Local

WOODSTOCK - A Lakemoor woman who was ticketed for displaying two toilets and a sink filled with flowers is asking a McHenry County judge to declare the village ordinance she was cited under unconstitutional.

If video poker becomes a reality in Illinois in the near future, several local bar owners are ready to take the reins in providing the first legal gaming machines in their establishments.

WOODSTOCK – If the state doesn’t figure out its budget mess, Joseph Adler might lose his home.

HOFFMAN ESTATES – Continuing a series of nutritional presentations, St. Alexius Medical Center will present “Nutrition and Arthritis: Can Diet Help?” on Tuesday.

FOX RIVER GROVE – Preparations are under way for the village’s annual fireworks and wakeboard show this weekend.

McHENRY – Layla Piorkowski paid careful attention to Miss McHenry when she was young.

LAKE IN THE HILLS – While the festival’s headliner, Starship, may have built a city on rock ’n’ roll, the Lake in the Hills Rotary has built its Rockin’ Rotary Ribfest on ribs, and lots of them.

ELGIN – Elgin Community College is conducting several events this month for prospective students.

HOLIDAY HILLS – A paintball field could open in Holiday Hills as early as this month.

McHenry County is eyeing the next phase of implementing its new criminal justice software.

McHENRY – Fiesta Days, which spans three weekends in July, kicks off Friday with Music Fest in Petersen Park in McHenry.

McHenry County government is seeking public comment on revisions to the conservation design portion of the subdivision ordinance.

This year’s Fourth of July weekend was the first since 2005 in which no boating-related deaths were tallied in Illinois, the state Department of Natural Resources said in a news release.

JOHNSBURG – A Lakemoor woman faces a July 31 court date for allegedly stealing from the Johnsburg JC Penney store where she worked.

McHENRY – Last year, Ben Spengel, now 12, decided he wanted to compete in a track meet.

WOODSTOCK – Two 17-year-old Woodstock boys formally denied allegations Wednesday that they beat a Woodstock man who died two days later.

SPRING GROVE – A Belvidere man who allegedly tried to solicit a Spring Grove juvenile for sex online will appear in McHenry County court next week.

Sara Heide was the kind of person who’d make two new best friends during a trip to the grocery store when she was growing up.

WOODSTOCK – Jurors deliberated for more than three hours Wednesday before acquitting a 40-year-old Johnsburg man accused of fondling a teenage family member.

WOODSTOCK – Entries are now being accepted for the 45th annual McHenry County Fair Talent Contest.

Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan’s decision not to run for governor or the U.S. Senate turned the 2010 election in Illinois on its head.

WOODSTOCK – A 19-year-old male grocery store employee suffered a serious injury after catching his hand in a meat grinder Wednesday afternoon.

CRYSTAL LAKE – The Crystal Lake Park District Police Department is looking for information on recent incidents of vandalism in the area.

CARY – A Cary man is in custody after police said he tried to steal marijuana and money from two people involved in a drug deal.

PRAIRIE GROVE – Police closed Route 176 for two and a half hours this afternoon as crews worked to clear an overturned, empty gravel truck and some trees that were blocking the roadway.

WOODSTOCK - Jurors deliberated for more than three hours Wednesday before acquitting a 40-year-old Johnsburg man accused of fondling a teenage family member.

HOFFMAN ESTATES – Sears Centre officials confirmed Tuesday that they were talking with Hoffman Estates about strategies to help boost the arena’s bottom line in this economic downturn, including a possible transfer of the privately owned arena into public hands.

FOX LAKE – A man was flown to Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge on Tuesday after his thumb was partially amputated.

Three generations of music lovers braved a chilly July 1 evening on the Woodstock Square to hear the City Band play.

CRYSTAL LAKE – Consumers and retailers could get a boost from a $600,000 package of programs designed to stimulate the local economy.

HUNTLEY – Members of the Huntley Police Department will trade their uniforms for aprons Saturday as they serve as waiters in support of the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Illinois.

SLEEPY HOLLOW – Many questions remained unanswered three days after a certified scuba diver drowned in her parents’ pool.

BARRINGTON – Evidence of heart disease was found in the 28-year-old man who died in police custody Sunday, Lake County Coroner Richard Keller said.

CRYSTAL LAKE – Crys­tal Lake police are investigating graffiti in an industrial park off Teckler Boulevard.

WOODSTOCK – A 22-year-old Round Lake man convicted of driving with drugs in his system during a head-on crash that fractured another man’s vertebrae received court supervision Tuesday.

MARENGO – A third individual has filed a complaint in a federal sex discrimination and retaliation lawsuit against the Marengo Rescue Squad District.

WOODSTOCK – McHenry County mental health agencies and Gov. Pat Quinn had similar plans Tuesday – both spent the day announcing spending cuts.

ALGONQUIN – The old village seal is officially retired, only to make an appearance now on special occasions.

ALGONQUIN – A new contract with “modest” pay increases for Algonquin’s rank-and-file police officers received unanimous approval Tuesday night from the Village Board.

CARPENTERSVILLE – An all-day kindergarten pilot program in District 300 could see its first students in the fall, pending school board approval later this month.

CRYSTAL LAKE – Crystal Lake Park District residents will be chosen at random and asked to fill out surveys about park decisions.

FOX RIVER GROVE – Fire officials still are investigating the cause of a house fire here as neighbors rally around the family who lost nearly everything.

BARRINGTON – Evidence of heart disease was found in the 28-year-old man who died in police custody Sunday, Lake County Coroner Richard Keller said.

WOODSTOCK – McHenry County mental health agencies and Gov. Pat Quinn had similar plans Tuesday – both spent the day announcing spending cuts.

SLEEPY HOLLOW – Many questions remain unanswered three days after a certified scuba diver drowned in her parents' pool.

BELVIDERE – Chrysler plans to restart production at its Belvidere plant and is recalling hundreds of workers.

FOX LAKE – A man was flown to Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge this morning after partially amputating his thumb.

CRYSTAL LAKE – Crystal Lake police are investigating graffiti in an industrial park off Teckler Boulevard.

MARENGO – Women ages 18 and older can participate in a “beautifying” event at 6:30 p.m. Friday at Marengo-Union Public Library.

HUNTLEY – Residents are invited to attend this month’s “senior coffee” discussion hosted by Huntley Area Public Library.

MARENGO – Teresa Baber had put down her camera for years before picking it up again.

CRYSTAL LAKE – In November, Jill Sciortino went to her doctor to get routine asthma medicine and just happened to mention that she seemed to be bruising easily.

JOLIET – The Northern Illinois Food Bank is teaming up with the NASCAR Foundation to raise money to feed hungry children in need.

McHENRY – Starting today, McHenry Public Library will buy extra copies of popular and newly released movies so more patrons can enjoy them, but these titles will only have a three-day borrowing period.

Adam D. Strauss

WOODSTOCK – A Woodstock nonprofit that helps homeless veterans re-enter the work force has been awarded a grant to expand its services.

WOODSTOCK – Two sheriff’s administrative specialists decided to combat the poor economy by hosting their own food drive Friday.

HUNTLEY – The Grafton Township board unanimously approved Monday night returning the loan on its stalled $3.5 million town hall project.

HUNTLEY – Two men who allegedly broke into two Huntley homes Thursday and stole two purses and an iPod remain in McHenry County Jail.

HARVARD – The Harvard Garden Club will have a potluck lunch Wednesday.

SLEEPY HOLLOW – Police are investigating the death of a 19-year-old accomplished competitive swimmer who appears to have drowned in her pool Saturday morning.

WOODSTOCK – Two Crystal Lake brothers formally denied drug charges Monday that could send them to prison for six to 30 years if they are convicted.

WOODSTOCK – A 40-year-old Harvard man convicted of twice molesting a pre-teen family member was sentenced to four years in prison Monday.

McHENRY – Area residents will get the chance to voice their opinions about one of McHenry’s downtown sub-area plans Thursday night.

HUNTLEY – A Huntley man is facing 11 felony charges and eight misdemeanors in connection with allegedly sexually abusing a 15-year-old girl during several months.

WOODSTOCK – The second annual Save-A-Vet road rally and poker run takes place Saturday culminating at the McHenry County fairgrounds, with a kickoff family day event for children Friday.

McHENRY – Two men face battery charges after one of them allegedly assaulted an elderly woman and pushed her down a flight of stairs.

CRYSTAL LAKE – A Crystal Lake father and son would be among the 20,000 fans at Michael Jackson’s star-studded memorial service if it weren’t for fireworks and flight costs.

McHENRY – The City Council took the first step Monday night toward extending the city’s public water supply to an area along Route 120 with groundwater contamination.

CRYSTAL LAKE – A three-vehicle crash closed one southbound lane of Route 31 to close near Route 14 during the evening rush hour Monday.

CHICAGO – Gov. Pat Quinn told a gathering of suburban legislators Monday that he planned to announce today about $1 billion in additional cuts to the state budget.

CHICAGO – A former Union man was sentenced Thursday to more than 23 years in prison for luring a 13-year-old girl he met on-line to a Carol Stream park for sex and then hitting and leaving her when she changed her mind.

HUNTLEY – A Huntley man is facing 11 felony charges and eight misdemeanors in connection with allegedly sexually abusing a 15-year-old girl over several months.

WOODSTOCK - A 40-year-old Harvard man convicted of twice molesting a pre-teen family member was sentenced to four years in prison Monday.

McHENRY — Two men face battery charges after one of them allegedly assaulted an elderly woman and pushed her down the stairs.

SLEEPY HOLLOW – Police are investigating the death of a woman who appears to have drowned in her pool Saturday morning.

McHENRY – Contaminated water in McHenry could lead officials to extend the public water supply as part of an estimated $600,000 to $1.1 million project, city officials said.

WOODSTOCK – A Woodstock not-for-profit that helps homeless veterans re-enter the workforce has been awarded a grant to expand its services.

MARENGO – The city of Marengo will host its own version of the hit TV show “Dancing with the Stars” next month.

What's happening this week in news, sports and entertainment

FOX RIVER GROVE – District 3 schools are going to get some eco-friendly improvements this summer.

John Jurgens had to walk around after officials told him that his 21-year-old daughter was killed in an alcohol-related boating accident last summer.

There are about 30, maybe 40. Mostly regulars, but 5:47 a.m. seems early even for them.

CRYSTAL LAKE – Dave Christensen and his patriotic clad-family reunion members gathered early Sunday afternoon in front of a towering maple tree between Main Beach and Lakeside Legacy Festival grounds.

HUNTLEY – The Friends of the Huntley Area Public Library is organizing its third annual golf outing fundraiser to take place this month.

Pete Koenig has had his share of stressful situations.

MARENGO – The Marengo-Union Library will host another “Reader’s Choice” book club meeting.

McHENRY – After teaching health education for 33 years at McHenry’s two high schools, Ray Mathis now runs what he calls a “one-man campaign.”

Growing up during the Great Depression, Bill and Alice Howenstine learned to be frugal.

HARVARD – Mercy Harvard Clinic South will offer free skin cancer screenings from July 13 through July 24.

WOODSTOCK – Work on the Resurrection Retreat Center project soon will commence, despite ongoing attempts to derail it.

RICHMOND – Richmond officials said opening the town’s wastewater treatment plant to private septic haulers could help defray debt from building the plant.

CARPENTERSVILLE – Carpentersville police, in partnership with the Illinois Special Olympics, will host the fifth Special Olympics Motorcycle Run on July 12.

CRYSTAL LAKE – Preschool enrollment at McHenry County College Children’s Learning Center is under way for the 3-year-old and 5-year-old programs.

The first day he ran a help wanted ad for a clerk job at his Algonquin liquor store, Peter Kalisz had nearly 30 people come in to EDA Liquors to apply in person.

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY: Most road work has been suspended for the Independence Day weekend, but crews come Monday will pick up right where they left off.

CRYSTAL LAKE – Members of the Parent Connection invite families to join them for a Welcome Coffee on Tuesday.

HUNTLEY – Since receiving a $45,000 state grant last fall, the Huntley Area Public Library has been able to update much of its technology.

CRYSTAL LAKE – Dan Vasko never got a chance to meet Randy Salerno, but he hopes to emulate the late CBS broadcaster’s career.

WOODSTOCK – The Land Conservancy of McHenry County will host a free seminar July 24 for landowners interested in learning more about an income tax incentive available for landowners who choose to preserve their agricultural, natural or historic land.

McHENRY – Bill Pictor remembers a different McHenry, one that had dairy farms scattered everywhere, and one that became “noticeably quieter” when summer tourists would leave after Labor Day.

SPRING GROVE – An $85 million plan to build a Blues Hall of Fame, hotel, restaurants and boutique shops in Spring Grove is moving ahead, officials said.

CARPENTERSVILLE – Beef up the gifted program or get rid of it – that’s the task facing Dave Alessio and the District 300 Education Committee that he recently took over.

CRYSTAL LAKE – Don Zdunek grew up near Lakeside Legacy Park in Crystal Lake. He remembers when summers were marked by two back-to-back festivals at Dole Mansion.

Stand atop Camelback Glacial Kame at Glacial Park, and you’ll get what Tom Simpson says is the best view in the Chicago area.

HUNTLEY – The Grafton Township Board will conduct a special meeting Monday that further could decide the fate of its $3.5 million town hall project.

WOODSTOCK – The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children issued fliers Thursday for two children whose mother did not bring them back last week from a trip to Mexico, police said.

HUNTLEY – By a 3-to-1 ratio, parents of special-needs children voiced Thursday night the improvements they would like to see in District 158’s special education services versus current strengths.

CRYSTAL LAKE – Longtime attorney and former Crystal Lake Chamber of Commerce president Bob Covey will be the city’s Fourth of July Parade grand marshal this year.

ALDEN TOWNSHIP – The yellow ribbons tied around trees lining rural Alden Road have nothing to do with armed forces men and women fighting overseas.

WOODSTOCK – As about 40 of their friends clicked their spoons on their cups and drummed on tables with their hands, Eugene Raczkowski planted a big kiss on his wife, Mary Lou.

WOODSTOCK – McHenry County State’s Attorney Lou Bianchi wants to give first-time felony suspects a break if they successfully complete community service, counseling or other requirements.

WASHINGTON – The Harvard State Bank of Harvard acquired Rock River Bank’s deposits and most of its assets Thursday after six Illinois banks and one bank in Texas were shuttered by government regulators.

The McHenry County Board is seeking applicants to fill an upcoming vacancy on the Public Building Commission.

FOX RIVER GROVE – Michael and Audra Smith fled their Fox River Grove home after a neighbor called and told them the garage was on fire.

WOODSTOCK – The Illinois Department of Agriculture confirmed Thursday that the emerald ash borer has made its way to Woodstock.

The McHenry County Housing Authority is taking applications for participation in its low-income home energy assistance program.

VOLO – For the past seven years, the George Barris Car Show and Auto Fair has brought in some of the biggest celebrities in Hollywood – the ones on wheels, that is.

Family, friends, students and McHenry village officials came together Thursday to honor Jackson Grabow as the city unveiled Honorary Jackson Grabow Way at Washington Street and Riverside Drive. Jackson died in April because of a brain tumor at age 2.

FOX RIVER GROVE – Prompted by concerns of foul odors and lax security, the Fox River Grove Public Works Committee took new action to address issues at the village’s wastewater treatment plant.

Following is a listing of Fourth of July events in the area.

WOODSTOCK – The Illinois Department of Agriculture confirmed today that the emerald ash borer has made its way to Woodstock.

HUNTLEY – The Grafton Township Board will conduct a special meeting Monday that could further decide the fate of its $3.5 million town hall project.

FOX RIVER GROVE – Michael and Audra Smith fled their Fox River Grove home after a neighbor called and told them the garage was on fire. The couple was able to get out before the fire spread throughout the two-story home. Firefighters responded to the fire at 601 Thackeray Lane about 2:45 p.m. Thursday. Crews were able to get the fire under control in 30 minutes before it spread to neighboring homes.

WOODSTOCK - A Cary area woman accused of abducting her young children had previously threatened to take them permanently to her native Mexico, her ex-husband told a judge.

WOODSTOCK – Indian Ridge 2 North beach in Wonder Lake was closed Thursday because of high bacteria levels, according to the McHenry County Department of Health.

CHICAGO – A computer problem temporarily disrupted United Airlines flights at O'Hare International Airport on Thursday, causing long delays and lines for travelers headed out for the Fourth of July holiday weekend.

HAMPSHIRE – He’s the truck stop chaplain, just stopping by to say hi and see where you’re from.

Not every large family gets a prime-time spot on basic cable. Most usually get loads of dirty laundry and a whole lot of hugs any time of the day.

HUNTLEY – A Liberty Tax Service representative will speak to area residents July 23 about the federal government’s home loan modification program.

HUNTLEY – Residents with a craving for something new might decide Huntley’s next coffee shop, pizzeria, or sit-down restaurant.

HUNTLEY – Repeat domestic offenders, beware – the Huntley Police Department has its eye on you.

HUNTLEY – Today is the deadline for Grafton Township applications for the citizens’ planning, disabled, and transportation committees.

FOX LAKE – The Fox Waterway Agency has lifted the no-wake restriction on the lower Fox River.

Ahead of the July 4 holiday weekend, several local police departments are teaming up with the Illinois State Police on Friday for a traffic enforcement blitz along Route 14.

FOX LAKE – The lifting of no-wake restrictions on the lower Fox River, combined with the Fourth of July weekend and predictions of pleasant weather, could mean a busy weekend for boaters.

LAKE IN THE HILLS – A golf fundraiser for a sick local firefighter is looking for golfers, sponsors and raffle prizes.

WOODSTOCK – Outdoor grilling and picnics are a staple on the Fourth of July. The McHenry County Health Department urges residents to keep the focus on fun by safeguarding family and friends from food-borne illnesses.

Carrie Taylor took her 5-year-old foster son to McHenry County Youth Service Bureau on Tuesday for his regular therapy.

CARPENTERSVILLE – Got a class reunion coming up? Not sure? A new addition to the District 300 Web site soon could give you all the details.

ELGIN – The final summer class session begins July 13 at Elgin Community College.

CRYSTAL LAKE – Parents are encouraged to come to the Parent Connection’s upcoming Welcome Coffee to learn about the fun and support the group offers both children and parents. Children also are welcome to attend.

WOODSTOCK – The case of the moved trash can full of pet waste could go to trial after a McHenry County judge declined to dismiss a theft charge against an Algonquin woman Thursday.

WOODSTOCK – A McHenry County judge refused to lower bail for a woman seeking political asylum because she fears being deported to Mexico, where she said she witnessed a murder years ago.

CRYSTAL LAKE – The Lakeside Festival is ready to roll with dozens of events and activities planned for the four-day celebration.

HAMPSHIRE – A Hampshire man died after striking a utility pole Wednesday evening on Big Timber Road.

CARY – An arrest warrant has been issued for a McHenry County mother who allegedly violated a court order by failing to return from Mexico with her two young children.

WOODSTOCK - A McHenry County judge refused to lower bail for a woman seeking political asylum because she fears being deported to Mexico, where she said she witnessed a murder years ago.

FOX LAKE – The Fox Waterway Agency has lifted the no-wake restriction on the lower Fox River, effective 10 a.m. today.

FOX RIVER GROVE – Limelight from the new blockbuster “Public Enemies” conjures up some shadowy figures from the history of this village.

SPRING GROVE – When two men flipped their canoe, Clint Johnson and Brandon Melvin, both 14, first thought they were waving, saying hi.

McHENRY – An 86-year-old grandmother doesn’t want anyone else to fall victim to a telephone scam that cost her $6,000.

CRYSTAL LAKE – A conservative group is staging a “tea party” to protest taxation and government waste.

McHENRY – The Environmental Defenders of McHenry County will conduct their every-other-month recycling collection for fluorescent tubes, compact fluorescent bulbs, and batteries of all kinds on the second Saturday of July.

CARPENTERSVILLE – The sound of boisterous children echoes from the cafeteria at Carpentersville Middle School even though classes are out for summer vacation.

WOODSTOCK – The 24th annual Woodstock Folk Festival is coming to the Square on July 19.

PRAIRIE GROVE – A District 46 board member unseated in the April election has been appointed to fill a vacant slot on the board.

McHENRY – More than 350 volunteers will be needed to pull off this year’s Fiesta Days.

WOODSTOCK – Political blogger Cal Skinner Jr. on Monday filed a counterclaim against the Northwest Herald, whose parent company is suing Skinner for libel and defamation.

RICHMOND – Residents connected to the Richmond water and sewer system could pay as much as $120 in additional fees every year for the next 20 years.

JOHNSBURG – All are invited to learn tips, tricks and techniques for tasty backyard grilling at the Johnsburg Public Library next week.

SPRINGFIELD – State Rep. Jack Franks wants the governor to veto legislation outlining part of how construction in the state would be funded.

WOODSTOCK – The disciplinary hearing of Woodstock Sgt. Steven Gorski has been set for July 9.

PRAIRIE GROVE – Village officials said residents’ voices were heard loud and clear as they unveiled a revised version of the Route 176 Corridor Plan that showed the removal of land east of the ComEd easement, including the riverfront.

Ticketmaster Entertainment Inc. subsidiary TicketsNow has reached an agreement with Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan after complaints of overly high-priced tickets to Hannah Montana and Bruce Springsteen concerts.

MARENGO – Tyler Miller hasn’t received his mail in eight months.

No matter your skill level at canoeing – beginner or seasoned paddler – there is no shortage of scenic waters to travel in McHenry County.

CRYSTAL LAKE – Dentists are noticing a growing trend that might be grinding away at the community’s dental health.

WOODSTOCK – A 56-year-old Crystal Lake man pleaded guilty to his sixth and seventh drunken-driving offenses Monday.

LAKE IN THE HILLS – A 14-year-old boy has been charged with two counts of criminal sexual abuse and one count of battery stemming from a June 5 incident.

LAKEMOOR – A Lakemoor woman who planted her summer flowers in two toilets and a bathroom sink plans to ignore the ticket she was issued Monday.

HUNTLEY – When Patty Driscoll-Shaw stood in front of a group of residents last week to voice her opinion on the new Grafton Township supervisor, she didn’t think she’d be without a job the next day.

WOODSTOCK – When democracy slowly came to Albania in the 1990s, it opened new opportunities for people such as Ilir Shallo.

LAKE IN THE HILLS – A 51-year-old man faces felony charges after authorities seized more than $150,000 in marijuana from his home.

FOX LAKE – The Fox Waterway Agency has lifted restrictions on the Chain O’ Lakes and upper Fox River; the lower river is open to no-wake boating only.

SPRING GROVE – Unable to speak with the driver, police have no further information on what caused a motorcycle crash Friday night.

CRYSTAL LAKE – Crystal Lake Food Pantry volunteers plan to take part in the Independence Day parade and collect food items this weekend.

ELGIN – Elgin Community College is joining four other higher education institutions in Illinois selected to participate in the national Achieving the Dream: Community Colleges Count initiative.

LAKEWOOD – A lack of oxygen in a Turnberry subdivision lake is being blamed for killing thousands of fish.

WOODSTOCK – A 39-year-old Wonder Lake man accused of beating his girlfriend to death June 9 could spend the rest of his life behind bars.

PRAIRIE GROVE – Those who border the village of Prairie Grove might be happy to learn that plans for the Route 176 Corridor no longer include their area.

CRYSTAL LAKE – The McHenry County College Board of Trustees is seeking applicants to fill an open seat.

When Dr. Hal Snyder joined Health Care for America Now in December, he was looking to help fix “a crisis.”

WOODSTOCK – A 39-year-old Wonder Lake man accused of beating his girlfriend to death June 9 could spend the rest of his life behind bars.

LAKE IN THE HILLS – A 51-year-old man is facing multiple felony charges after authorities seized more than $150,000 in marijuana from his home.

FOX LAKE – The Fox Waterway Agency has lifted restrictions on the Chain O' Lakes and upper Fox River, although the lower river remains no wake.

HUNTLEY – The first rule about Flight Club is ... you talk a lot about Flight Club.

WOODSTOCK – Former Algonquin police Sgt. Wade Merritt’s wife asked prosecutors twice to drop charges that he hit her in the head March 4.

McHENRY – The “Drum Corps Magic Show” once again is scheduled to be a part of McHenry’s Fiesta Days.

There are few things more American than evening on Independence Day.

What's happening this week in news, sports and entertainment.

CARPENTERSVILLE – The District 300 school board will vote next month on whether to renew the charter of the district’s lone charter school for five years.

McHENRY – The Rev. Jim Swarthout knows that diapers might not be the first thing people think about when considering charity needs, but that doesn’t meant they aren’t important.

WONDER LAKE – The Wonder Lake Fourth of July Celebration will go on, despite concerns over fundraising efforts.

ELGIN – Open registration for summer and fall credit classes at Elgin Community College continues until classes start, space permitting.

UNION – “Meet Me at the Fair!” is this year’s theme at the 25th annual Heritage Fair.

WOODSTOCK – Each year, thousands of residents flock to Emricson Park to enjoy the annual Fourth of July fireworks show.

McHENRY – Children smiled as they looked up at President Abraham Lincoln.

In a letter that Ashley Hallstrom wrote to her father less than a month before she died, notes of frustration and depression rang out in her words.

When Christie Drasler arrived in District 300 in 1971, the first media center was in an old bus garage. Parents built the shelves.

HUNTLEY – Girls and women ages 11 and older can learn tribal-style belly dancing with Lady Jem on July 13.

RICHMOND – Developer Peter Bell and the village of Richmond have spent four years fighting over who violated what parts of an annexation agreement.

A McHenry County grand jury recently indicted:

CRYSTAL LAKE – Construction is under way at Vulcan Lakes Recreation Area.

HUNTLEY – Although one trustee said he wanted to end the “soap opera” revolving around Grafton Township’s controversial town hall, the drama doesn’t look as though it’s going to come to a close anytime soon.

SPRING GROVE – A motorcyclist remains in critical condition after crashing into a guardrail along a curve Friday night on Route 12 near Sunset Road in Spring Grove.

LAKEWOOD – In sweltering temperatures reaching well over 90 degrees Saturday, Lakewood residents took to task one smelly problem.

CRYSTAL LAKE – Between 40 and 50 boaters raced Saturday along Crystal Lake’s Main Beach to join the 25th annual America’s Cardboard Cup Regatta as spectators cheered all ages who designed boats using cardboard, duct tape and creativity.

MORE ORANGE SIGNS: Signs warning of impending road construction have been placed at Miller Road in Lake in the Hills east of Randall Road, and on Barlina Road in Crystal Lake.

Beautiful Lake Geneva, Wis., often is thought of as a retreat for Chicago’s rich and powerful.

WOODSTOCK – Movies in the park return to Woodstock today.

WAUKEGAN – Five people have been charged in a string of 20 armed robberies in McHenry and Lake counties, as well as southeastern Wisconsin, police announced Friday.

MARENGO – A rare-finds auction representing McHenry County farm life from a century past is set for Sunday.

LAKE IN THE HILLS – The Lake in the Hills Sportsman’s Club will host its third annual fishing clinic Sunday.

CARPENTERSVILLE – Laura Frankiewicz, District 300’s director of pupil personnel services and a longtime employee, will leave her post at the end of the month.

CRYSTAL LAKE – An autopsy Friday morning confirmed that drowning was the cause of death of a Crystal Lake man.

WOODSTOCK – Two men accused of firing shots that damaged two houses in Woodstock’s Applewood subdivision June 1 officially denied upgraded charges Friday.

McHENRY – The McHenry Library soon could undergo renovations, which officials hope will hold it over until the economy improves.

WASHINGTON – In a triumph for President Obama, the Democrat-controlled House narrowly passed sweeping legislation Friday that calls for the nation’s first limits on pollution linked to global warming and aims to usher in a new era of cleaner, yet more costly energy.

Years of Springfield budget squabbling and a deep recession have left McHenry County’s social service agencies with no belt left to tighten.

SPRING GROVE – A motorcyclist remains in critical condition after crashing into a guardrail along a curve Friday night on Route 12 near Sunset Road in Spring Grove.

WAUKEGAN – Five people were arrested Thursday and charged in a string of 20 armed robberies in McHenry and Lake counties, as well as southeastern Wisconsin.

A 52-year-old Crystal Lake man died Thursday afternoon after he drowned on Crystal Lake.

CRYSTAL LAKE – St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church is sponsoring a mobile food pantry from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday in the parking lot at 1023 McHenry Ave.

HUNTLEY – Earlier this month, Centegra Health System opened its outdoor pool area at its Huntley campus.

A former Crystal Lake South High School student was killed in a double-fatal crash Wednesday evening in Kenosha County, Wis.

CRYSTAL LAKE – Pay increases given to a top administrator could wind up costing the institution $45,000 in penalties from the state retirement system.

HOFFMAN ESTATES – St. Alexius Medical Center will present “Sleep Problems in Children: Why Won’t My Child Sleep Through the Night?” on July 9.

WOODSTOCK – A 19-year-old Harvard man posted $500 bond Thursday after police said they found seven marijuana plants on his roof.

A new court date of July 30 has been scheduled for a Woodstock murder suspect facing assault charges in Tennessee.

FOX LAKE – The private group putting on fireworks in Fox Lake will get a $1,000 donation from the village.

McHENRY – The owner of a soon-to-be up and running McHenry restaurant hopes to get approval for a liquor license at Monday’s McHenry City Council meeting, at 7:30 p.m at City Hall, 333 S. Green St.

McHenry County’s job market officially became the worst in more than a quarter-century.

PORT BARRINGTON – Free and discounted lessons make Wednesdays the best time for wakeboarding in McHenry County.

Winners at area Kohl’s stores were chosen for the first round of the Kids Who Care Scholarship Program.

RICHMOND – The Environmental Defenders of McHenry County will conduct an indoor garage sale today and Saturday.

ALGONQUIN – Starting today, Algonquin has instituted a “yellow” water status, a determination that requires even/odd days for outdoor landscape watering.

WONDER LAKE – On Thursday afternoon, Maria Mendoza and her family did what they do almost every afternoon – they went for a swim at Sunrise Ridge Beach down the block from their house.

HUNTLEY – Huntley took a big step toward its future Thursday night, as village trustees unanimously approved both potential transit site guidelines and a downtown revitalization plan.

WOODSTOCK – Diversity Day 2009: We’re in this Together is seeking nominees for the Peace and Justice Award, given annually at the festival since 1996.

WOODSTOCK – An Algonquin police sergeant who resigned last week after being convicted of domestic battery said Thursday that he had been sober since the alcohol-fueled incident March 4.

LAKE IN THE HILLS – A Lake in the Hills family says they might move after the Village Board this week turned down their request to be allowed to keep their pet ring-tailed lemur.

JOHNSBURG – Curious what the Johnsburg Metra station could look like? You might be able to get a sneak peek by visiting the train stop in Round Lake Beach.

WOODSTOCK - An Algonquin police sergeant who resigned last week after being convicted of domestic battery was sentenced to a year of non-reporting probation Thursday morning.

HUNTLEY – Nearly three years ago, Bob and Stephanie Vitner’s baby boy died from complications related to cystic fibrosis.

CRYSTAL LAKE – Anglers say fishing is the best way to relax – hook, line and sinker.

HUNTLEY – Huntley High School will present “The Jungle Book” theater production next month.

HUNTLEY – There will be more to the July 4 Huntley Farmers Market than fruits and vegetables.

HUNTLEY – The Centegra Health Bridge Fitness Center in Huntley will host “Tennis Mania,” an event offering free tennis play throughout July.

HUNTLEY – The Grafton Township Food Pantry will be distributing 10,000 pounds of food today.

CRYSTAL LAKE – As Arezou Kashani watches Iranian authorities continue to clamp down on massive protests in the wake of the June 12 election results, she wonders whether the present-day demonstrations will generate significant change or only further violence.

CARPENTERSVILLE – Buried deep in the capital bill stalled on Gov. Pat Quinn’s desk is a $1.3 billion appropriation for school construction projects, and $30 million of that could be a signature away from coming to District 300.

CRYSTAL LAKE – The Crystal Lake Jaycees are looking for more donors to participate in a blood drive being held Saturday.

CRYSTAL LAKE – It’s sink or swim time for participants in America’s Cardboard Cup Regatta.

Legislators will meet in special session again early next week to attempt to hammer out a budget that avoids Gov. Pat Quinn’s warnings of doomsday cuts to social services.

WOODSTOCK – A 7.72-acre parcel could be added to the 240-acre baseball stadium site for gravel mining.

JOHNSBURG – Hundreds of walkers will spend their Saturday night at McHenry Township Park to raise money for cancer research and awareness at the annual Relay for Life North Mc­Henry County.

JOHNSBURG – A local civic organization will host a picnic this weekend in hopes of attracting new members and retaining its current ones.

Three area beaches reopened after being closed because of high bacteria levels.

FOX RIVER GROVE – Of­ficials are investigating a number of olfactory complaints raised by residents and homeowners near Fox River Grove’s wastewater treatment plant.

LAKE IN THE HILLS – A house fire Wednesday night claimed the life of a cat and left a home uninhabitable.

LAKE IN THE HILLS – A house fire Wednesday night claimed the life of a cat and left a home uninhabitable.

A McHenry County grand jury recently indicted:

When Curt Shortridge noticed he was close to overdrawing his bank account, he did what he thought was the responsible thing – he called the bank.

WOODSTOCK – The next “Coffee with the Chief” program will be at 7 p.m. July 13 at the Woodstock Police Department, 656 Lake Ave.

SPRING GROVE – Probably the best investment Jemma Cabral made this year was a pair of comfortable shoes. There’s no arguing that the 30-year-old from Spring Grove will need them.

WOODSTOCK – A convicted accomplice in the 2001 Burrito Express murder tacked five years onto his 20-year prison sentence Tuesday by admitting that he lied about the crime under oath.

While some stayed close to their living room air conditioners Tuesday, others cheered and greeted the heat after weeks of cool, wet weather.

WOODSTOCK – You don’t need an excuse to enjoy ice cream in the summer, but this Sunday you can do so while benefiting Gigi’s Playhouse – a Down syndrome awareness center.

Most area post offices will close at noon July 3 so employees can spend more time with their families, although the Crystal Lake post office will be open until 5 p.m.

JOHNSBURG – Village officials will discuss a proposal to add a Metra train stop in Johnsburg at a meeting Thursday.

CRYSTAL LAKE – A railroad worker was taken to Centegra Hospital – Woodstock with minor injuries Tuesday after he was hit by a commuter train.

CARPENTERSVILLE – The District 300 administration supports a proposal to cut bus aides on 42 routes that transport the district’s at-risk and special education pre-school students to deLacey Family Education Center.

LAKE IN THE HILLS – A combined 400 years of service to the Algonquin-Lake in the Hills Fire Protection District will be honored tonight at a special board of trustees meeting.

CRYSTAL LAKE – The Chicago region is on the brink of change, and residents now are getting a chance to put in their 2 cents about the decisions affecting their everyday lives.

Three area beaches have reopened after being closed because of high bacteria levels.

Multiple beaches across the county were closed Tuesday because of high bacteria levels.

CRYSTAL LAKE – A railroad worker was transported to Centegra Hospital – Woodstock with minor injuries after being hit by a commuter train.

WOODSTOCK – A convicted accomplice in the 2001 Burrito Express murder will serve five more years in prison for lying under oath about a ski mask.

Starting at 11 a.m. and lasting through 7 p.m. Wednesday, McHenry County is under a heat advisory with temperatures expected in the low to mid-90s.

HUNTLEY – The District 158 school board is seeking input from community members on the $1.6 million it is set to receive in federal stimulus funds designated for special education use.

If you think your job figuratively stinks, try working a job that literally stinks.

BARRINGTON HILLS – A Chicago man allegedly was under the influence of drugs the day he was involved in a fatal accident, police said Monday.

McHENRY – Local residents will get the chance to travel back in time to the 1800s this weekend.

The commission that has spent 2 ½ years developing a county land use plan is unveiling the first draft for public comment.

Citing high water, swift currents and treacherous debris, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources closed the lower portion of the Fox River to boats Monday afternoon, only hours after the Fox Waterway Agency declared the Chain O’ Lakes and the river north of the McHenry dam no-wake.

McHENRY – A 34-year-old Johnsburg man could be sentenced to up to five years in prison if convicted of biting off parts of another man’s ear Saturday.

A warrant has been issued for a sex offender released on probation a week ago.

HARVARD – An unoccupied Harvard house has about $10,000 in damage after an attic fire early Monday.

McHENRY – The McHenry Veterans of Foreign Wars will host a community blood drive and pancake breakfast from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday at the VFW Hall, 3002 Route 120, McHenry.

Gov. Pat Quinn has made the rounds selling an income tax increase as the only way to prevent massive human ser­vices cuts to balance a budget he says is $9.2 billion short.

CRYSTAL LAKE – The park district’s plan to buy the former Viking Dodge dealership and surrounding land is in limbo.

WOODSTOCK – A weekend of nasty weather left some Woodstock residents with plenty of downed branches, yard waste and a disposal problem.

CRYSTAL LAKE – NASA Education Corp., a nonprofit group that helps veterans, is going to host its largest fundraiser of the year in a carnival-like atmosphere this weekend.

WOODSTOCK – Police said a 27-year-old Woodstock man tossed his cocaine to the ground as police approached him after he drove about 140 mph down a residential street.

HUNTLEY – The Centegra Health Bridge Fitness Center at 10450 Algonquin Road in Huntley is offering free tennis services to both members and nonmembers during July.

BARRINGTON HILLS – A Chicago man was allegedly under the influence of drugs the day he was involved in a fatal accident, police said today.

WOODSTOCK – Police said a 27-year-old Woodstock man tossed his cocaine to the ground as police approached him after he drove his motorcycle about 140 mph down a residential street.

McHENRY – A 34-year-old Johnsburg man faces up to five years in prison if convicted of biting off parts of another man’s ear Saturday.

CRYSTAL LAKE – A warrant has been issued for a sex offender released on probation less than a week ago.