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January 2, 2026

  1. Speed and Slick Roads Cited in Fatal Crash Near Harvard, Illinois: Authorities report that a man in his 20s died after his vehicle struck a tree and caught fire near Harvard, Illinois. The incident occurred on Route 173 near Oak Grove Road, where investigators believe excessive speed on slippery roads contributed to the crash. Emergency crews responded to the scene and extinguished the fire, ultimately discovering the deceased driver inside the car. No additional occupants or injuries were reported by officials at the scene. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Jan 2)

    Lake County Harvard, IL +3 Hebron, IL Alden, IL Greenwood, IL

January 1, 2026

  1. Driver Dies After Car Strikes Tree and Catches Fire Near Harvard: A fatal car crash occurred Wednesday evening near Harvard, Illinois, when a vehicle hit a tree and became engulfed in flames on Route 173, just west of Oak Grove Road. The Hebron-Alden-Greenwood Fire Protection District and McHenry County Sheriff's Office responded to the scene and found the vehicle fully ablaze with one occupant inside, who was pronounced dead. Due to extensive fire damage, the type of vehicle could not be identified. No other individuals were found at the scene. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Jan 1)

    Lake County Harvard, IL +3 Hebron, IL Alden, IL Greenwood, IL

December 31, 2025

  1. Crash Near Marengo Hospitalizes Five After Driver Runs Stop Sign on Route 23: Five individuals, including a child, were taken to local hospitals after a two-vehicle collision at North Route 23 and River Road in unincorporated Marengo on Sunday morning. According to the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office, a driver who failed to stop at a sign was cited in connection with the crash. The impact left one vehicle in the roadway and the other in a ditch, forcing the closure of the intersection while emergency crews responded. Authorities have not released the conditions of the injured. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Dec 31)

    Lake County Marengo, IL +5 Harvard, IL Loves Park, IL Huntley, IL Genoa, IL Kingston, IL

December 30, 2025

  1. Marengo Woman Identified After Fatal Car Crash in Harvard, Investigation Ongoing: Authorities in Harvard, Illinois, have identified a 60-year-old Marengo resident found deceased in her car after a crash near the intersection of Route 14 and McGuire Road on Monday morning. The incident occurred amid slick driving conditions, and first responders found the vehicle off the roadway with minor damage. The woman was pronounced dead at the scene, and an investigation into the cause of her death is ongoing. Officials expect to release additional details as they become available. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Dec 30)

    Lake County Harvard, IL +1 Marengo, IL

December 29, 2025

  1. Five Injured in Two-Vehicle Collision That Closed Route 23 Near Marengo: A two-vehicle collision near the intersection of North Route 23 and River Road in unincorporated Marengo resulted in five individuals being transported to the hospital on Sunday morning. Emergency personnel found one car on the roadway and another in a ditch entangled with a utility pole wire. Responders from the Marengo Fire and Rescue Districts and McHenry County Sheriff’s Office handled the scene, which led to a temporary closure of Route 23. All vehicle occupants were out before emergency crews arrived. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Dec 29)

    Lake County Marengo, IL +5 Genoa, IL Kingston, IL Harvard, IL Huntley, IL Union, IL

  2. Marengo Woman Dies After Vehicle Leaves Road in Harvard During Slick Conditions: A 60-year-old woman from Marengo died after her vehicle left the roadway in Harvard, Illinois, during hazardous driving conditions caused by slick roads on Monday morning. Emergency responders found the vehicle near the intersection of Route 14 and McGuire Road with the driver inside, unresponsive. She was transported to a hospital but did not survive. The exact cause of the crash and the woman's death is under investigation by local authorities and the McHenry County Coroner's Office. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Dec 29)

    Lake County Harvard, IL +1 Marengo, IL

  3. Semi-Truck Overturns on Route 47 in Woodstock During Hazardous Winter Weather: Early Monday morning, a semi-truck carrying grain overturned on Route 47 near Ware Road in unincorporated Woodstock, Illinois. Both occupants of the truck were evaluated by paramedics but did not require additional medical care. Snow, icy roads, and strong winds caused dangerous travel conditions throughout McHenry County, leading to numerous weather-related accidents that kept first responders busy through the morning. No hazardous materials were spilled during the incident. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Dec 29)

    Lake County Woodstock, IL +3 Harvard, IL Huntley, IL Marengo, IL

  4. Winter Weather Causes Multiple Crashes in Lake and McHenry Counties: Lake and McHenry counties experienced several vehicle accidents on Monday morning as high winds and light snowfall combined to create slick roads. The National Weather Service issued a winter weather advisory for northern Illinois, including Lake, McHenry, and several adjacent counties, predicting wind gusts reaching 55 mph and up to an inch of snow accumulation. The hazardous conditions prompted warnings for area motorists. The advisory was in effect from early morning until 10 a.m. Monday. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Dec 29)

    Lake County Woodstock, IL +2 Harvard, IL Huntley, IL

December 26, 2025

  1. Unincorporated Richmond Crash Leaves Driver Seriously Injured, Authorities Report: A 20-year-old man was seriously injured after his vehicle crashed into trees along Tryon Grove Road near Keystone Road in unincorporated Richmond on December 19. First responders arrived within minutes, finding the car approximately 20 yards off the roadway down an embankment. The man, who was allegedly driving under the influence with a suspended license and not wearing a seatbelt, required air transport to a hospital. Local fire, sheriff’s, and police departments managed the response at the scene. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Dec 26)

    Lake County Richmond, IL +2 Harvard, IL Rockford, IL

December 25, 2025

  1. Harvard Man Arrested Following Armed Altercation and Police Chase: A 24-year-old Harvard resident, Jesus J. Figueroa, was taken into custody after allegedly pressing a loaded pistol into a teenager's stomach during an incident at a local restaurant. Police say the conflict led to a pursuit, culminating in a crash while Figueroa tried to evade officers on September 13. Authorities charged him with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, unlawful use of a firearm while hooded or masked, and resisting arrest. The Harvard Police Department conducted a significant search following the altercation. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Dec 25)

    Lake County Harvard, IL

December 23, 2025

  1. McHenry County Conservation Foundation Acquires 55 Acres of Historic Oak Woodland: The McHenry County Conservation Foundation has acquired 55 acres of oak woodland in Chemung Township, north of Harvard, preserving some of the county’s oldest trees. Secured with grant funding and donor support, this parcel is estimated to contain oaks up to 400 years old, making it among the largest stands remaining in McHenry County. The purchase, part of the Big Foot Woods Oak Legacy Project, aims to protect the area's diverse plant and animal species. The land will now receive permanent conservation status. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Dec 23)

    Lake County Chemung Township, IL +2 Harvard, IL Marengo, IL

December 21, 2025

  1. Funeral Arrangements Announced for Harvard Woman Allegedly Killed by Husband: Santina Perri, a 65-year-old mother and grandmother from Itasca, was found dead from an apparent gunshot wound on December 13 at a home near Harvard in unincorporated McHenry County. Her husband, Silvano Perri, 75, has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder in connection with her death. Local authorities, including the sheriff’s office and fire department, responded to the incident after a welfare check was requested. The family is preparing funeral services as the investigation continues. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Dec 21)

    Lake County Harvard, IL +3 Itasca, IL Roselle, IL

December 20, 2025

  1. Harvard Man Arrested After Police Pursuit Through McHenry County: A 23-year-old Harvard resident, Marco Gomez, was arrested following a police chase that began after he allegedly failed to stop for a traffic violation in McHenry County. The incident started on December 12 near Route 176 and Franklinville Street, with Gomez reportedly fleeing at high speeds and discarding items from his vehicle. The pursuit traveled through multiple communities before authorities detained him in Harvard. Gomez was found to have outstanding warrants at the time of his arrest. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Dec 20)

    Lake County Harvard, IL +4 Marengo, IL Woodstock, IL Union, IL

December 18, 2025

  1. Man Held Without Bail After Fatal Shooting of Wife Near Harvard, Authorities Say: A 75-year-old Itasca man, Silvano Perri, has been denied pre-trial release following charges that he fatally shot his wife, Santina Perri, at their residence near Harvard. Emergency responders arrived at the home in the 4500 block of Island Road after a well-being check led to the discovery of Santina's body and Silvano suffering serious injuries from an apparent attempted suicide. Authorities continue to investigate the incident, which occurred in unincorporated McHenry County. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Dec 18)

    Lake County Harvard, IL +1 Itasca, IL

December 16, 2025

  1. Authorities Identify Woman Killed in Shooting Near Harvard; Man Hospitalized: Authorities have identified Santina Perri, 65, of Itasca, as the woman who died after being shot at a residence near Harvard in the 4500 block of Island Road Saturday afternoon. The McHenry County Sheriff's Office responded following a welfare check, discovering Perri deceased from a gunshot wound. A man at the scene was also found with a serious gunshot injury and transported for medical treatment. An autopsy is scheduled, and the investigation remains ongoing. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Dec 16)

    Lake County Harvard, IL +1 Itasca, IL

December 15, 2025

  1. One Dead, Another Seriously Hurt in Stabbing at Home Near Harvard: Authorities are investigating a stabbing on the 4500 block of Island Road near Harvard that left one woman dead and a man with serious injuries on Saturday afternoon. Emergency responders found the deceased woman at the scene and transported the injured man to a local hospital, after which he was airlifted to a Level 1 trauma center. The McHenry County Sheriff’s Office and local fire officials are involved in the ongoing investigation. Additional details have not been released pending further inquiry. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Dec 15)

    Lake County Harvard, IL

  2. Woman Killed, Man Injured in Shooting at Residence Near Harvard, Illinois: The McHenry County Sheriff's Office is investigating a fatal shooting that occurred Saturday on the 4500 block of Island Road near Harvard in unincorporated McHenry County. Responding to a well-being check, deputies discovered a woman who had died from a gunshot wound and a man with gunshot injuries. The man was initially transported to a local hospital and later flown for further treatment. Authorities have not yet released the identities of those involved as the investigation continues. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Dec 15)

    Lake County Harvard, IL

December 14, 2025

  1. 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)

    Lake County Harvard, IL +5 Janesville, IL Antioch, IL

December 12, 2025

  1. Two Brothers Sentenced to Nine Years for Harvard Drive-By Shooting Incident: Two brothers from Walworth, Wisconsin, have received nine-year prison sentences for a drive-by shooting in Harvard, Illinois, where children were present at the targeted home. The incident occurred on March 31, 2025, when multiple rounds struck the garage of a Dewey Street residence. Both men pleaded guilty to aggravated discharge of a firearm and must serve at least 85 percent of their sentences before being considered for release. No injuries were reported during the incident. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Dec 12)

    Lake County Harvard, IL +1

December 10, 2025

  1. 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)

    Lake County Huntley, IL +6 Algonquin, IL Harvard, IL Marengo, IL Hampshire, IL

November 22, 2025

  1. Harvard Resident Sentenced to Federal Prison for Illegal Reentry and Sexual Assault: Santos Mardoqueo Vasquez-Ortiz, a 41-year-old Guatemalan national and Harvard resident, has been sentenced to federal prison following his illegal reentry into the United States, where he later sexually assaulted a woman in Harvard. Deportation originally occurred in 2008 via Texas, but Vasquez-Ortiz returned without authorization and was apprehended in January 2021 by McHenry County authorities. He pleaded guilty to reentry of deported aliens, as federal and local charges proceeded. The case was handled by the Northern District of Illinois. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Nov 22)

    Lake County Harvard, IL +1 Taylorville, IL

November 17, 2025

  1. Kewanee Man Sentenced to Six Months for Killing Cat and Assault in Harvard: Storm R. Ince, a 25-year-old from Kewanee, received a six-month jail sentence after being convicted of aggravated cruelty to animals and domestic battery following a February 2023 incident in Harvard. Police responded to a report of domestic violence where Ince assaulted a woman and fatally injured her cat. Additional charges against Ince included cannabis production and attempted delivery. The investigation involved both the Harvard Police Department and McHenry County Animal Control. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Nov 17)

    Lake County Harvard, IL +1 Kewanee, IL

November 15, 2025

  1. Fire Destroys Barn, Kills Over 50 Chickens and Damages House Near Harvard: A fire early Saturday morning on the 4700 block of Lindwall Road in unincorporated Harvard destroyed a barn, killed more than 50 chickens, and caused damage to both a nearby house and two vehicles. Multiple fire departments responded quickly to the scene after the blaze was reported around 5:29 a.m. Firefighters arrived to find the barn fully engulfed in flames and partially collapsed. The house sustained fire damage before the blaze was brought under control. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Nov 15)

    Lake County Harvard, IL +6 Hebron, IL Alden, IL Greenwood, IL Marengo, IL Woodstock, IL

November 13, 2025

  1. Harvard Police Conclude Murder-Suicide in Deaths of Newlywed Couple: Authorities have determined that the deaths of Rachel and Brandon Dumovich, found in a vehicle on Division Street and Burbank Street in Harvard, were the result of a murder-suicide. The couple, originally from Crystal Lake and recently residing in Sharon, Wisconsin, died from gunshot wounds to the head. The investigation revealed that Brandon Dumovich fatally shot his wife before killing himself. The case has been thoroughly reviewed by both local police and the county coroner. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Nov 13)

    Lake County Harvard, IL +3 Milwaukee, WI

November 3, 2025

  1. Child Airlifted After Head-On Collision Near Harvard Hospitalizes Five: A head-on collision between two vehicles south of Route 14 and Lembcke Road in unincorporated Harvard resulted in five people being hospitalized, including a child who was ejected from a car seat and seriously injured. Emergency responders from the Harvard Fire Protection District and McHenry County Sheriff's Office arrived at the scene Sunday afternoon after reports of multiple victims and entrapment. The child was airlifted due to the severity of injuries. Authorities are continuing to investigate the incident. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Nov 3)

    Lake County Harvard, IL +5 Hebron, IL Alden, IL Greenwood, IL Woodstock, IL Richmond, IL

October 31, 2025

  1. Harvard Alderwoman and Business Owner Rosa Luna Remembered for Community Impact: Rosa Maribel Luna, a Harvard City Council member and longtime business owner, passed away at age 65 after a period of illness. Luna, originally from Eagle Pass, Texas, was recognized for her service since being named alderwoman in 2021 and for her pioneering role as part of one of the first Latino families in Harvard. She built a respected insurance business and was known for her dedication to family and her community. Luna's contributions are being honored by friends and loved ones. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Oct 31)

    Lake County Harvard, IL +1

October 29, 2025

  1. Man Airlifted After Being Found Unresponsive Following ATV Crash Near Harvard: A man was found unresponsive in bed hours after being involved in an ATV rollover early Saturday near Harvard, Illinois. Authorities reported the incident occurred on the 18200 block of Altenburg Road in unincorporated Harvard. After being discovered unresponsive later that morning, he was transported by ambulance to a local hospital where a medical helicopter then flew him to a Rockford facility for further treatment. The McHenry County Sheriff’s Office is conducting an investigation. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Sep 15)

    Lake County Harvard, IL +1 Rockford, IL

  2. Coroner identifies newlywed couple found fatally shot in car stopped in roadway…: Rachel Dumovich, 29, and Brandon Dumovich, 30, both of Sharon, Wisconsin, were found dead in a car at Division Street and Burbank Street in Harvard late Monday evening after being shot. | Photo via Facebook The coroner has identified a newlywed couple who were found dead in a car stopped in the roadway and police say both were shot in Harvard Monday evening. Harvard Police Chief Tyson Bauman said an officer with the Harvard Police Department was on patrol around 11:52 p.m. Monday. The officer spotted a parked vehicle in the 700 block of Division Street, also known as Route 14. The car had its hazard lights activated and was stopped in the northbound lane near Burbank Street, Bauman said. The officer approached to investigate what they believed to be a motorist assist. Bauman said the officer discovered that a female driver and a male passenger were both dead inside the car. Rachel Dumovich, 29, and Brandon Dumovich, 30, both of Sharon, Wisconsin, were found dead in a car at Division Street and Burbank Street in Harvard late Monday evening after being shot. | Photo: The Knot The Harvard Fire Protection District was dispatched to the scene and it was relayed that one of the subjects had possibly shot themselves and was still in possession of a gun. McHenry County Coroner Dr. Michael Rein identified them on Wednesday as Rachel Dumovich, 29, and Brandon Dumovich, 30, both of Sharon, Wisconsin. A preliminary investigation indicates that Rachel Dumovich and Brandon Dumovich suffered a gunshot wound, Bauman said. A firearm was recovered inside the car. The McHenry County Coroner’s Office responded to the scene to take possession of both subjects for autopsies. Rein said autopsies have been scheduled on Rachel Dumovich and Brandon Dumovich for Thursday. The McHenry County Major Investigative Assistance Team (MIAT), which is comprised of over a dozen investigators from law enforcement agencies, as well as the coroner’s office and state’s attorney’s office, was activated to respond. Route 14 was shut down between Diggins Street, also known as Route 173, and McKinley Street to pedestrian and vehicle traffic, Bauman said. Rachel Dumovich, 29, and Brandon Dumovich, 30, both of Sharon, Wisconsin, were found dead in a car at Division Street and Burbank Street in Harvard late Monday evening after being shot. | Photo via Facebook Motorists were asked to avoid the area and use alternate routes as MIAT conducted an investigation. The McHenry County Sheriff’s Office said in an alert that heavy police activity was in the area due to the incident. An alert from the Harvard Police Department told residents to “use caution, remain sheltered and avoid the area” and a subsequent alert said the activity concluded around 7:30 a.m. Tuesday. Bauman said that while “murder-suicide” is a potential scenario, no final determination has been made and the case remains under active investigation. Rachel Dumovich and Brandon Dumovich got married less than a year ago on October 12. A wedding event site said the couple met in middle school at 12 years old. “I caught Brandon’s attention by stealing cologne from his locker and running away with it. After keeping in touch through many life stages and 15 years of friendship, we started dating in 2022,” Rachel Dumovich said on the site. The couple is originally from Crystal Lake. Anyone with information is asked to call the Harvard Police Department at 815-943-4431 or anonymously call the Crime Stoppers hotline at 815-943-4343 or email them at crimestoppers@cityofharvard.org. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Oct 8)

    Lake County Harvard, IL +2 Sharon, IL Crystal Lake, IL

October 20, 2025

  1. Harvard Area First Responders and Residents Honored for Tractor Accident Rescue: Emergency crews, along with family and a neighbor, were recognized for their efforts in rescuing an elderly man who was trapped under a tractor in water for several hours near Bunker Hill Road and Island Road in unincorporated Harvard. The Harvard Fire Protection District presented lifesaving awards (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Oct 20)

    Lake County Harvard, IL +1 Rockford, IL

October 14, 2025

  1. Suspect Sets Vehicle on Fire, Engages in Armed Standoff Near Harvard: Authorities responded to a vehicle fire in the 6500 block of Oak Grove Road in unincorporated Harvard, where a suspect reportedly set a car ablaze and later confronted first responders with a knife, leading to an armed standoff. No injuries were reported. The incident involved the Harvard Fire and a (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Oct 14)

    Lake County Harvard, IL

October 7, 2025

  1. Two Found Dead in Parked Car After Possible Shooting in Harvard: Police in Harvard, Illinois, discovered a man and a woman deceased inside a stopped vehicle late Monday night on Division Street. Authorities responded after noticing the car with hazard lights on. Initial reports suggest a possible shooting, and investigators from multiple agencies, including the M (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Oct 7)

    Lake County Harvard, IL

October 5, 2025

  1. Fire Damages Eight Acres of Farmland Near Harvard Amid Strong Winds: A fire burned about eight acres of a harvested soybean field near the intersection of Boone-McHenry County Line Road and Yates Road in unincorporated Harvard on Sunday afternoon. Firefighters from multiple districts responded and contained the blaze, which was intensified by strong winds and dry st. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Oct 5)

    Lake County Harvard, IL +1 Marengo, IL

October 2, 2025

  1. Resident Confronts Armed Burglary Suspect in Rural Harvard Home: A resident encountered two masked individuals during a burglary at a home on Perkins Road near Harvard. One suspect, identified as John P. Walker of Belvidere, allegedly fired a gunshot before fleeing. Walker faces multiple charges, including armed violence and theft. The incident is under McHenry   (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Oct 2)

    Lake County Harvard, IL +1 Belvidere, IL

September 29, 2025

  1. Route 14 near Harvard closed after truck hits utility pole; driver hospitalized: A pickup truck collided with a utility pole on Route 14 near Harvard, causing the road to be closed in both directions between Crowley Road and Garfield Road. Emergency crews removed the driver from the vehicle and transported him to a hospital. The incident occurred Monday afternoon in unincorpor­- (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Sep 29)

    Lake County Harvard, IL

September 27, 2025

  1. Two Hospitalized After Collision on Route 173 Near Hebron: A serious two-vehicle crash occurred at the intersection of Route 173 and Johnson Road in unincorporated Hebron on September 19. Emergency responders transported two people to the hospital, including a woman who was airlifted due to severe injuries. The incident led to the temporary closure of Route (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Sep 27)

    Lake County Hebron, IL +3 Harvard, IL Lake Geneva, IL Rockford, IL

September 17, 2025

  1. Suspect Charged After Armed Altercation and Police Pursuit in Harvard: A suspect faces charges after allegedly threatening a teenager with a handgun during an altercation in a Harvard parking lot. The individual reportedly fled police on a motorcycle, leading to a search in the area near McGuire Road and Route 14. The incident occurred Saturday evening and involved a 9 (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Sep 17)

    Lake County Harvard, IL

September 12, 2025

  1. Motorcyclist killed in collision with pickup truck in Spring Grove: A man riding a motorcycle died after a pickup truck turned in front of him at the intersection of Sunset Road and East Applewood Lane in Spring Grove. Emergency responders pronounced the rider dead at the scene. The incident occurred Wednesday afternoon and is under investigation by local police. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Sep 12)

    Lake County Spring Grove, IL +6 Cary, IL Harvard, IL Johnsburg, IL Mchenry, IL Richmond, IL Woodstock, IL