Hi-Liter Illinois 3/29/2023

Upper Des Plaines River Ecosystem Restoration project possible due to $11 million in funding

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Chicago District received funding to restore native habitats and improve ecosystem services in the Upper Des Plaines River Watershed. The Lake County Forest Preserves is a partner in this project, which will take place at Raven Glen Forest Preserve in Antioch.

Sen. Dick Durbin announced earlier this week that $11 million in earmark funding will address ecosystem restoration and reduce flooding along 67 miles of the river in Lake and Cook counties. Durbin secured funds in the Fiscal Year 2023 Omnibus appropriations bill.

“We are thrilled to work with the Army Corps of Engineers at Raven Glen Forest Preserve and grateful to Sen. Durbin for securing this funding,” said Angelo Kyle, president of the Lake County Forest Preserves. “Lake County is stronger, healthier and more resilient because of partnerships like these. Together, we can transform degraded lands into acres of high-quality wetland, prairie and woodland, functioning at their highest ecological level.”

The project will transform the landscape to its original state. This funding will allow the Corps, in coordination with the Lake County Forest Preserves, to restore Pollack Lake, also known as Timber Lake, and Hastings Creek wetlands. The 421-acre site was modified to support decades of agricultural use. This project will restore the site’s natural hydrology, which will have local

and down-stream benefits.

To accomplish the restoration, the Corps will improve the stream channel and surrounding floodplain by disabling drain tiles, regrading the landscape, removing invasive species and planting native species. The improvements will mitigate flooding, provide habitat for federal- and state-listed plant and animal species, restore ecological connections to surrounding natural lands, improve water quality and enhance recreational opportunities.

“We look forward to our continuing partnerships with not only Lake County Forest Preserves but all our federal, state and local partners on these important projects, said Lt. Col. Matthew A. Broderick, commander of the Chicago District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. “Doing this work increases the availability of critical habitat in this highly urbanized region and ensures its available for future generations to enjoy.”

As we continue to see the local impacts of climate change, precipitation in our region is predicted to increase, according to Pati Vitt, director of natural resources for the Lake County Forest Preserves. This increases the potential for more frequent and damaging flood events. “This project is just one across the Upper Des Plaines River Watershed that seeks to improve the land’s capacity to capture stormwater and increase the soil’s capacity to hold water by planting native species.”

SUBMITTED PHOTOS Hi-Liter/MCN

Above: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will coordinate with the Lake County Forest Preserves to restore 421 acres of Raven Glen Forest Preserve in Antioch to its original condition. The site had been modified to support decades of agricultural use, but funding for ecosystem restoration will now help restore the site by improving the floodplain, regrading wthe landscape, removing invasive species and planting native species.

Left: A project map showing the area for the Raven Glen restoration project.

House passes bill prohibiting book bans Libraries would

By Peter Hancock CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS

The Illinois House passed a bill last week that would prohibit libraries from banning books or other material because of partisan or doctrinal pressure, prompting strong opposition from Republicans who called it an assault on local control.

House Bill 2789 is an initiative of Democratic Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, whose office oversees the Illinois State Library and administers several grant programs for public and school libraries as well as adult literacy programs throughout the state.

The bill would require that as a condition of qualifying for those grants in the future, libraries or library systems would have to adopt a written policy prohibiting the practice of banning books. Alternatively, they could adopt the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights, which includes a statement that “(m)aterials should not be proscribed or removed be-

cause of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.”

The bill came in response to a wave of high-profile controversies throughout the country, including at least one in Illinois. School districts and public libraries have come under pressure to remove certain material from their collections, often material dealing with issues involving race, sexuality and gender identity.

“Banning books is the sort of behavior that was once, for good reason, associated with the worst, most repressive and repugnant authoritarian regimes of the mid20th century and before,” the bill’s lead sponsor Rep. Anne Stava-Murray, D-Naperville, said during debate on the House floor. “The fact that this is even up for discussion in America in the 21st century is disgusting. And yet, just last year in my district, that discussion was spurred on by a few radical parents and the Proud Boys hate group over a book called ‘Gender Queer.’ ”

That book is a memoir by

Maia Kobabe about a nonbinary person grappling with issues of gender identity and sexuality as a teenager and young adult. According to the New York Times, it has been pulled from library shelves in dozens of school districts around the country.

One of the school districts that came under pressure to remove the book was Community High School District 99, in Downers Grove, in Stava-Murray’s district. According to a June 2022 Chicago Sun-Times story, the pressure was generated by a group of conservative parents and members of the Proud Boys, but students in the district pushed back and the board eventually voted unanimously to keep the book on the shelves.

“Students led a community-supported effort in my district to keep the book in the library,” Stava-Murray said. “But kids shouldn’t have to be the heroes… Nobody is forcing you or your children to check out or purchase or read these books. If they are not

House panel debates ranked choice voting

Opinions vary about benefits, cost and complexity of multichoice ballots

By Peter Hancock CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS

Illinois lawmakers are debating whether the state should join a growing list of jurisdictions in the United States that allow voters to pick more than one candidate for an office, ranking them in order of preference rather than choosing just one.

Ranked choice voting, or as it’s sometimes called, “instant runoff voting,” actually has a long history in U.S. elections at the municipal level. But it has become more widely adopted in modern times, including in several states and dozens of municipalities

“This is a better voting model to ensure all voices and choices are reflected in the election results,” Amber McReynolds, an elections expert and former elections director for the city and county of Denver, Colorado, told a House committee Wednesday. “It prioritizes and expands voter choice, it puts voters first, and it improves the voting experience for all.”

The proposals facing Illinois lawmakers are subject to change as they move through the legislative process.

In a general ranked choice voting system, voters mark candidates in the order of their preference in races with three or more candidates. The voter can rank as many candidates as they choose. In a five-person race, for example, a voter might rank one candidate first, another second and leave the sections of the other three candidates blank.

In the first round of counting, ballots are counted as they are now, with everyone’s vote going to their first choice.

If no one has achieved a majority, the person with the fewest votes is eliminated and their voters’ ballots are recounted with their votes going to their highest ranked candidate that is still in the race.

This continues until a candidate earns a majority of votes counted in a given round of tabulation. This may not mean a majority of all people who voted in the election, since a ballot isn’t counted after all of their listed choices are eliminated.

grants

consistent with your personal beliefs, don’t read them.”

PEN American, in a report on book bans around the country, identified five enforced bans in the state between July 2021 and June 2022, including three bans of Gender Queer.

Some Republicans, however, argued that public libraries are governed by locally elected boards, and that those boards should have the authority to decide how best to serve their communities.

“I find this a complete assault on local control,” said Rep. Martin McLaughlin, R-Barrington Hills. “… These people volunteer as nonpartisan elected local officials, and for the state to tell a local library board, ‘listen to the professionals; follow the professionals’—I don’t understand why we have local elections anymore if a bill like this passes.”

Rep. C.D. Davidsmeyer, R-Jacksonville, said that he used to serve on his local library board and when his own children visit the library, they

are accompanied by a parent. But he said that is not necessarily the case when they are at school using the school library.

“I am not for banning books at all,” he said. “I am for age-appropriate materials. And so, if a parent wants their kid to have those age-appropriate materials, they can certainly get them for them.

I don’t think that a librarian is the end-all, be-all decision maker in the state of Illinois on what books should be given to a child.”

Stava-Murray, however, rejected those arguments, saying the bill would only add another condition onto the rules to qualify for grants administered by the secretary of state.

Last year, the office awarded more than 1,600 grants totaling more than $62 million, including a $4,300 grant to Downers Grove Community High School District 99.

“In terms of the argument about local control, I find that disgusting. Local Control has long been a dog whistle for allowing statewide or nation-

wide racist or bigoted policies to persist,” she said, eliciting loud boos from the Republican side of the aisle. “Today, I just strongly urge my colleagues to do the right thing and make sure that access to books is not infringed upon in our state.”

The bill passed the House 69-39 with all of the no votes coming from Republicans. Three Democrats and one Republican were recorded as present but not voting. The bill next goes to the Senate for consideration.

“Public and school libraries are facing unprecedented censorship of books and resources, not just in Illinois but throughout the nation,” Giannoulias said in a statement after the vote. “This important first-in-the-nation legislation combats book banning and upholds freedom of speech, which America has always stood for. I applaud the Illinois House of Representatives for passing this important measure and encourage the State Senate to do the same.”

Prairie Trail construction causes trail section to be closed through mid May

According to the group FairVote, which advocates for ranked choice voting, there are 64 jurisdictions that allow that method of elections, including the states of Maine and Alaska, as well as two counties and 60 cities.

Colorado enacted a law in 2021 that allows municipalities to opt in to ranked choice voting in local elections. And Democratic parties in five states—Alaska, Kansas, Hawaii, Nevada and Wyoming— used it, wholly or partially, in their 2020 presidential primaries.

There are currently three bills pending in the General Assembly that would allow ranked choice voting in one form or another.

House Bill 2716, by Rep. Nabeela Syed, D-Inverness, would implement the system for elections for the General Assembly, governor and other statewide constitutional officers.

House Bill 2807, by Rep. Maurice West, D-Rockford, would establish ranked choice voting in presidential primaries in Illinois. And House Bill 3749, by Rep. Kam Buckner, D-Chicago, would allow municipalities to use ranked choice

voting if the municipality’s chief election authority submits a written statement saying they have the ability to conduct such an election.

Impact on elections

Supporters of ranked choice voting argue that it has several advantages over “plurality voting,” in which the person with the most votes after one round of counting wins regardless of whether that person has a majority.

One, they say, is that it reduces the number of “wasted” votes—that is, votes cast for candidates who drop out of the race after it’s too late to remove their name from the ballot. McReynolds said that is particularly true in presidential primaries in which a large field of candidates is winnowed down to just a few after the first few states cast ballots.

“In 2016, more than 2 million voters actually took the effort to vote for a candidate on the Republican side (after they had dropped out of the race). Their vote was lost,” she said.

“In 2020, around 3 million to 4 million of Democrats—that’s the estimated (number)—had

See DEBATES, Page 5

McHenry County Conservation District is alerting walkers and cyclists to a construction project that will close a section of the popular Prairie Trail. A stream erosion and trail stabilization project in Algonquin has closed a halfmile section of the trail, starting north from the Meyer Road parking lot, from February through May, 2023. No through traffic will be permitted, nor can a detour be put in place due to limited access to the trail from this area and the highlytrafficked roadways.

Additionally, the District’s Meyer Road parking lot will be closed for the duration of the project and the access trail from the neighborhood off Grace St. on the west will be impacted, also limiting both northbound and southbound access. The first public parking access on the north end is by Diverse City Prairie (Eastgate and Commercial Rd., west of Main St.) or the Village of Algonquin’s Town Park lot at 100 Jefferson St, Algonquin.

This section of the Prairie Trail has long been under “critical watch” due to the Tributary of Crystal Creek running adjacent to the trail causing severe erosion in multiple areas. The extensive construction plans include replacing culverts, removing brush, meandering the tributary and adding native vegetation on the west side of the trail, creating a drainage ditch on the east side, and resurfacing the asphalt.

Updates on the project and a map of the project area can be found on the District’s website MCCD.me/Bike.

About the Prairie Trail

The Prairie Trail travels 25.5 mile from the Kane County border to just short of the Wisconsin State Line, connecting eight McHenry County communities along the way and allowing for a safe and convenient means of travel for thousands of walkers and cyclist each year. Because of its length, travels along the multi-use Prairie Trail come in close proximity to numerous shops and businesses, allowing cyclists to bike to work, run errands, or just go out to eat or for an ice cream treat. The trail takes cyclists through prairie, woodlands, alongside residential areas and passes through many scenic areas including Glacial Park, Larsen Prairie, Sterne’s Woods, the Diverse City Prairie and over the Fox River.

McHenry County Conservation District currently owns and protects 25,700 acres of open space which provides wildlife habitat preservation, educational opportunities and recreational amenities for the citizens of McHenry County to enjoy. McHenry County Conservation District exists to preserve, restore, and manage natural areas and open spaces for their intrinsic value and for the benefits to present and future generations.

Annual egg hunt this Saturday in

Spring Grove

The Village of Spring Grove Recreation Department, Village of Richmond, and Burton and Richmond Townships are coming together to host the annual egg hunt at Thelen Park Saturday at 2:00 p.m. There will be over 4,000 eggs, including special eggs in each age group with coupons to win baskets filled with toys and special prizes. All children must be accompanied by an adult throughout the event. To ensure safety, children will be grouped by age (0-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-10).

There is no charge for the hunt but attendees are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item to help support the local food pantry. Pre-registration is recommended and can be done at www.springgrovevillage.com.

Rain date is April 8 and updated can be found on the village website. Thelen Park is located at 8400 Winn Road, Spring Grove.

McHenry Outdoor visitor experience may draw standing ovations in 2023

Cynthia Wolf CONTRIBUTOR

Things have been a little messy inside the concession building at the McHenry Outdoor Theater this winter. But it’s all part of the plan, said owner Scott Dehn as he stood near some exposed masonry in what is transforming into a completely renovated bathroom, where even the high-tech mirrors will wow guests.

“I’m so excited,” he said, adding he’s gearing up for opening weekend May 5-6, featuring “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” and “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania.” “There’s so much going on this season.”

Dehn has been busy this winter not only overseeing upgrades at the theater at Chapel Hill and Lincoln roads in Lakemoor. He’s also been forging dynamic partnerships to provide visitors an even more spectacular movie-going experience.

“Welcome to the Bremer Team Tap House and Snack Bar,” he said, as he took a visitor through the ongoing off-season construction, where a sponsorship from The Bremer Team, Keller Williams Success Realty is offsetting costs. It’s also where free

• Debates

popcorn will be provided on Monday nights all season long to visitors who mention “The Bremer Team,” scoring themselves a voucher, as they pass through the box office.

And when they enter the concession building, anyone who’s been there will be sure to notice many improvements, Dehn said. New floors, walls, ceilings, cabinets, countertops, sinks, toilets and a fresh coat of paint are on the way.

“We will have ‘smart mirrors’ over the bathroom sinks that actually can show video, like trailers and ads and trivia games. So, the entertainment won’t stop outside,” he said. “Everything is basically being replaced.”

Given the theater’s newly acquired liquor license, the north side of the building will feature an area where beer and wine will be available to those over 21 who were not stamped on their way in as their vehicle’s driver. Toward the south side of the building, all-new food prep areas and appliances are being installed, Dehn said.

“I’ve had a long-term plan,” he said. “Last year’s goal was to replace the screen — more of a focus on the outside. This year, we’re renovating the

(Continued from page 3)

that same issue happen because lots of dropouts start happening after Super Tuesday in those periods of time.”

Under ranked choice voting, she said, even if a voter’s first choice is no longer in the race, their second or third choice could still count in subsequent rounds of counting.

Some advocates also say it can reduce the overall cost of certain elections by eliminating the need for runoffs, like the one coming up April 4 in the Chicago mayoral race.

“There are estimates that runoff elections cost the city between $25 and $35 million each time,” Buckner said. “And so this, if for no other reason, for financial reasons, being able to give us winners of both aldermanic and mayoral elections on the initial election date and to save some of those dollars and resources from the city and municipality.”

But Boone County Clerk Julie Bliss, speaking on behalf of the Illinois Association of County Clerks and Recorders, said there would be significant up-front costs for local officials to buy the voting machines and software needed for ranked choice voting, as well as the cost of printing and mailing

what would be much larger ballots.

“Expense and funding absolutely is going to be a question that all the local election authorities are going to have for you,” she told the committee.

“… The initial cost of implementing something like this is going to be higher.”

Brian Pryor, deputy director of election operations at the Illinois State Board of Elections, said there are currently no voting systems in Illinois that could implement ranked choice voting immediately.

“Some systems are capable of conducting ranked choice voting but they require additional components or software, which would need to be certified for use in Illinois,” he said.

“There are currently 16 jurisdictions that have no capability of implementing ranked choice voting. These jurisdictions would need to procure new equipment.”

The committee discussion of the three bills was “subject matter” only, meaning they did not come for a vote. They have been re-referred to the House Rules Committee, meaning they may face an uphill battle to be passed into law in the current General Assembly.

inside.”

The Bremer Team Tap House and Snack Bar won’t be the only place to grab a beer or glass of wine, either. Dehn also is building a “Behind-TheScenes Tap House” in the tower, directly under the big screen. McHenry Outdoor merch, such as hats, T-shirts, discs and more, will be available at both locations.

Along with the new amenities, a tremendous movie lineup is in store, including highly anticipated films such as the new “Little Mermaid,” plus new installments in the “Spider-Man,” “Transformers,” “Indiana Jones,” “Mission: Impossible,” “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” and “Expendables” franchises — and more.

In addition to films, special events are frequently a part of the fun at the McHenry Outdoor. For example, opening weekend May 5-6 will feature live music by The Bridgeport Ramblers before the shows. Be sure to check the McHenry Outdoor Theater – Golden Age Cinemas Facebook page for frequent updates, and visit goldenagecinemas.com for season pass or regular admission details, as well as other helpful visitor info.

Pet of the week

Boomer,

CYNTHIA WOLF PHOTO Hi-Liter/MCN

Owner Scott Dehn said renovations are under way at the concession building at the McHenry Outdoor Theater, which will feature all new bathroom facilities, beer and wine service at the renovated Bremer Team Tap House and Snack Bar, a merchandise shop, and food service upgrades for the upcoming season.

Facing the future with confidence global presentation offered

Programs to be held on April 2 and 4

In the face of widespread economic strain, national conflicts and social unrest, surveys indicate that confidence in the future is at an all-time low in many countries, including the United States. According to the 2023 Edelman Trust Barometer, 24 of the 28 countries surveyed are seeing “all-time lows in the number of people who think their families will be better off in five years.”

Against this backdrop of pessimism, a special global program featuring the theme “You Can Face the Future With Confidence!” will be held on the weekend of April 1-2, 2023. The free 30-minute presentation will be hosted locally at Kingdom Halls of Jehovah’s Witnesses throughout northern Lake County, with a videoconferencing option available. Please check the “Attend a Meeting” section on the homepage of jw.org for local addresses and meeting times.

“The challenges we face may seem overwhelming, but the Bible holds out a powerful hope for the future that can help us right now,” said Robert Hendriks, U.S. spokesperson for Jehovah’s Witnesses. “This global program is designed to give all those who attend tangible reasons to face the future with confidence.”

Brian Cousins of Grayslake, Illinois, was searching for spiritual guidance at a critical point in his life. “I felt ill-equipped to handle the problems I faced,” he said. “I wondered where I could go that would help me cope with life’s problems but also provide hope that things would get better.”

Then Cousins began to study the Bible and found a basis for optimism about the future. “My study helped me to see that a personal relationship with the Creator is possible and that he wants all people to enjoy the beautiful

Community briefs

McHenry Area Historical Society Spring Meeting set

The McHenry Area Historical Society will hold its spring meeting on Saturday April 8 at 10 a.m. It will be held at the McHenry Savings Bank in the meeting room on the lower level.

The program for this meeting will be presented by local historian Patrick Wirtz who will share the history of postcards focusing on the postcards of World War II. If you have any postcards from that era, you are welcome to bring them and share your knowledge with the group.

Join the McHenry area Historic Society for this program at the McHenry Savings Bank, 353 Bank Drive, McHenry (off Highway 31). Coffee and light refreshments will be served.

McHenry county

Conservation District offers two sites for

trout season opener

The first day of the Illinois trout season is Saturday, April 1. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources stocked trout at two McHenry County Conservation District sites. Lake Atwood at The Hollows, 3804 US Highway 14, Cary, is stocked with about 1,200 Rainbow trout of legal size; Pisacsaw Creek at Beck’s Woods, 5940 Pagles Road, Chemung, is stocked with about 300 Rainbow trout of legal size. Both areas remain closed until the season opener, and gates will open at both locations at 6:00 a.m. on April 1.

Per the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, all anglers must have an Illinois fishing license and an Inland Trout Stamp, unless they are under the age of 16, blind or disabled, or are an Illinois resident on leave from active duty in the Armed Forces. The daily catch limit for each angler is five trout. For more information on state fishing regulations, visit IFishIllinois.

hope that he promises,” he said. “My goal now is to share that same hope that helped me through rocky times.”

That desire is motivating Cousins, now one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, to invite as many as possible in his community to the upcoming special talk and Memorial of Jesus Christ’s death.

The special talk is the first of two free programs that will be held in all 118,000 congregations of Jehovah’s Witnesses during the first week of April. The public is also invited to join nearly 20 million other global attenders for the annual observance of the Memorial of Jesus Christ’s death, to be held on the evening of Tuesday, April 4, 2023.

Admission to both programs is free, and no registration is required. Details on when and where these events will be held locally are available on jw.org, the official website of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

org. For Conservation District specific regulations please visit MCCD.me/Fish.

Volo Bog SNA presenting program on establishing pollinator habitats

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.

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

You ought to be in pictures!

County Clerk shares update after 100 days in office

Anthony Vega SUBMITTED

From day one my administration hit the ground running, and one-hundred days in,

I am thrilled with the progress we have made and excited about the opportunity that we have over the next four years to elevate the County Clerk’s Office to be a leader in election administration best practices and civic engagement.

In evaluating internal operations, in one hundred days we have already saved nearly $200,000, and counting, in taxpayer dollars by re-evaluating whether purchases are essential and by looking for cost effective alternatives. We will continue to evaluate and implement further financial controls to restore strong fiscal management and stewardship of taxpayer dollars.

I am also thrilled to announce the appointment of Sol Cabachuela as Chief Deputy of Civic Engagement and External Affairs. Sol will oversee our Communications, Training and Election Judge Departments and will focus on building a robust election judge recruitment arm and increasing our civic education and engagement efforts. Her background as a former Mundelein Village Clerk, and Equity & Community Coordinator for Mundelein High School will propel the County Clerk’s Office to be a leader in civic engagement.

Sol joins the Clerk’s Office executive leadership alongside Cynthia Pruim Haran, former Chief Deputy of the Recorder of Deeds Office, who is now the Chief Deputy of Administration and will oversee the newly merged Recording Division, Vital Records, Tax Extension and budgeting process. Chief Pruim Haran will work on modernizing our processes to increase accessibility in digital spaces and increase the quality of our constituent experience. Her experience in county government, legal acumen, and passion for service will be an asset to move the

County Clerk’s Office forward.

Leadership also includes: Mary Peavey, Director of Elections; Dan Thelen, Director of Voter Services; Juan Lopez, Director of IT & Election Assets; Claudia Rodriguez, Vital Records Supervisor; Isorelia Hernandez, Election Judge Supervisor; and Chris Lopez, Supervisor of Tax Extension.

Other significant accomplishments:

• Partnered with Representative Didech to introduce a legislative bill to give college credit to college students who serve as election judges. The legislative bill passed out of committee with unanimous bipartisan support and now heads to the House floor

• Successfully administered a consolidated primary election

• Worked with the United States Postal Service to significantly reduce the cost of mailings moving forward

• In partnership with Bluecrest, our vote by mail equipment provider, added features that streamline our vote by mail process and reduce future costs

The last one hundred days have been a lot of work, but I am energized by the dedication of the experienced staff, and at the vast opportunity to make the Lake County Clerk’s Office a leader in election administration. Now that our leadership team is finalized, we will work to build a robust election judge recruitment program, increase our civic engagement, develop an effective training program for our election workers, modernize our operation, and lead to protect voter access rooted in a community centric approach. We are headed in the right direction and I look forward to what is to come.

For more information on Lake County Clerk services and up-to-the-minute election news, visit LakeCountyClerk.info, follow us at twitter.com/LakeCountyClerk, join our page at facebook.com/ CountyClerk, or call 847-377-2400.

t NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED!

t Just shoot and e-mail!

t We need you to ID everyone in the photo first and last names required

t Tell us what’s happening in the photo

t Please do NOT crop your photos.

t Tell us who took the photo and we will give them a photo credit

SUBMITTED PHOTO Hi-Liter/MCN

From left: Director of Voter Services Dan Thelen, Vital Records Supervisor Claudia Rodriguez, Tax Extension Supervisor Chris Lopez, Chief Deputy of Civic Engagement Sol Cabachuela, Lake County Clerk Anthony Vega, Chief Deputy of Administration Cynthia Pruim Haran, Director of Elections Mary Peavey, IT Director Juan Lopez, and Election Judge Supervisor Isorelia Hernandez.

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. 24

Shane S. Thorelius, 29, Lake in the Hills, was cited for battery;

Joaquin R. Montano, 28, Melrose Park, was cited for delivery of controlled substance and possession of controlled substance;

Patricio Rosales-Diaz, 43, Palatine, was cited for possession with the intent to manufacture/deliver controlled substance and possession of controlled substance;

Robert G. Jenkins, 65, Wonder Lake, was cited for a violation of an order of protection;

Feb. 25

Summer S. Mayes, 31, South Elgin, was cited for failure to notify damage on unattended vehicle, and improper lane usage;

Feb. 26

Nicholas S. Stiller, 31, McHenry, was cited for contempt of court;

Nakeeta M. Ramsey, 37, Madison, was cited for pos-

session of a controlled substance, unlawful display of registration, operation of uninsured motor vehicle, and headlight violation;

Feb. 27

Justin L. Kelly, 35, Woodstock, was cited for violation of an order of protection and harassment through electronic communications;

Maria R. Luna-Ruiz, 43, Crystal Lake, was cited for aggravated battery – bodily harm/disability or disfigurement to a child under the age of 13;

Betsy M. Toscano, 35, Hebron, was cited for 2 counts of A-1 domestic battery/bodily harm.

Feb. 28

Zackery D. Olson, 33, Lindenhurst, was cited for 3 counts of criminal sex assault of a family member <18, aggravated criminal sexual abuse – offender 17 or older – victim 13 to 18 years, position of trust, authority or supervision, and 3 counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse – family member under 18 years of age;

Noel G. Thomas, 25, Lake in the Hills, was cited for 3 counts of aggravated driving under the influence, DUI

– drugs or combination of drugs, DUI – within 2 hours of driving or actual physical control prohibited THC level, possession of adult use cannabis in motor vehicle outside of approved container, and improper lane usage;

Peter Garcia, 48, Algonquin, was cited for 2 counts of violation of bail bond –violates condition of release when victim is family or household member;

Kyle R. Larke, 30, Wonder Lake, was cited for A-2 domestic battery/physical contact;

March 1

Lauren D. Porras, 28, Grayslake, was cited for insurance fraud, and false report to peace officer, public officer or employee that offense will be, is being, or has been committed;

Brandon M. Vice, 35, Fox Lake, was cited for aggravated fleeing/attempting to elude peace officer – rate of speed at least 21 mph over limit, driving while driver’s license suspended or revoked, 4 counts of unlawful possession of title or registration documents, and possession of burglary tools;

Donzell D. Adams, 32, Chicago, was cited for un-

lawful use or possession of weapon by felon or person in custody at DOC facility, aggravated unlawful use of weapon, and reckless discharge of a firearm;

March 3

Michael A. Michalski, 48, Glendale Heights, was cited for A-5 aggravated domestic battery/strangle, A-1 domestic battery/bodily harm, and A-2 domestic battery/physical contact;

Tracey A. Wiedmaier, 61, Marengo, was cited for DUI –alcohol;

March 4

Kimberly M. Cleveland, 33, Mundelein, was cited for 2 counts of A-2 domestic battery/physical contact;

Fernando Ramirez, 41, Glendale Heights, was cited for DUI – alcohol, improper lane usage, speeding over statutory limit 15-20 mph, and plate violation;

March 5

William P. Bolich, 47, Wonder Lake, was cited for forcibly detains party or witness to deter from testifying freely, unlawful restraint, criminal damage to property, and battery;

March 6

Enrique Angeles, 22, Crystal

Sheriff’s Office and 19th Judicial Circuit warn of new scam

The Lake County Sheriff’s Office and 19th Judicial Circuit are alerting virtual court attendees of a new scam.

The targets are court participants who are present virtually on Zoom for court, and the scams are becoming more prevalent across the region. Scammers are sending messages to court attendees through the chat feature

claiming to be an attorney, a court contractor, or even a court employee.

When pretending to be an attorney, the scammer will offer to represent the court attendee. The scammer will then have the victim pay the “attorney” using an online method of payment. Please note, attorneys are prohibited from soliciting business in a

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TOP DOLLAR FOR YOUR FULL SIZE JUNK TRUCKS & SUV’s. Haul away 7 days a week. 262-758-1807

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

Misc. For Sale

LOCALLY GROWN BAILED HAY Small squares, grass/alfalfa mix. Call Bill or text 262-7582174.

courtroom, including virtual courtrooms. This is a scam.

When claiming to be a court contractor or court employee, the scammer will ask the court attendee for personal information. This could include birthdates, phone numbers, addresses, and social security numbers. Scammers will then inform the attendee they are to submit payment to

Motorcycles

02 HONDA 1100 SABER 34,000 miles. $2300. (414) 6884008

2010 HARLEY DAVIDSON Heritage softail classic, 32k, metallic flake merlot color, $9500 firm. 815-947-2895.

92 HONDA 750 NIGHTHAWK 52,000 MILES. $1500. (414) 688-4008

Produce/Feed

HAY & STRAW FOR SALE

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

Wanted to Buy

ALL BEER-SODA-GAS-OIL

SIGNS All related items-TAB

HANDLES-BEER CANS. 262825-0932 Will Travel

Lake, was cited for theft control intent $500<$10K, receive/ possess/sell stolen vehicle, intimidation, domestic battery/ bodily harm, domestic battery/ contact, and A-2 domestic battery/physical contact;

Jasmine M. Caldwell, 32, Wonder Lake, was cited for

criminal trespass to real property; Derrick J. Buttrum, 34, Crystal Lake, was cited for possession of controlled substance; Margarita Rojas, 42, Harvard, was cited for domestic battery/bodily harm.

Suspect in multiple burglaries taken into custody

On March 16, the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office was notified of a residential burglary which occurred in unincorporated Woodstock. During this incident, the offender entered the residence and removed multiple items of valuable jewelry.

On March 20, three additional burglaries were reported at unincorporated residences in Woodstock and Crystal Lake. During these incidents, entry was gained through unsecured doors or by physical damage. Each incident occurring in broad daylight, with the offender targeting high-value jewelry.

As a result of the investigation conducted by the McHenry County

Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division, and with the assistance from the Woodstock Police Department, a suspect was identified as Scott A. Weissert, 60, from Lakemoor and a current Illinois Department of Corrections Parolee. On March 21, members of the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Task Force and Intelligence Unit took Weissert into custody. Charges filed against Weissert include: 4 CountsResidential Burglary (Class 1 Felony); Resisting Arrest Causing Injury (class 4); and Possession of a Controlled Substance (class 4). This investigation remains ongoing.

the Court and advise the victim to use online methods of payment.

Virtual court attendees should be aware, they will never be asked to pay fines, fees, or share personal information via Zoom. If you are an attendee and receive messages in the Zoom chat feature that seem suspicious, please alert the Court immediately.

Sports/Classic

Cars

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

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

Elkhorn Garage

PHOTOGRAPHIC SALE 61 East Sedgemeadow St., Elkhorn. Fri.

March 31 9:00am-3:00pm. Sat.

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.

Estate Sales

291 IDA AVE, ANTIOCH, IL

Large tool assortment,

sockets w/other related items.

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

Equip., Polaroid Cameras, Some Old Lenses, Wood Frames, Misc. Photography Magazines & Books. Everything must go! All reasonable offers accepted!

Garage items, H/H, Antiques & Collectibles. Too much to list! 9-4 March 29, 30 & 31st.