Latest News
January 2, 2026
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Lake Villa Family Displaced After Major Fire Destroys Home on Red Cedar Road: A significant house fire broke out late New Year's Eve in the 400 block of Red Cedar Road in Lake Villa, leaving a family of five and an unborn child without a home. The Lake Villa Fire Protection District responded at approximately 10:44 p.m., with additional support from nearby departments after heavy flames engulfed the second floor. No injuries were reported, but the home was rendered uninhabitable. Multiple departments responded to control the extensive blaze. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Jan 2)
December 27, 2025
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Zion Family Displaced After Christmas Eve Fire, Community Organizes Support: A major house fire on the 3100 block of Ezekiel Avenue in Zion left a family without a home and most of their belongings on Christmas Eve. Zion Fire Rescue Department responded quickly and ensured all family members were safely evacuated from the two-story home. Community members have since rallied to provide support and resources for the family as they recover from the incident. No injuries were reported, but the home sustained significant damage. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Dec 27)
December 26, 2025
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Zion Family Displaced After Christmas Eve Fire Causes Major Home Damage: A house fire on Christmas Eve severely damaged a residence in the 3100 block of Ezekiel Avenue in Zion, leaving a family without a home. Firefighters from the Zion Fire Rescue Department responded to the scene shortly after 8 p.m. and found significant flames and smoke coming from the front of the two-story house. All residents were confirmed safe, and crews conducted thorough searches to ensure no occupants remained inside. The fire’s impact left the family displaced during the holiday season. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Dec 26)
December 22, 2025
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Antioch Man's Truck Hits and Kills Six Horses Near Illinois-Wisconsin Border: A 67-year-old man from Antioch was unharmed after his pickup truck collided with six horses early Monday morning near the Illinois-Wisconsin border by unincorporated Bristol. The animals, which had escaped from a nearby stable, were killed in the incident. Kenosha County Sheriff's deputies found no signs of impairment or speeding on the part of the driver. Authorities noted the accident took place on a poorly lit section of County Highway WG. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Dec 22)
December 21, 2025
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Man Pleads Guilty to Fatal Gurnee Crash After Falling Asleep at the Wheel: Anthony M. Erickson, a 33-year-old from Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, pleaded guilty to aggravated reckless driving after causing a fatal collision in Gurnee. The incident occurred at Route 132 and Hunt Club Road on March 4, 2020, when Erickson, reportedly having worked 36 hours without rest, fell asleep and entered the intersection against a red light. His vehicle struck another car, resulting in the death of a 43-year-old Lindenhurst woman. Authorities filed a felony charge against Erickson as a result of the crash. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Dec 21)
December 20, 2025
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Lake Villa Garage Fire Displaces Family, Firefighters Rescue Cat: Firefighters responded to a blaze in the 39500 block of North Beck Road near Lake Villa on Thursday evening after a garage attached to a home became fully engulfed in flames. The residents were already outside when crews arrived, and no injuries were reported. A cat was rescued from within the home, but the fire caused extensive damage, leaving the family displaced. The incident occurred in unincorporated Lake County, close to Lindenhurst. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Dec 20)
December 19, 2025
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Antioch Store Sells $50,000 Powerball Ticket as Jackpot Reaches $1.5 Billion: A $50,000 winning Powerball ticket was recently sold at Antioch Food and Liquor on North Avenue in Antioch, according to Illinois Lottery officials. The sale comes as the Powerball jackpot climbs to an estimated $1.5 billion for the upcoming Saturday drawing, making it one of the largest in U.S. history. Several other Illinois players also secured substantial prizes during the latest drawing. The jackpot increase has generated heightened anticipation among local lottery participants. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Dec 19)
December 15, 2025
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Two Hospitalized After Two-Vehicle Collision Near Walmart in Antioch: Two adults were taken to the hospital following a crash involving a Jeep and a Nissan sedan near the Walmart at Route 173 and Deep Lake Road in Antioch. The incident, which occurred around 5:44 p.m., resulted in significant vehicle damage and closure of the busy intersection for emergency response. Both Antioch Fire and Police departments responded to the scene to assist the injured and manage traffic. Authorities did not provide further updates on the condition of the drivers involved. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Dec 15)
December 14, 2025
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Three Kenosha Men Arrested After Armed Robbery and Police Pursuit in McHenry County: Three men from Kenosha, Wisconsin, including the individual who provided Kyle Rittenhouse with the firearm used in the 2020 incident, were arrested following an armed robbery in Harvard, Illinois, and a subsequent police chase. The robbery occurred in the parking lot of a local school after a meeting arranged via Facebook Marketplace. Victims, residents of Janesville, Wisconsin, attempted to follow the suspects but lost them as they crossed into Wisconsin. Authorities coordinated across state lines to detain the suspects. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Dec 14)
December 8, 2025
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Tow Truck Driver Injured After Semi-Truck Collision on I-94 in Wadsworth: A tow truck driver from Antioch Automotive was hospitalized following a collision involving a semi-truck on Interstate 94 near Russell Road in Wadsworth during a snowstorm on Sunday morning. The crash occurred as the driver was assisting a disabled vehicle, when a semi lost control and struck both the driver and the vehicle. Emergency responders from multiple Illinois and Wisconsin agencies attended the scene. Illinois State Police are investigating the incident. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Dec 8)
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Homeowner Injured and Dog Rescued After Garage Fire Near Spring Grove: A fire broke out Sunday afternoon in the 6300 block of North Shore Avenue in unincorporated Spring Grove, destroying a detached two-car garage and causing damage to a nearby home. The homeowner was injured during the incident and required hospital treatment. Neighbors assisted the homeowner in rescuing a dog from the affected residence. Multiple area fire departments responded quickly to bring the blaze under control and prevent further damage. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Dec 8)
December 2, 2025
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Man Charged With Arson After Thanksgiving Fire Destroys Family Home in Beach Park: A 21-year-old Beach Park resident was arrested after prosecutors alleged he set fire to his family's house following a dispute regarding a dog on Thanksgiving Day. The fire broke out in the 40100 block of North Lone Oak Road, with family members still inside at the time. Multiple fire departments from Lake County and Wisconsin responded to the blaze, and the accused individual was ordered held until trial. Authorities handled the initial dispute without violence, but the situation escalated later that evening. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Dec 2)
December 1, 2025
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Additional Snowfall Forecasted in Chicagoland Following Heavy Weekend Snowstorm: Chicagoland residents are preparing for more snowfall on Monday, just after a powerful snowstorm left nearly a foot of accumulation in parts of Lake and McHenry counties over the post-Thanksgiving weekend. The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory covering several counties in the area, warning that snow will move in during the afternoon and persist into the night. Commuters are advised to expect hazardous travel conditions during the evening rush hour due to slippery roads and reduced visibility. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Dec 1)
November 29, 2025
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Lake and McHenry Counties Brace for Continued Heavy Snowfall After Storm: Lake and McHenry counties have experienced significant snowfall, with totals reaching up to 7 inches in some communities by early Saturday evening, according to the National Weather Service. Areas like McHenry, Woodstock, Wadsworth, and Antioch reported from 5 to 7 inches, while O'Hare International Airport recorded 3 inches. Over 1,100 flights were canceled at O'Hare, and hazardous road conditions have been reported as snow is expected to continue into Sunday morning. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Nov 29)
November 28, 2025
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Beach Park Man Charged with Arson After Thanksgiving Argument Over Family Dog: A 21-year-old man from Beach Park has been charged with arson after authorities say he intentionally set his house on fire on Thanksgiving night. According to prosecutors, the incident began with a disagreement regarding a family dog, which escalated to the suspect dousing the residence with gasoline and setting it alight. Deputies responded to the scene on North Lone Oak Road after being called about a domestic dispute. The individual now faces detention based on concerns for family safety. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Nov 28)
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Beach Park Resident Accused of Arson After Thanksgiving Family Dispute: A 21-year-old man from Beach Park has been charged with aggravated arson and residential arson after allegedly setting his house on fire following a family dispute on Thanksgiving. Authorities responded to a domestic incident at the North Lone Oak Road residence where deputies had previously intervened to calm a verbal argument. No injuries were reported, and legal proceedings are underway. The incident remains under investigation by Lake County officials. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Nov 28)
November 26, 2025
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Firefighters Respond to House Fire with Live Ammunition Near Antioch: On Tuesday afternoon, firefighters in the Antioch area were called to a house fire on North Circle Drive. Upon arrival, crews encountered smoke, flames, and live ammunition discharging inside the single-story home. Despite the added hazard, no injuries were reported among firefighters or civilians, and no residents were present during the incident. Additional fire departments assisted due to limited water supply, ensuring the fire was brought under control safely. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Nov 26)
November 24, 2025
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Zion Community Supports Family After Fire Destroys Home on Harbor Ridge Drive: A fire on Harbor Ridge Drive in Zion resulted in approximately $200,000 in damage, displacing a family of four and injuring a firefighter on Saturday evening. Zion Fire Rescue responded to the blaze while some team members were already handling another medical call, adding complexity to their efforts. All residents escaped safely, but the house sustained severe damage. Community members have begun fundraising to help the affected family recover from this loss. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Nov 24)
November 23, 2025
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Firefighter Hospitalized After House Fire on Harbor Ridge Drive in Zion: A house fire Saturday evening in the 3600 block of Harbor Ridge Drive in Zion caused around $200,000 in damage and forced its residents to leave their home. The Zion Fire Rescue Department responded to significant flames and smoke from the rear of a two-story house, while some personnel were already engaged with a separate medical call. One firefighter was injured and taken to a hospital. All residents were able to evacuate safely and are accounted for. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Nov 23)
November 20, 2025
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Antioch Man Apprehended by Police Dogs After Wisconsin Shooting and Chase: A 29-year-old man from Antioch was apprehended in Racine County, Wisconsin, following a high-speed pursuit and subsequent foot chase involving police canines. Authorities allege the man fired into a home in Trevor, Wisconsin, days earlier after an altercation with a female resident. The Kenosha County Sheriff's Office responded to the incident and identified the suspect, leading to the pursuit. The man was considered armed and dangerous before being taken into custody. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Nov 20)
November 18, 2025
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Manhunt Underway for Antioch Resident After Kenosha County Shooting Incident: Law enforcement in Kenosha County has launched a search for Jake Wenzel, a 29-year-old from Antioch, who is accused of firing a shot into a home on 268th Avenue in Trevor, Wisconsin. Authorities report the altercation followed a dispute with a female resident, who contacted the sheriff’s office late Sunday evening. Wenzel, who was out on bond for prior threats, is considered armed and dangerous. Investigators are actively seeking his whereabouts as the situation develops. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Nov 18)
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Antioch Man Accused in Kenosha County Shooting Arrested After High-Speed Chase: A 29-year-old man from Antioch was taken into custody Tuesday after a pursuit that followed an alleged shooting incident in Trevor, Wisconsin. Authorities say the suspect, Jake Wenzel, was wanted by the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office for firing into a home during an altercation on Sunday night. The search ended with his arrest at a motel in Union Grove, Wisconsin, following a high-speed chase and crash. No injuries from the gunfire were reported by deputies. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Nov 18)
November 17, 2025
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Van Rolls Into Water at Turtle Beach Marina Near Antioch; Driver Uninjured: A van became partially submerged after rolling backwards into the water while its driver attempted to load a boat at Turtle Beach Marina near Antioch on Sunday afternoon. Emergency responders from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office and Antioch Fire Protection District arrived at the scene but confirmed that no rescue was needed, as the driver was uninjured. Fire crews and a tow truck worked together to remove the van from the water. The incident did not result in injuries. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Nov 17)
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Brush Fire Near McHenry Burns 15 Acres, Draws Large Multi-Agency Response: A wind-driven brush fire consumed roughly 15 acres on South Crystal Lake Road near McHenry on Sunday afternoon, prompting a response from over a dozen fire departments across Lake and McHenry counties. Firefighters arrived within minutes to find the blaze actively spreading behind a residence and barn, accelerated by strong west winds. The Mutual Aid Box Alarm System was activated to bolster resources needed for containment. The incident highlighted the challenges of coordinating wildfire responses in the area. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Nov 17)
November 16, 2025
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Resident Injured in Johnsburg House Fire That Caused Widespread Damage: A house fire began at the back of a residence in the 4000 block of North Hillcrest Place in Johnsburg early Sunday, resulting in significant damage to the structure. Firefighters from the McHenry Township Fire Protection District responded just before 8 a.m. and managed to contain the blaze within 40 minutes. One resident sustained injuries, and all occupants safely exited the home. The incident left the residents displaced due to the extent of the fire damage. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Nov 16)
October 31, 2025
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Fire Renders Round Lake Heights Home Uninhabitable, No Injuries Reported: A fire broke out Wednesday afternoon in the 800 block of Tomahawk Trail in Round Lake Heights, causing extensive damage and leaving the home uninhabitable. Firefighters from the Greater Round Lake Fire Protection District responded to reports of heavy smoke and flames at the two-story residence. All occupants safely evacuated before crews arrived, and no injuries were reported. The incident prompted an upgraded alarm to facilitate a greater emergency response. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Oct 31)
October 29, 2025
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ICE to Transfer Waukegan Resident to Lake County in Connection With Antioch Woman's H: Federal immigration authorities are preparing to transfer Jose Luis Mendoza-Gonzalez, a 52-year-old Waukegan resident, to Lake County for a detention hearing following upgraded charges related to the disposal of Megan Bos's body. Bos, 37, of Antioch, was found deceased in Waukegan, and her death has (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Oct 22)
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Employee at Grass Lake School in Antioch fired after social media post blasting…: Grass Lake School Administrative Assistant to the Principal Cristina Monroy (inset) was terminated late last week following a social media post she made on Facebook about Charlie Kirk. | Background Photo: Google Street View; Inset: Provided An employee at Grass Lake School District in Antioch has been fired after she reposted comments on social media about having “absolutely no empathy” for Charlie Kirk after his assassination. Grass Lake School District 36 Superintendent Dr. William Newby sent a letter to families in the district to address a “recent situation” involving a post on social media made by a staff member. “We understand that this post was shared publicly and has caused hurt, anger, and concern among parents and community members,” Newby said. “I want to acknowledge the seriousness of the situation and affirm that the language and tone of the post were insensitive and do not reflect the values of Grass Lake School District 36,” he said. The superintendent said the district is a public Pre-K to 8th-grade school serving a diverse community. “Our staff are expected to model professionalism, respect, and integrity at all times-especially in public settings,” Newby said. The post in question was made by Cristina Monroy, who was the Administrative Assistant to Grass Lake School Principal Dr. Ryan Wollberg. Monroy shared an image containing text on it that said, “Charlie Kirk was a racist, xenophobic, transphobic, Islamophobic, sexist, white nationalist mouthpiece who made millions of dollars inciting hatred in this country.” “Whether it was his genocide denial, his transphobic tirades, his pushing for mass deportations, or his normalizing Trumpism for years, the man stood for nothing but hate. I extend absolutely no empathy for people like that, ” the image continued. “In this situation, my empathy is reserved for his children. May they grow up to live in a country that is the total opposite of everything their father envisioned. May all of our children grow up to live in a country that values their lives enough to take gun violence seriously and reject any person who would try to justify senseless gun-related deaths — especially the deaths of children,” the image said. Monroy captioned the text-based image with, “THIS!!!! [down arrow emojis].” Monroy’s post came shortly after Kirk was fatally shot at a Utah Valley University campus during an event where he was speaking. Newby said that while personal social media accounts are private in “one sense,” the impact of what is shared can “extend into the workplace and affect our school community.” We take this matter very seriously and are reviewing it carefully and appropriately,” he said. The superintendent told parents that his door is open and the administration is listening to the school community. “In addressing this matter, I ask our entire school community to join me in remaining calm, avoiding aggressive speech or behavior, and resisting divisive language,” Newby said. “We are all role models for our children. They are watching and learning from how we handle disagreement and conflict,” he added. The Grass School District Board of Education held its regular meeting last week where members of the public spoke against Monroy. John Muellner, a Republican candidate running for District 1 of the Lake County Board, was among those who spoke during the meeting. He said Monroy’s comments “shatter” trust and “scream of disdain” for those like Kirk — white, Christian and conservative. “How could she be trusted with the children of people whose demise she would celebrate?” Muellner said. “Let us reclaim our schools as beacons of love, not breeding grounds for hatred,” he added. After the regular board meeting, the board held a special closed meeting last Friday where they reportedly voted to terminate Monroy’s employment. Newby confirmed to Lake and McHenry County Scanner this week that Monroy had been fired last Friday. “We have an opportunity to teach them [students] that even in moments of strong emotion, we can discuss and debate difficult issues with respect, empathy, and civility. Please know that the safety of our students and staff is our top priority,” Newby said in the letter to parents. “We have a robust safety plan in place and are in ongoing communication with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, which is providing additional patrols and support as needed to ensure our campus remains secure and welcoming for all,” he added. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Sep 25)
October 8, 2025
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Gurnee Man Identified After Fatal Boating Incident on Fox Lake Near Antioch: Authorities have identified a 51-year-old Gurnee resident who died after being ejected from a boat on Fox Lake near unincorporated Antioch. The incident occurred Monday evening, and the man's body was recovered by fire department crews the following day. An autopsy determined the cause of death wasd (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Oct 8)
October 7, 2025
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Body Found in Fox Lake After Boating Incident Near Antioch: Emergency responders recovered a body from Fox Lake near unincorporated Antioch after a search for a missing boater. The individual is believed to be one of two men ejected from a boat during a high-speed maneuver on Monday evening. The Lake County Coroner's Office is conducting an autopsy to verify (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Oct 7)
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Search Continues for Missing Boater After Fox Lake Incident Near Antioch: Emergency crews have resumed efforts to locate a man who went missing after he and another individual were thrown from a boat during a high-speed maneuver on Fox Lake near Captain's Quarters in unincorporated Antioch. The search began Monday evening and continued into Tuesday, with local fire and sh (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Oct 7)
October 6, 2025
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Search Continues for Missing Boater After Incident on Fox Lake Near Antioch: Emergency responders are searching for a missing man after two individuals were thrown from a boat during a high-speed maneuver on Fox Lake near Captain’s Quarters in unincorporated Antioch. The incident occurred Monday evening, prompting a response from the Antioch Fire Protection District and Lake (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Oct 6)
September 15, 2025
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Family Displaced After House Fire in Unincorporated Antioch: A house fire on North Gridley Road in unincorporated Antioch left a family without a home Sunday afternoon. The residents and their pets evacuated safely before firefighters from multiple departments arrived. The fire caused significant damage, rendering the house uninhabitable. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Sep 15)
September 13, 2025
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House Fire Displaces Residents in Unincorporated Lake Villa; No Injuries Reported: A fire broke out Friday afternoon at a one-story home under construction in the 37500 block of Columbus Avenue, unincorporated Lake Villa. Firefighters quickly contained the blaze, and no injuries were reported. Residents were displaced as a result of the incident. Local fire and sheriff's officials (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Sep 13)