Latest News
February 11, 2026
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Convicted Felon Accused of Brandishing Firearm During Dispute at Marengo RV Park: A 46-year-old man from Kinston, North Carolina, was arrested at Lehman’s Lakeside RV Resort near Marengo on January 31 after reportedly displaying a loaded handgun during a confrontation. The incident led to felony charges including aggravated unlawful use of a firearm and being a felon in possession of a weapon. Authorities allege the individual lacked both the required firearm owner’s identification and concealed carry license. The matter is being adjudicated in McHenry County Circuit Court. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Feb 11)
February 4, 2026
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Chimney Fire in Unincorporated Marengo Prompts Safety Reminder From Officials: A house in unincorporated Marengo near S. Route 23 and W. Coral Road experienced a minor chimney fire on Monday evening. Marengo Fire & Rescue Districts responded quickly after a passerby noticed flames, containing the fire to the chimney itself without further damage to the home. Fire crews ventilated the property and reported no injuries. Officials urge residents to regularly clean chimneys to reduce fire risk. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Feb 4)
January 25, 2026
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Police Increase Patrols at Marengo Middle School Following Threat Investigation: Marengo police are ramping up patrols at Marengo Community Middle School in response to a recent threat reportedly made by a juvenile about bringing a weapon to campus. Authorities became aware of the incident over the weekend and have identified and contacted the individual involved. The police are working closely with school officials, and the juvenile in question will not be present at the school. No immediate threat to the public has been reported, and criminal charges are under consideration. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Jan 25)
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Resident Hospitalized After House Fire Displaces Two Near Marengo: A house fire in the 900 block of Echo Trail in unincorporated Marengo led to the hospitalization of one resident and left two people without a home on Saturday evening. The incident occurred amid subzero temperatures, posing additional challenges for firefighters from the Harvard Fire Protection District. Crews responded to reports of smoke and traced the fire to the second floor near the chimney, eventually finding flames spreading through the attic. The cause and full extent of the damage have not yet been disclosed. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Jan 25)
January 14, 2026
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Wind-Driven Snowfall Causes Multiple Crashes in Lake and McHenry Counties: Hazardous road conditions resulted from high winds and snow across Lake and McHenry counties during a recent Wednesday morning commute. Emergency responders were called to numerous vehicle accidents, including several involving school buses. The National Weather Service noted a cold front brought rapidly falling temperatures, contributing to slick roads and low visibility. Drivers experienced significant delays as emergency crews managed the aftermath of these incidents. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Jan 14)
January 10, 2026
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No Charges Filed After Semi and Garbage Truck Crash Near Marengo Injures Three: Emergency crews responded early Wednesday morning to a crash involving a semi-truck and a garbage truck near Route 23 and Collins Road in unincorporated Marengo. Three individuals were taken to the hospital after the collision caused significant vehicle damage and led to a prolonged closure of Route 23 between Kishwaukee Valley Road and River Road. Authorities have determined that no charges will be filed against the semi-truck driver. The roadway has since reopened following the investigation. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Jan 10)
January 9, 2026
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House Fire in Crystal Lake Displaces Residents and Injures One Person: A house fire in the 1400 block of Candlewood Drive in Crystal Lake on Thursday afternoon caused extensive damage, leaving the property uninhabitable and residents without a home. Multiple fire departments responded, and the incident required an upgrade to a mutual aid response. One individual sustained injuries in the blaze, which resulted in an estimated $100,000 in damage. The cause of the fire and further details about the displaced residents were not released. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Jan 9)
January 7, 2026
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Three Hospitalized After Route 23 Crash Involving Garbage Truck Near Marengo: A collision between a garbage truck and a semi-tractor-trailer near Marengo on Wednesday morning resulted in serious vehicle damage and left three people injured. Emergency responders arrived at Route 23 and Collins Road in unincorporated Marengo around 7 a.m., where all victims were later determined to have avoided ejection from the vehicles. The crash prompted authorities to shut down Route 23 between Kishwaukee Valley Road and River Road while crews responded. All injured individuals were transported to area hospitals for care. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Jan 7)
January 3, 2026
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House Fire Near Marengo Displaces Couple and Causes Extensive Damage: A fire on New Year’s Eve left a couple without a home after extensive damage rendered their house on Paulson Drive near Marengo uninhabitable. Marengo Fire & Rescue Districts responded Wednesday evening to battling heavy smoke and flames coming from the roof of the single-story residence. The blaze required additional support through the Mutual Aid Box Alarm System due to its rapid development. The fire rekindled on Friday, prolonging the emergency response at the scene. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Jan 3)
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 30, 2025
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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)
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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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)
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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)
December 23, 2025
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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)
December 20, 2025
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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)
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Marengo Historian Arrested on Child Pornography Charges Following Investigation: James R. Gibbons, a 72-year-old historian from Marengo known for his presentations around the Chicago area, was arrested after authorities discovered child sexual abuse material at his residence. The McHenry County Sheriff's Office initiated the investigation based on a cybertip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Law enforcement executed a search warrant and found digital evidence leading to his arrest. Gibbons now faces two felony counts of possession of child pornography. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Dec 20)
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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Man Seriously Injured After Ejection in Rollover Crash on I-90 Near Marengo: A man sustained serious injuries after being ejected during a rollover crash that occurred Monday evening on Interstate 90 near Marengo. Emergency crews responded to mile marker 34 in the westbound lanes, where they found the vehicle rolled over and significant debris across the roadway. The victim was transported by paramedics to a hospital in Rockford for treatment. The crash briefly shut down all lanes of the interstate while first responders managed the scene. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Dec 10)
December 9, 2025
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Worker Seriously Injured After Machine Fire at Marengo Manufacturing Facility: A worker was hospitalized after sustaining serious injuries from a fire that broke out in a welding room at UniCarriers Forklift in Marengo on Monday morning. The Marengo Fire & Rescue Districts responded to the North Prospect Street facility following a commercial fire alarm, arriving to find the building had already been evacuated. Firefighters quickly contained and extinguished the fire in the affected area. The incident resulted in substantial safety concerns but was limited to a single room. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Dec 9)
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 30, 2025
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Marengo Resident Injured While Clearing Clogged Snowblower During Winter Storm: A man in Marengo sustained serious injuries to his hand after it came into contact with snowblower blades while he was trying to clear a clog. Emergency responders from Marengo Fire & Rescue Districts arrived at the scene on West Prairie Street Saturday afternoon and transported the individual to a hospital in Rockford for further care. The incident happened as residents were cleaning up after a significant winter storm. Authorities urge the public to exercise caution and follow safety procedures when operating snow removal equipment. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Nov 30)
November 17, 2025
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Man Injured in Accidental Self-Inflicted Shooting at Marengo Gun Range: A man in his 60s was taken to a trauma center after accidentally shooting himself in the leg at D5 Ranges in Marengo during a training exercise. Emergency crews responded to the incident on East Prairie Street, and the victim was transported to OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center in Rockford. Authorities confirmed that the injuries were not life-threatening. The event is being investigated by the Marengo Police Department and is believed to have been accidental. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Nov 9)
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SUV Strikes Tree and Rolls Over, Injuring Driver Near Marengo: Emergency crews responded to a single-vehicle accident Thursday morning at Kishwaukee Valley Road and Oleson Road in unincorporated Marengo. Authorities stated that the driver lost control of an SUV, colliding with a large tree, which subsequently fell, leading the vehicle to overturn onto its roof. The male occupant sustained moderate injuries and was briefly trapped in the vehicle before being rescued. A medical helicopter was placed on standby but was not needed for transport. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Nov 13)
November 15, 2025
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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)
October 29, 2025
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Tucson Man Sentenced to 13 Years for Fentanyl Trafficking in McHenry County: A Tucson resident received a 13-year prison sentence after being apprehended in Marengo with 120,000 fentanyl-laced pills, valued at nearly $1.8 million. The arrest, made by the DEA and McHenry County Sheriff's Office, followed a traffic stop in August 2024. Authorities linked the individual to a S (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Oct 18)
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Bomb Squad Destroys Suspected Explosive Device Near Woodstock in McHenry County: Authorities responded to a property on Kunde Road in unincorporated McHenry County, southwest of Woodstock, after a resident found a suspicious plastic box with a fuse. The Kane County Bomb Squad inspected and safely destroyed the device. The origin of the item remains unknown. No injuries were, or, (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Oct 16)
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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)
October 28, 2025
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One Fatality and One Injured After Power Line Incident on Marengo Farm: A farm accident near Marengo on Monday evening involved a live power line falling in the area of County Line Road and Jackson Road in unincorporated McHenry County. Emergency personnel found one person deceased at the scene and another trapped in a tractor, who was later transported to a trauma center for medical care. Responders waited for utility crews to safely deactivate the downed power line before assisting victims. Authorities have not disclosed further details about those involved. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Oct 28)
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Woodstock Man Dies by Electrocution in Farm Accident Near Marengo: A Woodstock man died after coming into contact with a live power line that was knocked down during grain loading operations near Marengo on Monday evening. The incident occurred along County Line Road, south of Jackson Road, involving a John Deere 9520RX tractor in unincorporated Marengo. A second individual from Hebron operating the tractor was hospitalized following the accident. Local sheriff and fire officials responded and are investigating the circumstances of the fatality. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Oct 28)
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 15, 2025
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Coroner Releases Name of Teen Killed in Fiery Crash Near Marengo: A 19-year-old woman from Janesville, Wisconsin, was identified by the McHenry County Coroner after dying in a car crash on River Road in unincorporated Marengo. The vehicle struck a tree, came to rest against a house, and caught fire Monday evening. A man in the car was seriously injured. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Oct 15)
October 13, 2025
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Authorities Seek Owners of Two Horses Found Wandering Near Woodstock: The McHenry County Sheriff's Office is asking for assistance in identifying the owners of two mares discovered early Monday morning on a property in unincorporated Woodstock. The horses were found near the 3100 block of Vermont Road and are being held temporarily while officials attempt to locate wh (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Oct 13)
October 11, 2025
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Semi-Truck Driver Hospitalized After Jackknife Crash on I-90 Near Marengo: A semi-tractor-trailer driver was hospitalized after losing control and striking the concrete median on eastbound Interstate 90 near Marengo. Emergency crews responded Monday morning to extricate the trapped driver, who was reported conscious. The crash caused significant vehicle damage and required (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Oct 11)
October 5, 2025
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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)
September 28, 2025
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Marengo man receives prison sentence for domestic violence incident: A 33-year-old Marengo resident with a prior conviction for injuring an infant has been sentenced to nearly six years in prison after being found guilty of strangling a woman during a domestic disturbance in Marengo. Police responded in February after neighbors reported the incident, leading to the (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Sep 28)
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)