Latest News
Get the full Barrington experience:
Weather, sports, and more local content
March 1, 2026
-
Authorities Investigate Human Skeletal Remains Found in Barrington Forest Preserve: Police and the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office are investigating after a visitor discovered human skeletal remains in a wooded section of Baker's Lake Nature Preserve, located on East Dundee Road in Barrington. Officials responded to the scene on February 14, confirming the remains and initiating forensic analysis. The medical examiner is working to determine the individual's identity, cause of death, and manner of death. The investigation remains ongoing at this time. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Mar 1)
February 25, 2026
-
Two Men Hospitalized After Falling Through Ice on Fox River in Port Barrington: Emergency responders rescued and hospitalized two men on Wednesday afternoon after they fell through the ice while attempting to fish on a Fox River channel in Port Barrington. The Wauconda Fire District and McHenry County Sheriff’s Office responded quickly to the incident, which occurred near Riverside Lane. Firefighters entered the water to reach the men, who were approximately 50 feet from shore. Both individuals were transported for medical evaluation following the rescue. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Feb 25)
February 19, 2026
-
Threat Prompts Lockdown at Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital in Barrington: A man reportedly claimed to have killed someone and was heading to Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital in Barrington armed with a rifle, bombs, and a suicide vest. The threat led to a lockdown of the hospital and a significant police response late Tuesday night. Sheriff’s deputies established checkpoints at all hospital entrances and staff followed security procedures to ensure the safety of those inside. Authorities coordinated efforts to manage the situation and protect hospital staff, patients, and visitors. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Feb 19)
February 14, 2026
-
Cary Man Sentenced to Three Years for Fatal Wrong-Way Crash in Barrington: A Cary resident was sentenced to three years in prison after admitting guilt in a 2025 crash in Barrington that killed off-duty Glenview Police Officer Robert Fryc, also from Cary. The incident occurred early in the morning when the defendant, driving northbound on Northwest Highway, crossed into the southbound lanes and collided with Fryc’s vehicle. The crash led to significant community mourning, including participation from many police departments statewide. The case drew notable attention within the local area. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Feb 14)
February 7, 2026
-
South Barrington Garage Fire Contained Quickly With No Injuries or Major Damage: Fire crews responded to a reported garage fire around noon Friday on the 0-100 block of Shoreside Drive in South Barrington. Upon arrival, firefighters observed smoke and flames coming from an open garage door attached to a single-family home. The incident was escalated to ensure additional resources. The blaze was limited to the garage, controlled within 20 minutes, and caused minimal damage. No injuries were reported among residents, animals, or emergency personnel, and the cause remains under investigation. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Feb 7)
February 6, 2026
-
McHenry Woman Sentenced to 14 Years for Fatal Drunk Driving Incident in Island Lake: A McHenry woman received a 14-year prison sentence after striking and killing a Wauconda man in Island Lake while driving with a blood alcohol level three times the legal limit. Prosecutors reported that the driver had consumed approximately twelve alcoholic drinks at two bars before the crash, which threw the victim 40 feet through the air. The woman also attempted to submit a false insurance claim following the incident. The sentencing was issued by a McHenry County judge. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Feb 6)
January 31, 2026
-
Medical Helicopter Transports Driver After Car Crash in Inverness Wooded Area: Emergency crews responded to a crash in a wooded area of Inverness on Saturday afternoon after a car left the roadway on Barrington Road. One individual was freed from heavy brush and extensive vehicle damage before being airlifted by medical helicopter to a nearby hospital with significant injuries. Fire personnel had to clear dense foliage and conduct a prolonged extraction due to the force of the collision. The response required coordination among multiple rescue teams. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Jan 31)
January 24, 2026
-
First Responders Reunite With Woman They Rescued From Cardiac Arrest in Lake Zurich: A 61-year-old Crystal Lake resident, Terri Basler, recently met with the firefighter-paramedics and emergency dispatcher responsible for saving her life following a cardiac arrest episode in Lake Zurich. Basler experienced the medical emergency outside her office at Kemper Lakes Business Center and called 911, prompting rapid assistance from Long Grove Fire Protection District personnel. The dispatcher guided her through critical steps until paramedics arrived. The reunion highlighted the teamwork that contributed to her recovery. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Jan 24)
January 16, 2026
-
LakeComm Cites Hardware Malfunction in Lake County 911 Outage: Officials reported that a hardware failure led to a significant 911 phone outage at LakeComm, Lake County's main emergency dispatch center, on Thursday afternoon. Starting around 3:40 p.m., both 911 and non-emergency calls were affected for nearly an hour, with some issues persisting until about 5 p.m. During the disruption, nearby regional dispatch centers in Arlington Heights and Glenview managed emergency calls and communicated incidents to LakeComm by radio. Emergency response across the county relied on these alternate measures until service was restored. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Jan 16)
January 7, 2026
-
Barrington Boutique Plans Grand Reopening After Major Burglary Incident: ReStyle Designers of Barrington is preparing to announce its grand reopening less than two weeks after a burglary that left the business nearly empty. On December 28, six masked suspects forced entry to the shop on South Cook Street, taking most of the inventory in minutes. Barrington police responded following a 911 call from a nearby resident, who reported seeing suspects fleeing in two vehicles. Despite the loss, the boutique reports strong community support as it works to recover from the incident. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Jan 7)
January 6, 2026
-
Barrington Hills Barn Destroyed by Fire, No Injuries Reported: A large barn on Porter School Road in Barrington Hills was destroyed in a fire late Saturday night, but no injuries to people or animals were reported, according to local fire officials. The Barrington Countryside Fire Protection District responded with assistance from multiple departments after receiving a report of a fully engulfed structure. Crews worked to contain the blaze and protect nearby properties, utilizing tanker trucks due to a lack of hydrants. The fire was ultimately extinguished without further incident. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Jan 6)
January 4, 2026
-
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
-
Crystal Lake Family Welcomes First Baby of 2026 at Advocate Sherman Hospital: A Crystal Lake resident delivered the first baby of 2026 at Advocate Sherman Hospital in Elgin, marking a notable event for both the hospital staff and the community. The newborn, Kolbie Noelle Partenheimer, arrived at 12:55 a.m., just minutes after another child born at Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn. The parents, Kelly Davis and Kyle Partenheimer, joined many families celebrating new arrivals as the year began. The event reflects the hospital’s role in welcoming thousands of newborns annually. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Jan 3)
January 1, 2026
-
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 28, 2025
-
Lake County Cancer Survivors Recognized at Chicago Bulls United Center Event: Two breast cancer survivors from Lake County, including a resident of Gurnee, were honored at the Chicago Bulls' United Center on December 17. They participated in the Bulls' exclusive 'Court of Dreams' experience, which acknowledged Advocate Health Care cancer patients and survivors. The event highlighted the Bulls guard Tre Jones' ongoing advocacy for breast cancer awareness, inspired by his own family’s experience with the disease. The recognition aimed to celebrate survivors and raise awareness in the local community. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Dec 28)
December 26, 2025
-
Lake County Sheriff’s Canine Locates Missing Woman in Distress Near Barrington: On Christmas night, Lake County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a missing woman in mental distress near Barrington, Illinois. The incident occurred when an adult left her family's residence near Route 59 and Cuba Road and was not adequately dressed for cold weather. Sheriff’s Canine Lux and deputies conducted a search, eventually locating the woman hiding behind a home. Paramedics transported her to a hospital for mental health support and medical evaluation. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Dec 26)
December 22, 2025
-
Crystal Lake Cancer Survivor Honored During Chicago Bears Game Ceremony: Kendall Albright of Crystal Lake was recognized as a special guest at the Chicago Bears’ recent game against the Green Bay Packers. After being diagnosed with breast cancer just two weeks after her wedding, Albright underwent treatment at Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital in Barrington and is now cancer-free. She participated in the Bear Down Flag Ceremony at Soldier Field, where her husband joined her on the field. The honor celebrated both her personal resilience and her recovery journey. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Dec 22)
December 21, 2025
-
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 17, 2025
-
Pregnant Woman Hospitalized After Car Hits Stopped Garbage Truck Near McHenry: A two-vehicle crash occurred Tuesday morning on the 3000 block of North Ringwood Road in unincorporated McHenry, Illinois. A pregnant woman, the only person in her car, struck the rear of a stopped garbage truck, resulting in significant vehicle damage. Responders from the McHenry Township Fire Protection District and the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office were on scene shortly after 9 a.m. The injured woman was transported to a local hospital for evaluation and care. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Dec 17)
-
Sick Sandhill Crane Rescued After Nine-Day Effort in Lake County: After a prolonged nine-day rescue operation, Flint Creek Wildlife Rehabilitation successfully captured a sick sandhill crane in Lake County. The rescue began after a report on December 4 about the bird, which had been seen near Prairieview School in Hainesville. Despite several attempts and adverse conditions, the organization persisted until the crane was finally secured in critical condition. Flint Creek Wildlife is providing care for the injured bird at its Barrington facility. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Dec 17)
December 10, 2025
-
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 4, 2025
-
Barrington Hills Home Rendered Uninhabitable by Kitchen Fire, Residents Displaced: A house on Old Sutton Road in Barrington Hills was left uninhabitable after a kitchen fire Tuesday evening, drawing assistance from nine area fire departments. Firefighters responded around 7:30 p.m. and found smoke coming from the single-story home before confirming active fire on the first floor. The incident prompted a Code 4 response, with crews working together to control and extinguish the blaze. Residents were displaced as a result, with damage leaving the home unsafe for occupancy. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Dec 4)
December 3, 2025
-
71-Year-Old Pedestrian Fatally Struck After Parking Car in Kildeer: A 71-year-old man from Barrington was fatally struck by a vehicle after parking his car and attempting to cross Quentin Road in Kildeer on Thanksgiving evening. Emergency crews responded around 5:30 p.m. near Quentin and Rand Roads, where they found the victim unconscious in the roadway. The Kildeer Police Department and Lake County Major Crash Assistance Team closed the road to investigate the incident. The Lake County Coroner later identified the victim as Donald Dougal. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Dec 3)
December 1, 2025
-
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 17, 2025
-
Barrington Hills Barn Destroyed in Multi-Agency Fire Response on West Dundee Road: A large multi-story barn on the 100 block of West Dundee Road in Barrington Hills was completely destroyed by fire on Saturday afternoon. The blaze drew firefighters from several departments, who arrived within minutes to find the structure already fully involved. The barn, confirmed unoccupied at the time, was declared a total loss. Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire, and no injuries have been reported. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Nov 17)
November 13, 2025
-
No Injuries After Car Crashes Into Two Barrington Businesses' Fronts: An elderly woman lost control of her vehicle and drove into the front of two businesses in downtown Barrington late Friday morning. Emergency responders arrived at the 100 block of West Northwest Highway at the intersection of Route 59 and Route 14, finding damage to the storefronts but confirming that no injuries occurred. The businesses involved included Suppes Inc. and Ben E. Salon Spa. The incident resulted in shattered windows but no harm to the driver or others nearby. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Nov 13)
October 29, 2025
-
Semi-Truck Driver Airlifted After Rollover Crash in Barrington: A collision between a semi-truck hauling a dump trailer and an SUV at Barrington Road and Dundee Road in Barrington resulted in the truck driver being trapped for over an hour and sustaining serious injuries. Emergency responders extricated the driver, who was then flown to a hospital. The incident, (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Oct 9)
-
Driver hospitalized after SUV and Metra train collide in Fox River Grove: A collision between an SUV and a Metra train occurred Monday morning at the intersection of Northwest Highway and Algonquin Road in Fox River Grove. Emergency responders transported the driver to Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital. The incident happened at a rail crossing known for a major accident in (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Oct 13)
-
SUV Driver Cited After Semi-Truck Rollover at Barrington Intersection: A collision between an SUV and a semi-truck at Barrington Road and Dundee Road in Barrington resulted in the truck overturning and its driver sustaining serious injuries. Emergency crews responded on October 8, extricating the trapped truck driver, who was then airlifted to a hospital. The SUV's 201 (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Oct 16)
-
Elderly Woman Injured in Fox River Grove Metra Train and SUV Collision: An elderly woman sustained minor injuries after her SUV was struck by a Metra train at the intersection of Northwest Highway and Algonquin Road in Fox River Grove. The incident, which occurred Monday morning, led to significant delays for Metra trains. The driver was taken to the hospital and no one (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Oct 13)
October 26, 2025
-
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 16, 2025
-
Wauconda House Fire Displaces Residents and Causes Major Damage: A fire on Highland Avenue in Wauconda resulted in approximately $250,000 in damage to a single-story home and left its residents without housing. Firefighters from multiple departments responded quickly and were able to rescue a dog from the property. No injuries to residents were reported. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Oct 16)