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J. Lohr creates wine with admirable mission
Family tragedy drove Cynthia Lohr to launch a campaign that has touched countless lives. The co-owner and chief brand officer of J. Lohr has reached an impressive milestone at the 15-year anniversary of the J. Lohr Touching Lives Initiative. J. Lohr and its trade and distribution partners have donated over $1 million to the National Breast Cancer Foundation that has, in turn, helped fund over 8,000 mammograms for women in need. For every bottle of J.
Rock Falls fire chief appointment on council agenda
ROCK FALLS — The Rock Falls City Council on Tuesday, Jan. 2, will consider the appointment of a new fire chief. The council’s regular meeting agenda lists action items that include appointment of Ken Wolf as fire chief effective Feb. 1. The council also will consider appointing Vickey Bird to the council to represent the 2nd Ward, effective Jan. 2, and the reappointment of John Larson to the Industrial Development Commission.
Lombard residents invited to name a snowplow
As the Lombard Public Works Department gears up for the winter season, residents are invited to help name one of Lombard’s snowplows. Share your most clever, unique and winter-themed name ideas through the contest submission form until Jan 12. Please keep in mind the following guidelines: Each person may only submit one entry. Entries that contain profanity, vulgar or inappropriate language will not be considered.
Island Lake man detained by police ran from hospital, tracked down by K-9 unit
An Island Lake man arrested on an aggravated domestic battery charge early Sunday was taken to a Barrington hospital, ran from staff and was tracked down by the Lake County K-9 unit and rearrested. According to a news release from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, Jaime C. Romero, 51, of the 800 block of North Constitution Avenue, Island Lake, was arrested by a local police department early Sunday. He was taken to a Barrington-area hospital for unspecified treatment, according to the release.
Letter: Election 2024
I implore my fellow McHenry County citizens to understand what a vote for Donald Trump will mean. He says those who oppose him are vermin. He volunteered on Hannity that he would be a dictator on day one, when he intends to issue a set of executive orders cementing his personal control over the levers of government. As stated by historian Heather Cox Richardson, the once-grand Republican Party has been captured by the far-right wing.
Fire damages Sterling home, dog rescued
STERLING — A Sterling residence sustained damage after a fire broke out Sunday, Dec. 31. The Sterling Fire Department, Rock Falls Fire Department, CGH EMS and Sterling Police Department were dispatched at 6:02 a.m. for the fire at 507 15th Ave., Sterling, according to a news release. Sterling police officers were the first to arrive at the two-story residence, reported all occupants were out of the home and rescued a dog.
'Wonka' ends the year No. 1 at the box office
NEW YORK — Hollywood closed out an up and down 2023 with “Wonka” regaining No. 1 at the box office, strong sales for “The Color Purple” and an overall $9 billion in ticket sales that improved on 2022’s grosses but fell about $2 billion shy of pre-pandemic norms. The New Year’s weekend box office this year lacked a true blockbuster.
Elmhurst mayor clarifies procedure for transporting migrants to Chicago
Elmhurst Mayor Scott Levin recently addressed the migrant bussing situation and how it has affected the community. He also clarified the procedure that involves migrants arriving via bus in Elmhurst before being transported to Chicago. The following is Levin’s statement to the community: Over the past week, seven busloads of migrants, all people who are seeking asylum, have arrived from Texas at Elmhurst’s Metra station. This has caused significant consternation in our community.
Des Plaines State Fish and Wildlife Area chosen for extended pheasant hunting
The Des Plaines State Fish and Wildlife Area in Will County is among the sites included in the extended controlled pheasant-hunting program for the 2023-24 season, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources announced in a news release. Sites in different areas of the state will be extended by one to two weeks, according to the release. Hunters should check the permit calendar on the controlled pheasant hunting website for permit availability.
Reddick Library patrons can win prizes by reading books this winter
Reddick Library in Ottawa will be hosting an adult winter reading campaign with an opportunity for patrons to win prizes. Patrons are encouraged to enter as much book review forms as they can between Jan. 2 through Feb. 24 to be entered in a drawing to win a $30 Prairie Fox Books gift card and a $20 Jeremiah Joe Coffee gift card. Go to https://tinyurl.com/335bp59s for the online book review form. Two winners will be chosen after Feb. 24. Additionally, Reddick Library will distribute Tuesday, Jan.
Dixon veterinarian retires from River Ridge Animal Hospital
Longtime veterinarian Dr. Bill Kuhfus was celebrated Thursday, Dec. 28, 2023, with an open house at River Ridge Animal Hospital, Dixon. Kuhfus was part of the company for almost 40 years. HIs last working day was Thursday. Sue Pfleger of Oregon gets emotional as she and husband Al wishes well to retiring veterinarian Dr. Bill Kuhfus Thursday, Dec. 28, 2023 at the River Ridge Animal Hospital. (Alex T. Paschal)
Pastor’s Corner: Finding hope and renewal in the New Year
As we approach the start of a new year, we cannot ignore the difficulties and setbacks that have shaped our lives over the previous few years. From the global pandemic to political and economic instability, our world has encountered unforeseen challenges. It makes sense that we might feel discouraged and overburdened during these difficult times. But I believe by reading God’s Word, and particularly by learning the encouraging tale of Jabez, we can find hope even in the worst of times.
Review: What’s a mother? And who killed Sophie?
Exploring one woman’s foray into motherhood and all the ways it has shifted her social life, Katherine Faulkner’s “The Other Mothers” presents the struggles of a woman trying to resurrect a journalism career by resurrecting the memory of a death. Only the deceased (and her killer?) know how far and how bizarre the mystery goes.
'I really love it': Sam Turich is the 2023 Post-Gazette Performer of the Year
The past year was a revival for live Pittsburgh theater. It didn’t achieve full pre-pandemic zest, but the main professional companies had seasons strong in quality, while smaller groups popped up with ambition. The result was performances to enjoy and honor. Today, we name the 2023 Performer of the Year, in the 39th edition of a Post-Gazette tradition that started in 1983. The rules are simple: The award goes only to performers in plays produced in Pittsburgh, and no one may win more than once.
Ask Amy: In-laws’ unkindness leaves family divided
Dear Amy: My in-laws told me in a rather unkind way that they did not like me. It's been a year since this happened, and I see that my husband is sad, that he misses his family and that he is just so disappointed. Truthfully, his folks never liked me, and I could tell, and so a part of me was relieved by this revelation because it meant that I could stop all the phone calls to chat, sending the birthday gifts and cards (I did this because their son did not). Now I notice that my husband is blue.
RPS Toys wins inaugural Deck the Windows contest in Ottawa
RPS Toys was named the winner of Ottawa Downtown Association’s inaugural Deck the Windows competition. The window artwork was done by Dylan Conmy. RPS Toys, 820 La Salle St., received 1,484 votes out of more than 2,600 cast. The contest transformed Ottawa’s downtown into a wonderland of holiday cheer, showcasing the imaginative and festive window displays of numerous downtown businesses, the Ottawa Downtown Association said.
Ladd Public Library to host painting party with Lucy Schmidt
The Ladd Public Library will be hosting the latest session in its series of painting parties with Lucy Schmidt at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 17. All are welcome to bring their own snacks and drinks in covered glasses. The cost is $30 a person (including a $5 donation to the library). Seating is limited to 25 people per party. Stop by the library at 125 N. Main Ave. or call the library at 815-894-3254 to reserve an easel.
Knitting, crochet group to meet Jan. 3 at Princeton library
Chicks with Sticks ... and Roosters Too! knitting and crochet group will meet 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 3, at the Princeton Public Library. Experienced and novice knitters and crocheters are welcome to join in this social crafting time at the library, 698 E. Peru St.
Ohio, Ill. crowns inaugural Christmas contest winners
Ohio had its inaugural Christmas Lights and Decoration Contest. Winner were chosen Dec. 21 and the monetary gifts and certificates were awarded Dec. 24. This event was supported by the village of Ohio. First place winners were Vincent and Madison Vergamini; second place was Kay Jilderda; third place were Jim and Mary Spratt; and honorable mention is Cooper, who won for his moving dinosaur.
Disqualified? Trump and Section 3 of the 14th Amendment - Sparta Live
First, I hope everyone had a merry Christmas (or other holiday) and wish all a happy new year. That said…. Boy, is this year ending with a political bang. As you probably already know, the Colorado Supreme Court has upheld a lower ruling that Donald Trump engaged in insurrection and further ruled that -pursuant to Section 3 of the 14th Amendment - he is barred from appearing on the presidential ballot, in Colorado.
Warriorettes finish 2nd overall in Frank’s Shootout - Sparta Live
The WCHS Warriorette basketball team went 2-1 in the 2nd annual Frank’s Shootout hosted here in Sparta at Roy Sewell Gymnasium to take second place overall in the tournament. The Warriorettes opened the tournament with a huge win over the Tennessee Heat on Tuesday night. Firing on all cylinders, the Warriorettes jumped out to a big 29-8 lead after the first quarter and kept piling on, ending the half with a 53-15 lead. The game saw 12 different Warriorettes score.
Warriors split in Frank’s Shootout - Sparta Live
The WCHS Warrior basketball team went 1-1 at the 2nd Annual Frank’s Shootout that took place here in Sparta. The Warriors first game of the shootout was against the York Dragons played on day two. Both teams came out looking ready to play and nearly matched each other bucket for bucket for the first half which ended with the Warriors trailing by 3. However, in the third quarter, the Dragons went on an 18-7 run which was enough to secure the win.
Boys basketball: Davon Grant, Sean Reynolds power DeKalb to Chuck Dayton title
DeKALB – A 20-point DeKalb lead was down to 13 in the fourth when Phillips guards Amari Edwards stripped Eric Rosenow of the ball and coasted down the floor for what seemed like was going to be an easy layup. But Davon Grant never stopped sprinting behind Edwards and emphatically blocked the layup attempt. Instead of an 11-point lead, the Barbs scored the next four points in a 74-55 win on Saturday to claim the 96th annual Chuck Dayton Classic. “I knew the steal diminished our energy,” Grant said.
La Salle-Peru finishes Plano Classic with big win: Illinois Valley Area Roundup for Saturday, Dec. 30
La Salle-Peru 71, Hinckley-Big Rock 40: At the Plano Christmas Classic, the Cavaliers jumped out to a 21-7 first-quarter lead in rolling to the victory in the seventh-place game over the Royals on Saturday. “The last couple of games we had not run our offense properly and got out of too much of what we want to do,” La Salle-Peru coach John Senica said. “We stressed getting back to that today and we did.
Lucas Simpson scores 45 points to power Newman past Orion: SVM area roundup for Saturday, Dec. 30
Newman 80, Orion 67: At the Cliff Warkins Memorial Tournament in Erie, Lucas Simpson poured in 45 points to lift the Comets past the Chargers in their tournament finale on Saturday. Simpson, an all-tournament team selection, scored 17 points in the fourth quarter and shot 10 for 13 from the free-throw line. Sam Francque scored 12 points on four 3-pointers, and George Jungerman added 11 points for Newman.
Boys basketball: Bolingbrook suffers OT loss to Metamora in Jack Tosh Holiday Classic title game
ELMHURST — The unfortunate thing about Saturday’s championship game of the 49th Jack Tosh Holiday Classic between Bolingbrook and defending Class 3A champion Metamora was that one of the teams had to lose. Bolingbrook had won the title of the 32-team tournament in 2019 and finished third last season. The Raiders needed every bit of that big-game experience, as they clawed back from an 11-point deficit in the second quarter to take a fourth-quarter lead.
Woodstock holds on for win over IMSA: Northwest Herald sports roundup for Saturday, Dec. 30
Woodstock 65, IMSA 60: At the Elgin Holiday Tournament, Keaton Perkins scored 23 points as the Blue Streaks (11-4) held off the Titans. Trent Butler scored 17 and Sam Chapman had eight. Fremd 56, Hampshire 45: At the Wheeling Hardwood Classic, Adrian Ugochukwu scored 14 points as the Whip-Purs (9-8) fell to the Vikings in the third-place game. Nick Louis had 12 points for the Whips, Ugochukwu hit 6-of-8 field goals.
Warm, damp weather shuts down Boyce Park slopes
Your e-mail: Friends e-mail: The webpage at https://sync.rtk.io/cs might be temporarily down or it may have moved permanently to a new web address. The webpage at https://sync.rtk.io/cs might be temporarily down or it may have moved permanently to a new web address.
Busload of asylum seekers dropped off in Woodstock
A busload of asylum seekers was dropped off Saturday afternoon at the Woodstock Metra station, according to a post on Mayor Mike Turner’s Facebook page. Turner said in the post that the city had developed a plan for what to do if a drop-off occurs. The city opened the train station to provide shelter to the passengers and gave them bottled water and options for transportation to Chicago, according to the post.
Yorkville Lions make donation to food pantry
NewsSubscribePrep SportseNewspaperThe SceneObituariesEvent CalendarNewsletterStarved Rock Country Lion Ken Johnson recently presented the Yorkville Lions Club’s annual donation to the Kendall County Community Food Pantry. Interested in items for sale? Post anything and get featured! Sat Dec 30 2023 23:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) Recent Articles Trending Recipes BOOP! The Musical CIBC Theatre | Chicago, IL LitLounge--Last Call: Online Event Skokie Public Libra...
Power restored to Sycamore homes after car vs. pole crash
SYCAMORE – More than 500 Sycamore residents were without power for a portion of Saturday afternoon after a vehicle crashed into a utility pole along Airport Road near the Sycamore Park District Sports Complex, authorities said. A single vehicle struck a utility pole south of Hillside Road along Airport Road on Sycamore’s southeast side Saturday afternoon, dispatchers with the DeKalb County Sheriff’s office said.
Looking back at past New Year’s coverage in McHenry County history
As we look ahead to the promise 2024 holds, it’s always fun to look back on the nostalgia of years past. Today, we look at New Year’s-related front pages from throughout McHenry County history. Enjoy, and happy new year! 1923 The Woodstock Daily Sentinel on Dec. 31, 1923. (Image via newspapers.com) 1924 The McHenry PlainDealer on Jan. 3, 1924. 1958 The McHenry PlainDealer on Dec. 20, 1958. (Image via newspapers.com) 1974 The Crystal Lake Herald on Jan. 1, 1974.
Illinois law now bans vaping indoors in public places
E-cigarette use will no longer permitted in indoor public spaces in Illinois beginning Monday, Jan. 1, under a new state law signed earlier this year by Gov. JB Pritzker. The new law is one of several taking effect in the New Year that will improve public health across the state. HB1540 adds electronic smoking devices to the list of items prohibited for public indoor use under the Smoke Free Illinois Act, the indoor smoking ban that was enacted in 2008.
Student-launched online campaign aims to save grade school from closing
INGLESIDE – A local area high school student, St. Bede School, the Athletic Board and the Parents Association have joined efforts to launch a “Fund Our Falcons” fundraising campaign to raise $400,000 to save the school from closing next school year. Susan Lutzke, a senior at Carmel Catholic High School in Mundelein, created a gofundme.com as soon as she learned the risk of school closure.
Sycamore man drives drunk, crashes truck into townhome, police allege
SYCAMORE – A Sycamore man has been charged with driving drunk and crashing his truck into a townhome on South Peace Road in the early morning hours Saturday, authorities said. Zachary Thomason, 33, of Sycamore, was charged Saturday with driving under the influence and improper lane usage after a truck versus building collision reported shortly before 1 a.m., according to a news release from the Sycamore Police Department. Police responded to the crash in the 600 block of South Peace Road.
Elmhurst Art Museum’s latest display to open Jan. 19
Join the Elmhurst Art Museum Jan. 19 for the opening of “A Love Supreme,” a solo exhibition by Norman Teague inspired by legendary jazz musician John Coltrane, and the adjoining installation in Mies van der Rohe’s McCormick House by more than 30 Chicago-based artists and designers. The event will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. for members and exhibition VIPs. The display is open from 7 to 9 p.m. for non-members.
Downers Grove Park District accepting Christmas trees for recycling until Jan. 15
The Downers Grove Park District will accept Christmas trees at two locations through Jan. 15. Bins will be set up in the parking lot at McCollum Park, 6801 S. Main St. (north parking lot, near the west side of the lot) and Whitlock Park, 40th Street and Fairview Ave. (southeast corner of the parking lot). Park district staff will chip the trees into wood chips to be used in mulching projects throughout the district.
Seneca to accept Christmas trees for disposal
The village of Seneca is accepting live Christmas trees for disposal. Place trees next to the dumpster in the village parking lot off of Main Street, behind village hall, 340 N. Cash St. Remove all ornaments, lights and tinsel. Trees will be accepted until Tuesday, Jan. 16.
Two pedestrians sent to the hospital after being hit by car Friday in McHenry
Two pedestrians were sent to the hospital Friday night after being hit in a crosswalk at the intersection of Front Street and Main Street in McHenry at around 6:30 p.m., according to police. Police said the two pedestrians, a 71-year-old man and a 65-year-old woman, were transported to Northwestern Hospital McHenry with injuries that were not life-threatening after they were hit by the car heading north on Front Street.
La Salle council to explore cost of livestreaming meetings after resident’s request
La Salle may consider livestreaming City Council meetings after a resident asked about it during Wednesday night’s meeting. Dawn Hicks, a La Salle resident, asked whether anyone was interested in having the council meetings livestreamed. Schneider said the council needs to decide whether streaming its meetings is in the best interest of the town, adding many residents were finding out about grants and other projects the next day.
Plano library announces January programs
Plano Community Library has announced upcoming programs. The library is at 15 W. North St. in Plano. For information, call 630-552-2030 or visit planolibrary.info. To register for adult programs, call 630-552-2009; to register for youth programs, call 630-552-2025. The library will be closed Saturday, Dec. 30 and Monday, Jan. 1. Adult programs Home-school Families Meetup: 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., Tuesdays, Jan. 9 and 23, meeting room. For parents who home-school. Children (all ages) and teens are welcome.
Top 5 Sports Stories of 2023 in the Suburban Life area
2023 was quite the calendar year for sports teams in the Suburban Life area. Repeat championships. A no-hitter in the state championship game. History-making teams. And a most improbable football state champion. Teams, and athletes, did amazing things. Here are the Top 5 Sports Stories of 2023 in the Suburban Life area. Going back-to-back as state champion, Lemont senior Sage Mardjetko put an exclamation mark on a marvelous career.
McHenry County felony report for week of Dec. 17 - 23, 2023
This is a list of those charged with felonies by the following McHenry County law enforcement agencies for the week of Dec. 17 through 23. Not all charges listed are felonies. Information in court reports is obtained from the McHenry County courthouse and listed by charging agency. These individuals have been charged with a crime but have not been proved guilty in court. Crystal Lake Marquis D. Lumzy, 30, of the 6000 block of South Campbell Avenue, Chicago, was charged Wednesday, Dec.
Letter: Why did this have to happen?
To the Editor: I ask those of you intending to put Ukraine on the end of a dead tree branch to do a Google search on current happenings in Ukraine. I do every day so I stay up to date on the destruction of a once beautiful and independent country. U.S. funding runs out around the first of the year. The country is in ruins. Look at the pictures of the apartment buildings, schools, theaters, stores, churches, to name just a few. Ask yourself why did this have to happen?
Jack’s Chick’n Ribs barbecue restaurant in Joliet celebrates grand opening
Jack’s Chick’n Ribs in Joliet celebrated its grand opening with an official ribbon-cutting Dec. 20 that included the Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce & Industry. Jack’s Chick’n Ribs, 124 Richards St., is a dine-in, carryout and catering restaurant with a focus on barbecue – including ribs, wings and pulled pork – and classic sides such as macaroni and cheese.
McHenry County’s biggest stories of 2023, from the Woodstock blast to the DCFS trial to the E. coli outbreak
Eventful, it certainly was. The year 2023 brought losses and victories and plenty of news that was sometimes heartwarming and sometimes heartbreaking. Here’s a look at some of the biggest stories of the year in the McHenry County area. On March 23, four people were hospitalized after a car smashed into Wings and Rings in Crystal Lake. The injured included the drummer of the popular local band Modern Day Romeos, whose wife credited him with pushing her out of harm’s way.
Property transfers for Whiteside, Lee and Ogle counties, filed Dec. 15-22
Warranty deeds Donald K. Jevne to David L. and Lori A. Snow, 126 E. Main St., Morrison, $30,000. Scott M. Snyder to Curtis J. Snyder, two parcels on Rock Road, Fenton, $365,625. Kenneth A. and Carol S. Stralow to Ken’s Place LLC, 649 W. Lincolnway, Morrison, $0. Lloyd E. Card Estate, Stephen L. Card, Kay M. Armoska and Karen L. Shulte to Donald Hoefke II, 216 Ave. E, Rock Falls, $62,500. Eric Karl, Mark L., Gregory, and Mervin J. Zeigler, Sandra J. Zeigler Estate, Kathleen Jo Mitchem, Carol R. Lindstrom, Patricia A.
Spirit Matters: Midlife unraveling transforms into deep grounding
Ladies and gentlemen, let’s talk about unraveling. In particular, the midlife unraveling that sneaks up on us and (seems to) mercilessly turn our world upside down and inside out. During this time, we might have an identity crisis or a loss of a sense of control over our lives caused by any number of life circumstances. I speak here as a woman. But as far as I know, no one is spared this undoing, although specifics certainly vary.
Plano Legion hosting New Year’s Eve party Sunday
Ring in the New Year with family and friends at the Plano American Legion’s New Year’s Eve Party on Dec. 31 Reservations are required and a $10 donation per person must be paid to the Legion at that time (cash, check or credit card). For your $10 donation, you receive one complimentary drink (not to exceed $5), appetizers and snacks, games, music by DJ Randy Smith and party favors. Doors open at 7 p.m.; music goes from 8 p.m. until the New Year.
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