Latest News

December 11, 2025

  1. Buffalo Grove Man Missing, Car Found at North Point Marina in Winthrop Harbor: Authorities are investigating the disappearance of Tomas Stundzia, a 48-year-old man from Buffalo Grove, after his car was discovered parked at North Point Marina in Winthrop Harbor. Stundzia was last heard from via text on Sunday evening, and records indicate his vehicle traveled northbound on Interstate 94 earlier that day. Despite owning a boat stored near the marina, there has been no sign of him or recent activity involving his boat. Police continue to seek information from the public as the search proceeds. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Dec 11)

December 9, 2025

  1. Elmhurst Man Charged with Murder After Woman's Body Found in Lake County: A 22-year-old Elmhurst man, Santino Ortiz, faces murder and robbery charges after the body of 21-year-old Claudia Mojarrieta-Matos was discovered in a wooded area near Delany Road and West Adams Road in Wadsworth, Lake County. Authorities allege Ortiz lured the woman to his home before fatally stabbing her and leaving her remains. The Elmhurst Police Department initiated the investigation following a missing person report. The case has led to formal charges and an ongoing legal process. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Dec 9)

December 8, 2025

  1. Tow Truck Driver Injured After Semi-Truck Collision on I-94 in Wadsworth: A tow truck driver from Antioch Automotive was hospitalized following a collision involving a semi-truck on Interstate 94 near Russell Road in Wadsworth during a snowstorm on Sunday morning. The crash occurred as the driver was assisting a disabled vehicle, when a semi lost control and struck both the driver and the vehicle. Emergency responders from multiple Illinois and Wisconsin agencies attended the scene. Illinois State Police are investigating the incident. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Dec 8)

  2. Authorities Investigate After Young Woman's Body Found in Wadsworth Wooded Area: Authorities in Lake County are conducting an investigation after the body of a woman believed to be in her early 20s was discovered in a wooded area near Delany Road and West Adams Road in Wadsworth. The Lake County Sheriff’s Office, in cooperation with the Elmhurst Police Department, responded to the scene and closed the roadway for several hours on Sunday evening. The woman was found under newly fallen snow, roughly 30 to 40 feet from the road. Officials have not yet determined the cause of death. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Dec 8)

December 7, 2025

  1. Lake and McHenry Counties Receive Up to 7 Inches of Snow with Early Seasonal Record: Parts of Lake and McHenry counties in Illinois experienced up to seven inches of snowfall over the weekend, with areas such as Lindenhurst and Capron reporting the highest totals. The National Weather Service issued a winter weather advisory affecting multiple counties as a weather system brought significant accumulation beginning late Saturday. The early and substantial snowfall marks the fastest start to the snow season in the Chicagoland area since 1978. The advisory remained in effect until 9 a.m. Sunday. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Dec 7)

December 1, 2025

  1. Additional Snowfall Forecasted in Chicagoland Following Heavy Weekend Snowstorm: Chicagoland residents are preparing for more snowfall on Monday, just after a powerful snowstorm left nearly a foot of accumulation in parts of Lake and McHenry counties over the post-Thanksgiving weekend. The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory covering several counties in the area, warning that snow will move in during the afternoon and persist into the night. Commuters are advised to expect hazardous travel conditions during the evening rush hour due to slippery roads and reduced visibility. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Dec 1)

November 29, 2025

  1. Lake and McHenry Counties Brace for Continued Heavy Snowfall After Storm: Lake and McHenry counties have experienced significant snowfall, with totals reaching up to 7 inches in some communities by early Saturday evening, according to the National Weather Service. Areas like McHenry, Woodstock, Wadsworth, and Antioch reported from 5 to 7 inches, while O'Hare International Airport recorded 3 inches. Over 1,100 flights were canceled at O'Hare, and hazardous road conditions have been reported as snow is expected to continue into Sunday morning. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Nov 29)

November 11, 2025

  1. Winthrop Harbor Receives 15 Inches of Snow After Intense Lake Effect Storm: Winthrop Harbor in Lake County saw 15 inches of snow after a significant lake effect storm moved through the eastern part of the county from Sunday evening into Monday morning. The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning, cautioning residents about hazardous travel conditions and strong wind gusts over 30 mph. Snow accumulations exceeded 10 inches in several areas, with Beach Park roads and grass heavily covered. Weather officials said this level of snowfall has not occurred in years. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Nov 11)

November 10, 2025

  1. Heavy Snowfall in Lake County Leads to Vehicle Accidents and School Closures: Overnight lake effect snow brought nearly a foot of accumulation to parts of Lake County, including areas like Winthrop Harbor. The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning, cautioning that hazardous travel conditions would develop. Many roads became slick, resulting in numerous vehicle accidents and the closure of several schools. Officials continue to monitor the situation as cleanup and recovery efforts proceed throughout the affected communities. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Nov 10)

October 29, 2025

  1. Driver faces DUI charge after serious crash on I-94 near Wadsworth: A 23-year-old man was charged with driving under the influence following a collision on Interstate 94 near Wadsworth, where his vehicle struck the rear of a semi-truck. The crash left his female passenger severely injured and trapped inside the car. Emergency crews responded to the scene, which also (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Oct 10)

October 13, 2025

  1. Former Student Receives Probation After Assault at College of Lake County: A former College of Lake County student from Wadsworth was sentenced to probation following a June 2023 incident at the Grayslake campus, where he removed a pride flag and assaulted two staff members. Prosecutors classified the attack as a hate crime. The incident occurred in an employee-only area,, (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Oct 13)

October 5, 2025

  1. Woman Extricated After Serious Crash on I-94 Near Wadsworth: A woman sustained serious injuries and required extrication after a car became lodged under a semi-truck on Interstate 94 near Wadsworth on Saturday evening. The incident, which involved three vehicles, led to a temporary closure of I-94 south of Russell Road. Emergency crews from Newport Fire and   (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Oct 5)

October 4, 2025

  1. Motorcyclist Suffers Critical Injuries in Wadsworth Collision: A 68-year-old Wadsworth man is in critical condition after a collision between his motorcycle and a car on Route 173 near Route 41. The incident occurred Friday afternoon, resulting in the rider losing a leg. Bystanders provided aid before emergency responders arrived. Authorities are investigating. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Oct 4)