A body matching the description of a McHenry man who was reported missing Monday night was found in the Fox River off a private pier Tuesday, the McHenry County sheriff's office said.
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Body matching description of missing McHenry man found in Fox River
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Dawn Patrol: Snowy commute this morning; body found in river
You could be in store for a slow commute this morning. Barrington student charged as adult over gun at school. Body matching description of missing McHenry man found in Fox River. State budget meeting brings drama, not solutions. How McCarthy firing increases pressure on Alvarez. Funding progress could bring fix for Union Station, aid for Metra. Long Grove man pleads guilty in crash that killed Buffalo Grove woman. Chicago Blackhawks fall to Minnesota.
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40% of ex-judges' pensions higher than old salaries
Thousands of former Illinois public employees get more each year in retirement benefits than they were paid when they were actually working -- especially former judges.
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McHenry Co. State's Attorney Bianchi might drop re-election bid
Though he filed to run, McHenry County State's Attorney Lou Bianchi said Thursday he's reconsidering his re-election bid, citing personal and family concerns. Meanwhile, he said, he asked Assistant State's Attorney Patrick Kenneally to file petitions for office in the event Bianchi bows out.
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4 people wrongly convicted share stories of survival at Kane County forum
Better police training, less immunity granted to witnesses, more prosecutor accountability and a larger pool of resources for the public defenders can help toward avoiding and preventing convictions of innocent people were suggestions offered Friday at a seminar that featured four people who were convicted of murders they did not commit. "Wrong time, wrong place, wrong person -- that's all it takes," said Juan Rivera, who served nearly two decades for the 1992 rape and murder of an 11-year-old girl in Lake County.
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Ruling next month in Kane $1.35 million heroin bust
A judge will make a key ruling in early January on whether law enforcement officers followed proper procedure in the search that led to Kane County's largest heroin bust.
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Ten stories you may have missed this weekend
Ten stories you may have missed this weekend
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Dense fog advisory issued for the suburbs
The National Weather Service has issued a dense fog advisory for the entire Chicago area.
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McHenry County State's Attorney drops re-election bid
McHenry County State's Attorney Lou Bianchi announced Monday that he is not running for re-election.
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Dawn Patrol: Students not prepared in Illinois
PARCC results: Most suburban students not ready for college. Texas man charged with threatening suburban attorney. Algonquin man severely injured in crash charged with DUI. No charges after Waukegan alderman killed sick raccoon with tire iron. Elgin pair arrested on cocaine charges. Rosemont pledges $500,000 to Moretti's to spur opening. St. Charles singer in 'The Voice' finale. Versatile Zobrist gets second base for Chicago Cubs.
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Kane County grocers fire back in lawsuits
A pair of Fox Valley grocery stores being sued by patrons who say they suffered injuries because of the stores' negligence are pushing back against the claims.
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Meet our teachers who shine
Meet some of our area teachers who excel at what the do in the classroom.
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It's time to vote for the best holiday lights
It's time to pick the best holiday lights in the suburbs. You could win a Toro snowblower just for voting.
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April trial set in 2012 Aurora University sex assault case
An April 4 jury trial is set for Corderro A. Pollard, one of three former Aurora University students accused of a sexual assault in August 2012. Pollard, 25, of Chicago, faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted of the felony charge.Pollard's attorney said his client had consensual sex with a 25-year-old Joliet woman he knew.Two others were charged in the incident, which authorities say occurred at a residence Pollard shared with Eric Stallworth Jr. on the university campus.Stallworth, 25, of Country Club Hills, initially was charged with felony criminal sexual assault, and prosecutors at one point wanted to have a joint trial. Stallworth pleaded guilty in August to a reduced charge of unlawful restraint, a felony, and was sentenced to two years of probation, 23 weekends of periodic imprisonment and fined $3,110, records show.If Stallworth violates his probation he could be resentenced to up to three years in prison.In hearings preceding Stallworth's guilty plea, his attorney suggested the victim changed her mind, at first telling doctors she didn't know who assaulted her and later saying Stallworth had sex with her without her consent.A third defendant, Shammrie M. Brown, 28, also was initially charged with felony sexual assault. But prosecutors dismissed those charges and instead charged him with misdemeanor battery.He is next due in court Feb. 4 and faces up to a year in jail if convicted. Brown's attorney has refused to comment.Prison for Aurora shooting A 22-year-old Aurora man has been sentenced to six years in prison after pleading guilty to felony aggravated discharge of a firearm, according to court records.Esteban Perez, of the 1100 block of Front Street, pleaded guilty in November in exchange for prosecutors dismissing other charges, including the most serious one of attempted murder and firing a gun within 1,000 feet of a school -- East Aurora High School -- in 2011.Perez faced a minimum of 21 years in prison if convicted.Authorities said Perez and Jose A. Becerra, 22, also of Aurora, shot into a home on the 700 block of George Avenue Oct. 15, 2011, targeting a then-20-year-old male. Perez was sentenced in December and gets credit for at least 14 months being held at the Kane County jail.Becerra has a Jan. 7 court date.hhitzeman@dailyherald.com
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Dawn Patrol: Bears lose; Bartlett man dies in crash
Bartlett man killed after car hits tree in ElginA Bartlett man was killed yesterday in a single-vehicle crash in Elgin, police said. A preliminary investigation indicates that a 2010 Buick Enclave was traveling east on Higgins Road when it crossed the median and hit a tree, according to a news release from Elgin police. The 55-year-old driver of the vehicle was taken to Advocate Sherman Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, police said. Full story.Principal accued of being "cruel and unfair"Antioch Upper Grade School employees accused Principal Mike Zarco of being "cruel and unfair" and of mistreating them, district documents revealed, prompting an internal investigation that preceded Zarco's resignation in November. Documents revealed Zarco was placed on paid administrative leave just days before he quit. Full story.St. James Parish in Arlington Hts. continues holiday tradition of helping the poorIf certain families in need on Chicago's West Side are able to enjoy a Christmas meal, they can thank the persistence of members of St. James Parish in Arlington Heights. Just when it appeared the parish's cherished Christmas "Mercy Box" tradition had been canceled, the church found a new lifeline. Over the weekend, the church parking lot was filled with volunteers, taking boxes filled with food and packing them into a truck for delivery to their recipients in need. Full story.April trial set in 2012 Aurora University sex assault caseAn April 4 jury trial is set for Corderro A. Pollard, one of three former Aurora University students accused of a sexual assault in August 2012. Pollard, 25, of Chicago, faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted of the felony charge. Pollard's attorney said his client had consensual sex with a 25-year-old Joliet woman he knew. Two others were charged in the incident, which authorities say occurred at a residence Pollard shared with Eric Stallworth Jr. on the university campus. Full story.Water hike in Arlington HeightsIn January, Arlington Heights residents will see a 19 percent increase in their water and sewer rates as part of a five-year rate adjustment plan approved by the village board in September 2014. The rate adjustment will go toward funding water main replacements to its 60-year-old water and sanitary sewer infrastructure. Full story.No injuries as fire sweeps through Elgin houseNo injuries were reported early yesterday morning when a fire caused extensive damage to a house on the 400 block of North Spring Street in Elgin. What sparked the blaze, which caused an estimated $200,000 damage, is still under investigation. Firefighters said the fire was discovered by a pedestrian who then walked four blocks to the Elgin police station to report it. Full story.WeatherMild temperatures keep winter at bay but expect periods of light rain this morning. Mild conditions with a high in the mid-40s are expected but it will be windy. There will breaks in the rain but a second batch is coming our way later this morning with heavy downpours possible. Showers are expected to end by early afternoon. Full story.Traffic
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Dawn Patrol: Beach Park death, fight over gun
Beach Park woman dies in crash A Beach Park woman died yesterday morning in a single-vehicle crash in Wadsworth, police said. Teresita B. Mangaran, 66, was driving a 2006 Toyota Corolla westbound on Wadsworth Road when her car struck the guardrail on the north side of the road, police said. Full story. Fight over gun leads to bullet being fired at neighbor's homeTwo men face charges after a domestic dispute in Lake in the Hills that led to wrestling over and accidentally firing a gun, police say. Police were called just after 10 p.m. Sunday to dispute involving a gun and three adult men outside a home in the 2900 block of Geneva Lane. Full story. How police concluded 42-year-old Barrington Twp. case was murderLess than a month after her August 1973 wedding to patent attorney Donnie Rudd, 19-year-old Noreen Kumeta Rudd was dead, found lying across her husband's lap in their car after what seemed to be a crash near Dundee and Bateman roads in Barrington Township. Full story. Some COD trustees may have to pay if Breuder prevailsA recent letter from the law firm that oversees the College of DuPage's insurance policy warns that former board chairwoman Kathy Hamilton and three trustees could be left on their own to pay damages if former President Robert Breuder prevails in a wrongful termination suit against them. Full story.Arlington Heights native 'Craigslist Joe' talks about his life-changing movieWhat would happen if you woke up tomorrow, and didn't have anything? No job, no money, no family or friends to help you out -- just your cellphone and laptop computer. How would you survive? You could use Craigslist.com, like Arlington Heights native Joe Garner did. Full story. 'Greatest Loser' challenge starts next week in ElginA new initiative hopes to help Elgin-area residents get healthy with the prospect of free shopping at a local grocery store chain plus a $1,000 grand prize. The "Greatest Loser" weight-loss challenge, a partnership between the Centre of Elgin and Elgin Fresh Market, kicks off Jan. 2 and runs through Feb. 29. Full story. WeatherExpect some fog, drizzle and temperatures hovering in the high 30s as you head out the door this morning. There will be clouds for much of the day, but some sun will likely come out in the afternoon. High will reach about 45 degrees. Full story.TrafficNo major delays yet, although this will be one of the busiest travel days of the year on the roadways. Be alert if traveling along I-90 near Barrington Road, where a new lane configuration opens this morning. Full story.Bulls suffer a 'bad, bad loss'
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Huntley to continue bus service in 2016
Huntley village officials recently approved continuing the Dial-A-Ride bus service for all residents, primarily seniors and people with disabilities, next year.McHenry County's MCRide program serves nine cities and villages within the county. The service will be provided to all Huntley residents, including those living in Kane County.The service, started in 2012, is a partnership between Pace Suburban Bus, McHenry County, the towns of Crystal Lake, Harvard, Johnsburg, Lakewood, Marengo, McHenry, Ringwood, and Woodstock, and the townships of Dorr, Greenwood, Nunda, Grafton, Marengo, and McHenry.Huntley joined in February of this year with the service running since March. The village board recently extended the intergovernmental agreement with the county and other participating agencies to offer the service through Nov. 30, 2016, according to Assistant Village Manager Lisa Armour. The cost of a ride through the service is $2 for the general public, $1 for seniors and people with disabilities, and 25 cents extra for each additional mile after the first five miles. The service would run 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. There is no service on Sundays.Riders with a disability requiring a personal travel assistant can have the assistant ride for free. Up to two children 7 or younger can ride free with each fare-paying adult. Riders may travel to any community or drop-off site included in the MCRide Program, per the terms of the agreement.In March, Huntley saw 70 distinct riders using the service and 245 trips originating in town. Since then, the number of riders using the service has ranged from 59 to 66, with as many 301 trips originating in Huntley in August, according to the village.It costs the village $48,582 -- $2 per capita -- to provide the service next year. Grant funding received by the county will reduce the village's cost to $2,651 per month, or $31,815. The fiscal year 2016 budget will include $40,000 to continue the program, according to officials.Huntley residents must register with Pace the first time they call to set up a trip at (800) 451-4599. Trip reservations for the general public can be made the day before and up to an hour before the requested trip. Senior riders and people with disabilities may reserve trips between seven days in advance and up to an hour before the requested trip.For maps and more information, visit co.mchenry.il.us.
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Dawn Patrol: COD meeting; girl meets hockey heroes
3 COD trustees who boycotted last week now want special meetingThe three College of DuPage trustees who boycotted a board meeting last week to protest, among other things, lack of input in creating the agenda, now have called for a special meeting on Jan. 7 with an agenda they compiled on their own. Trustees Dianne McGuire, Erin Birt and Joseph Wozniak submitted their proposed agenda to acting interim President Joseph Collins. Full story.COD 'Clean Slate' committee fined by elections boardA political committee that supported three victorious College of DuPage board candidates earlier this year is being fined $7,750 for not reporting loans on time. Two loans totaling $30,000 former COD Board Chairwoman Kathy Hamilton made to Clean Slate in April were reported late, and the committee was fined for the delinquence. Full story.Report: Wheaton College, suspended professor in stalemateTalks between Wheaton College officials and a political science professor who was suspended after saying Christians and Muslims worship the same God have reached a stalemate, the Chicago Tribune reported last night. Larycia Hawkins, a Christian who has posted photos of herself on social media wearing a hijab to show solidarity with Muslim women, told the newspaper she will not accept the college's proposal to teach again next fall in exchange for revoking her tenure for at least two years. Full story.Former Joliet Diocese bishop Joseph Imesch diesA former bishop who led the Joliet Diocese through a period of major growth but came under fire for his handling of clergy sex abuse cases died yesterday, Diocese officials said. Bishop Joseph Imesch, 84, retired in June 2006 after serving as the diocese's third bishop for roughly 27 years. Full story.New owner wants to bring Sam's Club back to Rolling MeadowsSam's Club -- which closed its Rolling Meadows store along Golf Road in 2010 -- has a new owner who hopes to bring the wholesale retailer back to same space next year with a new focus on business customers. Investor Gus Dahleh, of Burr Ridge, purchased the 15-acre Wal-Mart and former Sam's Club properties in September for $24.3 million and has been working to bring the site back to life. Full story.Police say Buffalo Grove man punched Metra conductorA Buffalo Grove man is facing battery charges after police say he punched a Metra conductor in the face and tried to push him down a stairway at Union Station. George J. Kopsias, 51, is due in bond court this morning, charged with two felony counts of aggravated battery to a transit employee, according to a Metra news release. Full story.Teens charged with vandalism at St. Charles facilities"They just did pure vandalism," said a Campton United Soccer Club official, of the damage done by three men who broke into its administrative office, and another building, Saturday at James O. Breen Park in St. Charles. They broke computers, telephones, a lightning detector; carved up walls; sprayed a fire extinguisher; and poured liquid all over the place. St. Charles police arrested three men Monday. Full story.Carol Stream girl with autism meets her hockey idols: the refs
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Fox Valley's top stories of 2015
There were plenty of reasons 2015 was a memorable year for towns up and down the Fox Valley, from a major renovation kicking off at Spring Hill Mall to political battles in Kane County and a video of an Elgin cop seen by millions.Here's a recap of some key events this past year.Spring Hill Mall begins renovationSpring Hill Mall representatives unveiled plans for a $37.8 million redevelopment project, which will include a Cinemark movie theater, an outdoor plaza and outward-facing retail and restaurants. Demolition of the mall's JCPenney wing began in October, causing several stores to relocate. In an agreement with mall owner Rouse Properties, the villages of West Dundee and Carpentersville pledged a total of $8.6 million in municipality contribution to the project. Using incremental tax revenue, West Dundee will reimburse Rouse for $7.6 million, and Carpentersville will contribute $1 million. Both villages are in the process of creating tax increment financing districts at the mall to facilitate the project. Deputy dies after shootingMcHenry County Sheriff Deputy Dwight W. Maness died in early September from a blood clot during a rehab session for a leg injury sustained in October 2014 when he and another deputy were ambushed while conducting a well-being check in Holiday Hills. Earlier in 2015, Maness testified against Scott Peters, 53, who was convicted of attempted murder and sentenced to 135 years in prison for wounding Maness, 47, and shooting at two other deputies. Authorities ruled Maness' death was a homicide caused by Peters' actions, but declined to press new charges, citing Peters' lengthy prison term already in place.Campton Hills gets new village presidentPatsy Smith, the driving force behind the incorporation of Campton Hills in 2007, lost her bid for a third, 4-year term as village president. Smith, who was the first village president in Campton Hills' history, ran as a write-in candidate with two others, but her efforts were not enough to hold off Trustee Harry Blecker and his slate of candidates. Elgin cop goes viralMillions viewed a video of Elgin Sgt. Ken Ericson talking to a large group of young people about their loitering in the parking lot of a fast-food joint. His relaxed, nonconfrontational -- but firm -- manner defused a potentially volatile situation, and his levelheaded interaction with the youths was widely praised as an example of "good policing." Guilty verdict overturnedAn appellate court overturned in September the guilty verdict against Mario Casciaro in the 2002 death of Johnsburg teen Brian Carrick. Casciaro, 32, who was convicted in 2013 after a 2012 mistrial and sentenced to 26 years behind bars, was ordered released from prison. He recently spoke about his experiences at a workshop organized by the Kane County Public Defender's Office against wrongful convictions. Carrick, 17, was last seen at Casciaro's parents' former grocery store in December 2002 and a prosecution witness who was granted immunity to testify against Casciaro later recanted his story.Legionella scare at U-46Three Elgin Area School District U-46 buildings -- Eastview Middle School in Bartlett, Larkin High School in Elgin and the district's Educational Services Center -- were closed for three days in September after high levels of the bacteria that can cause Legionnaires' disease were found in water cooling towers. The district sent home about 3,000 students and roughly 350 staff members. U-46 CEO Tony Sanders called out the state on the lack of public health standards and protocols for dealing with the Legionella bacteria in schools.Felipe Calderón visits Judson
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Live Nativities show reason behind the season
While the holiday season can turn into a hectic glut of shopping, gifts and parties, living Nativities held in the suburbs have a way of taking Christians back to the humble beginnings of Christmas in recalling the birth of Christ in a manger.Standing in the cold, listening to a choir, watching people and animals re-enact the Bible story can be an uplifting experience. We've collected photos of some of this year's events as a recognition and a reminder of the deeper meanings of the day for many of our readers.
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