Latest News

March 1, 2026

1. Two Residents Escape Early Morning House Fire in Unincorporated Round Lake: Emergency crews responded to a basement fire in a two-story home on North Harrison Avenue in unincorporated Round Lake early Sunday morning. Two residents managed to leave the house safely and were evaluated by paramedics. Firefighters from the Greater Round Lake Fire Protection District contained the blaze, which had started in the basement and spread to other areas. Authorities are continuing to investigate the cause of the fire. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Mar 1)

   Lake County Round Lake, IL +10 Grayslake, IL Wauconda, IL Libertyville, IL Gurnee, IL Antioch, IL

February 28, 2026

1. Wauconda Deck Fire Displaces Two Residents After Smoking Materials Ignite Blaze: A fire started by improperly discarded smoking materials on a deck spread to a single-story home in Wauconda, displacing two residents. The incident occurred Thursday evening on the 1100 block of Northshore Drive, prompting a response from local fire and police departments. Firefighters arrived within minutes to find the rear of the home engulfed in flames, and police had already used an extinguisher to limit the damage. The blaze rendered the residents homeless, according to officials. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Feb 28)

   Lake County Wauconda, IL +4 Grayslake, IL Mundelein, IL

February 27, 2026

1. Holiday Hills Fire Damages Garage, Two Homes; Four Residents and Dog Displaced: A fire that began in a detached garage on South Riverview Drive in Holiday Hills quickly spread to two nearby houses Friday afternoon, resulting in extensive damage. Emergency crews from multiple fire departments responded to the scene just after noon. Both homes were left uninhabitable, forcing four residents and a dog to seek temporary shelter. No serious injuries were reported as a result of the incident. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Feb 27)

   Lake County Holiday Hills, IL +9 Mchenry, IL Cary, IL Wauconda, IL Woodstock, IL

February 25, 2026

1. Fox Lake Garage Destroyed After Electric Vehicle Fire Spreads to Structure: A fire originating from an electric vehicle destroyed a two-car detached garage on Rose Avenue in Fox Lake early Tuesday morning. Fire crews from the Fox Lake Fire Protection District responded quickly and contained the blaze before it could cause major damage to nearby homes. The house next to the garage sustained only minor damage, and there were no reported injuries. The garage was deemed a total loss following the incident. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Feb 25)

   Lake County Fox Lake, IL +4 Wauconda, IL Antioch, IL

February 24, 2026

1. Wonder Lake House Fire Leaves Young Family Homeless and Pet Injured: A house fire on the 2000 block of Winterberry Trail in Wonder Lake displaced a recently married couple expecting a child. Multiple fire departments from Lake, McHenry, and Kenosha counties responded to the blaze, which was reported Saturday afternoon. The fire caused severe damage to the home and left the family's cat injured and trapped inside. Emergency crews were able to reach the scene within minutes, but the residence was left uninhabitable. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Feb 24)

   Lake County Wonder Lake, IL +16 Antioch, IL Cary, IL Grayslake, IL Hebron, IL Richmond, IL Salem Lakes, WI Wauconda, IL Waukegan, IL Woodstock, IL

February 22, 2026

1. Two Hospitalized, Cat Rescued After House Fire in Wonder Lake Causes Major Damage: A house fire on the 2000 block of Winterberry Trail in Wonder Lake led to two people being transported to the hospital Saturday afternoon. Firefighters from multiple counties responded quickly and were able to rescue a trapped cat from the residence. The fire caused notable damage to the two-story home, particularly affecting the attached garage area. The incident has left the residents displaced as authorities continue to assess the situation. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Feb 22)

   Lake County Wonder Lake, IL +16 Antioch, IL Cary, IL Grayslake, IL Hebron, IL Richmond, IL Salem Lakes, WI Wauconda, IL Waukegan, IL Woodstock, IL

February 20, 2026

1. Crystal Lake Woman, 25, Dies in Hoffman Estates Crash; Funeral Services Planned: A 25-year-old woman from Crystal Lake, who spent her childhood in Lake Zurich, died following a single-vehicle crash on Barrington Road near Higgins Road in Hoffman Estates on February 13. Emergency crews responded to the scene near Ascension Saint Alexius Medical Center but were unable to save her. The crash caused significant damage to her vehicle near the Arthur L. Janura Preserve. Arrangements for her funeral have since been made by her family. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Feb 20)

   Lake County Hoffman Estates, IL +5 Wauconda, IL Cary, IL

February 19, 2026

1. Fox Lake Fire Leaves Resident Displaced and Cat Dead After Significant House Damage: A fire broke out Sunday afternoon at a home in the 700 block of South Route 59 in Fox Lake, prompting response from multiple fire departments. The homeowner reportedly discovered the fire upon returning and called emergency services, with firefighters arriving to find moderate smoke coming from the two-story house. All human occupants had exited safely, but a cat died in the incident. The fire caused major damage to the house and left the resident without a home. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Feb 19)

   Lake County Fox Lake, IL +5 Antioch, IL Wauconda, IL Countryside, IL

February 14, 2026

1. Fire Displaces Residents in Unincorporated McHenry Neighborhood: A fire broke out early Saturday morning in the 2500 block of North Freedom Drive, just outside McHenry, Illinois, leaving residents without a home. Responding fire departments arrived within minutes to find flames coming from the attic of an attached garage. The McHenry County Sheriff’s Office assisted in evacuating three individuals from the house. The blaze caused significant damage to the living area and has left those affected seeking temporary shelter. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Feb 14)

   Lake County Mchenry, IL +10 Richmond, IL Cary, IL Wauconda, IL Antioch, IL

February 6, 2026

1. 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)

   Lake County Island Lake, IL +5 Wauconda, IL Mchenry, IL Lakemoor, IL Rockford, IL Barrington, IL

February 5, 2026

1. Sprinkler System Limits Damage in Early Morning Fire at Crystal Lake Complex: An early morning fire at a multifamily residential complex on Ambassador Circle in Crystal Lake was contained thanks to an active sprinkler system and prompt fire department response. Firefighters arrived shortly after 1 a.m. to find smoke coming from a garage and successfully extinguished a small fire that had been kept in check by the building’s sprinklers. Damage was limited to one garage, preventing further destruction or injuries. Authorities credit the safety systems for minimizing loss in the incident. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Feb 5)

   Lake County Crystal Lake, IL +9 Algonquin, IL Cary, IL Huntley, IL Mchenry, IL Wauconda, IL Carpentersville, IL Woodstock, IL

January 25, 2026

1. Severe House Fire Destroys Home Near McHenry During Frigid Temperatures: Firefighters responded to a major house fire early Saturday in the 3300 block of North Bayview Lane in unincorporated McHenry, Lake County. The blaze, reported shortly after 2 a.m., destroyed the home as wind chill temperatures dropped to minus 30 degrees, complicating firefighting efforts. Multiple 911 calls were made, prompting a large response from the McHenry Township Fire Protection District. The structure was ultimately reduced to ruins, and no injuries were immediately reported. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Jan 25)

   Lake County Mchenry, IL +16 Algonquin, IL Antioch, IL Cary, IL Hebron, IL Richmond, IL Salem Lakes, WI Wauconda, IL Woodstock, IL

January 24, 2026

1. House Destroyed by Fire During Subzero Wind Chills Near McHenry: Firefighters responded to a major house fire in the 3300 block of North Bayview Lane in unincorporated McHenry early Saturday morning, facing wind chills near -30 degrees. Upon arrival, crews found the single-family home fully engulfed and battled flames for hours. The fire threatened a nearby detached garage, but no residents were present when the fire broke out. The blaze ultimately left the structure completely destroyed. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Jan 24)

   Lake County Mchenry, IL +16 Algonquin, IL Antioch, IL Cary, IL Hebron, IL Richmond, IL Salem Lakes, WI Wauconda, IL Woodstock, IL

January 22, 2026

1. Oversized Car Hauler Strikes Route 12 Overpass, Destroys Vehicle in Wauconda: A car hauler carrying multiple vehicles hit the Route 12 overpass at Route 176 in Wauconda on Tuesday evening, causing a significant accident. Police report that the oversized load led to a 2026 Volkswagen being dislodged from the trailer, which then hit another vehicle on the hauler before falling off. The incident resulted in heavy damage to the new car, though there were no reports of injuries. The Wauconda Police Department is investigating the crash. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Jan 22)

   Lake County Wauconda, IL

January 19, 2026

1. Two Injured in Major Fire at Downtown McHenry Bakery and Pet Store: A significant fire broke out Sunday afternoon at a commercial property on North Riverside Drive in downtown McHenry, Illinois, impacting both Riverside Bake Shop and Reese’s Barkery & Pawtique. Emergency crews from 30 departments responded to the scene, where two people were reported injured. Firefighters worked extensively to control the blaze, which caused major damage to the businesses. This incident has had a profound effect on the local community. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Jan 19)

   Lake County Mchenry, IL +33 Kane, IL Algonquin, IL Antioch, IL Bartlett, IL Carpentersville, IL Cary, IL Countryside, IL Elgin, IL Grayslake, IL Hampshire, IL Hebron, IL Huntley, IL Libertyville, IL Lincolnshire, IL Mundelein, IL Richmond, IL Wauconda, IL Woodstock, IL

January 15, 2026

1. Man Found at Lakemoor Gas Station After Crashing Car Into Pond in Volo: Law enforcement officers responded early Thursday after a man reported he had crashed his car into a pond near Route 120 in Volo. The individual, a 30-year-old from Lake Villa, was located at a Lakemoor gas station during a well-being check by police. The crashed vehicle was later found in a pond at Perricone Garden Center and Nursery in Volo. Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Jan 15)

   Lake County Volo, IL +3 Lakemoor, IL Wauconda, IL

January 14, 2026

1. 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)

   Lake County Wadsworth, IL +8 Libertyville, IL Mundelein, IL Wauconda, IL Huntley, IL Marengo, IL Chicago, IL

January 9, 2026

1. 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)

   Lake County Crystal Lake, IL +10 Algonquin, IL Cary, IL Huntley, IL Mchenry, IL Wauconda, IL Carpentersville, IL Marengo, IL West Dundee, IL Woodstock, IL

January 5, 2026

1. Family Displaced After Garage Fire Heavily Damages Fox Lake Area Home: A house fire on North Park Drive in unincorporated Fox Lake left a family without a home on Saturday evening. Firefighters from the Fox Lake Fire Protection District arrived to find smoke filling the two-story residence and quickly worked to contain flames that began in the garage and spread to other parts of the structure. The residents and their pets safely evacuated before crews arrived, and no injuries were reported. The property sustained significant damage, making it uninhabitable. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Jan 5)

   Lake County Fox Lake, IL +6 Wauconda, IL Antioch, IL Grayslake, IL

January 2, 2026

1. Lake Villa Family Displaced After Major Fire Destroys Home on Red Cedar Road: A significant house fire broke out late New Year's Eve in the 400 block of Red Cedar Road in Lake Villa, leaving a family of five and an unborn child without a home. The Lake Villa Fire Protection District responded at approximately 10:44 p.m., with additional support from nearby departments after heavy flames engulfed the second floor. No injuries were reported, but the home was rendered uninhabitable. Multiple departments responded to control the extensive blaze. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Jan 2)

   Lake County Lake Villa, IL +5 Antioch, IL Wauconda, IL Grayslake, IL

December 2, 2025

1. Man Charged With Arson After Thanksgiving Fire Destroys Family Home in Beach Park: A 21-year-old Beach Park resident was arrested after prosecutors alleged he set fire to his family's house following a dispute regarding a dog on Thanksgiving Day. The fire broke out in the 40100 block of North Lone Oak Road, with family members still inside at the time. Multiple fire departments from Lake County and Wisconsin responded to the blaze, and the accused individual was ordered held until trial. Authorities handled the initial dispute without violence, but the situation escalated later that evening. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Dec 2)

   Lake County Beach Park, IL +14 Zion, IL Antioch, IL Gurnee, IL Libertyville, IL Bristol, VT Salem Lakes, WI Wauconda, IL

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)

   Lake County Mchenry, IL +13 Woodstock, IL Wadsworth, IL Antioch, IL Wauconda, IL Libertyville, IL Cary, IL Gurnee, IL Lakemoor, IL Waukegan, IL Lincolnshire, IL Chicago, IL

November 28, 2025

1. Wauconda Resident Held on Child Pornography Charges Following Police Search: A 61-year-old Wauconda man has been detained pending trial after authorities found numerous files of child sexual abuse material on his electronic devices. The Lake County investigation began after Google issued warnings and cyber tips were received, prompting a search warrant for an Osage Street residence. Police seized several devices during the operation, later discovering illegal content in forensic reviews. The suspect faces multiple Class 2 felony charges in Lake County court. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Nov 28)

   Lake County Wauconda, IL +1

2. Beach Park Man Charged with Arson After Thanksgiving Argument Over Family Dog: A 21-year-old man from Beach Park has been charged with arson after authorities say he intentionally set his house on fire on Thanksgiving night. According to prosecutors, the incident began with a disagreement regarding a family dog, which escalated to the suspect dousing the residence with gasoline and setting it alight. Deputies responded to the scene on North Lone Oak Road after being called about a domestic dispute. The individual now faces detention based on concerns for family safety. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Nov 28)

   Lake County Beach Park, IL +14 Zion, IL Antioch, IL Gurnee, IL Libertyville, IL Bristol, VT Salem Lakes, WI Wauconda, IL

3. Beach Park Resident Accused of Arson After Thanksgiving Family Dispute: A 21-year-old man from Beach Park has been charged with aggravated arson and residential arson after allegedly setting his house on fire following a family dispute on Thanksgiving. Authorities responded to a domestic incident at the North Lone Oak Road residence where deputies had previously intervened to calm a verbal argument. No injuries were reported, and legal proceedings are underway. The incident remains under investigation by Lake County officials. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Nov 28)

   Lake County Beach Park, IL +14 Zion, IL Antioch, IL Gurnee, IL Libertyville, IL Bristol, VT Salem Lakes, WI Wauconda, IL

4. Garage Fire in Vernon Hills Contained by Firefighters, Damage Limited to Structure: Fire crews from the Countryside Fire Protection District and neighboring departments responded to a garage fire on Faulkner Place in Vernon Hills on November 22. The blaze was confined to the detached garage, preventing it from spreading to the nearby townhouse. The garage was heavily damaged and declared uninhabitable, but no injuries were reported. Authorities are continuing to investigate the cause of the incident. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Nov 28)

   Lake County Vernon Hills, IL +11 Mundelein, IL Libertyville, IL Lincolnshire, IL Deerfield, IL Bannockburn, IL Wauconda, IL

November 26, 2025

1. Wauconda Resident Arrested After Investigation Uncovers Child Exploitation Material: A 61-year-old man from Wauconda was arrested after police executed a search warrant at his residence on Osage Street. The investigation began following cyber tips received by the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Multiple electronic devices were confiscated, and a forensic review led to the discovery of child sexual abuse material. The Lake County State’s Attorney charged the man with four felony counts, with several law enforcement agencies assisting in the case. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Nov 26)

   Lake County Wauconda, IL +1

2. North Chicago Man Dies After Vehicle Falls From Lift at Wauconda Repair Shop: Authorities have identified a 37-year-old North Chicago man who was killed when a vehicle fell off a car lift at Hard Times General Repair in Wauconda on Tuesday morning. Emergency crews responded to the scene on West Liberty Street and found the man pinned under the front end of the vehicle. Firefighters managed to lift the car and remove the victim, but he was pronounced dead at the location. The incident remains under investigation by local officials. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Nov 26)

   Lake County Wauconda, IL +2

November 25, 2025

1. Employee Killed After Vehicle Falls at Wauconda Auto Repair Shop: A 37-year-old employee at Hard Times General Repair in Wauconda was killed Tuesday morning after a vehicle fell from a lift and pinned him inside the shop on West Liberty Street. Emergency crews from the Wauconda Fire District, Fox Lake Fire Protection District, and local police responded to the incident shortly after 8:50 a.m. Authorities extricated the victim, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. Police are investigating the circumstances leading to the fatal workplace accident. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Nov 25)

   Lake County Wauconda, IL +1 Fox Lake, IL

2. Driver Critically Injured After Pickup Truck Rolls Over Off Wauconda Road: A serious single-vehicle crash on the 30000 block of North Fairfield Road in Wauconda left a driver with life-threatening injuries Friday night. Authorities report that a northbound Dodge Ram 1500 veered off Fairfield Road, traveled about 500 feet through wooded terrain, and overturned in a residential yard. Emergency crews responded just before 9 p.m. and found the truck on its hood. Police closed the roadway as they conducted their investigation into the incident. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Nov 25)

   Lake County Wauconda, IL +1 Libertyville, IL

November 17, 2025

1. Brush Fire Near McHenry Burns 15 Acres, Draws Large Multi-Agency Response: A wind-driven brush fire consumed roughly 15 acres on South Crystal Lake Road near McHenry on Sunday afternoon, prompting a response from over a dozen fire departments across Lake and McHenry counties. Firefighters arrived within minutes to find the blaze actively spreading behind a residence and barn, accelerated by strong west winds. The Mutual Aid Box Alarm System was activated to bolster resources needed for containment. The incident highlighted the challenges of coordinating wildfire responses in the area. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Nov 17)

   Lake County Mchenry, IL +16 Antioch, IL Cary, IL Countryside, IL Grayslake, IL Gurnee, IL Newport, NY Wauconda, IL Woodstock, IL

November 16, 2025

1. Resident Injured in Johnsburg House Fire That Caused Widespread Damage: A house fire began at the back of a residence in the 4000 block of North Hillcrest Place in Johnsburg early Sunday, resulting in significant damage to the structure. Firefighters from the McHenry Township Fire Protection District responded just before 8 a.m. and managed to contain the blaze within 40 minutes. One resident sustained injuries, and all occupants safely exited the home. The incident left the residents displaced due to the extent of the fire damage. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Nov 16)

   Lake County Johnsburg, IL +12 Mchenry, IL Antioch, IL Cary, IL Richmond, IL Wauconda, IL Woodstock, IL

October 31, 2025

1. Fire Renders Round Lake Heights Home Uninhabitable, No Injuries Reported: A fire broke out Wednesday afternoon in the 800 block of Tomahawk Trail in Round Lake Heights, causing extensive damage and leaving the home uninhabitable. Firefighters from the Greater Round Lake Fire Protection District responded to reports of heavy smoke and flames at the two-story residence. All occupants safely evacuated before crews arrived, and no injuries were reported. The incident prompted an upgraded alarm to facilitate a greater emergency response. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Oct 31)

   Lake County Round Lake Heights, IL +7 Grayslake, IL Wauconda, IL Antioch, IL Mchenry, IL

October 29, 2025

1. SUV Crashes Into Wauconda Grocery Store, Employee Struck by Debris: A vehicle driven by a woman in her 70s crashed through the front entrance of 3 Amigas grocery store on West Liberty Street in Wauconda on Saturday morning. According to fire officials, the car jumped the curb and shattered the glass doors, striking an employee with debris. Emergency crews evaluated two people at the scene, but no serious injuries were reported. Authorities believe the driver confused the gas and brake pedals while parking. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Oct 25)

   Lake County Wauconda, IL

2. Driver Cited After SUV Crashes Into Lakemoor Building and Sparks Fire: An 83-year-old man was cited by Lakemoor police after his SUV crashed into an industrial building and struck a gas meter at 431 Scotland Road on Tuesday afternoon. The impact caused both the building and the vehicle to catch fire, prompting a response from the McHenry Township Fire Protection District and nearby departments. Authorities report that the driver attributed the crash to mechanical failure. Firefighters arrived within minutes and quickly contained the situation. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Oct 24)

   Lake County Lakemoor, IL +11 Mchenry, IL Cary, IL Nunda, NY Richmond, IL Wauconda, IL Woodstock, IL

3. Woman on Ankle Monitor Arrested for Wauconda Burglary After Cooking in Home: A 36-year-old Aurora woman wearing an electronic ankle monitor, previously convicted on a gun-related charge, was arrested in Wauconda after admitting to burglarizing a house and preparing tacos in the kitchen. The Wauconda Police Department responded to several citizen calls, at first investigating reports of suspicious behavior near a fitness business. Officers tracked the woman to a local residence where she was found inside. She was taken into custody without incident. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Oct 26)

   Lake County Wauconda, IL +1 Aurora, IL

4. Bicyclist Injured in Hit-and-Run Crash at Route 176 and Valley View Road in Prairie G: A 53-year-old cyclist sustained serious injuries after being struck by a white SUV that ran a red light and left the scene at the intersection of Route 176 and Valley View Road in Prairie Grove. Emergency responders transported the victim to a hospital. Police are investigating the incident. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Oct 20)

   Lake County Prairie Grove, IL +2 Wauconda, IL Cary, IL

5. SUV Crash in Lakemoor Sparks Fire at Industrial Building; No Serious Injuries Report: Emergency crews responded to 431 Scotland Road in Lakemoor after an SUV struck a gas meter and crashed into an industrial building, igniting both the vehicle and the structure. The incident, which occurred Tuesday afternoon, prompted a multi-department fire response. The driver and building workers, (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Oct 22)

   Lake County Lakemoor, IL +11 Mchenry, IL Cary, IL Crystal Lake, IL Fox Lake, IL Nunda, IL Richmond, IL Round Lake, IL Spring Grove, IL Wauconda, IL Wonder Lake, IL Woodstock, IL

October 17, 2025

1. Border Patrol increases immigration enforcement in central Lake County: U.S. Border Patrol agents recently expanded immigration enforcement activities to central Lake County, with arrests reported in the Round Lake, Wauconda, and Fox Lake areas. Local schools, including those in Wauconda Community Unit School District 118, notified families about the enforcement but did (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Oct 17)

   Lake County Round Lake, IL +8 Wauconda, IL Fox Lake, IL Island Lake, IL Round Lake Beach, IL Waukegan, IL North Chicago, IL Volo, IL Gurnee, IL

October 16, 2025

1. 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)

   Lake County Wauconda, IL +7 Countryside, IL Grayslake, IL Lake Zurich, IL Round Lake, IL Fox Lake, IL Cary, IL Barrington, IL

October 1, 2025

1. Two arrested in Wauconda after retail thefts reported across multiple counties: Authorities in Wauconda apprehended two individuals Tuesday afternoon following a coordinated traffic stop on Route 12 near Bonner Road. The suspects are believed to be connected to a series of retail thefts at Walgreens stores in Lake, McHenry, Boone, Will, and Kane counties. Over $13,000 in stolen (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Oct 1)

   Lake County Wauconda, IL +8 Island Lake, IL Lake In The Hills, IL Gurnee, IL Spring Grove, IL Geneva, IL Grayslake, IL Lake Villa, IL Waukegan, IL

September 30, 2025

1. Fire Causes Significant Damage to Storage Building and Garbage Enclosure in HainesvlI: A fire on Fairlawn Drive in Hainesville resulted in heavy damage to a storage building and a garbage enclosure Monday evening. Firefighters from the Greater Round Lake Fire Protection District responded quickly and contained the blaze within 15 minutes. No injuries were reported. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Sep 30)

   Lake County Hainesville, IL +6 Grayslake, IL Fox Lake, IL Lake Villa, IL Wauconda, IL Mchenry, IL Round Lake, IL

September 20, 2025

1. Sheriff's K9 Assists in Locating Missing Elderly Man in Island Lake: An 87-year-old man who went missing in a wooded area near Carol Court in Island Lake was found with the help of a McHenry County Sheriff's Office canine unit. Local police and a search and rescue team participated in the search, which concluded safely on Thursday afternoon. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Sep 20)

   Lake County Island Lake, IL +1 Wauconda, IL

September 13, 2025

1. Single-vehicle rollover crash on Route 12 near Wauconda injures driver: A 59-year-old man from Crystal Lake was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries after his car rolled over on Route 12 north of Old McHenry Road in unincorporated Wauconda. Emergency responders extricated him from the vehicle after he reportedly lost consciousness while driving. No other cars (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Sep 13)

   Lake County Wauconda, IL +1 Crystal Lake, IL