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February 25, 2026
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Police Seek Suspect After Domestic Home Invasion Injures Woman in Algonquin: Authorities are searching for a suspect who allegedly forced entry into a residence in the Willoughby Farms Estates subdivision in Algonquin and assaulted a woman in a domestic-related incident on February 18. The situation reportedly began as a verbal dispute that escalated into physical violence, resulting in the woman being injured. Police responded to the home on Barrett Drive around 9:11 p.m. The suspect is believed to have fled the scene in a vehicle before officers arrived. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Feb 25)
February 20, 2026
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Three Juvenile Girls Attacked by Large Group on Algonquin Trail, One Injured: Authorities responded after three girls, ages 12 to 16, were attacked by members of a group of 15 to 20 boys near a pedestrian tunnel along a walking and biking trail south of Bunker Hill Road and Randall Road in Algonquin. The incident took place Saturday afternoon, and police arrived shortly after the group encounter reportedly turned violent. One girl suffered minor injuries and received treatment at the scene before being released to her parent. The investigation into the attack remains ongoing. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Feb 20)
February 10, 2026
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Mysterious Odor Subsides in Lake in the Hills, Source Still Unknown: Residents in Lake in the Hills reported experiencing a strong, unexplained odor over the weekend, leading multiple people to contact emergency services. According to the Algonquin-Lake in the Hills Fire Protection District, the smell, described as chemical or like burning electrical equipment, has now dissipated. The substance's origin has not been identified, but officials noted it may have come from well south of the area. No new complaints have been filed since the situation improved. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Feb 10)
February 5, 2026
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Sprinkler System Limits Damage in Early Morning Fire at Crystal Lake Complex: An early morning fire at a multifamily residential complex on Ambassador Circle in Crystal Lake was contained thanks to an active sprinkler system and prompt fire department response. Firefighters arrived shortly after 1 a.m. to find smoke coming from a garage and successfully extinguished a small fire that had been kept in check by the building’s sprinklers. Damage was limited to one garage, preventing further destruction or injuries. Authorities credit the safety systems for minimizing loss in the incident. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Feb 5)
January 25, 2026
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Severe House Fire Destroys Home Near McHenry During Frigid Temperatures: Firefighters responded to a major house fire early Saturday in the 3300 block of North Bayview Lane in unincorporated McHenry, Lake County. The blaze, reported shortly after 2 a.m., destroyed the home as wind chill temperatures dropped to minus 30 degrees, complicating firefighting efforts. Multiple 911 calls were made, prompting a large response from the McHenry Township Fire Protection District. The structure was ultimately reduced to ruins, and no injuries were immediately reported. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Jan 25)
January 24, 2026
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House Destroyed by Fire During Subzero Wind Chills Near McHenry: Firefighters responded to a major house fire in the 3300 block of North Bayview Lane in unincorporated McHenry early Saturday morning, facing wind chills near -30 degrees. Upon arrival, crews found the single-family home fully engulfed and battled flames for hours. The fire threatened a nearby detached garage, but no residents were present when the fire broke out. The blaze ultimately left the structure completely destroyed. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Jan 24)
January 23, 2026
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Village Workers Remove Unusual Object from Cornish Park Clock Tower in Algonquin: Village workers in Algonquin responded over the weekend to remove an explicit object that had been attached to the prominent clock tower in Cornish Park. The item was discovered early Saturday at the corner of Algonquin Road and Harrison Street, prompting quick action by local crews using a ladder to take it down. The object had been placed roughly two stories high, though the means and individual responsible remain unknown. No reports of injuries or property damage were noted following the incident. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Jan 23)
January 19, 2026
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Two Injured in Major Fire at Downtown McHenry Bakery and Pet Store: A significant fire broke out Sunday afternoon at a commercial property on North Riverside Drive in downtown McHenry, Illinois, impacting both Riverside Bake Shop and Reese’s Barkery & Pawtique. Emergency crews from 30 departments responded to the scene, where two people were reported injured. Firefighters worked extensively to control the blaze, which caused major damage to the businesses. This incident has had a profound effect on the local community. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Jan 19)
January 14, 2026
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Off-Duty Firefighter Rescues Teen After Ice Accident on Lake Killarney Near Cary: A rookie firefighter who had not yet been officially sworn in played a crucial role in rescuing a teenager after both the teen and his mother fell through the ice while ice fishing on Lake Killarney near Cary. The incident occurred in the 6200 block of Londonderry Drive Tuesday afternoon, prompting a swift response from the Cary Fire Protection District and the McHenry County Sheriff's Office. A neighbor also ended up in the water attempting to assist. All individuals were ultimately pulled to safety. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Jan 14)
January 13, 2026
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Three Hospitalized After Falling Through Ice on Lake Killarney Near Cary: Emergency crews responded to Lake Killarney near Cary after two individuals fell through the ice while ice fishing, and a neighbor also fell in while attempting a rescue. The incident took place on the 6200 block of Londonderry Drive on Tuesday afternoon. All three people were rescued and transported to a nearby hospital for evaluation. Authorities remind residents to exercise caution on frozen bodies of water after multiple individuals were exposed to cold water. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Jan 13)
January 11, 2026
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Woodstock Aquatics Official Files Lawsuit After Injury at Algonquin Adventure Park: The Aquatics Coordinator for the City of Woodstock has become the third individual to sue Fun City Adventure Park in Algonquin, following separate foam pit accidents that reportedly caused injuries. The most recent lawsuit was filed after the coordinator sustained serious injuries when jumping into the attraction's foam pit in August. Plaintiffs in these cases allege negligence on the part of the park, claiming the foam pit was not adequately safe. The cases are proceeding in McHenry County Circuit Court. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Jan 11)
January 9, 2026
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House Fire in Crystal Lake Displaces Residents and Injures One Person: A house fire in the 1400 block of Candlewood Drive in Crystal Lake on Thursday afternoon caused extensive damage, leaving the property uninhabitable and residents without a home. Multiple fire departments responded, and the incident required an upgrade to a mutual aid response. One individual sustained injuries in the blaze, which resulted in an estimated $100,000 in damage. The cause of the fire and further details about the displaced residents were not released. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Jan 9)
January 4, 2026
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Community Supports Cary Family After House Fire Claims Home and Pet: A severe house fire on Mulberry Lane in Cary led to the total loss of a family's home and belongings, with a missing dog tragically found deceased after the incident. The Cary Fire Protection District and neighboring departments responded quickly, but the extensive damage displaced the residents. Local community members have since organized efforts to collect donations and essentials for the family. The cause of the fire is under investigation. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Jan 4)
January 3, 2026
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Juvenile Arrested After Car Crashes Into Algonquin Home, Injuring Three: A 15-year-old driver was taken into custody after crashing a car into a residence at the intersection of Eineke Boulevard and Williamsburg Drive in Algonquin. The incident, which occurred Friday evening, resulted in injuries to three people and left the affected residents without a home due to significant structural damage. Emergency responders from the Algonquin-Lake in the Hills Fire District arrived quickly to assist. Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Jan 3)
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Car Crashes Into Algonquin Home, Driver Flees; Child and Resident Injured: A sedan struck a single-family home at the intersection of Eineke Boulevard and Williamsburg Drive in Algonquin, causing significant damage and displacing residents Friday evening. Emergency responders transported three individuals, including a child and a resident, to a hospital for evaluation. The driver reportedly fled the scene on foot before police and fire crews arrived. Authorities are investigating the incident and have not released further details about the driver. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Jan 3)
January 1, 2026
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Cary House Fire Displaces Family and Leaves Dog Missing: A significant house fire on the 1300 block of Mulberry Lane in Cary resulted in the complete destruction of the residence and its contents. Multiple fire departments responded to the scene, battling the blaze for several hours on Wednesday afternoon. Although firefighters arrived within minutes, they were unable to save the home or rescue the family's missing dog. The incident has left the affected family without a home as they search for their pet. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Jan 1)
December 22, 2025
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South Carolina Man Charged With Public Indecency at Algonquin T.J. Maxx: A 42-year-old man from Aiken, South Carolina, was arrested following an incident at the T.J. Maxx on South Randall Road in Algonquin on December 7. Police allege that the man exposed himself and made inappropriate requests toward a woman inside the store during business hours. He was charged with one count of public indecency, classified as a Class A misdemeanor, after the complaint was filed in McHenry County Circuit Court. Authorities quickly responded and took him into custody at the scene. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Dec 22)
December 21, 2025
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McHenry County Fire Departments Join Operation North Pole Event for Children: Several fire departments from McHenry County participated in the Operation North Pole Christmas train event, aimed at providing support and joy to children facing serious or terminal illnesses and their families. The event marked the return of the holiday train after a five-year pause, offering gifts to the children and collecting food donations for local pantries. Residents in the Chicago area were encouraged to show support as families took part in this annual trip. The initiative sought to uplift local families during the holiday season. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Dec 21)
December 18, 2025
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Head-On Collision in Walworth County Results in Fatality and Serious Injuries: A head-on collision Tuesday evening on County Road A in Sugar Creek, Wisconsin, resulted in the death of a 68-year-old woman from Lyons and serious injuries to a man from Algonquin, Illinois, and another woman. Authorities report that the incident occurred when the Algonquin man’s vehicle crossed the centerline and struck the woman’s car. Emergency responders treated the injured at the scene before they were transported to hospitals. The crash remains under investigation by Walworth County officials. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Dec 18)
December 10, 2025
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Icy Road Conditions Lead to Multiple Vehicle Crashes in McHenry County: Emergency crews in McHenry County responded to numerous vehicle accidents Wednesday morning after icy and slick road conditions caused by wind-driven snow impacted the region. Incidents included a rollover crash and a semi-truck accident on Interstate 90. The hazardous weather, which overlapped the morning commute, contributed to reduced visibility and slush-covered roads. Authorities warn that freezing temperatures may continue to create dangerous conditions for motorists throughout the morning. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Dec 10)
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Live Power Lines Spark House Fire in Algonquin, Multiple Departments Respond: Early Wednesday morning, broken electrical lines fell across two yards, a house, and a car on the 800 block of Oceola Drive in Algonquin, setting a home ablaze. Firefighters from several departments responded after numerous 911 calls reported both a yard and a residence on fire. The situation required an upgraded response due to the live wires arcing over several properties. ComEd crews were called in to handle the hazardous power lines and ensure neighborhood safety. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Dec 10)
December 5, 2025
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Driver Flees Crash Site After Truck and Car Hauler Overturn Near Algonquin: A pickup truck hauling a trailer loaded with two vehicles overturned near Cary-Algonquin Road and Allen Road in unincorporated Algonquin during the early morning of November 27. Emergency responders from the Algonquin-Lake in the Hills Fire Protection District and the McHenry County Sheriff's Office arrived shortly after 1:30 a.m. and discovered no one inside the truck. Authorities report the driver had left the scene on foot, while a passenger later returned as crews responded. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Dec 5)
December 4, 2025
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Firefighters Save Two Deer After Ice Rescue on Pistakee Lake Near Johnsburg: Firefighters from the McHenry Township Fire Protection District responded to a call on Tuesday morning after two deer fell through the ice on Pistakee Lake near the 3700 block of Pitzen Road in Johnsburg. Wearing specialized cold water suits, two firefighters made their way across the ice and successfully pulled both stranded deer back to shore. The rescue was completed without injury to the animals or responders. Local officials praised the swift response and outcome of the incident. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Dec 4)
November 27, 2025
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No Injuries in Residential Fire on Apache Trail in Lake in the Hills: A minor fire occurred late Wednesday at a home under construction in Lake in the Hills, located on the 200 block of Apache Trail. Firefighters responded quickly, extinguishing the blaze without any reported injuries. After ensuring the fire had not spread, investigators began examining the scene to determine the cause. The origin of the fire and estimated damages have not yet been established, and multiple local agencies provided assistance. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Nov 27)
November 25, 2025
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Man Charged After Road Rage Shooting and Search in Cary: Christopher Bolton, 24, of Streamwood, faces felony charges after allegedly firing multiple shots during a road rage incident in Cary on March 23, 2024. The altercation, which occurred near Cary-Algonquin Road and Harper Avenue, resulted in a crash and led to an extensive police search. Bolton is charged with aggravated assault and reckless discharge of a firearm related to the event. The arrest followed an investigation by the Cary Police Department. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Nov 25)
November 22, 2025
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Police Discover Hundreds of Unauthorized Videos Recorded in Chicago Suburbs: Authorities have arrested Jascent M. Harvey, 29, of St. Charles, following the discovery of over 400 videos secretly recorded of women in public settings across Chicago suburbs, including McHenry County. Harvey faces charges including burglary and unauthorized video recording. The investigation began after an incident at a Geneva store led police to examine his phone, uncovering years of related activity. Police are encouraging potential victims to come forward with information. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Nov 22)
October 29, 2025
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Cat rescued, 3 residents displaced after house fire across street from another…: File Photo – Huntley Fire Protection District | Photo: Nick Rusin A cat was rescued and three residents were displaced after a fire caused serious damage to a house in Algonquin, just a month after the house directly across the street also caught on fire. The Huntley Fire Protection District responded around 6:10 p.m. Sunday to the 500 block of Tenby Way in Algonquin for a report of a residential structure fire. Huntley Fire Protection District Public Information Officer Alex Vucha said a 911 call was made by a neighbor who saw flames coming from the home. Firefighters arrived within four minutes and found heavy flames showing from the rear of a medium two-story residence. The call was upgraded to a Working Fire response, bringing additional assistance from neighboring fire departments, Vucha said. Firefighters initiated an aggressive exterior attack on the fire before making entry to perform searches of the home. The fire had extended into the attic, requiring extensive overhaul to ensure all hotspots were fully extinguished, Vucha said. Heavy smoke conditions were present throughout the home and ventilation operations were conducted to clear the residence of the smoke. Three residents, who were not home at the time, were displaced as a result of the fire. Firefighters located a cat inside the residence and safely removed it. The cat is doing well. “The fire had already reached the back of the structure and into the attic when crews arrived,” Huntley Fire Protection District Battalion Chief Brian Harders said. “Our firefighters worked efficiently to contain the fire and prevent the complete loss of the home,” Harders said. The residence sustained serious damage and was deemed uninhabitable. No injuries were reported. Vucha said the cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Huntley Fire Protection District. The fire occurred directly across the street from another house in the 500 block of Tenby Way which caught fire on September 8. Firefighters arrived on the scene four minutes after the call and found smoke and flames coming from the rear of an attached garage of a two-story residence. Fire crews quickly deployed a hose line and extinguished the fire before it could extend into the living area. An adult was still inside the home at the time of the fire and firefighters and police officers assisted them out safely. The home remained habitable. While the Huntley Fire Protection District was at the house fire on Sunday, they received a separate call for a vehicle crash involving a pedestrian at Haligus Road and Reed Road in Huntley. A 12-year-old child was struck by a vehicle while riding a bicycle. The child and the driver were evaluated and both were released at the scene with no injuries. The Huntley Police Department was investigating the cause of the crash. “The Huntley Fire Protection District extends its appreciation to the assisting fire departments, dispatchers, and law enforcement partners for their support during a very busy Sunday evening,” Vucha said. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Oct 6)
October 27, 2025
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Fire Displaces Residents and Heavily Damages Home in Lake in the Hills: Early Monday morning, a fire caused extensive damage to a residence on the 800 block of Willow Street in Lake in the Hills, according to fire officials. The Algonquin-Lake in the Hills Fire Protection District arrived within three minutes and found smoke coming from the two-story house. All residents safely evacuated before firefighters extinguished the blaze, which began in an upstairs bathroom. The home was left uninhabitable following the incident. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Oct 27)
October 26, 2025
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Residents Displaced Following Early Morning Duplex Fire Near Algonquin: A fire caused significant damage to a two-story duplex in the 11000 block of Mohican Drive in unincorporated Algonquin early Sunday morning, displacing the occupants of both units. Multiple fire departments responded around 5:30 a.m. to address the blaze, which involved heavy flames visible from the second floor and the right side of the home. All residents managed to evacuate safely before crews arrived. The cause of the fire and extent of property damage remain under investigation. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Oct 26)
October 23, 2025
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Truck Crashes Into Algonquin Home, Driver Injured and Hospitalized: Emergency crews responded Wednesday evening after a pickup truck struck the front of a single-family home at the corner of Compton Drive and Mahogany Court in Algonquin. The crash caused significant damage to the home and resulted in the driver's hospitalization. Algonquin Police determined the Ford pickup was traveling east on Compton Drive before veering off the road. Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Oct 23)
October 21, 2025
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Lawsuits Filed Over Injuries at Algonquin Adventure Park: Two lawsuits have been filed against Fun City Adventure Park in Algonquin, alleging negligence after an adult and a child were injured in separate incidents involving the facility's foam pit. The cases, brought in McHenry County Circuit Court, claim insufficient safety measures contributed to the s (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Oct 21)
October 16, 2025
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Driver hospitalized after rollover crash near Longmeadow Parkway in Algonquin: A 21-year-old man was taken to a trauma center following a single-vehicle rollover crash east of Route 31 on Longmeadow Parkway, near the Brunner Family Forest Preserve outside Algonquin. Emergency crews responded Friday afternoon and reported the driver was ejected from his pickup truck. The crash, (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Oct 16)
October 3, 2025
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District 300 Board President Removed Following Controversial Comments: The president of the Algonquin-based Community Unit School District 300 board was removed from her leadership role after refusing to apologize for social media remarks related to the Charlie Kirk assassination. The board voted 5-1 to remove her, with Christine Birkett named as the new president. A c (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Oct 3)
September 25, 2025
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District 300 Board President Faces Calls for Resignation After Social Media Post: Community members and parents protested outside the District 300 administration office in Algonquin, urging Board President Nancy Zettler to step down following her social media comments about the assassination of Charlie Kirk. Zettler has stated she will not apologize for her remarks, which have sp (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Sep 25)
September 16, 2025
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District 300 Board President Faces Calls to Step Down After Social Media Post: Community members and parents gathered outside the District 300 administration office in Algonquin, urging Board President Nancy Zettler to resign following her social media comments related to the death of Charlie Kirk. The protest reflects ongoing concerns about leadership and public statements in (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Sep 16)