Latest News
December 31, 2025
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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)
December 29, 2025
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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)
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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)
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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)
December 26, 2025
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Two Hospitalized After Rollover Crash on Interstate 90 Near Huntley: A rollover crash occurred Wednesday afternoon on Interstate 90 near Huntley, resulting in two people being hospitalized. Emergency crews from the Huntley Fire Protection District and Illinois State Police responded to the scene near Brier Hill Road. One person sustained serious injuries, requiring air transport to a Level 1 trauma center, while another was taken by ambulance to Northwestern Medicine Hospital. The cause of the single-vehicle crash remains under investigation. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Dec 26)
December 23, 2025
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Deerfield Gas Station Sells $1 Million Winning Powerball Ticket as Jackpot Grows: A Powerball ticket worth $1 million was sold at a gas station in Deerfield, Illinois, while several other residents across the state won significant prizes in Monday's drawing. As no ticket matched all numbers, the Powerball jackpot increased to $1.7 billion for the upcoming Wednesday draw, making it potentially one of the largest in the game's history. Additional winning tickets, including a $50,000 prize in Huntley, were also reported. The next drawing holds heightened significance due to the growing prize. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Dec 23)
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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Five Hospitalized After Multi-Vehicle Crash on Route 31 Near Crystal Lake: A four-vehicle accident on Route 31 near Half Mile Road in unincorporated Crystal Lake resulted in one car overturning and five individuals being taken to the hospital early Monday morning. The incident occurred near TC Industries, prompting responses from the Crystal Lake Fire Rescue Department and McHenry County Sheriff’s Office. The driver allegedly responsible for the crash fled the scene but was apprehended and now faces charges. Authorities confirmed that no one remained trapped in the overturned vehicle upon arrival. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Dec 18)
December 17, 2025
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Firefighters Rescue Dog from Icy Pond in St. Charles, Animal Taken to Huntley Shelter: Firefighters with the Fox River and Countryside Fire Rescue District saved a husky that had fallen through ice and become submerged in a pond near Hunters Gate Road in unincorporated St. Charles on Monday morning. The large dog, reportedly stranded for about an hour and weighing around 100 pounds, was safely retrieved with cold water suits. The dog was later transported to an animal hospital in Huntley, and authorities are seeking its owner. The dog's condition following the rescue has not been detailed. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Dec 17)
December 15, 2025
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Five Hospitalized After Four-Vehicle Crash Closes Route 31 Near Crystal Lake: A four-vehicle collision occurred on Route 31 near Half Mile Road in unincorporated Crystal Lake early Monday, resulting in one car overturning and significant damage. Emergency responders from Crystal Lake Fire Rescue and the McHenry County Sheriff's Office arrived shortly after 6:15 a.m. and confirmed five people required hospitalization due to the crash. Route 31 remained closed for several hours as crews managed the scene and cleared debris. No one was found inside the overturned vehicle when first responders arrived. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Dec 15)
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 1, 2025
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Multiple Animals Rescued, One Missing After Significant House Fire in Huntley: Firefighters responded to a house fire on Ashley Street in Huntley on Monday morning, successfully rescuing several animals as they battled heavy flames and smoke. The Huntley Fire Protection District arrived after multiple 911 calls reported visible flames and quickly extinguished much of the fire from the exterior. The blaze caused extensive damage to the two-story residence, leaving its occupants displaced. Authorities continue to search for one missing pet following the incident. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Dec 1)
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 26, 2025
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Teen Driver Suffers Serious Injuries After Falling Asleep and Crashing Near Huntley: A single-vehicle accident on Seeman Road, south of Church Road near Huntley, left an 18-year-old driver with serious injuries when her car struck a tree early Sunday morning. Authorities report the teenager fell asleep while driving her 2020 Buick Encore, causing it to veer off the road. Emergency crews responded just before 1 a.m., and the severity of the crash required her to be extricated and airlifted for treatment. No other vehicles or individuals were involved in the incident. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Nov 26)
November 25, 2025
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Van Driver Dies After Collision With Semi-Truck on I-90 Near Huntley: A van driver succumbed to injuries days after a serious crash with a semi-truck on eastbound Interstate 90 near Huntley. Emergency responders arrived Thursday evening at mile marker 47 to find the vehicle heavily damaged and the driver trapped inside. Multiple fire units assisted in extricating the man, identified as a 50-year-old Chicago resident. He was hospitalized with critical injuries but did not survive. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Nov 25)
November 24, 2025
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Drivers Cited After Two Crashes on I-90 Near Huntley Leave Two Seriously Hurt: Illinois State Police reported that two separate crashes occurred minutes apart on Interstate 90 near Huntley, resulting in one man suffering critical injuries and a second man sustaining serious injuries. The Huntley Fire Protection District responded to the initial crash near mile marker 48 and encountered a second collision about a mile west at mile marker 47. Both drivers were cited following the incidents, which required emergency crews to extricate at least one trapped individual. Investigations into the circumstances are ongoing. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Nov 24)
November 23, 2025
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Driver Airlifted After Serious Single-Vehicle Crash Near Huntley: A driver sustained significant injuries after crashing into a tree early Sunday near Huntley in unincorporated McHenry County. Emergency personnel from the Huntley Fire Protection District and the McHenry County Sheriff's Office responded to the scene on Seeman Road around 12:58 a.m. Firefighters extricated the sole occupant, who was trapped inside the heavily damaged vehicle, and a medical helicopter transported the driver to the hospital. No additional passengers or vehicles were involved in the incident. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Nov 23)
November 21, 2025
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Two Men Severely Injured in Separate I-90 Crashes Near Huntley: Two major crashes occurred minutes apart Thursday evening on eastbound Interstate 90 near Huntley, resulting in severe injuries to two men. In the first incident, one man was trapped in a vehicle at mile marker 48 and suffered life-threatening injuries. Emergency responders encountered a second crash about a mile west at mile marker 47, where another man sustained serious injuries. Both scenes required significant emergency response, highlighting local roadway safety concerns. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Nov 21)
November 15, 2025
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Huntley Couple Released After Facing Charges of Sexual Conduct With Animal: A Huntley couple, Efin J. Nolte, 23, and Katelyn E. Heiden, 27, were released after being charged with sexual conduct involving an animal. The investigation began in July, leading police to execute a search warrant and examine electronic devices, which confirmed video evidence. Both individuals were charged with a Class 4 felony, but a judge was required to release them while the case moves forward. The incident led to significant concern within the local community. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Nov 15)
November 14, 2025
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Huntley Couple Arrested for Alleged Sexual Conduct with Dog, Police Report: Authorities in Huntley have arrested two residents, Efin J. Nolte and Katelyn E. Heiden, following an investigation that began in July. Police say evidence, including video footage recorded in Huntley, led to both individuals facing charges of sexual conduct with an animal. Investigators executed a search warrant and analyzed seized electronic devices, resulting in felony charges for both suspects. The investigation involved collaboration between local police and the Illinois Attorney General's office. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Nov 14)
November 10, 2025
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Driver Extricated and Airlifted After Vehicle Overturns in Huntley Creek Incident: Emergency crews responded Monday morning after a driver sustained serious injuries following a rollover crash on Kreutzer Road in Huntley. The vehicle reportedly went through a guardrail and landed on its side in a creek embankment. Firefighters arrived quickly, stabilized the scene, and worked to extricate the trapped driver before airlifting him to a hospital. Authorities confirmed the vehicle was not submerged, and the incident remains under investigation. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Nov 10)
November 7, 2025
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Firefighters Contain Large Hay Pile Blaze Near Huntley, Smoke Visible for Miles: Firefighters responded to a significant fire involving a large hay pile near several barns on Marengo Road, outside of Huntley, Friday afternoon. Crews spent approximately two hours extinguishing the flames, which generated a substantial column of black smoke visible from a distance. All occupants had safely evacuated the nearby structures before firefighters arrived. Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the blaze, but nearby buildings were threatened during the incident. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Nov 7)
October 29, 2025
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Two-Vehicle Crash Sends Driver to Hospital After Car Strikes House Near Marengo: A two-vehicle collision occurred Wednesday morning at the intersection of Route 23 and River Road in unincorporated Marengo, resulting in both drivers suffering serious injuries. Emergency crews, including the Marengo Fire & Rescue Districts and McHenry County Sheriff's Office, responded to the scene. One driver was airlifted to a hospital in critical condition after one of the vehicles struck a nearby house. The incident remains under investigation by local authorities. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Oct 29)
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Firefighters Rescue Injured Construction Worker From Rooftop Near Huntley: Firefighters assisted a worker who was injured while working on the roof of a newly built home in a development near Providence Road and Big Timber Road, east of Route 47 between Huntley and Pingree Grove. The incident occurred Tuesday afternoon, and the individual sustained a leg injury that prevented a safe descent. Fire crews from the Huntley Fire Protection District, as well as neighboring districts, responded and used a ladder truck to complete the rescue. The area has been noted for recent rapid growth and new construction activity. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Oct 24)
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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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Lake in the Hills Resident Convicted of Murder in 2020 Elgin Shooting: Dru K. Jarvis, a 26-year-old from Lake in the Hills, was found guilty by a jury for the fatal shooting of a car passenger in Elgin on August 22, 2020. The incident occurred after the victim's vehicle honked at the vehicle in which Jarvis was riding. Jarvis was convicted on several charges, including first-degree murder, attempted murder, and armed violence. He now faces a minimum sentence of nearly 100 years in prison. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Oct 27)
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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 22, 2025
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Teen on skateboard seriously hurt in hit-and-run near Huntley: An 18-year-old from Marengo sustained serious injuries after being struck by a vehicle while skateboarding along Harmony Road in unincorporated Huntley. The incident occurred Saturday evening near the intersection with Briar Hill Road. Emergency responders from the McHenry County Sheriff's Office, H (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Oct 22)
October 19, 2025
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Van Fire on I-90 Near Huntley Leaves Occupants Unharmed: A van towing a trailer caught fire on the eastbound side of Interstate 90 near Huntley, under the Hennig Road bridge, on Saturday afternoon. Emergency responders arrived to find the vehicle fully engulfed in flames. Both adult male occupants exited the van safely, and no injuries were reported. The (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Oct 19)
October 8, 2025
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Suspect Arrested in Huntley for Alleged Theft from Vulnerable Resident: Huntley police, with assistance from a state task force, arrested a 22-year-old Elgin man accused of stealing about $8,000 in cash and car rims from a resident with intellectual disabilities. The incident reportedly involved an online scam targeting the victim, who was pressured into handing over a (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Oct 8)
October 4, 2025
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Huntley Withdraws from Planned Metra Station on Chicago-Rockford Rail Line: Huntley officials have decided not to pursue a Metra station on the upcoming passenger rail line connecting Chicago and Rockford. The village cited concerns about downtown traffic, parking, uncertain ridership, and potential financial obligations. The Illinois Department of Transportation confirmed, (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Oct 4)
September 26, 2025
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Driver injured and cited after car collides with two trucks near Marengo: A 19-year-old Hampshire man was hospitalized and cited following a crash involving his sedan and two semi-trucks on Route 20 near Getty Road in unincorporated Marengo. The incident occurred on September 17, leading to a temporary closure of Route 20. Authorities report the car crossed the centerline (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Sep 26)
September 17, 2025
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Driver hospitalized after car crashes into home in Hampshire neighborhood: A vehicle struck a fire hydrant, broke through a fence, and collided with the back of an occupied house on Hennig Road near Huntley. The incident occurred Monday evening, with the driver sustaining minor injuries and transported to Northwestern Medicine Hospital. No residents were injured. Local law (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Sep 17)