Latest News

December 27, 2025

1. Zion Family Displaced After Christmas Eve Fire, Community Organizes Support: A major house fire on the 3100 block of Ezekiel Avenue in Zion left a family without a home and most of their belongings on Christmas Eve. Zion Fire Rescue Department responded quickly and ensured all family members were safely evacuated from the two-story home. Community members have since rallied to provide support and resources for the family as they recover from the incident. No injuries were reported, but the home sustained significant damage. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Dec 27)

   Lake County Zion, IL +8 Waukegan, IL Winthrop Harbor, IL Pleasant Prairie, WI Gurnee, IL North Chicago, IL Libertyville, IL Antioch, IL

December 26, 2025

1. Zion Family Displaced After Christmas Eve Fire Causes Major Home Damage: A house fire on Christmas Eve severely damaged a residence in the 3100 block of Ezekiel Avenue in Zion, leaving a family without a home. Firefighters from the Zion Fire Rescue Department responded to the scene shortly after 8 p.m. and found significant flames and smoke coming from the front of the two-story house. All residents were confirmed safe, and crews conducted thorough searches to ensure no occupants remained inside. The fire’s impact left the family displaced during the holiday season. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Dec 26)

   Lake County Zion, IL +8 Waukegan, IL Winthrop Harbor, IL Pleasant Prairie, WI Gurnee, IL North Chicago, IL Libertyville, IL Antioch, IL

December 13, 2025

1. Zion Man Found Guilty in Fatal Shooting of Beach Park Resident in Waukegan: A jury has convicted Jamonte J. Davis, a 28-year-old from Zion, for the murder of Sergio Berrios, 42, of Beach Park. Berrios was discovered fatally shot multiple times inside a parked vehicle in the 1300 block of Chestnut Street in Waukegan on October 3, 2022. Responding officers found over 20 shell casings at the scene and pronounced Berrios dead. Davis was charged with first-degree murder and now faces sentencing following the guilty verdict. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Dec 13)

   Lake County Waukegan, IL +5 Zion, IL North Chicago, IL Chicago, IL Kenosha, WI Pleasant Prairie, WI

December 11, 2025

1. Winthrop Harbor Church Elder Charged With Repeated Sexual Assault of Child: A 58-year-old church elder from Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin, has been arrested after admitting to multiple incidents of sexually assaulting a young child over several years. The investigation began when the victim, currently a mental health patient, disclosed the abuse to hospital staff. Authorities allege the offenses began when the child was as young as six and continued for years. The suspect faces several charges, including repeated and first-degree child sexual assault. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Dec 11)

   Lake County Winthrop Harbor, IL +2 Pleasant Prairie, WI Kenosha, WI

November 23, 2025

1. Firefighter Hospitalized After House Fire on Harbor Ridge Drive in Zion: A house fire Saturday evening in the 3600 block of Harbor Ridge Drive in Zion caused around $200,000 in damage and forced its residents to leave their home. The Zion Fire Rescue Department responded to significant flames and smoke from the rear of a two-story house, while some personnel were already engaged with a separate medical call. One firefighter was injured and taken to a hospital. All residents were able to evacuate safely and are accounted for. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Nov 23)

   Lake County Zion, IL +8 Pleasant Prairie, WI Waukegan, IL Gurnee, IL Winthrop Harbor, IL Libertyville, IL North Chicago, IL Antioch, IL

November 17, 2025

1. Kenosha County Woman Charged in Fatal DUI Crash in Zion: A woman from Kenosha County, Wisconsin, faces multiple felony charges after authorities say she was intoxicated and caused a fatal crash in Zion on March 15. Cindy Cutler, 61, has been charged with aggravated DUI resulting in death and reckless homicide following the death of her passenger, 68-year-old Judith Kidder. Prosecutors allege Cutler was driving at high speed when her vehicle struck a stopped pickup, leading to Kidder's death at the hospital. The case is being handled by the Lake County State's Attorney. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Nov 2)

   Lake County Zion, IL +1 Pleasant Prairie, WI

2. Zion Police Officer and Former Lake County Corrections Officer Arrested for Child Abuse: A Zion police officer and her spouse, a former Lake County corrections officer, were arrested in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin, on felony charges related to a child abuse case. Shazay M. Molleda faces charges including child abuse with risk of great harm, strangulation, false imprisonment, and obstructing an officer. Brittany L. Molleda faces charges including intentional child abuse, intimidation of a victim, and failure to prevent harm. Both women were taken into custody on Wednesday. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Nov 13)

   Lake County Pleasant Prairie, WI +1 Zion, IL

November 12, 2025

1. Police Release Footage of High-Speed Multi-County Chase Ending in Collision: Police have released video footage showing a high-speed pursuit on October 11, 2025, involving a Jeep Cherokee that crossed from Lake County, Illinois, into Kenosha County, Wisconsin. The chase ended in a severe multi-vehicle crash and utility pole collision, resulting in significant injuries to the suspect. The Pleasant Prairie Police Department had previously pursued the same vehicle in connection with a retail theft investigation. Authorities are continuing to review the incident. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Nov 12)

   Lake County Pleasant Prairie, WI +3 Kenosha, WI Milwaukee, WI