Hi-Liter Illinois 3/22/2023

Pritzker signs measure guaranteeing five days paid leave for Illinoisans

Bill passed during General Assembly’s lame duck session in January

By Nika Schoonover

ILLINOIS

CAPITOL NEWS

Gov. JB Pritzker signed Senate Bill 208 into law last week, ensuring at least 40 hours of paid leave for Illinois workers.

Effective Jan. 1, 2024, workers will begin to earn paid leave on their first day at a rate of one hour of leave for every 40 hours worked, up to 40 hours of paid leave for the year. Employees can begin using their paid leave either 90 days after their employment begins or 90 days after the act’s effective date.

“Today we will become the third state in the nation to require paid time off and the first among the largest states,” Pritzker said in a Monday news conference. “I’m exceptionally proud that labor and business came together to recognize the value of this requirement to employees and employers alike.”

The measure passed in both chambers earlier this year during the 102nd General Assembly’s lame duck session.

Prior to the act’s effective date, Illinois workers have

not been guaranteed paid time off for sick leave, child care, medical appointments or any other reason.

“About 4 million workers … in Illinois do not have access to even a single sick day,” said state Sen. Kimberly Lightford, D-Westchester, who carried the bill in the Senate.

The measure has been under negotiation since 2019 and has “changed hands” a number of times since its inception, Lightford said.

Lightford, who is the Senate’s majority leader, ac-

knowledged former state Sen. Toi Hutchinson, who served from 2009 until 2019 and was an original carrier of the bill.

“This is an issue that has been lingering around the General Assembly for far too long,” Lightford said. “I’m really glad it landed in my lap when it came over to the Senate.”

When SB 208 was debated on the floor in January, one key point of opposition was that it would burden small businesses by raising costs.

“My major concern are the little guys. It’s the mom-and-

pops that have 5, 10, maybe 13 employees, that this has a significant impact on their budgets,” Rep. C.D. Davidsmeyer, R-Jacksonville, said on the House floor.

Pritzker pushed back against this sentiment at the bill signing ceremony

“Just like bigger businesses, small businesses want their workers to be more productive, to be able to deal with their stresses, emergencies at home, so they can be better and more productive at work,” Pritzker said. “I want to encourage anybody who’s

concerned about that to look at, and remind the workers who work for them, how important it is that we have a law like that that protects workers in the state of Illinois.”

The measure does not apply to employees subject to collectively bargained contracts, because time off would be subject to negotiations between the union and the employer.

Ultimately, the measure received a few Republican votes in the House but passed the Senate with only Democratic support.

Lake County now accepting applications for rental assistance program

Lake County renters who faced financial hardship from the COVID-19 pandemic may apply for the Lake County Rental Assistance (LCRA) Program, which provides financial assistance to individuals to help pay rent. The application period will run from March 13 - April 14, 2023.

Lake County is working with community partners to assist keeping families in their homes as we continue to work together and move forward from the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligible households may receive up to six

months of assistance with rent. This can include up to one month of future rent.

Households that have received more than six months of total assistance from programs like the Federal Emergency Rental Assistance (FERA) Program and LCRA Program will not be eligible.

“Lake County 211 receives more calls from residents about needing help with rent payment assistance than any other service needs,” said Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart.

“This program, which is funded by the American

Rescue Plan Act and the federal Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) program, continues to help our residents pay their rent and enable them to stay in their homes.”

To qualify for help, residents must:

• Pay rent in Lake County, Illinois

• Have a financial hardship from the COVID-19 pandemic

• Be at risk of homelessness or housing instability

• Be at least one month in arrears (behind in your rent)

• Meet income guidelines

based on household size

• Have not received six or more months of assistance from past programs such as the FERA and LCRA Programs

• Provide appropriate documentation

Examples of financial hardship from the COVID-19 pandemic include job loss or furlough, and unexpected medical or other expenses.

Examples of what counts as being at risk of homelessness or housing instability include having a past due rent or utility bill, receiving

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an eviction notice, having had to move in temporarily with another household because you couldn’t afford your rent, spending a high proportion of your income on housing costs and more.

To learn more about who is eligible, and for a link to the application, visit lake-

countyil.gov/renthelp.

If you have questions or need help filling out the application, including questions about what documents you need, please call 211 from anywhere in Lake County or text your zip code to 898211 to get connected to someone who can help.

Volo Bog SNA presenting program on establishing pollinator habitats in your area

Volo Bog State Natural Area presents “What’s the Buzz?” – solor Farms and Backyard Panels as Pollinator Habitat on Sunday, April 2 from 2:15-3:30 p.m.

Insects are declining at an alarming rate and need all the help they can get. They are finding just this help among solar panels throughout Chicagoland. Solar farms can be established as a compatible pollinator habitat. Native vegetation established among the panels provides vital habitat to pollinators.

Ecologist Caitlin Burke of Resource Environmental Solutions will share what is being done on commercial and utility rights-of-ways, as well as on other private lands and how it can be implemented in your own yard. The program will be presented in person and via Zoom. Register by emailing dnr.volobog@illinois.gov or phoning 815-344-1294.

The Volo Bog State Natural Area is located at 28478 W. Brandenburg Road, Ingleside.

Pet of the week

Tiana, is about 4 years old, spayed, up-to-date on routine shots (incl. rabies), tested negative for FIV, feline leukemia and heartworm and microchipped.

She has tufts in her ears and gorgeous colors. Tiana loves attention from people, but not from other cats so she needs a home of her own.

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.

Save money by repairing water leaks during ‘Fix a Leak Week’

Fixing household water leaks throughout your house can save you money and help save the environment.

The US Environmental Protection Agency is observing Fix a Leak Week, from March 20 through March 26, as a reminder for Americans to check their plumbing fixtures and irrigation systems for leaks.

Leaks in an average household can total about 10,000 gallons a year – and about 10 percent of homes have leaks that waste 90 gallons or more per day. Added up, that totals nearly 1 trillion gallons of water wasted annually.

Common types of leaks found in the home are worn toilet flappers, dripping faucets, dripping shower heads and other leaking valves. These types of leaks are often easy to fix, requiring only a few tools and hardware that can pay for themselves in water savings. Fixing easily corrected household water leaks can save homeowners about 10 percent on their water bills.

To check for leaks in your home, you first need to determine whether you’re wasting water and then identify the source of the leak. Here are some tips for finding leaks: • Look at your water usage during a colder month, such as January or February. If a family of four exceeds 12,000 gallons per month, there are

McHenry County early voting locations expand

Ten additional early voting locations for the April 4 consolidated election opened across McHenry County.

People registered to vote in McHenry County will have 11 sites to cast their ballots early, regardless of where in the county they live. A complete list of locations, and their dates and hours of operation can be found at https://www.mchenrycountyil.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/110484/6381075 91933870000.

Early voting will be available until 7 p.m. Monday, April 3 at six of the locations. People wishing to vote in person on Election Day must do so at their assigned voting precinct; they can also vote at the County Clerk’s Office, which is a universal polling site. Call 815334-4242 to find your voting location.

People who wish to vote by mail still have time to obtain an application by visiting the County Clerk’s Office. The County Clerk must receive your application by March 30 – please allow seven days for delivery. Vote-by-mail ballots can be mailed in, delivered in person, or dropped off at any time at the secure ballot drop box in front of the County Administration Building. Four additional early voting locations have indoor drop boxes that are accessible during voting hours.

Vote-by-mail ballots must be postmarked no later than April 4 and received no later than April 18 to be counted. Voters who fill out a vote-bymail ballot and then change their mind and decide to vote in person can do so by simply bringing their vote-by-mail ballot with them to the polls and surrendering it to the Election Judge.

If you’re not registered to vote you can register in person when you vote at the polls.

serious leaks.

• Check your water meter before and after a two-hour period when no water is being used. If the meter changes at all, you probably have a leak.

• Identify toilet leaks by placing a drop of food coloring in the toilet tank. If any color shows up in the bowl after 10 minutes, you have a leak; be sure to flush immediately after the test to avoid staining the tank.

• Examine faucet gaskets and pipe fittings for any water on the outside of the pipe to check for surface leaks.

If you have leaks and you find these step-by-step solutions aren’t enough to stop them, it might be time to replace your leaking fixtures. To increase your home’s water efficiency, look for the WaterSense label when considering a new toilet, faucet or shower head.

The EPA’s Fix a Leak Week website provides a lot of great information to help you locate and repair leaks at your home or business – you can find it at https://www. epa.gov/watersense/fix-leakweek.

For more information, email McHenry County Water Resources Specialist Scott Kuykendall at SHKuykendall@mchenrycountyil.gov or call 815-334-2863.

USDA: Food costs to remain on upward trajectory

By Dan Grant FARMWEEK

Food costs will continue to eat away at consumers’ pocketbooks this year.

USDA estimates food price inflation could increase another 8 percent this year after racing to its highest level last year (9.9 percent) since 1979.

“In the next year, we expect prices to continue to increase, although substantial uncertainty exists,” said Matthew MacLachlan, economist at USDA’s Food Economics Division.

Grocery purchases, or food at home, could experience the highest inflation this year at 8.6 percent, down from 11.4 percent in 2022. Meanwhile, prices of food away from home could increase 8.3 percent in 2023, up from 7.7 percent last year.

“We’re predicting food-at-home prices will continue to increase, albeit at a slower rate than last year. Food-at-home prices at this level (in 2022) had not been observed since 1974,” MacLachlan said at USDA’s 99th annual Ag Outlook Forum.

The higher prices will continue to affect pretty much anything shoppers put in their carts or order out. No segment of the food market will be spared from historically high inflation again this year, according to USDA.

“This is a very high level of inflation. It isn’t attributable to any category, but rather it’s driven by higher prices across the board,” MacLachlan said. “Prices for all food categories increased at least 5 percent in 2022.”

After posting some of the highest price increases in 2020-21, inflation for beef/veal and pork eased to 5.3 percent last year. Egg prices posted the highest gain at 32 percent in 2022.

Even with the higher costs, food expenditures remain about the same portion of spending (12 percent) for U.S. consumers compared to other years when food prices increased closer to the historical rate around 2 percent.

“This roughly aligns with past expenditures,” MacLachlan said. “But this represents the ‘average’ household and not necessarily those with low income, which food is a much larger share of their expenditures.”

The higher prices reflect the increasing cost of inputs along the entire food chain, MacLachlan noted.

Along with higher costs for everything from transportation to packaging, the food sector continues to struggle with labor issues, according to Andrew Harig, vice president of tax, trade, sustainability and policy development for FMI— the Food Industry Association.

Annual employee turnover at grocery stores averaged about 50 percent pre-COVID but currently remains above 60 percent.

“It looks like a year in flux. Challenges will persist,” Harig said. “These (food) prices don’t look like they’ll come down any time soon.”

The average weekly grocery scan of food purchases increased from an average of $121 in February 2020 to $151 last month. The average

grocery purchase peaked at $161 per week at the beginning of the pandemic as many consumers went through a “stockpile” phase, Harig noted.

But the higher cost of the average grocery purchases doesn’t reflect the whole story. Consumers are also cutting back on total purchases to deal with inflation.

“Consumer worries continue to rise,” Harig said. “What we’ve seen in the past year is volumes are down.”

A recent survey found 59 percent of consumers are currently shopping for more deals, 45 percent are buying more store brands and 41 percent are buying fewer items overall, according to FMI.

“Consumers are feeling this more than estimates show,” said Harig, who noted grocers and retailers have been caught in the crosshairs. “Your last trip to the store often shapes how you feel about the food industry.”

While some consumers often blame the point of purchase for high costs, Harig noted high food prices are the result of inflation across all sectors. Higher prices actually erode margins for food retailers, whose profit margins hover around 2-3 percent.

“People really don’t know where their food comes from or how it’s produced, so when the price changes, it’s a bit of a mystery,” he added. “We’ve seen the supply chain already stretched, and it would normally bounce back. But, it hasn’t and a lot of it still traces back to COVID. We’re still feeling the effects today.”

Princess, superhero day is March 25 at Volo Museum

Costumed kids 12 and younger admitted free to museum and dino park

Cynthia Wolf

CONTRIBUTOR

Jasmine? Leia? Elsa? Ironman? Batman? Thor?

You never know which princesses or superheroes you might greet when checking out the Volo Museum during Princess and Superhero Day, which this year will be Saturday, March 25. But you can count on dozens of them dazzling the crowds with their elaborate and realistically de-

tailed costumes.

“This is a fan-favorite event,” said Jim Wojdyla, marketing director of the museum at 27582 Volo Village Road. “What better way to kick off spring break than with a fun family outing to see all of our amazing exhibits — as well as capture some memorable moments with caped crusaders and more from Costumers With A Cause and the Fairytale

Birthday Co.?”

Not only that, but children 12 and younger who arrive in their favorite superhero or princess costume also will receive free admission to both the Volo Museum and Jurassic Gardens, Wojdyla said.

“Families, and especially kids, really enjoy interacting with the cosplayers, who will make special appearances all day,” Wojdyla said. “But we highly recommend being here

between noon and 3 p.m., as that is typically when they are here in their largest numbers.”

With hundreds of vintage, muscle, Hollywood and bizarre cars, plus an eye-popping array of mechanical marvels and more, the Volo Museum is an experience not to be missed. The more recently added indoor, animatronic dinosaur park Jurassic Gardens — is both educational and awe-

inspiring.

During the Princess and Superhero Day event, food trucks featuring pierogi and other Polish delicacies as well as a purveyor of delicious donuts also will be on-site for some added fun, Wojdyla said.

The event is included in the price of regular admission, and is free for members.

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. The museum is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Ticket prices will increase April 1. For other details, visit volofun.com, find Volo Museum on social, or call 815385-3644.

Two Lake County State’s Attorney office leaders appointed to state-wide panels

This past month, Lake County State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart and the Chief of the Juvenile Justice Division for the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office, Karen Levi, were both appointed to statewide panels that develop policies and guidelines for the Illinois legal system.

On Monday, March 13, Governor JB Pritzker’s office announced that Rinehart had been appointed to serve on the Board of the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority (ICJIA).

ICJIA is an independent state agency that works to improve the effectiveness and fairness of Illinois’ criminal justice system. ICJIA administers grants that are awarded to law enforcement agencies and community-based organizations while also developing statewide policies and recom-

mendations for review by the Governor, Attorney General, and General Assembly. ICJIA leads the State’s efforts to enhance the use of technology and data within the justice system as well.

After the Governor ’s appointment, Rinehart stated, “I am honored to serve on ICJIA’s governing board.

I look forward to working with other law enforcement and reform leaders to increase support for victims, to reduce violent crime through innovative and smart programs, and to use data to better understand and then eliminate racial disparities that have plagued our system for too

long. Perhaps more than any past Illinois governor, Governor Pritzker has shown a commitment to developing policies that address the root causes of crime and to investing in fair and effective solutions. I want to per-

sonally thank him for this appointment. I am eager to continue serving the people of Lake County and the State of Illinois.”

In February 2023, Karen Levi was appointed to the Illinois Supreme Court Committee on Juvenile Courts by Illinois Chief Justice Mary Jane Theis.

This committee serves as an advisory group to the Illinois Supreme Court and

is comprised of key justice partners to provide input in the juvenile court process. The committee represents those justice partners across the state from both juvenile justice and child protection systems. The working groups within the committee focus on providing specific information to the committee as a whole which will then advise the Supreme Court.

Levi stated, “I am extremely humbled to be appointed to this committee. I am looking forward to working with my fellow justice partners from across the state to better the juvenile justice system. There is a lot of work to be done and having a diverse group of individuals will certainly provide the necessary information to advise the Supreme Court.”

PHOTOS BY JIM WOJDYLA Hi-Liter/MCN

Left: Members of Costumers With a Cause and visitors to the Volo Museum enjoy a photo opp in front of the Batmobile during a previous Princess and Superhero Day. Above: A cosplayer dressed similarly to Capt. America greets a young Wonder Woman and Spiderman. This years event takes place Saturday.

Eric Rinehart Karen Levi

Court & crime news

Man brandishes firearm during road rage incident

Special Investigations Group arrest convicted felon with ghost guns, cocaine

On March 15, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Group (SIG), a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) funded task force, concluded a longterm investigation, resulting in the arrest of a convicted felon, who is a documented street gang member.

The investigation focused on an individual, Joshua A. Jackson, 26, of the 500 block of Grandview Drive, Round Lake Park, who was distributing narcotics.

On March 15, members of the Sheriff’s Special Investigations Group conducted a search warrant at Jackson’s home. During the search of Jackson’s home SIG detectives recovered: three firearms, two of which were ghost guns (guns with no serial number), two suppressors – designed to ‘silence’ or reduce the sound of gunfire, a firearm drum magazine, capable of holding approximately 50 rounds of ammunition, an extended firearm magazine, numerous

additional firearm magazines, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, parts and tools to used to assemble ‘ghost guns’, and over 70 grams of packaged cocaine for distribution.

After reviewing the facts and circumstances of the case, the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office approved the following charges: Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Distribute (Class X Felony), Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance (Class 1 Felony), Three Counts of Aggravated Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Felon (Class 3 Felonies), Unlawful Possession of ammunition (Class 2 Felony) and Unlawful Possession of a Suppressor (Class 3 Felony).

Sheriff John D. Idleburg said, “I am grateful our Special Investigations Group investigated and arrested this convicted felon before he had an opportunity to use or sell these firearms. We will continue our efforts to apprehend violent offenders and those who traffic drugs in Lake County.”

Round Lake Park Police were an integral part of the investigation.

Update: warrant issued for driver in October crash

Lake County Sheriff’s Traffic Crash Investigators concluded their investigation of an October crash. Crash investigators were able to determine the driver of the Dodge, Jarelle D. Brown, 28, of the 2200 block of Carmel Boulevard, Zion, was driving excessively fast, in excess of 75 miles per hour, prior to striking the Toyota.

Additionally, Brown was found to be driving under an intoxicating level of cannabis during the crash. On March 15, 2023, the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office presented the facts of the crash to a Lake County Grand Jury. The Grand Jury issued a True Bill of Indictment for Brown for: Two Counts of Reckless Homicide, and Two Counts of Driving Under the Influence of Cannabis.

Following the indictment, a Lake County Judge issued an arrest warrant for Brown and set bond at $1,000,000. Brown has been made aware of the ar-

rest warrant, however, has not surrendered himself to law enforcement.

Infant and adult killed in traffic crash (release from 10/30/2022)

On October 29, 2022, at approximately 4:15 p.m., Lake County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to North Green Bay Road near Atlantic Avenue, unincorporated Waukegan, for a traffic crash with injuries. Deputies arrived and found two vehicles with major damage.

Preliminary investigation shows a Dodge Journey, driven by a 34-year-old man of Zion, was traveling northbound on Green Bay Road. A Toyota Corolla, driven by a 27-year-old man of Waukegan, entered the roadway from a private parking lot on the east side of the roadway, in front of the Dodge. This resulted in a ‘T-Bone’ type crash where the Toyota was struck on the driver’s side by

the Dodge.

An eight-month-old boy of Waukegan in the Toyota, restrained in a car seat in the seat behind the driver, was transported to Advocate Condell Medical Center with critical injuries, where he was later pronounced deceased. A 29-year-old woman of Waukegan in the Toyota, who was in the front passenger seat, was pronounced deceased at the scene. A seven-year-old boy of Waukegan in the Toyota, seated in the seat behind the front seat passenger, was transported to Advocate Condell Medical Center with serious injuries, as was the driver of the Toyota.

The driver of the Dodge was transported to Vista East Medical Center in Waukegan with serious injuries. Two passengers in the Dodge, a 19-year-old man of Beach Park and 24-year-old man of Zion were transported to Vista East Medical Center with minor injuries.

On March 13, at approximately 8:15 a.m., Lake County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to the area of Route 176 and Fairfield Road, unincorporated Wauconda, for a report of a reckless driver. The victim, a 53-year-old man, reported another driver, identified as Anthony J. Delorto, 37, of the 1400 block of Challenge Road, Batavia, didn’t allow him to merge as the two traveled eastbound.

As the two proceeded east following the merge, Delorto produced a firearm and waived it at the victim. The victim called 911 to report the incident. Delorto was seen pulling into a business in the 28700 block of North Route 83, unincorporated Mundelein. Mundelein Police Officers responded and located Delorto.

Sheriff’s deputies arrived and placed Delorto into custody for his actions. The pistol brandished by Delorto was recovered from Delorto’s vehicle.

After reviewing the facts and circumstances of the incident the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office approved the following charges: Unlawful Use of a Weapon (Class A Misdemeanor), Aggravated Assault (Class A Misdemeanor), and Disorderly Conduct (Class C Misdemeanor).

Delorto was processed at the Lake County Jail and released on a $1,500 Recognizance Bond. He is due back in court on March 28.

Two men charged with murder for fatal confrontation at Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve

On March 16 the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office filed murder charges against two men in connection to the September 2022 death of a man on the Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve.

Jacob Firestone, 19, and Nicholas Caban, 20, are each being charged with one count of Second-Degree murder, and both were arrested after warrants were issued on Thursday.

After both defendants were in custody, State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart stated, “I want to thank all our law enforcement partners for their joint efforts in this case. The Lake County Major Crimes Task Force and Forest Preserve Police Department conducted an excellent investigation. We greatly appreciate the assistance of Deerfield Police and the Kane County Sheriff’s Department in apprehending the offenders only hours after our office filed the charges. Significantly, Coroner Jennifer Banek’s team has played a crucial role in analyzing the crime scene. We have kept the family apprised at all times regarding the course of the investigation, and we will continue to support them after this brutal attack took their husband, brother, father, son, and friend.”

On September 17, 2022, Highland Park Police re-

sponded to a report of an unconscious person on Lake Michigan’s shoreline. When officers arrived, they located the deceased person later identified by the Lake County Coroner’s Office as Matthew Ascaridis, 45.

Preliminary investigation led by the Lake County Forest Preserve Police and the Lake County Major Crime Task Force showed Ascaridis had a violent confrontation with Firestone and Caban that resulted in his death on a beach near his home.

During the ensuing investigation, officers found a semiautomatic weapon in Caban’s bedroom that belonged to him and was charged with unlawful possession of a firearm on September 18.

Related to the original incident, Firestone was initially charged with two counts of obstructing justice after investigators determined that Firestone was responsible for attempting to conceal evidence after the fatal incident had occurred.

Both defendants posted thousands of dollars since their September 2022 arrests.

On the murder charges, defendants were expected to appear in court on March 17, 2023.

Driver flees with man on hood of car, runs over man

On March 20, at approximately 1:30 a.m., a Lake County Sheriff’s Deputy was on patrol in the 37800 block of North Sheridan Road, Beach Park. The deputy saw two vehicles leaving a business at a high rate of speed, one of the vehicles was a 2004 Toyota Camry. The deputy also saw a man (later determined to be a 19-year-old of Waukegan) on the hood of the Toyota. The man was waving at the deputy for assistance.

The deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the Toyota, however, the driver, (later determined to be a 17-year-old female of Winthrop Harbor) fled. As the deputy pursued the Toyota, the driver of the second vehicle passed the deputy and pulled alongside the Toyota. The driver of the Toyota swerved and abruptly stopped, causing the victim to fall off the hood of the vehicle. The driver of the Toyota then ran the victim over, before again fleeing.

The victim was transported to Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville with critical, life-threatening injuries.

The deputy stayed on scene and rendered aid to the victim. The driver of the second vehicle followed the Toyota, and called in updated locations to sheriff’s telecommunicators. A deputy located the Toyota traveling southbound on I-94 and initiated a pursuit. The deputy was joined by a sheriff’s sergeant and Illinois State Police Troopers.

One of the sheriff’s deputies was able to deploy Stop Sticks,

a tire deflation device, which successfully deflated the tires on the Toyota. The driver of the Toyota came to a stop at mile marker 41.75 near Rosemont.

The driver and two passengers were taken into custody and transported to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division, where they currently remain.

Preliminary investigation shows the driver of the Toyota was involved in a minor traffic crash in the business she was fleeing from. The victim attempted to intervene following the crash. It was during this intervention that the victim had no choice but to jump on the hood of the car, to avoid being struck at that time by the Toyota.

The incident remains under investigation by sheriff’s detectives and the Lake County Sheriff’s Office Technical Crash Investigations Team.

Antioch police respond to barricade situation

At approximately 6:43 p.m. on March 17, the Antioch Police Department responded to a report of a domestic disturbance inside a residence in the 600 block of Hillside Avenue. Upon arrival, officers were met by an armed male who pointed an AR-15 rifle at responding officers. The male then retreated inside the home with the weapon.

Antioch Police staged outside the home and requested a response from the Northern Illinois Police Alarm System (NIPAS), along with other neighboring law enforcement agencies. Numerous police departments responded to assist with the situation.

After several hours of attempted communication with the person who was barricaded inside the home, NIPAS made entry into the home. Upon entry, the male was found unresponsive in the basement of the home, with what appears to have been a self-inflicted gunshot wound to his head. No one else was seriously injured in the situation and there was not current threat to the public. The investigation by Antioch Police continues.

Zion homicide update from coroner

On Monday, March 13, at approximately 11:08 a.m., the Zion Police and Zion Fire and Rescue Departments responded to the 2200 block of Lewis Avenue for an unresponsive person. Upon their arrival it was determined that the person was deceased. Based on the circumstances the Lake County Major Crimes Task Force was requested to assist in the investigation.

The Lake County Coroner’s Office was notified and responded to the scene.

The deceased has been identified as 38-year-old Kristin Pitak. On Tuesday, March 14, an autopsy was completed at the Lake County Coroner’s Office. Preliminary autopsy results indicate that there was evidence of strangulation. Final autopsy results are pending further studies.

The incident remains under investigation by the Zion Police Department, Lake County Major Crimes Task Force and Lake County Coroner’s Office.

Joshua A. Jackson

SUBMITTED PHOTO Hi-Liter/MCN

Anthony J. Delorto Jacob Firestone

Nicholas Caban

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.

Feb. 20

Jimmy W. Dantzler, 28, Mequon, WI, was cited for no driver’s license and no insurance; Mark A. Garcia, 18, Beach Park, was cited for reckless driving, aggravated speeding (76 mph in 45 mph zone), and no driver’s license;

Trenton E. Cole, 26, Salem, WI, was cited for possession of meth, possession of cocaine, and resisting arrest;

Gregory J. Chromchak, 38, Antioch, was cited for criminal trespass to vehicle, and disorderly conduct;

Michael C. Porter, 28, Gurnee, was cited for DUI –drugs;

Feb. 21

Oscar Rostran, 44, Waukegan, was cited for warrant arrest: domestic battery;

Francisco Melendez-Mendoza, 27, Waukegan, was cited for driving while license suspended, and illegally passing an unloading school bus;

Alexis L. Pregent, 38, Antioch, was cited for domestic battery;

Jeffrey D. Nixon, 48, Ingleside, was cited for a warrant arrest: domestic battery, criminal trespass to property and battery;

Gregory S. Dittburner, 34, Wadsworth, was cited for domestic battery;

Aaron M. Branic, 36, Zion, was cited for domestic battery and resisting arrest;

Gregory J. Chromchak, 38, Antioch, was cited for violation of an order of protection; Feb. 22

Chase M. Saldivar, 38, Antioch, was cited for driving

while license revoked;

Gustavo A. Penaloza-Hernandez, 22, Chicago, was cited for no driver’s license;

Feb. 23

Leo Ray Marin, 36, Waukegan, was cited for a warrant arrest: criminal damage to property;

Zarriel M. Trotter, 20, Chicago, was cited for battery;

Ricky J. Lemus, 24, Round Lake, was cited for a warrant arrest: unlawful possession of a controlled substance;

Dmitrii Bugoslavskii, 38, Brooklyn, NY, was cited for operating a commercial vehicle without a CDL, and over weight on registration;

Feb. 24

Jorge A. Brambila, 36, Lake Villa, was cited for residential burglary, and failure to register as an offender;

Vladimir Cerbadji, 33, Lake Zurich, was cited for violating an order of protection;

Giavantia Leonard, 21, Madison, WI, was cited for a warrant arrest: harassment;

Shariff K. Miller, 44, Beach Park, was cited for a warrant arrest: obtaining lodging without payment;

Feb. 25

David Rupp, 63, Grayslake, was cited for domestic battery and disorderly conduct;

Conrad M. Braun, 22, Twin Lakes, WI, was cited for driving while license suspended;

Emmanuel S. Landa, 19, Zion, was cited for no driver ’s license and aggravated speeding (74 mph in 40 mph zone);

Feb. 26

Sarah L. Rosing, 40, Beach Park, was cited for domestic battery;

Sarah J. Robinson, 28, Waukegan, was cited for DUI – alcohol, driving while license revoked and no insurance.

McHenry County Sheriff’s arrest bulletin

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.

Feb. 11

Jesse L. Borrego, 26, Spring Grove, was cited for possession of meth 15<100 grams, and possession of drug paraphernalia;

Feb. 13

Bryan M. Johnston, 35, Twin Lakes, was cited for aggravated DUI – involved in accident resulting in bodily harm to passenger under the age of 16, DUI – alcohol – child passenger, endangering the life or health of a child, failure to secure child 8 yoa but under 16 yoa in safety belt or child restraint system, driver and passenger required to use safety belts, and driving too fast for conditions/fail to reduce speed to avoid accident;

Rebecca J. Anderson, 23, McHenry, was cited for obstructing identification and driving while driver’s license is suspended or revoked.

Feb. 14

Dimitri Giannakopoulos, 39, Crystal Lake, was cited for violation of bail bond –violates condition of release

Announcements

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 NOTICE This

publication does not knowingly accept fraudulent or deceptive advertising. Readers are cau-

when victim is family or household member;

Brandy M. Brown, 33, Wonder Lake, was cited for A-1 domestic battery/bodily harm;

Heather J. Chiuffo, 43, Wauconda, was cited for 2 counts of retail theft – taking merchandise with intent to deprive merchant without paying;

Philip J. Dawson, 36, Crystal Lake, was cited for methamphetamine possession <5 grams;

Feb. 15

Amador Sanchez-Gonzalez, 38, Belvidere, was cited for aggravated DUI – license suspended or revoked;

Ryan A. Poltzer, 42, Cary, was cited for (A-5) aggravated domestic battery/strangle,

aggravated battery – bodily harm/disability or disfigurement to child under the age of 13, and 2 counts of endangering the life or health of a child – causes, permits or places child in circumstances (non-family related);

Feb. 16

James E. Gutierrez, 38, Streamwood, was cited for violation of bail bond - violates condition of release when victim is family or household member, and domestic battery;

Nathan V. Murray, 26, Carpentersville, was cited for A-2 domestic battery/physical

contact;

Feb. 17

Michael A. Michalski, 48, Glendale Heights, was cited for violation of an order of protection;

Michael S. Sexton, 32, Grand Rapids, was cited for resisting or obstructing peace officer;

Cameron L. Regan, 30, Chicago, was cited for deceptive practices – bad checks;

Sean G. Collins, 29, McHenry, was cited for A-2 domestic battery/physical contact;

Feb. 19

Timothy M. Tryba, 40,

Feb. 27

Nicholas C. Svoboda, 29, Hinsdale, was cited for a warrant arrest: theft; Latasha W. Cunningham, 48, Beach Park, was cited for a warrant obtained: endangering the life/welfare of a child;

Ruben A. Pena, Jr., 49, Zion, was cited for DUI – alcohol, and open transportation of alcohol;

Bruce Oldenburg, 50, Libertyville, was cited for a warrant arrest: DUI causing death (Cook County);

Feb. 28

Kamari D. Dye, 20, no permanent address, was cited for battery and disorderly conduct;

Jason M. Perkins, 44, Akrom, OH, was cited for DUI – alcohol, and aggravated speeding (70 mph in 35 mph zone);

March 1

Brian W. Stedronsky, 42,

Huntley, was cited for A-2 domestic battery/physical contact;

Travis J. Rapp, 43, Cherry Valley, was cited for obstructing service of process;

Feb. 20

Gabrielle M. Harju, 32, Round Lake Beach, was cited for theft – obtain/exert unauthorized control over property of the owner over $500, internet offense – intent of online sale of stolen property, and internet offense - electronic fencing.

Feb. 21

Edgar A. Sivaja, 46, Plainfield, was cited for a violation

Lake Villa, was cited for a warrant arrest: violating an order of protection; March 2

Philip A. Fatigato, 29, Des Plaines, was cited for a warrant obtained: theft over $10,000;

Charles Suurmeier, 64, Lake Bluff, was cited for public indecency and disorderly conduct;

Levi J. Cervantes, 30, Waukegan, was cited for DUI – alcohol, and open transportation of liquor; March 4

Brian W. Stedronsky, 42, Lake Villa, was cited for violating an order of protection; March 5

Christopher A. Hary, 45, Wauconda, was cited for DUI – alcohol, and leaving the scene of an accident;

Angel J. Vera, 19, Zion, was cited for driving while license suspended.

of an order of protection; Mulundu Nkambu, 38, Mount Prospect, was cited for aggravated DUI - violation for third or subsequent time, aggravated DUI license suspended or revoked, driving while license suspended or revoked, operation of uninsured motor vehicle, improper lane usage, and illegal transportation or possession of alcoholic liquor by driver in motor vehicle;

Feb. 22

Jeremiah J. Orestano, 47, Wonder Lake, was cited for A-2 domestic battery/physical contact.

Health Care

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.

Help Wanted

BUSY MAIL ROOM NEEDS

tioned to thoroughly investigate all ads, especially those asking for money in advance.

Notice

BARGAIN BONANZA INDOOR MARKET. Sat., March 25th, 8:00A-3:P. Walworth Co.Fairgrounds Activity Center; 411

E.Court St, Elkhorn. Admission $3 FREE PARKING! TREASURES GALORE! OLDTIME

Collectibles; Farm Decor’; MCM; Beer Signs; LP’s; Coins; Glass; Advertising; Retro Clothing; Art; JEWELRY; Old Butttons’; Plants; Crafts & MORE! 262-233-7113.

Produce/Feed

HAY & STRAW FOR SALE

Good quality, big bales, round & small squares. 262-949-4495.

Wanted to Buy

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

LOOKING FOR INDIVIDUAL W/ HANDYMAN SKILLS TO HELP IN OUR SHOPS IN SALEM,WI and BURLINGTON, WI. Must be self starter, work independently & carry out projects. Responsibilities include keeping shop clean, routine lawn care, basic truck maintenance, driving small truck with trailer, using hand tools. Skills include welding, planting small trees, cutting down small trees, repairing small equipment. Call 262-206-6733 for more information.

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

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 toll-free at 1-900-669-9777. The toll-free tele phone number for the hearing impaired is 1-800-927-9275. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY