Hi-Liter Illinois 12/27/23

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DEC. 27, 2023 - JAN. 2, 2024

Volume 12 • Number 34

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HI-LITER / MCN • DEC. 27, 2023 - JAN. 2, 2024 • 2

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Public health officials urge caution around respiratory illnesses COVID-19 hospitalizations up in recent weeks, masks recommended in certain settings

ing, sneezing, sore throat, runny nose or a fever, IDPH encourages testing and staying home if possible.

Vaccinations for COVID-19 and the flu are available at most pharmacies. A vaccination for RSV is submitted photo Hi-Liter/MCN available for those age 60 and The Lake County Forest preserves recycle holiday trees into wood chips for older and for some pregnant trails and landscaping in the preserves. Eight locations are accepting holiday people. trees until Feb. 1, 2024.

In some state-run facilities, COVID-19 infections have already interrupted daily life.

Earlier this month, the state Department of Human Services announced that several From festive to forest. Recycle your tree • Old School Forest Preserve, 28285 St. COVID-19 outbreaks had ocfor a greener tomorrow Mary’s Road, Mettawa curred at state-operated develDon’t send your holiday tree to the land- • Ryerson Conservation Area 21950 N. opmental centers in Waukegfill. Donate it to the Lake County Forest Riverwoods Road, Riverwoods an, Park Forest, Centralia, Preserves, and they’ll recycle it into wood • Van Patten Woods Forest Preserve, 15838 Anna and Kankakee. chips for trails and landscaping in your for- W. Route 173, Wadsworth In response, IDHS reduced est preserves. communal dining, group acBring your real, undecorated tree to one Facts about the tree donations tivities and some planned of eight marked drop-off sites at preserves The Lake County Forest Preserves has outings, and introduced soaround Lake County, open 6:30 am–sunset been accepting trees for recycling for at cial distancing and quarantine daily, through February 1, 2024. No yard least 20 years. measures for those served at waste or commercial drop-offs are accepted.

Most years more than 1,000 trees are the centers.

Locations for tree drops offs are as follow: donated.

The number of people test• Grant Woods Forest Preserve, 25405 W. The majority of the trees are mulched ing positive for COVID-19 Monaville Road, Ingleside for use on trails. in these state-run centers has • Greenbelt Forest Preserve, 1110 Green Some are used to create “fish cribs.” fallen since the beginning of Bay Road, North Chicago Staff ties several trees together and sinks the month, with 12 residents • Half Day , 24255 Milwaukee Ave., Verthem with a cinderblock in larger lakes, and 22 staff members testing non Hills particularly those that were formerly gravel positive as of Dec. 18, down • Heron Creek, 22890 N. Old McHenry quarries and lack substantial underwater from 58 residents and 35 staff Road, Lake Zuric vegetation. These lakes benefit from the members on Dec. 6.

• Lakewood Forest Preserve, 27277 Forest fish cribs, as they serve as crucial habitats “IDPH has been working Preserve Road, Wauconda for fish. closely with our counterparts at IDHS facilities to monitor conditions, to offer strategies to contain any outbreaks, and to provide resources, direct Saturday, Dec. 30, 10:30 a.m. vation District’s pring Break consultations and assess- Skulls and Skins Friday, Dec. 29, 10-11 – 12:30 p.m., Glacial Park, and Summer Camps, you ments,” Hilary Spencer, head of the IDPH infection preven- a.m., Lost Valley Visitor Cen- Route 31 and Harts Road, don’t want to miss this. This is a drop-off program just for Ringwood. tion team, said in an early De- ter, Glacial Park, Ringwood.

Join for an indoor presenJoin in on a 1.5-2 mile hike kids. Ages 8-11. cember news release. tation on the fascinating adap- and venture to the top of the tions of local wildlife. Use kames. There will be a count- 2024, Get out and skulls and furs to more closely down to noon and guests are Explore: New Year’s examine each animal’s traits. asked to symbolically release Resolution Hike Includes an activity. Ages 6+. anything from 2023 that they Saturday, Jan. 6, 7-8:30 a.m., are wanting to let go. The hike Fel-Pro RRR Conservation Experience Evergreens ends with a small bonfire and Area, Cary.

Start 2024 with time outFriday, Dec. 29, 1-2:30 p.m., warm beverages on the paMarengo Ridge Conservation tio of the Lost Valley Visitor doors! Start by heading to the lake shelter and toasting to Area, Marengo.

Center. Ages 14+.

2024 before setting off on a Join a Certified Arborist on short hike around the pond or a seasonal hike to view ev- Winter Break Day Camp ergreens planted at Marengo Wednesday, Jan. 3 – Friday, on the paved path. Finish with Ridge by former landowner, Jan. 5, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Prai- some treats, cheers with sparDr. Emerson Kunde. Learn rieview Education Center, kling grape juice and warm up with a fire. All ages welcome. more about the history of this Crystal Lake.

For three days of explorsite while discovering what For more information or to makes the evergreen species ing Prairieview in winter.

There will be hikes, playing sign up for programs please unique. Ages 14+. games and (hopefully) spend- visit the McHenry County Kickoff from the Kames: ing some time in the snow. If Conservation District website you are a fan of the Conser- at MCCDistrict.org.

Kick Out 2023

Turn your holiday tree into trails 8 forest preserves offering tree recycling

submitted photo Hi-Liter/MCN

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The McHenry County Conservation District invites you to join in on the January candlelight hikes, and snow permitting, cross county skiing, on January 12 and 13 from 5-9 p.m. at Marengo Ridge Conservation Area in Marengo. Trails will be groomed for skiing if there is 4” of snow or more. Not enough snow, leave your skis at home and enjoy the candlelight hike. Cancellations may occur if trails are icy or hazardous, or if wind chill drops below -20. Alerts are posted at MCCD.me/ Closures.

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The Illinois Department of Public Health is advising Illinoisans to take precautions to avoid spreading respiratory illnesses as cases around the state and country are on the rise.

IDPH recently issued a health alert to hospitals, longterm care facilities and local health departments advising the use of masks and using screening techniques to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses, particularly in areas of the state with elevated levels of COVID-19 hospitalizations.

Hospitalizations for COVID-19 were up 22 percent statewide during the week ending Dec. 16, compared to the week before.

Eight west-central Illinois counties are now at “high” levels of COVID-19 hospitalizations according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This means that there were more than 20 hospitalizations per 100,000 people in those counties during the most recent week for which data is available. Iroquois and Kankakee counties in northern Illinois also face high hospitalizations.

Hospital admissions related to COVID-19 have made up around 3 to 4 percent of all admissions in the past month, according to data on respiratory illnesses from IDPH, the highest they have been since this time last year. Hospitalizations for other respiratory illnesses have also spiked in

recent weeks.

These figures are still far below the peaks seen in late 2020 and early 2022, when COVID-19 accounted for roughly 18 percent and 25 percent of hospital admissions respectively.

While statewide hospitalization rates remain at “low” levels according to the CDC, neighboring states Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri and Iowa all face elevated levels, which has caused some concern for officials at IDPH. “With the alarming rise in respiratory viruses we are seeing across the state and the country, IDPH is recommending healthcare facilities take precautions to reduce the spread of these viruses and protect their patients, staffs and visitors,” IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra said in a statement last week.

In addition to the coronavirus, IDPH tracks hospital admissions stemming from influenza and respiratory syncytial virus, a common respiratory virus often referred to as RSV that can be dangerous for certain high-risk individuals, like those with asthma or COPD. For all Illinoisans, IDPH recommended taking precautions for holiday gatherings, particularly for those at high risk of complications from a respiratory infection like older or very young individuals.

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HI-LITER / MCN • DEC. 27, 2023 - JAN. 2, 2024 • 4

Sounds of the season

submitted photo Hi-Liter/MCN

McHenry Community High School District 156 received a Blue Ribbon Award for physical education on Nov. 30 from Illinois Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (IAHPERD). From left to right are PE instructors Dr. John Beerbower, Kyle Funkhouser, Ray Hagerty, Brian Rockweiler, Theodora Davis, Jennifer Beattie, Jacob Guardalabene, and Dr. Ryan McTague, district superintendent.

MHS physical education department earns second Blue Ribbon Award

submitted photos Hi-Liter/MCN

The Antioch Community Chorus presented a holiday concert Dec. 17 at Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church in Antioch, to a near capacity crowd. Clockwise from top: Jack Dudley of Waukegan, played the string bass, Cathy Landren-Andrew’s of Antioch sang soprano in the choir, and the performance was conducted by Stanley Bochat, of Twin Lakes, WI. Many other chorus members and instrumentalists from the Lakes Community Band contributed to the program.

The McHenry High School District 156 physical education department scored a repeat Blue Ribbon Award for excellence from the Illinois Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (IAHPERD) after a yearlong effort to showcase the department’s approach to educating the whole student.

District officials and physical education teachers and administrators received the Blue Ribbon Award plaque and banner during a Nov. 30 ceremony in Tinley Park where the IAHPERD held its annual convention.

The award recognizes programs at both Upper Campus and Freshman Campus for innovative curriculum, consistent instruction, facility use, student involvement and more. This is the second time the PE department has earned the award.

“This award represents the

incredible dedication and commitment of our P.E. staff in building one of the most innovative, inclusive, dynamic, and progressive physical education curriculums in the entire state,” said Dr. Ryan McTague, superintendent of McHenry Community High School District 156.

In addition to the plaque and banner, McHenry High School’s physical education department teachers will be invited to give a presentation about the department at an upcoming association conference.

IAHPERD officials look at several things when evaluating physical education programs for the Blue Ribbon, such as curriculum, instruction, facilities among other criteria. Evaluators cited the extensive use of technology in physical education programs and celebrations for student achievements and

variety of options as examples of a strong program.

The PE Department offers courses in Leadership, Adventure Education, Aquatic Fitness, Swimming Basics, Lifeguarding, Dance, Fitness for Life, Adaptive P.E, Strength & Conditioning, and Team Sports.

Students at Freshman Campus have the opportunities to take introductory level courses before moving to advanced classes at Upper Campus.

“Teachers at MCHS prioritize creating a curriculum tailored to the diverse needs and interests of all students,” said Jennifer Beattie, district division chair of physical education, health and driver education. “They take pride in fostering a positive learning environment and emphasize the importance of building strong relationships with their students.”

Prisoner Review Board releases final Illinoisan serving life sentence for ‘three-strikes’ drug offense

By Beth Hundsdorfer Capitol News Illinois

Charles Collins was sentenced to life in 2010 for cocaine offenses

For at least two hours of the ride home, Charles Collins feared someone was following his father’s car, looking to take him back to prison for the rest of his life.

At an interstate rest stop between Western Illinois Correctional Center and Chicago, Collins said the reality of his freedom settled in and he let go of the anxiety. He would be with his family for Christmas for the first time in 14 years.

“It’s going to be a party,

that’s for sure,” he said during an interview.

Collins, 49, was sentenced to life in prison without parole in relation to a 2010 charge for cocaine possession with intent to sell. It was his third felony, making him eligible for an enhanced sentence under the state’s habitual criminal, or “three-strikes,” law. He had two prior felonies on drug trafficking charges from 1998 to 2007 that made him eligible for the enhanced sentence.

The judge told him she had no choice, he recalled, before she sentenced him to life without

the possibility of parole.

“For a minute, it didn’t sink in. I was shocked that the judge went through with it,” Collins said.

The three-strikes law allows that if a defendant is convicted more than three times of the same or similar offenses, the judge can aggravate the crime to one that is eligible for a life sentence. The law was designed to combat recidivism, but advocates argue it was draconian and unfairly targeted minority defendants.

Jennifer Soble, the executive director for the Illinois

Prison Project, an advocacy group for incarcerated people, noted in 2020 that 75 percent of people serving life sentences in Illinois were African American and 94 percent of people serving life sentences in Illinois for a third strike for armed robbery or drugs were African American or Latino.

Collins was the last man serving life in the Illinois Department of Corrections under the three-strikes law for drug offenses, Illinois Prison Project legal director Candice Chambliss said.

Earlier this year, Gov. JB

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Pritzker commuted the life sentence for the three people who were doing life without parole for drugs under the three-strikes law. One of those offenders, Michael Lightfoot, 67, received clemency and was released from Danville Correctional Center last month.

Pritzker commuted Collins’ sentence in February 2023 from life without the possibility of parole to parole eligible. In a rare move, the Illinois Prisoner Review Board voted unanimously last week for Collins’ release.

The Illinois Prison Project took up the cause of three-strikers in 2020, providing legal representation for incarcerated individuals.

It currently has 74 pending cases for inmates serving three-strikes sentences for non-drug offenses. To date, 27 people have been released through commutation, parole, or medical release, according to Chambliss. Thirty-three others have been denied, and six people died before the governor issued a decision.

The scope of the three-strikes law has been narrowed over the years—including as part of the criminal justice reform known as the Safety, Accountability, Fairness and Equity-Today, or SAFE-T Act—but the statute remains on the books in Illinois. While one lawmaker proposed a measure in the spring session that would have fully repealed it, the legislation failed to gain support in the General Assembly and did not receive a vote in committee.

“Gov. Pritzker is a lifelong advocate for criminal justice reform and signed legislation making our criminal justice system more equitable,” Pritzker Spokesperson Jordan Abudayyeh said in a statement. “The SAFE-T Act reformed the habitual offender law to ensure it is used only in the most serious circumstances.”

After his 2010 arrest, Collins spent months in Cook County Jail before he was transferred to IDOC, eventually

See REVIEW BOARD, Page 6

Keltner Memorial blood drive set for Jan. 6 submitted photo Hi-Liter/MCN

Pet of the week

Clementine, is about 2 years old, spayed, up-todate on routine shots, tested negative for FIV, feline leukemia and heartworm 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.

Returning for its fifth year, the Jake Keltner Memorial Blood Drive offers participants to give the gift of life.

The drive takes place Saturday, Jan. 6 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and once again will be generously hosted by the Sage YMCA, 701 Manor Road, Crystal Lake.

To register visit www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/ donation-time, type in the code “KELTNER” in the ZIP code box, and choose your donation time.

Donors have given more than 1,000 units of blood in the history of the drive - let’s make this another great year and save some lives.

HI-LITER / MCN • DEC. 27, 2023 - JAN. 2, 2024 • 5

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Join history enthusiasts for a Santa makes early stop in Antioch journey through Christmas came a few Since he was in the hospital, members of the Village of Lake County’s past days early for an Antioch boy Joey missed his annual visit Antioch Police Department submitted photo Hi-Liter/MCN

Santa is shown with members of Antioch Police and Fire, April Soulak-Andrews (front right), Joey and his family.

thanks to the assistance of his friends, neighbors, and the Antioch Police and Fire Departments.

Eight-year-old Joey was born with a congenital heart defect and has been facing several other medical issues, including a recent challenge that required knee surgery.

with Santa at The Penny’s Purpose NFP. April Soulak-Andrews, president and founder of The Penny’s Purpose NFP, made a few phone calls and was able to arrange to have Santa Claus make an early visit from the North Pole to visit Joey. Santa was escorted by

(Officers Schultz, Phares, and CSO Page) and the Antioch Fire Department Joey, we hope you recover quickly and successfully from your surgery. We hope today helped make this Christmas a little more special for you and your family.

Merry Christmas!

• Review board

(Continued from page 4)

ending up at Menard Correctional Center in Chester. He said fellow inmates who had been convicted of violent offenses could not believe he was sentenced to life without parole. For years, Collins spent time in the law library in the prison to try to find a way to have his sentence reconsidered.

“I knew it was time for me to get to work; that it couldn’t end this way for me,” Collins said.

Mira de Jong, an attorney with the Illinois Prison Project, took his case in 2020.

In an interview with Capitol News Illinois, de Jong noted that none of the crimes used to aggravate Collins’ sentence were violent but were drug offenses normally punishable by a maximum of 15 years.

“Most times, the sentence does not take into account growth and change. The system isn’t designed to help people,” de Jong said. “I don’t

think there’s a lot of space for redemption there.”

After his commutation, Collins was transferred to Western Correctional Center in Mount Sterling. It was there that Collins had access to educational and reintegration programs, he said. He took advantage of the opportunities—achievements noted by the parole board.

After the holidays, Collins said he’s going to try to get his commercial driver’s license reinstated. A friend offered him a job driving a truck and later financing to start his own trucking business.

He knows he has missed a lot, time with his children and grandmother, celebrating graduations, birthdays, and holidays, grieving deaths.

Through it all, Collins said his family was his constant.

Charles Dunn, Collins’ father and best friend, was at the Prisoner Review Board hearing in Springfield last week.

He made the call to Collins to let him know the board’s decision.

Collins was in the barber shop at Western Illinois Correctional Center when he received that call from Dunn, who was standing outside the hearing room.

“You made it!” Dunn told Collins. “You are coming home!”

Within 24 hours, he was on the road, headed home, looking over his shoulder for the first half of the trip. He didn’t want to eat, he said. He just wanted to get home to Chicago. The only stop on the way was that rest stop where he realized no one was behind them.

“I think I have done all the right things. I have taken responsibility for my actions. I have shown remorse for those poor decisions. I have worked to be rehabilitated,” Collins said. “Now, I am just ready to make a life.”

You ought to be in pictures!

THIS IS AN OPEN CALL FOR SUBMITTED PHOTOS TO BE USED IN YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER.

The 9th annual Lake County History Symposium takes place virtually on Zoom from 6:30–8:30 pm on January 4 and 18. Good Neighbors: Making a Difference in Lake County, is this year’s theme.

Experience engaging presentations from a diverse array of historians, ranging from seasoned professionals to enthusiastic hobbyists. This annual event unites individuals with a shared passion for delving into the rich historical tapestry of Lake County history.

Prepare to be captivated by a wide spectrum of topics, which include a fascinating story of a local nurse’s club, an empowering legacy of a women’s club, heartwarming anecdotes of random acts of kindness and a deep exploration of the life and times of Samuel Insull (1859-1938). The prominent businessman left a mark on Lake County through the construction of a splendid country estate that now stands as the illustrious Cuneo Mansion.

“This event presents an opportunity to immerse ourselves in eccentric or less-explored facets of our communities,” said Museum Educator Sarah Salto. “History enthusiasts will motivate us with inspiring narratives of remarkable individuals and organizations that have left an imprint on society, tirelessly striving to enhance

submitted photos Hi-Liter/MCN

“Good Neighbors: Making a Difference in Lake County,” is the theme of the 9th annual Lake County History Symposium which will be held virtually on January 4 and 18 from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

the fabric of Lake County.”

Each evening features three presentations. Register for both days to experience all six. Breakout rooms will be open at the end of the presentations for participants to ask questions and engage in dialogue. All ages are welcome. USG is sponsoring the free event.

Registration is required for each day you would like to attend and can be done on their website at https://www.lcfpd.org/ calendar/?F_c=1158.

Volunteers needed for homeless ‘Point In Time’ count in January Join the fight to help end homelessness by participating in the Lake County 2024 Point In Time (PIT) Count.

Volunteers are needed the night of Wednesday, Jan. 31 to search across Lake County to interview, count, and offer assistance to unsheltered homeless people.

Volunteers can create their own teams of two to five peo-

ple or volunteer as an individual and be paired up with a team. All volunteers must be over the age of 18 and attend a virtual training.

The data gathered during the Point In Time Count will capture a picture of what homelessness looks like on any given day, help coordinate services for people experiencing homelessness,

and provide organizations with the information needed to work towards the goal of ending homelessness in Lake County.

Additional information including how to register can be found on the Lake County Coalition for the Homeless website at https://www.lakecountyhomeless.org/get-involved/volunteer.

t Community events, car washes, festivals, lemonade stands, school projects – people at work and at play.

We are interested! t Show the community what your group has been doing! t NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED! t Just shoot and e-mail!

This is your chance to promote your organization or special event!

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433966

HI-LITER / MCN • DEC. 27, 2023 - JAN. 2, 2024 • 7

Court & crime news

Driver charged with DUI causing death Under the Influence of Drugs Resulting in Death (class 2 felony) and Reckless Homicide (class 3 felony).

Craig B. Sheriff John Muzard D. Idleburg said, “The tragic death of Mr. Giannakakis is another sad example of someone being killed by the reckless actions of another. While nothing will bring Mr. Giannakakis back, I am happy the first step of justice has been taken. Our traffic crash investigators will always hold drunk, drugged, and distracted drivers accountable for their selfish actions.”

Muzard was arrested in the morning of December 20 at his residence by the Lake

County Sheriff’s Office Warrants Team, without incident.

Muzard remains held in the Lake County Jail pending First Appearance Court.

Fatal Unincorporated Lake Villa Traffic Crash (issued February 4, 2023) On February 3, 2023, at approximately 9:50 p.m., Lake County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to Route 59 south of Route 132, Unincorporated Lake Villa, for a head-on traffic crash. Sheriff’s deputies arrived and located a GMC Acadia and Kia Sorento with major damage.

Preliminary investigation shows the GMC, driven by a 74-year-old man of Unincorporated Lake Villa, was traveling northbound on Route 59. For an unknown reason, the driver of the GMC veered into the southbound lanes of

Lake County Sheriff’s arrest bulletin The Lake County Sheriff’s Dept. reported the following arrests in Lake County. Suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Nov. 25 Jahmal D. Fuet, 23, Antioch, was cited for driving while license suspended; Gustavo Alvarado Reyes, 31, Lindenhurst, was cited for aggravated speeding (74 mph in 35 mph zone), and no insurance; Nov. 26 Stacy N. Morales-Murillo, 23, Island Lake, was cited for a warrant arrest: aggravated battery to a peace officer; Jesus Perez, 45, Waukegan, was cited for disorderly conduct; Patrick J. Suchowski, 56, Ingleside, was cited for driving while license revoked; Philip R. Lawrence, 49, Barrington, was cited for domestic battery; Nov. 27 George H. Tieman, 29,

Round Lake Beach, was cited for a warrant arrest: obstructing identification; Abram D. Hawkins, 37, Zion, was cited for driving while license suspended; Miguel J. Garcia, 37, Waukegan, was cited for unlawful possession of a firearm; Yazid Arij, 33, Chicago, was cited for disorderly conduct; Rebecca J. Anderson, 24, McHenry, was cited for unlawful possession of a controlled substance, obstructing identification and driving while license revoked; Elizabeth M. Tiskevich, 32, Lake Zurich, was cited for obstructing identification; Nov. 28 Alonso D. Dixon, 45, Zion, was cited for unlawful transportation of cannabis; Malcolm M. Williams, 29, Chicago, was cited for a warrant arrest: resisting a peace officer; David P. Neese, 29, no permanent address, was cited for a warrant arrest: battery;

Nov. 29 Sharla Y. Modaff, 52, Libertyville, was cited for a warrant arrest: domestic battery (Kendall County); Nov. 30 Eric Lopez, 19, Beach Park, was cited for a warrant arrest: DUI – alcohol; Amit Kumar, 30, Waukegan, was cited for no driver’s license and no insurance; Daniel J. Keefe, 32, Libertyville, was cited for home invasion, attempt criminal sexual assault and domestic battery; Christina E. Sutter, 39, Antioch, was cited for disorderly conduct; Dec. 1 Adam J. Lichon, 33, Third Lake, was cited for a warrant obtained: violation of an order of protection; Dec. 2 Daniel P. Meagher, 28, Hawthorne Woods, was cited for DUI – alcohol, and open transportation of alcohol; Arturo Lopez, 33, Munde-

Save the date for RBCHS pancake breakfast Jan. 21 The Richmond Burton Community High School Music Department will be holding a pancake breakfast to help their department and to raise funds for their upcoming trip to New Orleans.

On January 21 from 8-11 a.m. they will

be serving all-you-can-eat pancakes. There will also be performances from the band and choir, raffles and a bake sale.

Tickets will cost $7 for adults, $5 for students.

traffic. The GMC struck the southbound Kia, driven by a 73-year-old man of Ingleside, head-on. Witnesses reported the GMC was swerving prior to the crash.

Both drivers were transported to Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville with critical injuries.

The driver of the Kia was pronounced deceased shortly after arriving at the hospital.

The driver of the GMC remains at the hospital in critical condition.

Impairment appears to be a factor in the crash, however, the investigation continues.

The Lake County Coroner’s Office is scheduling an autopsy for the driver of the Kia. The crash remains under investigation by the Lake County Sheriff’s Office Technical Crash Investigations Team.

lein, was cited for aggravated domestic battery and strangulation; Roy R. Monotoya-Medina, 23, Waukegan, was cited for DUI – alcohol, reckless driving and no insurance; Bradley R. Heath, 21, Antioch, was cited for DUI – alcohol; Erinyanna L. Leonard, 28, Libertyville, was cited for DUI – alcohol, driving while license revoked, open transportation of alcohol and no insurance; Dec. 3 Sergio C. Vargas, 30, Round Lake Heights, was cited for a warrant arrest: unlawful possession of a controlled substance; Jose A. Reyes-Vincente, 44, Lake Villa, was cited for driving while license suspended.

HELP WANTED

CLASSIFIED IN-COLUMN ADS cannot be credited or refunded after the ad has been placed.

Ads canceled before deadline will be removed from the paper as a service to our customers, but no credit or refund will be issued to your account.

DISCLAIMER

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Other Real Estate PUBLISHER’S NOTICE All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, disability, familiar/ status or national origin, or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination. Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination call HUD tollfree at 1-900-669-9777. The toll-free tele phone number for the hearing impaired is 1-800-927-9275. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

Military, Old West, and

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2000 SUPRA LEGACY, Indmar inboard, very low hours, always garaged or lift kept, Elkhorn. $11,500. (262) 949-6997.

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The Hi-Liter is looking to publish the news of your lives in stories and photos. Are you hosting an event? Send us a preview story.

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Trucks & Trailers

The McHenry County Sheriff’s Office recently welcomed the newest member of the force - K9 Enzo.

On Nov. 17, Enzo and his new partner, Deputy Bodway, graduated from their 8-week police dog training program. Enzo, a German shepherd, is specially trained in obedience, searching and tracking, narcotics detection and handler protection.

Enzo joins K9 Deuce, K9 Jett and K9 Kylo on the Sheriff’s Office K9 Unit. These four units patrol the county, assist in enforcement and provide backup to other deputies.

To learn more about the sheriff’s office K9 unit visit https://www.mchenrysheriff.org/operations/patroldivision/#k9-unit.

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submitted photo Hi-Liter/MCN

Deputy Bodway and K9 Enzo are shown with their certification of completion from their police dog training program.

449043

Lake County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Crash Investigators conducted a thorough investigation into this crash, which killed George V. Giannakakis, who was 73 years old at the time of the crash.

Following the investigation, traffic crash investigators determined the driver of the GMC, Craig B. Muzard, 74, now of the 4000 block of Illinois Street, unincorporated Crystal Lake, was driving under the influence of cocaine at the time of the crash.

His being under the influence played a direct role in the crash and death of Giannakakis.

After reviewing the facts and circumstances of the crash and subsequent investigation, the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office approved the following charges against Muzard: Aggravated Driving

342522

HI-LITER / MCN • DEC. 27, 2023 - JAN. 2, 2024 • 8

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