Hi-Liter Illinois 2/8/2023

Woodstock Willie predicts six more weeks of winter

A normal Thursday morning would usually find me sleeping in on my day off, but last week I couldn’t resist rising to an early alarm so I could make the trip to Woodstock for the annual Groundhog Day prognostication by the locally famous ‘Woodstock Willy’.

Unfortunately, my driving time from southern Wisconsin didn’t take into account of getting stuck behind school buses on country roads, sitting at a railroad crossing in town for the early morning Metra passing through, and parking close to a half mile away from the downtown square. A very brisk walk in the early morning temperature that was hovering around 12 degrees and I arrived at the downtown square to join the hundreds of others that had gathered to watch the Groundhog Day prognostication.

The band, Die Musikmeisters, was busy belting out some polkas while the crowd continued to grow. I made my way down as far to the front as I could without being intrusive to those that had been there earlier and deserved the better spot. At 7 a.m. the band stopped and the welcoming began. Rick Bellairs, Groundhog Day committee chairman, gave a short history of the filming of the “Groundhog Day” movie that put Woodstock on the map, and one could almost feel themselves back on the

set with Bill Murray and Andie MacDowell in 1992.

Woodstock Mayor, Mike Turner, took his turn and thanked all the volunteers that help put the Groundhog Day festivities together. He surveyed the crowd with questions of attendance and how far some have traveled to Woodstock. I raised my hand as a first time attendee and for traveling from outside the state, even if it was just over the state line from Southern Wisconsin. There were shouts from the crowd from people that had traveled from far away states and other countries, and I learned that the people standing next to me were visiting from France.

Then the time arrived and Danny Rubin the Groundhog Day screenplay writer, who had traveled from Florida for this 30th anniversary festivity read the prognostication to the anxious crowd.

Woodstock Willie’s handler, Mark Szafran, held the groundhog high up for the crowd to see, and Rubin finished off the prognostication with “Willie looked skyward to the east, and then behind to the ground, and stated clearly in ‘Groundhogese’, I definitely see a shadow”.

Even with the news of six more weeks of winter the crowd was buzzing with excitement and energy to have witnessed this unique event.

A very long line formed and attendees were able to get their picture taken with Woodstock Willie. I opted

to wander across the street and stand in line at the Public House where they were selling souvenir shot glasses and having a ‘drink to world peace’ as Murray and MacDowell did in the movie. I’m guessing that attendance was much more than expected

this year because they ran out of the sweet vermouth before it was my turn. Standing in line gave me the chance to talk to another solo attendee and share our story of why we were there.

Carol had traveled up that morning from Norwood Park

and had just missed making it to the reading of the prognostication. We chatted for a bit and I was able to share some of my photos with her and then showed her where the line across the street had formed to get photos with Willie so we wandered that

way.

Hopefully next year I can spend more time enjoying some of the other festivities involved in the five day celebration in Woodstock, but for now I will just be counting down the days until spring.

would have an early spring this year. More photos on page 5.

Heidi Schulz

EDITOR

Wisz named as new McHenry County CFO

McHenry County is pleased to announce that Kerri Wisz has been promoted to Chief Financial Officer.

Wisz, who has served as Assistant Director of Finance since 2020, succeeds Kevin Bueso, who left to become chief financial officer for the Regional Transportation Authority. She first joined the Finance Department in 2015 as senior financial analyst.

“McHenry County’s fi-

Kerri Wisz

nances are in very experienced and capable hands with Kerri as our CFO,” County Administrator Peter Austin said. “She will continue our long tradition of financial excellence and responsibility that taxpayers have come to expect

from McHenry County Government.”

Besides developing the annual county budget with the guidance of the County Board, the Finance Department oversees payroll, accounts payable, and financial reporting. Wisz supervises a staff of seven.

Wisz was instrumental in developing seven annual budgets that won national awards from the Government Finance Officers Asso-

ciation, as well as furthering budget transparency with the implementation of Questica OpenBook software that allows the public to review revenue and expenses. Wisz also played an important role in the transition to new software that further modernized county financial reporting.

McHenry County has a long history of fiscal prudence and discipline that allowed county government to go 12 years without increas-

ing its tax levy, weathering the Great Recession and the COVID-19 pandemic without cutting services or staff. Since 2010, McHenry County has been assigned the top Aaa bond rating from Moody’s Investors Service. It is a back-to-back winner of the Triple Crown Award bestowed by the for winning all three of the GFOA’s financial reporting awards in a single year.

“I’m honored to take on

the role of CFO for an organization as professional and as dedicated as McHenry County Government,” Wisz said. “I look forward to working with the County Board, department heads and staff to craft responsible budgets and ensure that the public’s money is spent wisely.” Wisz, of Crystal Lake, earned a bachelor’s degree in finance, and her MBA, from Northern Illinois University.

Appellate court upholds restraining order on assault weapons ban

In 2-1 ruling, court says law likely violates equal protection guarantee

By Peter Hancock CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS

A temporary restraining order that partially blocks Illinois’ new assault weapons ban from being enforced will remain in place after a divided state appellate court panel’s ruling Jan. 31.

The restraining order was issued Jan. 20 by Effingham County Circuit Judge Joshua Morrison, but it applies only to the 800 or so gun owners and firearms dealers named as plaintiffs in the suit. The case was filed by southern Illinois attorney Thomas DeVore, the unsuccessful Republican candidate for attorney general in 2022.

In a 2-1 ruling, the justices said plaintiffs in the case made a plausible argument that the law violates their rights to equal protection under the law. Under the law, some categories of people—active and retired law enforcement officers, correctional officers and military personnel on active duty, for example—may purchase and possess those weapons. Other groups, such as retired military personnel or those who are not on active duty, are barred from obtaining assault-style weapons after Jan. 1, 2024.

Attorneys for the state argued that it was reasonable to exempt certain groups of people who have extensive training in the use of such firearms. But the court majority rejected that argument, saying: “The fundamental rights at stake require lawmakers to ‘narrowly tailor’ legislation to effectuate its

purpose.”

“Perhaps, as suggested during the circuit court hearing, some of the plaintiffs’ employment render them more or equally qualified to possess and purchase weapons than the qualifications required for the exempted classes,” the justices wrote. “Perhaps, some of the plaintiffs’ training is equal to, or superior to, that of the exempted classes.”

In accepting the argument that equal protection rights are at stake, the appellate court also rejected arguments that the General Assembly violated the Illinois Constitution’s requirements that bills deal with only one subject, that they be read three times on different days in both chambers, and the guarantee of due process.

Justice Barry L. Vaughn wrote the decision. Justice Mark M. Boie concurred in the opinion while Justice James R. Moore dissented in part, saying he would have overturned the circuit court entirely by rejecting the equal protection argument.

The law passed through the General Assembly during its lame duck session in January. Although a House Committee held extensive hearings on the bill in December, there was not enough time in the brief lame duck session to meet the constitution’s three-reading requirement.

In order to get around that requirement, they used a common procedure known as a “gut-and-replace,” in which the Senate stripped out the contents of a bill that had al-

ready passed the House. Language originally contained in House Bill 5855 was inserted into House Bill 5471, which originally dealt with insurance regulations. The Senate then sent the amended bill back to the House for its concurrence with the amendment.

The House voted to concur on Jan. 10, the final day of the lame duck session, and Gov. JB Pritzker signed it that evening.

The law bans the sale and purchase of a long list of semi-automatic weapons defined as “assault weapons,” .50 caliber rifles and large-capacity magazines, as well as various devices that effectively convert other weapons into something identical to one of the banned weapons.

It also allows people who already own such weapons to keep them, but it requires those owners to register them with the Illinois State Police by Jan. 1, 2024, while also restricting where they can be used or stored.

The law came in response to multiple mass shootings in the United States in which those types of weapons have been used, including the July 4, 2022, mass shooting at an Independence Day parade in Highland Park that left seven people dead and dozens more injured and traumatized.

The ruling means that the state is prevented from enforcing the law against the named plaintiffs in the case. The decision is expected to be appealed to the Illinois Supreme Court.

Village of Fox Lake receives APWA project of the year award

Second year in a row the village has received award

The Village of Fox Lake was named a recipient of the project of the year award from the American Public Works Association (APWA) Chicago Metro Lake Branch Chapter. This is the second consecutive year the village received this prestigious award.

This $20.7 million project included approximately 1.5 miles of force main, 1.9 miles of gravity sewer, 3.2 miles of water main, the construction of two new pump stations, and pumping capacity upgrades to an ex-isting station. The objective was to connect two separate utility service areas, north and south, that were bisected by the Chain O’Lakes.

The Water and Sewer Interconnect Project was submitted to APWA in early December, in the $5 to $25 million environmental category. In 2014, the village embarked on a master plan to evaluate the feasibility and costs of interconnecting the north and south systems versus maintaining two separate utility systems. With interconnection being the most cost-effective, reliable and flexible option, the village moved forward with construction in the fall of 2019. The project was successfully completed on time and within budget in the spring of 2022, allowing the village to improve upon aging water and

sewer infrastructure.

Village staff and elected officials including Mayor Donny Schmit, Administrator Deb Waszak, and Direc-tor of Public Works Kealan Noonan, attended the 2023 Lake Branch awards luncheon on Jan. 17, along with members from the village’s engineering firm, Trotter & Associates, to accept the award.

“One of the main benefits of this project was protecting the environment. It will also provide our residents with a sustainable sewer and water system,” said Mayor Schmit. “In addition, by combining two sewer and water systems into one, it will reduce costs for generations to come. It also increases the opportunity for additional development, which will increase revenues and allow the village to provide more services for our residents.”

Interested in learning more about the project? View the submission at https://www. foxlake.org/DocumentCenter/View/5321/ Lake-Branch-Project-of-the-Year-2023.

Last year, the village received the project of the year award in the less than $5 million transportation cate-gory, for the Nippersink Boulevard Reconstruction.

Community briefs Illinois’ COVID-19 disaster proclamation to end in May

Annual spaghetti dinner returns February 23

The Nippersink Middle School Music Department will be holding their annual spaghetti dinner on Febrary 23 from 5-7 p.m.

Adult meal cost is $10 in advance or $12 at the door, children 5th grade to 5 years are $5 and under 5 years is free. Carry out is available for $1.00 extra. Raffle tickets will be sold for $1 each or 6 for $5. Entertainment will be provided by the NMS choir and band.

The Nippersink Middle School is located at 10006 Main Street in Richmond.

Volunteers sought for Volo Bog State Natural Area

Volo Bog State Natural Area is seeking volunteers for docent positions. The docents enjoy interacting with people, have a passion for nature and the environment, spend time enjoying the site and are motivated learners.

Docents greet and assist visitors, answer questions, and offer information about seasonal natural occurrences at the sites. They invite guests to share their experiences and tell of ways to be more involved in enjoying and supporting the parks. Volo Bog SNA docents also help run the Friends of Volo Bog Tamarack Shop.

All new docents receive required readings and mentoring from staff, then shadow experienced docents for a minimum of three sessions before being able to sign up solo.

The two options and training schedule are as follows: Monthly weekend docent – volunteer one weekend day per month for a minimum of one year. Training Saturdays are Feb. 18 and March 4 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Weekly weekday docents/interpretive office support –volunteer one day per week (Wednesday or Thursday) for a minimum of one year. Weekday docents are comfortable with data entry, copying, filing and other light office tasks. Training Thursdays are March 2 and 9 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

All trainings are two days plus mentoring. To apply contact Stacy Iwanicki, Natural resources Coordinator, at 815-344-1294 or dnr.vologog@illinois.gov

State emergency orders will end in tandem with national public health emergency

By Hannah Meisel CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS

Exactly 38 months after the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic, Illinois will no longer be under a disaster proclamation as of May 11, Gov. JB Pritzker announced Tuesday.

That’s the same day President Joe Biden will end the national public health emergency, which just passed the three-year mark last week.

The White House announced the May 11 end date on Jan. 30.

Pritzker had declared a public health emergency two days before the WHO’s pandemic determination and has renewed his disaster proclamation every 30 days since then.

The repeated proclamations gave the governor authority for COVID-related actions such as closing schools, issuing stay-at-home

orders and mandating masks and vaccines. But they were a source of consternation for Pritzker’s political opponents. The governor had slowly rolled back his COVID-19 mandates over the past year, including an action in October when he reversed the requirement for vaccines, testing and masks in health care settings.

But Illinois is still one of seven states with some sort of COVID-related emergency proclamation on its books.

These disaster declarations have allowed those states— including Republican-run Texas—to continue benefiting from COVID-era bumps in federal reimbursements for programs like Medicaid, additional benefits for those on food stamps and the ability to quickly deploy emergency workers to respond to areas in need, like hospitals with severely short staffing.

“Our state’s disaster proc-

lamation and executive orders enabled us to use every resource at our disposal from building up testing capacity and expanding our health care workforce to supporting our vaccine rollout and mutual aid efforts,” Pritzker said in a statement.

Pritzker said 1.4 million children in Illinois received nutrition support under the additional Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits. He also pointed to the expansion of telehealth during the pandemic under his disaster proclamation, which has largely been adapted into state law after it proved popular with doctors and patients alike.

“Let me be clear: COVID-19 has not disappeared,” Pritzker said in the statement. “It is still a real and present danger to people with compromised immune system—and I urge all Illinoisans

to get vaccinated or get their booster shots if they have not done so already.”

Opponents to Pritzker’s repeated issuance of disaster proclamations insisted the governor was limited to the 30 days laid out in state law, but legal challenges to that effect ultimately failed after months of litigation.

The governor’s disaster proclamation also allowed for the activation of the State Emergency Operations Center, which brokered cooperation between the leaders of different state agencies in response to COVID-19.

In a message to Congress on Jan. 30, Biden wrote that waiting until May to end the national public health emergency will avert “wide-ranging chaos and uncertainty throughout the health care system” than if it faced the “abrupt end” sought by the Republican-controlled House.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Hi-Liter/MCN

Left to right: Leo Morand (GHA/APWA Awards Chair), Susan Novak (Lake County Stormwater Management Commission), Andrew Puccini (Trotter & Associates), Trent Turner (Village of Fox Lake), Dan Guinn (Village of Fox Lake), Kealan Noonan (Village of Fox Lake), Deb Waszak (Administrator, Village of Fox Lake), Donny Schmit (Mayor, Village of Fox Lake), and Kyle Johnson (APWA, Lake Branch President) pose for a group photo after accepting the project of the year award at the Jan. 17 luncheon in Libertyville.

Willie says six more weeks of winter

HEIDI SCHULZ Hi-Liter/MCN

Festivities were held from Feb. 1-5 in Woodstock to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the release of the Groundhog Day movie that featured Bill Murray and Andie MacDowell. Almost two dozen activities were planned during the run of the event including the early Thursday morning reading of the prognostication by the groundhog known as Woodstock Willie. Clockwise from top left: Goundhog handler Mark Szafran holds Woodstock Willie up for the crowd after the reading of the prognostication; the crowds grows as the Die Musikmeisters play some polka tunes; Carol Klinger of Norwood Park gets her photo taken with Woodstock Willie; cheers went up from the crowd even though Willie claimed to see his shadow and six more weeks of winter were predicted; a long line formed to wait for photos with the locally famous Woodstock Willie. For future event information visit woodstockgroundhog.org.

A beater creating buzz at the Chicago Auto Show?

Volo Museum’s Bumblebee to be part of Illinois Camaro display

“It’s going to be super exciting,” said Becky Rhoads, founder and CEO of Illinois Camaro, a club with about 2,000 online members who have formed a community around their shared love of the iconic car. “Having Volo’s Bumblebee in the mix at our display will be so much fun!”

This won’t be the first collaboration between Illinois Camaro and the Volo Museum, said Rhoads and Jim Wojdyla, the museum’s marketing director. During a car show on the museum grounds last fall, Illinois Camaro members raised $4,000 for The 100 Club of Illinois, an organization that supports first responders, as well as families of first responders killed in the line of duty.

Along with Bumblebee, those stopping by Illinois Camaro’s booth at the Chicago Auto Show will encounter a 1967 Camaro that in 2020 won the Presidential Award at the Gilmore Car Museum in Michigan, 1992 and 2002 B4C highway patrol models, a 2011 SS that pushes out 1,100 horsepower tuned by Speed Inc. of Schaumburg,

Sheriff’s Special Investigations Group has another successful year

The Lake County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Group (SIG), a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) funded task force, continue to set records year after year. In 2022, the team opened 112 criminal cases, arresting 67, and seizing nearly $7,000,000.00 worth of Illegal drugs in Lake County. Additionally, they seized 120 illegally possessed firearms, many of which were possessed by convicted felons.

In 2022, SIG seizures included:

• Over 72 pounds of powder cocaine

• Nearly 10,000 grams of fentanyl (enough to kill thousands)

• Four pounds of heroin

• Over 61 pounds of illegally trafficked cannabis

• Over 14,000 illegally trafficked prescription pills

SIG is a partner with the Lake County Coalition Against Human Trafficking

and in 2022, SIG conducted multiple presentations throughout Lake County on the warning signs of human trafficking. Additionally, members of SIG conducted a number of presentations to school educators, students, community organizations, and neighborhood groups to keep the community closely informed of drug trends, warning signs, and resources available.

SIG is the only HIDTA funded initiative in Lake County. With this funding, they are able to allocate substantial resources toward drug trafficking organizations, money laundering organizations, and criminal enterprises.

Sheriff John D. Idleburg said, “We have been placing a major emphasis on arresting drug traffickers, seizing illegally possessed firearms, all while holding those accountable who possess or sell them, and rescuing vic-

tims from human trafficking. The amazing partnership we have developed with federal and local law enforcement is a significant reason SIG is so successful. Congratulations to our Special Investigations Group for keeping seven million dollars’ worth of drugs out of our community and seizing over 100 illegally possessed firearms.”

Participating Lake County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Group agencies are: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), Lake County Sheriff’s Office, Park City Police Department, Round Lake Beach Police Department, Round Lake Park Police Department, Wauconda Police Department, Winthrop Harbor Police Department and Zion Police Department.

Lake County Sheriff’s arrest bulletin

and a 2017 50th anniversary edition that became a NicKey high-performance car.

To learn more about Illinois Camaro, visit www.illinois camaro.net. For information about the Chicago Auto Show, visit www.chicagoautoshow.com, where tickets and show floor maps are available.

The Volo Museum Winter Weekend Getaway contest winner must be at least 18, and will be selected at random from entries received. The winner will be announced Feb. 21, Wojdyla said, and must use the hotel stay by the last weekend of winter, March 18-19.

The Volo Museum is located at 27582 Volo Village Road, Volo. The 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.

For other details, visit volofun.com, find Volo Museum on social, or call 815385-3644.

You ought to be in pictures!

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.

Jan. 7

Makayla A. Jordan, 23, Zion, was cited for driving while license suspended;

Jose U. Ramirez, 32, Waukegan, was cited for no driver’s license, no insurance, and endangering the health –welfare of a child;

Ivvy J. Ocampo. 19, Waukegan, was cited for endangering the health - welfare of a child;

Ronny Obispo-Mencias, 18, Waukegan, was cited for DUI –alcohol, no insurance, no driver’s license, reckless driving, and attempt possession of a fraudulent ID card;

Vic H. Solomon, 45, Zion, was cited for driving while license suspended, no valid registration and no insurance;

Kara N. Patton, 32, no permanent address, was cited for driving while license suspended and no insurance;

Cole J. Phoenix, 22, Granville, was cited for a warrant arrest: driving while license suspended (McHenry County);

Salacia W. O’Neal, 39, no permanent address, was cited for criminal trespass to property and disorderly conduct;

Previous G. Skillom, 25, Chicago, was cited for driving while license suspended;

Jan. 8

Sarah L. Rosing, 39, Beach Park, was cited for domestic battery;

Mavlonbek Mashrabov, 28, Plainfield, was cited for operating a commercial vehicle without a CDL, and overweight on registration;

Deanne L. Sloan, 57, Beach Park, was cited for DUI – alcohol and no insurance;

Isidro C. Ayala, 28, Gurnee, was cited for driving while license suspended;

Ariana Tepps, 32, Lindenhurst, was cited for DUI – alcohol.

Jan. 10

Ruben Cruz-Mercado, 49, Beach Park, was cited for no driver’s license;

Jan. 11

Arturo Perez-Martinez, 30, Round Lake Beach, was cited for a warrant arrest: violating an order of protection;

Michael T. Casserly, 40, Northbrook, was cited for driving while license suspended, improper transportation of cannabis, and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia;

Cameron J. Dreyer, 35, McHenry, was cited for battery;

Joseph L. Keeling, 32, Fox Lake, was cited for a warrant arrest: violating an order of protection and DUI – drugs;

Zachary M. Quist, 45, Beach Park, was cited for DUI – alcohol, driving while license suspended and no insurance;

Jan. 12

Ashly M. Michaels, 37, McHenry, was cited for a warrant arrest: intimidation (McHenry County);

Walter Perez, 43, Park City, was cited for driving while license revoked, and no insurance;

Joshua K. Garcia, 29, Antioch, was cited for aggravated speeding (81 mph in 45 mph zone);

Raechelle C. Hamm, 47, Spring Grove, was cited for aggravated DUI, driving while license suspended, and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia;

Jan. 13

Corrie Vandervere, 36, Lake Villa, was cited for a warrant arrest: aggravated domestic battery;

Victor J. Gebauer, 37, Lake Villa, was cited for disorderly conduct;

Salvador A. Valazquez-Rosales, 47, Waukegan, was cited for a warrant arrest: DUI – alcohol;

Nesly Murillo, 23, Park City, was cited for DUI – alcohol;

Jan. 14

Sergei A. Pochikai, 30, Des Moines, WA, was cited for operating a commercial vehicle without a CDL, and overweight on registration;

Victor J. Gebauer, 37, Lake Villa, was cited for violation of pre-trial conditions;

Osbaldo F. Patlan, 20, Zion, was cited for improper transportation of cannabis, and no insurance;

Nilo T. Ignaco, 21, Beach Park, was cited for aggravated speeding (88 mph in 45 mph zone);

Ethan J. Bottino-Nicholas, 24, Lake Geneva, WI, was cited for DUI – drugs, improper transportation of cannabis, driving while license revoked and no insurance;

Jan. 15

Juan Hernandez, Jr., 35, Kalamazoo, MI, was cited for unlawful possession of another’s debit card, unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia, and improper transportation of cannabis;

Miles J. Larson, 19, Hawthorn Woods, was cited for aggravated speeding (91 mph in 55 mph zone);

Hector M. Jimenez-Trochez, 45, Park City, was cited for aggravated DUI, driving while license suspended, no insurance and open transportation of alcohol.

JIM WOJDYLA PHOTO Hi-Liter/MCN

This Volo Museum star car — a promotional model of Bumblebee from the 2007 movie “Transformers,” used by Paramount to tout the film — will be on view at the Illinois Camaro booth at the Chicago Auto Show Feb. 11-20 at McCormick Place. Visitors can scan a QR code to enter Volo’s Winter Weekend Getaway Contest.

Man found guilty of theft by deception

On Friday, Feb. 3, a bench trial concluded with a guilty verdict on one count of theft by deception, a class 2 felony, for stealing $18,700.

Ricky Dugo, 55, was first charged in April 2021, after three victims filed criminal complaints to local authorities. The Special Investigations Division of the Lake County State Attorney’s Office assisted prosecutors who approved theft and conspiracy charges. Dugo was indicted on those charges in May 2021, and again indicted in January 2022, on separate charges of theft, money laundering, and deceptive practices, relating to an additional victim.

The following arrests in McHenry County were reported by the McHenry County Sheriff’s Department. Suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Jan. 3

Selim Abdullai, 32, Huntley, was cited for FOID card required – acquire or possess firearm, stun gun or taser, and aggravated unlawful use of a weapon;

Jan. 4

Tiffany N. Webster, 32, Wonder Lake, was cited for aggravated assault – offense based only on victim (peace officer, fireman, ER mgmt. worker, medical personnel) and theft – obtains/exerts unauthorized control over property of the owner over $500;

Jordan M. Cruz, 31, Crys-

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The initial charges were severed into three separate cases, in addition to the subsequently charged case. Dugo now has three remaining cases in Lake County that are pending dates for trial.

Lake County State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart stated after the verdict, “This is a good day for the victims of this offender’s long-running scams. Our Special Investigations Division did an excellent job supporting our prosecutors - together, they are starting the

tal Lake, was cited for operating motor vehicle with suspended registration;

Joe C. Biedermann, 44, Carpentersville, was cited for aggravated DUI/3, unlawful possession medical/driver, and improper lane usage;

Jan. 5

McLaren M. Milinac, 19, Harvard, was cited for criminal sexual abuse – sexual penetration – offender 5 years older than victim and victim is 13 to 16 years old;

Vincent M. Baldocchi, 38, Richmond, was cited for A-2 domestic battery/physical contact, assault and theft control intent $500<10k;

Jan. 6

Joseph E. Goheen, 33, Johnsburg, was cited for violation of an order of protection;

process of securing justice for these good people who lost money to this scammer and con artist.”

Dugo’s bench trial, which was argued in front of the Honorable David C. Lombardo, lasted three days. Judge Lombardo heard from five State witnesses, including other victims whom Dugo deceived and from whom he took money.

Prosecutors argued the testimony of the witnesses and victim demonstrated how Dugo choreographed a well thought out scheme to take others’ money over the years and never planned on paying the victim back on this specific case.

Kenneth O. Gaudio, 61, Huntley, was cited for aggravated DUI – 4;

Shane S. Thorelius, 29, McHenry, was cited for 3 counts of A-2 domestic battery/physical contact, battery/ makes physical contact, reckless conduct, disorderly conduct, 2 counts of violation of bail bond – violates condition of release when victim is family or household member, A-1 domestic battery/bodily harm and causing a child to be endangered;

Tyler J. Bender, 33, Crystal Lake, was cited for manufacture, deliver, possess with intent to deliver cannabis – more than 30g but less than 500g;

Andrew G. Gilard, 41, Woodstock, was cited for domestic battery/bodily harm, 2 counts of aggravated battery –

The defense team had no witnesses and Dugo made the choice not to testify

Dugo was released on bond in April 2021, after posting $7,500 cash, 10% of his $75,000 bond. Judge Lombardo revoked Dugo’s bond after Dugo was convicted. A pre-sentence investigation will be conducted, and a sentencing hearing is scheduled for March 17, at 1:30 p.m.

Theft by Deception has a sentencing range of three to seven years and is a probationable offense.

Fatal traffic crash remains under investigation

person 60 years old or older, 2 counts of domestic battery/ other prior, and violation of bail bond – violates condition of release when victim is family or household member;

Thomas J. Smith, 24, Woodstock, was cited for burglary, criminal damage to property <$500, and theft/unauthd con/<$500;

Jan. 7

Brittain C. Powers, 19, McHenry, was cited for A-2 domestic battery/physical contact, disorderly conduct – actions alarm or disturb another provoking breach of peace, and assault;

Jan. 8

Victor Taras, 49, Crystal Lake, was charged with 2 counts of reckless discharge of a firearm.

Jan. 10

On February 3, 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 traffic. The GMC struck the southbound Kia, driven by a 73-year-old man of Ingleside, head-on. Witnesses reported

Carina Jeronimo, 26, Harvard, was cited for Aggravated DUI license suspended or revoked, operation of uninsured motor vehicle, driving while license suspended or revoked, improper lane usage and display of registration plates, stickers and drive away permits; registration plate covers; Michael C. Mahon, 45, Island Lake, was cited for driving revoked/suspended DUI/sss 4-9, operation of uninsured vehicle and illegal

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.

transportation or possession of alcoholic liquor by driver in motor vehicle;

Kimble B. Menard, 32, Loves Park, was cited for burglary, theft – obtain/exert unauthorized control over property of the owner less than $500, and theft/control <$500/prior; Michael R. Wegrzyn, 65, Harvard, was cited for driving while license, permit or privilege to operate motor vehicle is revoked.

sion Heated Indoor Event Free parking, food available Event held at Washington County Fairgrounds, 3000 Cty Hwy PV West Bend, WI 53095 sponsored by WI. Chapter Model A Ford Club of America. WWW.wichaptermafca.com

Produce/Feed

Health Care

CAREGIVERS NEEDED!

$1,000. Sign-on Bonus. Courage Care is looking for passionate caregivers for our Adult Family Homes located in Lyons, WI. This career is a guaranteed to put a smile on your face by providing care to adults with disabilities in a home-like setting. If you are interested in the position or want to learn more please contact Courage Care at 262-716-6961 or via email at larrymeeks.couragecare@gmail.com

CNA OR CAREGIVER 2nd shift available. Paid training, leadership skills, dependable, ability to multi task, punctual. Good pay per experience. Some benefits. Call Melinda at 414-750-4062.

Wanted to Buy

Help Wanted

BADGER PRECISION SPRING, INC., has immediate openings in secondary Kickpress department. Work hours are from 7 AM to 3:30 PM, but we offer flexible hours, within reason. Benefits are available to full time employees. Please apply in person at 734 Walworth Street, Genoa City, from 8 AM to 3 PM. On the job training is given. 262-2792999.

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

Bicycles

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.

BUSY MAIL ROOM NEEDS WORKERS Part Time or Seasonal! Hours can be flexible 2-3 days per week. Delavan Location. Call to inquire 262-725-7704.

PART TIME DRIVER/MAIL ROOM HELPER 1-2 Days per week. Delavan, WI location. Call to inquire 262-725-7704.

Part Time Help Wanted

GET PAID TO TIME TRAVEL!

Create memories, inspire curiosity and foster learning about about our rural past as a seasonal team member at OLD WORLD WISCONSIN in Eagle, WI.- Costumed positions in our historic village & farms- Food Service and Retail staff- Tram Drivers- Maintenance and Custodians-Training and Costume/ Uniform provided- 2-5 days per week, April through September plus holiday events. https://oldworldwisconsin.wisconsinhistory. org/employment-volunteering/ for application information or contact us at (262)594-6301.

call

OPPORTUNITY

Ricky Dugo