gordon

Trish List

Jessica Fill

Two charged after shooting at gas station

On January 8, at approximately 6:35 a.m., Lake County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a report of shots fired at a gas station in the 39000 block of North Lewis Avenue, Beach Park. Sheriff’s deputies arrived, however everyone involved in the incident fled prior to their arrival.

A short time later, sheriff’s deputies learned a 21-yearold man of Wadsworth, was dropped off at Vista East Medical Center in Waukegan with a gunshot wound. A short time after that, another individual, Cyria A. Selvy, 23, of the 2700 block of Gabriel Avenue, Zion, was dropped off at Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville with a gunshot wound.

Preliminary investigation shows Rigoberto Morales, 45, of the 1100 block of Greenwood Avenue Waukegan, was involved in a verbal altercation with a 30-yearold man of Zion. During the argument, Selvy, who was with the 30-year-old man, produced a firearm. She then shot and struck a 21-year-old man of Wadsworth, who was with Morales.

Morales then produced a firearm and shot in the direction of Selvy. The two then exchanged gunfire with each other. Selvy was struck twice. Nobody else was struck during the gunfire. All of the individuals involved fled the gas station.

It was determined Selvy had an active arrest warrant for two counts of unlawful purchase of a firearm. She was taken into custody upon her discharge from the hospi-

tal and is currently in custody at the sheriff’s office.

On January 9, Sheriff’s Detectives took Morales into custody and recovered the firearm he used in the shooting. The following charges were approved after review by the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office: Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon (Class 4 Felony) and two counts of Unlawful Use of a Weapon (Class A Misdemeanors).

Morales remains held on $150,000 bail and is due back in court on Feb. 9.

After reviewing the facts and circumstances of the case, the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office approved the following charges against Selvy: Aggravated Battery with a Firearm (Class X Felony) and Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm (Class 1 Felony).

The 21-year-old man’s injuries were non-life-threatening.

Sheriff’s Special Investigations Group arrest drug dealer in possession of firearm

On January 11, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Group, a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) funded task force, concluded a narcotics investigation that resulted in serious charges for a man trafficking drugs.

Following a several-month long investigation, members of the Sheriff’s Special Investigations Group conducted a search warrant at the home of Alexander Thomas, 34, of the 600 block of Sheridan Road, Winthrop Harbor. During the search warrant nearly 100 grams of heroin, over 25 grams of cocaine, ecstasy, hydrocodone pills, and other drugs were recovered. Detectives also seized a 9mm pistol during the search warrant.

After reviewing the facts and circumstances, the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office approved the following charges against Thomas: 2 Counts of Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Deliver (Class X Felonies), 2 Counts of Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance (Class 1 Felonies), and 2 Counts of Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance (Class 4 Felonies).

Thomas remains held in the Lake County Jail pending an his initial court hearing.

Sheriff John D. Idleburg said, “This is yet another example of the outstanding work conducted by the members of our Special Investigations Group. Thanks to the federal HIDTA designation we received for the group, we have tremendous resources to continue investigating and apprehending drug traffickers, violent gang members, those using firearms to commit crimes against others, and human traffickers.”

Winthrop Harbor Police Department, a member of the Sheriff’s Special Investigations Group, assisted in the investigation and at the scene.

Man charged with murder of cousin

On January 11, at approximately 6:20 p.m., Lake

County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a residence in the 13100 block of West Shenandoah Trail, Wadsworth, for a check on well being call. The caller was a relative of Monica T. Green, 47, who lives at the residence. The caller was supposed to pick Green up for an appointment, however Green was not answering the doorbell or her telephone. While in the driveway, Green’s cousin, Quentin V. Harvell, 27, who also resides at the same address, informed the caller that Green was not home. The caller found that odd, as Green had no method of transportation.

Sheriff’s deputies arrived and spoke to the caller. While at the scene, Harvell exited and spoke with sheriff’s deputies. While speaking with sheriff’s deputies, they noticed dry blood on Harvell’s arms. Harvell was detained and sheriff’s deputies conducted a protective sweep of the residence, where they located blood inside the home. Sheriff’s deputies also located a shovel near a rear door. Sheriff’s deputies continued their sweep outside and located Green, deceased in a wheelbarrow, near a tree line in the rear of the property. Green appeared to have several sharp-force injuries and cuts on her body.

Sheriff’s detectives obtained a search warrant for

the residence and located numerous items of evidence, including a knife with what appeared to have fresh blood on it. Harvell was transported to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division.

After reviewing the facts and circumstances with the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office, Harvell was charged with two counts of first-degree murder.

Harvell was being held in the Lake County Jail pending his initial court hearing.

Sheriff John D. Idleburg said, “We extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Monica. I applaud the fast actions taken by our first-responding sheriff’s deputies and the investigation conducted by our detectives, resulting in the offender being arrested and charged quickly.”

STORAGE UNIT CONTENTS

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To be sold in one separate lot. All contents of unit 157 rented by Jacob Harness. Auction to be completed on BID13.com January 30, 2023 at 5:00 pm. Hwy 43 Self Storage, 801 E. Centralia St. Elkhorn, WI 53121.

STORAGE UNIT CONTENTS

To be sold in one separate lot. All contents of unit 427 & 428 rented by Will Wilkening. Auction to be completed on BID13.com February 6, 2023 at 5:00 pm. Hwy 43 Self Storage, 801 E. Centralia St. Elkhorn, WI 53121.

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ALL BEER-SODA-GAS-OIL SIGNS All related items-TAP HANDLES- BEER CANS. 262825-0932 Will Travel CASH PAID.

FIREARMS 1 piece or collection. Federally licensed dealer. Lake Geneva Antique Mall. 829 Williams St. Lake Geneva, Wi 262248-6345

Automobiles

1969 & 1977 CADILLAC ELDORADOS For Parts/Restoration. Call 262-581-5371.

2001 JAGUAR S 3.0 6 cyl. Newer tires, struts, will not pass emissions. Runs well. $2,300 262308-7761

2009 CHRYSLER TOWN & Conntry Minivan, Dark Green Exterior, Tan Interior, 3.3 V6 Engine, Fair Condition, Weak Reverse $1,800. Call 608-921-4010

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JEEP COMANCHE MOUNTAIN BIKE Paperwork for authenticity. Text to (262) 989-4112

Sports/Classic Cars

1990 CORVETTE CONVERTIBLE, triple black, 49,000 miles, automatic, no winters. $11,500. (630) 886-6667.

Sport Utilities

1999

815845-2006

STORAGE UNIT CONTENTS to be sold in one separate lot. All contents of one unit 308 rented by Theresa Wirkus. Auction will be completed on BID13.com, February 6, 2023, at 5.00 pm.

Hwy 43 Self Storage, 801 E. Centrailia St. Elkhorn, WI 53121.

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Alexander Thomas

Quentin V. Harvell

Rigoberto Morales

Cyria A. Selvy