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McHenry High School welcomes new CNA class to biomedical science program
McHenry Community High School officially welcomed the start of a new certified nursing assistant program that school officials hope will provide a strong foundation for students interested in any type of health care career.
McHenry Community High School District 156 leaders gathered Oct. 17 with officials from Northwestern Medicine and other local health care organizations for a ribbon-cutting event to officially unveil the new certified nursing assistant (CNA) lab at Freshman Campus. Several current students spoke about their future plans and how taking the CNA course, along with other biomedical science courses, will prepare them.
Northwestern Medicine donated about $46,750 to build the new CNA classroom at Freshman Campus.
The new CNA program also represents an evolution in the school’s biomedical science program that started with one Project Lead the Way (PLTW) course and a capstone job shadow course several years ago. Now, McHenry Community High School offers four PLTW classes along with two capstone courses.
The semester-long course prepares students to take the competency exam to earn certification in Illinois as a nursing assistant. CNAs work with nurses to provide patient care in a variety of health care settings. In the program, they’re learning around 20 skills, such as taking vital signs, helping with feeding, escorting patients to tests, among other duties.
School Nurse Nicole Class, who is teaching the course, said the program provides basic skills that will be needed no matter what health care career students choose.
“It’s really the foundation of any health care career,” Class said. “If you’re working with patients, you need to know all of these skills.”
The first part of the semester is spent in the classroom and then students get clinical experience at Northwestern Medicine McHenry Hospital and The Courtyard of McHenry, a senior living community working with nurse educators.
Biomedical Instructor Leah Pelletier, who took a similar CNA program while in high school, said it is a good way to get young people learning about the challenges of being a patient. “I think it teaches so much humility and empathy for people,” Pelletier said.
The class is during 7th and 8th periods, from 1:30 to 2:36 p.m. each day. Students have to be seniors and apply to the
program, and a maximum of 16 are accepted each semester.
Along with the new CNA program, McHenry Community High School also has a revamped semester-long capstone job shadowing class that complements the CNA course. Most of the current CNA students will go on to take the new Biomedical Innovations and Experiences, which is two courses in one class.
This capstone includes studying innovations in health
care in one course then a job shadowing program in the second course. This job shadowing program is different from what used to be medical residency to have a broader focus on different types of health care settings, not just hospitals. There are now more than 40 health care organizations, including fire departments, nursing homes, physical therapy centers and more, for students to choose from for job shadowing.
submitted photo Hi-Liter/MCN
Nurse Nicole Class, left holding scissors, and Instructor Leah Pelletier cut the ribbon for a new certified nursing assistant program at McHenry High School with school board President Dawn Bremer, other school leaders, students and officials from Northwestern Medicine.
Pritzker’s budget office projects $3.2 billion deficit in early look at upcoming fiscal year
Despite string of recent surpluses, report could foreshadow
By Jerry Nowicki Capitol news illinois
The first extensive public look at next year’s state finances contains a warning to lawmakers from the governor’s office: “The ability to fund new programs will be severely limited” next fiscal year.
That comes from the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget, which projected a potential budget shortfall of $3.2 billion for fiscal year 2026, which doesn’t begin until July 1.
The Illinois Economic and Fiscal Policy Report published each November is often seen as a table-setter for the budgeting negotiations that will ramp up in earnest when lawmakers return to the Capitol for the legislative year that begins each January.
GOMB projects that revenues will remain flat at roughly $53.4 billion for the upcoming year, while spending will grow by $3.2 billion.
While the overall numbers can change quickly in the eight months between now and the start of fiscal year 2026, the report could forebode an even more challenging budget process than the one that wrapped up in May. Lawmakers entered last year’s session staring down a roughly $891 million deficit, according to last year’s GOMB report.
After lengthy and sometimes fraught deliberations, Democrats in power narrowly approved a budget that filled the gap by extending a cap on corporate net operating losses ($526 million), capping a tax discount claimed by retailers ($101 million), increasing
the state’s tax on sports betting ($200 million) and other smaller accounting measures or tax changes.
As for the impending $3.2 billion deficit, the report noted only it “will be addressed in the Governor’s Fiscal Year 2026 Introduced Budget.”
But, the report noted, spending reductions “cannot be implemented broadly across-the-board,” especially for the 40% of spending that is mandated either by court order, law or other obligations, such as debt service, pension payments and Medicaid. Another 24 percent of state spending goes to areas such as education and higher education.
‘True-up’ drives revenue stagnation
The expected deficit is attributable in part to both rising expenditures and revenue stagnation as some one-time sources disappear.
The projected spending for FY 26 includes an additional $350 million to K-12 education, while pension costs are expected to increase by $440 million among other “moderate growth” in state spending across the board.
Health care costs are expected to grow by $1.1 billion, due in part to “the impact of medical inflation and drop off of one-time FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) reimbursement revenues” for Medicaid and state health care plans. FEMA had still been reimbursing some pandemic-era costs borne by state government, according to the governor’s office, but that’s expected to drop off in the upcoming fiscal year.
MCCD upcoming events
Leafy Dreams Mobile
Wednesday, Nov. 13, 4:305:30 p.m., Prairieview Education Center, Crystal Lake.
Create a whimsical mobile using natural elements like leaves, pinecones and dried flowers! Supplies provided. Ages 5-8.
Discovery Days: Wild Canines
Friday, Nov. 15, 10-11
a.m., Pleasant Valley Conservation Area, Woodstock.
Enjoy a morning of fun, educational activities focused on the special theme of the day: wild canines! Children must be accompanied by an adult. Ages 2-6.
Hiding in Plain sight
Saturday, Nov. 16, 10-
Just because cold weather is returning doesn’t mean that McHenry County’s awesome summer farmers markets are closed - they’ve just moved indoors until next spring. The Woodstock Farmer’s Market can be found most Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. from November through April at All Seasons Orchard, 14510 Route 176. The schedule can be found at woodstockfarmersmarket. org. The Farmers Market+ at the Dole has moved indoors
Revenues are expected to stagnate in part because of a “true-up” process at the Illinois Department of Revenue that has temporarily inflated state coffers over the past two years, stemming from a complicated miscalculation by the department.
In short, IDOR overdistributed the amount of money collected in Corporate Property Replacement Taxes—which primarily go to local governments—in tax year 2021 by about $800 million. Corporate income taxes were overestimated by $200 million, while individual income taxes from pass-through entities were underestimated by $1.1 billion. The miscalculation, according to IDOR, “was caused by tax policy changes,” at the federal and state level affecting businesses.
The department began a “true-up” process in fiscal years 2024 and 2025 that is aimed at fixing the “overpayments” to local governments while boosting state general revenues in the process.
It’s had the effect of driving general revenues up by about $1 billion in each of fiscal years 2024 and 2025.
But the same won’t happen in FY26, the legislature’s Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability noted in its September report, because IDOR adjusted its disbursement percentages in 2023.
As a result, COGFA noted, general fund receipts could be “notably weaker” in the upcoming fiscal year—and GOMB’s report indicates the same.
Revenues are also expected to slow as the Federal Reserve decreases interest
rates, lowering the state’s investment income.
The state is also entering the final step of a five-year process of shifting the sales tax collected on motor fuel from the General Revenue Fund to the Road Fund. That shift was included in Pritzker’s first budget in 2019 as part of the Rebuild Illinois infrastructure plan.
Still, the report projects about $1 billion combined growth in corporate and personal income tax, while sales taxes are projected to fall by $330 million, marking a mixed bag for the state’s “big three” revenue sources.
A history of surpluses
What comes of the projected deficit and how it is defrayed will be up to the governor and the new General Assembly that is seated in January.
Thus far in his tenure, Pritzker’s administration has shown that it can work with
challenging budget year
lawmakers to balance the books. Every year since the COVID-19 pandemic upended state finances in 2020, the state has seen significant surpluses. Those occurred for several reasons, including better-than-expected revenues as consumers spent more on goods, and government stimulus checks that boosted the economy.
Some years have been buoyed by one-time factors, such as the “true-up” process of the past two years and the state’s retroactive collection of Medicaid dollars in fiscal year 2024.
But the surpluses are also partially attributable to the Pritzker administration’s conservative estimates early in the budgeting process.
In past years, that allowed lawmakers to kick extra revenues to the state’s “rainy day” fund that now has a record balance of $2.2 billion while paying down about $11 billion worth of out-
standing debts.
Late payment interest expenditures have dropped from about $980 million at the height of the state’s two-year budget impasse between Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner and Democrats in the General Assembly in fiscal year 2018, to $137 million in Pritzker’s first year in office and $13 million last fiscal year.
The forecast from GOMB anticipates a surplus for the current year as well, prior to next year’s deficit. Personal income tax and interest income have been higher than expected, while corporate income taxes are coming in lower than originally projected, mirroring national trends.
All told, the state is now looking at a $262 million current-year surplus, according to the report, but $246 million of that would be reserved in the Budget Stabilization, or “rainy day” fund.
11:30 a.m., Rush Creek Conservation Area, Harvard Explore the different ways animals can blend into their surroundings as we hike and play camouflage games. Ages 3-7.
Hike with Mike: Buehler’s Day Outside
Saturday, Nov. 16, 1011:30 a.m., Harrison Benwell Conservation Area, Wonder Lake. Curate conservation conversations with McHenry County Board Chairman Mike Buehler while exploring the trails of Harrison Benwell Conservation Area!
Nature Prepares for Winter
Saturday, Nov. 16, 1:30-3
and will be open on most Sundays through April. You can find the schedule for the market, held at the Dole
p.m., Coral Woods Conservation Area, Marengo.
Join for a 1.2-mile hike to look for signs of plant life and wildlife preparing for winter
Get Your Jingle On!
Saturday, Dec. 14, Noon-4 p.m., Glacial Park Conservation Area, Ringwood.
Celebrate the season with a holiday craft, festivities at the historic Powers-Walker House and a self-guided scavenger hunt. No registration required, drop in event good for all ages.
For more information or to sign up for programs please visit the McHenry County Conservation District website at MCCDistrict.org.
Penny’s Purpose annual blanket drive underway
From now until December 15, the Penny’s Purpose will be collecting items for their 6th Annual Blanket drive.
They are collecting blankets: new, handmade, or gently used (freshly laundered, stain-free, and without tears or holes). Fleece, knit and quilted blankets are all appreciated. Sleeping bags: clean, gently used or new sleeping bags to provide added warmth during colder months.
This years donations will support many groups including: ELCA Outreach Center in Kenosha, The Sharing Center, PADS of Lake County, Love, Inc., Caring 4 Kids, Reeach Rescue, Our Turn Pet Center, Willow House, and both Antioch and Lindenhurst ‘Shop with Cops’ programs, along with Canines 4 Comfort.
Donation bins are available at drop off locations including: Antioch
• Antioch Township Center, 1275 Main St.
• Antioch VFW, 75 North
Ave.
• Exquisite Style, 360 North Ave.
• Massage on Main Street, 983 Main St.
• Raymond Body Center, 1027 Anita Ave.
• Raymond Chevrolet, 118 IL Rt. 173
• Raymond Kia, 119 IL Rt. 173
• Wings Etc., 480 Orchard St.
Grayslake
• Grayslake Strike Zone, 34723 North IL 83
• Hair’s Where It’s At, 970 Harris Road, Suite 2B
Lake Villa –
Lindenhurst
• Brainstorm, 625 North Bridgeport
• REV Fitness, 23408 Apollo Court
• The Links Golf & Sports Bar, 2116 E. Grand Ave.
• Lake Villa VFW, 130 E. Grand Ave.
For questions, reach out to april@ thepennyspurpose.org or visit their website at thepennyspurpose.org/ annual-blanket-drive, or follow on Facebook and Instagram.
Retired Army Combat Engineer Thomas
30 days for 30 Vets program honorees notified, improvement projects scheduled
When Retired Army Combat Engineer Thomas Ewertowski’s central air conditioning system failed in June, he had to make due throughout the summer with a couple of window units to ensure that his wife, who has a heart condition, was comfortable.
A Vietnam veteran living in Huntley, Ewertowski learned this month that he is among 30 U.S. military veterans selected by a committee to win home improvement projects through the 30 Days for 30 Vets program.
The Bremer Team – Keller Williams Success Realty initiative was established not only to recognize deserving veterans throughout the month of Veterans Day, but also to provide some criti-
cally needed home improvements.
In Ewertowski’s case, that will mean both a brand new air conditioning unit as well as a new furnace donated by Jett’s Heating & Air.
“I am very thrilled that they picked me,” Ewertowski said, noting that his son Edward nominated him. “It is great to see that vets are now getting recognized and getting a lot of benefits. When I got out ... they pretty much sent me home and told me to forget I was ever in the war, which didn’t sit too well with me for the last 50 years.”
Other selectees will see home improvements ranging from new kitchen appliances or countertops to hot water heaters, a new roof and more.
Dawn Bremer, owner
and CEO of The Bremer Team, said the journey from launching the McHenry County-wide program to reading through the nominations and notifying winning veterans has been an experience beyond measure — rich with connection, gratitude and impact.
“To be in the presence of these veterans, to hear their stories and witness their needs, it’s been unbelievable,” she said. “It’s like they’ve been waiting decades to be appreciated.”
Michael Adams, a U.S. Marine veteran and a Bremer Team agent, said that he and Bremer have encountered more than a few selected veterans whose first reaction was to offer their prize to another who might need it more.
“It just goes to show their
continued selflessness,” he said.
Since the program’s launch during the summer, more than 20 area businesses stepped up to provide goods and services, including Home Depot, which not only is providing roughly $65,000 in materials and goods, but also will supply more than 100 volunteers to assist with installations, Geri Quirk-Blanken said. Quirk-Blanken is manager of the Volo Home Depot store as well as the business’s District 145 community captain, overseeing community involvement for 10 stores.
t Community events, car washes,
We are interested!
t Show the community what your group has been doing!
t NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED!
t Just shoot and e-mail!
t We need you to ID everyone in the photo first and last names required
t Tell us what’s happening in the photo
t Please do NOT crop your photos.
t Tell us who took the photo and we will give them a photo credit
“Giving back is part of [Home Depot’s] core values. Giving back to veterans in the community is among my favorites,” Quirk-Blanken said. “I love seeing the community come together and businesses helping each other for the greater cause.” Bremer and Adams said they still are in the process of notifying recipients. For those who’ve been notified, project scheduling is under way. Each day this month, a new recipient’s story appears on the 30 Days for 30 Vets and Bremer Team Facebook pages.
The next call to action, they said, is to recruit skilled volunteers willing to help with installations.
“We’re going to need people to help execute this,” Bremer said. “We’ll need people who know how to install a storm door or a water heater, somebody willing to do some carpentry for a day ...”
Those interested are encouraged to send an email to bremerteaminfo@gmail. com
The Bremer Team offices are located at 1218 N. Green St., McHenry. For other information, call 847-4566334, visit 30daysfor30vets. com or find 30 Days for 30 Vets on Facebook.
dawn bremer photo Hi-Liter/MCN
Ewertowski (right) is shown with his wife, Barbara, and Michael Adams,
a U.S. Marine veteran and Bremer Team - Keller Williams Success Realty agent. Ewertowski is one of 30 McHenry
County veterans selected as a 30 Days for 30 Vets program recipient. Above Par Construction supplied the flag plaques for all honorees.
Cynthia Wolf contributor
Court & crime news
Repeat weapon offender convicted in second jury trial; facing decades in prison
On October 30, a jury convicted Carnell Wesson, 31, of one count of Armed Habitual Criminal (class X felony) and one count of Unlawful Possession of a Weapon by a Felon (class 2 felony). The charges stem from a shooting incident that occurred in Waukegan on December 12, 2022.
The trial began October 28, lasting three days. The jury heard from State witnesses, including law enforcement officers and forensic experts. The evidence revealed that Wesson appeared to be involved in an argument with another man moments prior to shots being fired.
Law enforcement officers testified to responding to a report of shots fired in an apartment complex parking lot. They collected numerous pieces of evidence from the site, including 13 spent shell casings and a surveillance video that captured the entire incident.
Officers also testified to responding to two different reports of gunshot victims: one at Vista East Hospital who was later identified as Wesson, and another at Cornelia Avenue, who was later identified as Gerald Gordon.
Through surveillance footage, officers observed a
silver car entering the parking lot. Moments later, a man identified as Wesson— based on the clothing he was wearing at the hospital—approached the silver car. The video shows Wesson and an individual inside the silver car interacting before Wesson jumps back, raises his arms, and fires. Based on the forensic testimony presented at trial, Wesson fired 12 of the 13 spent casings recovered in the parking lot. Afterward, Wesson ran to a nearby SUV, that then fled the scene.
Wesson was out on bond at the time of this offense after being charged with multiple firearm offenses, including Armed Habitual Criminal, in March 2022 (Wesson was convicted of these charges in September 2023) and posting $15,000 cash. This was prior to the effective date of bail reform which now prevents individuals charged with firearm offenses from posting bond if a judge so decides at the beginning of the case Wesson was taken into custody by Waukegan Police in February 2023. Because this arrest was also prior to bail reform, the State’s Attorney’s Office filed a motion to deny bail under the prior version of the law, but the motion was denied by a judge. Instead, Wesson’s bond was set at 1.25 million dollars. A judge revoked Wesson’s ability to post bail after he was convicted of
his March 2022 weapons offenses in September 2023.
After the verdict, Lake County State’s Attorney stated, “Our Violent Crime Unit has now secured two successful trial verdicts against this offender. Once again, we see that the cash system was not keeping our communities safe. Now, individuals charged with this offense are facing detention petitions from our office; and if the judge grants the petition, the offender is held without being able to use cash. It is unfortunate that this dangerous offender was able to use $15,000 in cash prior to the effective date of bail reform.”
Armed Habitual Criminal carries a sentencing range of 6 to 30 years in the Department of Corrections. The sentence for the charges stemming from this incident can be served either concurrently, resulting in a total sentencing range of 6 to 30 years, or consecutively, to his conviction in the March 2022 incident, which could lead to a combined sentencing range of 12 to 60 years.
The State’s Attorney’s Office intends on arguing that Wesson should serve his sentences consecutively. Wesson’s next court date is scheduled for November 18, 2024, for a status hearing on post-trial motions.
Man arrested on 11 counts of weapons violations
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A Spring Grove man was arrested and charged with 11 counts of weapons violations following an investigation in unincorporated Spring Grove.
On October 15, the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office received information regarding a suspect who was unlawfully in possession of firearms and residing in the 9900 block of N. Clark Road in unincorporated Spring Grove.
Upon receipt of this information, members of the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office responded to the residence and began an investigation. In collaboration with McHenry County State’s Attorney’s Office, a search warrant was secured for the residence and executed by the Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division. Upon completion of the search warrant, 191 completed firearms, 198 partial firearms, suppressors, ballistic vest/helmet, and tens of thousands of rounds of ammunition were collected.
Jerome N. Ruckdeschel, 66, a previously convicted felon, was subsequently charged with weapons violations and taken to McHenry County Jail. On November 7, Ruckdeschel was indicted on the charges listed below and currently remains at the McHenry County Jail. The investigation is ongoing.
Charges include: 4 counts of possession of firearms while possessing body ar-
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mor by a felon (Class X), 1 count of possession of firearm ammunition while possessing body armor by a felon (Class X), 1 count of possession of a machine gun by a felon (Class X), 3 counts of possession of firearms by a felon (Class 3), 1 count of possession of ammunition by a felon (Class 3) and 1 count of unlawful use of weapons for possessing a silencer (Class 3).
The charges against this individual are merely allegations againsthim. All defendants are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Gilbert sentenced to 10 years for possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance
William Gilbert
On October 29, William Gilbert, a 43-year-old male from Waukegan, was sentenced to 10 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections for Possession with Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance, a Class X felony. Gilbert pled guilty in front of the Honorable Judge Mark R. Gerhardt. In August, 2023, a McHenry County Sheriff’s deputy was traveling on Illinois Route 120 when he observed a disabled vehicle partially in the roadway. The deputy conducted an exterior K-9 sniff of the vehicle, which alerted to the presence of narcotics. The vehicle was searched, and narcotics were found inside. Gilbert was also searched, revealing more narcotics on his person. In total, Gilbert possessed over 31 grams of heroin. Gilbert was subsequently arrested and charged.
McHenry County State’s Attorney, Patrick D. Kenneally, recognizes the thoroughness and detailed investigative work of the McHenry County Sheriff’s Department. Their diligence led to a successful prosecution, thanks to the hard work of McHenry County Assistant State’s Attorney Fara Momen. The McHenry County State’s Attorney’s Office remains committed to protecting the community from illicit drugs.
Townsend sentenced for domestic battery
On October 31, Andrew S. Townsend, a 35-yearold male from Marengo, was sentenced to 4 years 6 months in the Illinois Department of Corrections for Domestic Battery. Townsend was sentenced by Judge Mark R. Gerhardt following a negotiated plea.
At the time of this offense, Townsend was on probation for aggravated driving under the influence of alcohol. In that case, on March 16, 2021, a deputy with the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office arrived on the scene of a traffic crash where the driver, Andrew Townsend, admitted to consuming alcohol before driving. Upon a review of Townsend’s profile, he had 2 prior convictions for driving under the influence of alcohol.
McHenry County State’s Attorney Patrick D. Kenneally expresses his gratitude to the Richmond Police Department and McHenry County Sheriff’s Office for their quick response to Townsend’s crimes. A special thanks goes out to Assistant State’s Attorneys Brian Miller and Margaret O’Brien.
Car vs. bicyclist crash under investigation
Lake County Sheriff’s Traffic Crash Investigators continue to investigate a car-versus-bicyclist crash that occurred midday Saturday in unincorporated Libertyville.
On November 9, at approximately noon, Lake County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a traffic crash involving a car and a bicyclist at the intersection of West Rockland Road and the Des Plaines River pedestrian/bicycle trail. Deputies arrived to find a 33-year-old man from Mundelein critically injured.
Preliminary investigation indicates the bicyclist was traveling northbound on the Des Plaines River Trail when he attempted to cross West Rockland Road. He was then struck by a westbound Toyota Prius, driven by a 39-year-old man from Gurnee. The impact appears to have thrown the bicyclist onto the vehicle’s front windshield before he fell to the ground.
The bicyclist was transported to a nearby hospital with critical, life-threatening injuries. The driver of the Toyota, as well as a child passenger, were uninjured.
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office Technical Crash Investigations Team continues to investigate the incident.
At roughly 1:17 a.m. on March 5, 2023, Richmond Police Officers were dispatched to the victim’s residence due to Townsend sending threatening messages to the victim. When police arrived, Townsend was located across the street from the victim’s residence. Officers met with the victim who disclosed that Townsend, her ex-boyfriend, had grabbed her around the neck, leaving bruises.
Andrew S. Townsend
Carnell Wesson
Lake County Sheriff’s arrest bulletin
The Lake County Sheriff’s Dept. reported the following arrests in Lake County. Suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Sept. 15
Jamese M. Machey, 24, University Park, was cited for aggravated speeding (89 mph in 55 mph zone);
Demiah D. Dicke, 24, Waukegan, was cited for obstructing a peace officer, disorderly conduct and resisting arrest;
Jose M. Zarco-Zarco, 32, Grayslake, was cited for DUI – alcohol;
Jayla M. Martinez-Pluschke, 21, Beach Park, was cited for aggravated battery to a peace officer, aggravated battery to a correctional officer, resisting arrest, and reckless driving;
Kevin Strauss, 41, no permanent address, was cited for domestic battery;
Sept. 16
Khadijah D. Terry, 30, Chicago, was cited for warrant obtained: burglary;
Sept. 17
Dustin Lagacy, 22, Waukegan, was cited for criminal damage to government property;
Daniel L. Marcum, 51, Zion, was cited for no driver’s license, suspended registration and no insurance;
Jaquez J. Johnson, 23, Zion, was cited for driving while license suspended, and
suspended registration; Brian Thomas, 42, Gurnee, was cited for unlawful possession of a controlled substance;
Elisha L. Carlson, 43, Glenview, was cited for DUI – drugs/alcohol, resisting a peace officer, and aggravated assault to peace officer; Hector G. Perez-Rios, 38, Wadsworth, was cited for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon; Sept. 18
Alison L. Fenters, 31, Round Lake Beach, was cited for driving while license suspended, and suspended registration; Juvenile, was cited for no driver ’s license;
Alechia A. Fitchgerald, 45, Beach Park, was cited for domestic battery; Sept. 19
Karyn L. Knott, 26, Lake Villa, was cited for aggravated identity theft;
Michael S. Grubbs, 49, Waukegan, was cited for a warrant arrest: driving while license revoked;
Andrea Aszman, 42, Round Lake, was cited for domestic battery; Sept. 20
Terry Kahdijah, 30, Chicago, was cited for a warrant obtained: retail theft; Jared Honegger, 25, Lake Zurich, was cited for battery; Alexander Junkunc, 31, Michigan, was cited for battery; Damonte L. Taylor, 23,
Round Lake, was cited for a warrant arrest: unlawful possession of a controlled substance;
Henry W. Yucknut, 23, Deerfield, was cited for harassment through electronic communication;
Timm E. Holland, 22, Mundelein, was cited for DUI – alcohol and no insurance;
Matthew K. Hoff, 31, Holiday Hills, was cited for unlawful possession of cocaine and a warrant arrest: battery (McHenry County); Sept. 21
Benjamin P. Rivera, 39, Beach Park, was cited for aggravated domestic battery/ strangulation;
Heather A. White, 55, Forest Park, was cited for DUI –alcohol, obstructing a peace officer and no insurance;
Gavino Benitez, 52, Lake Villa, was cited for driving while license revoked;
Dusan Paska, 51, Lake Villa, was cited for criminal trespass to property and disorderly conduct;
Lech Sawicki, 67, Chicago, was cited for operating a watercraft under the influence of alcohol.
Sept. 23
Katrina M. Hardy, 42, Zion, was cited for a warrant arrest: contempt of court; Stephen Tracy-Kavoukian, 34, Lake Zurich, was cited for a warrant arrest: violating an order of protection;
David M. Hogan, 30, Wau-
conda, was cited for a warrant arrest: driving while license suspended (McHenry County);
Emmanuel Flores, 19, Round Lake Beach, was cited for fleeing to elude;
Sept. 24
Maleik Johnson, 28, Calumet City, was cited for a warrant obtained;
Lashan D. Wyatt, 26, Hammond, IN, was cited for a warrant obtained: burglary; Keith Blades, 26, Waukegan, was cited for a warrant obtained: burglary;
Marlena J. Rodriguez, 42, Chicago, was cited for a warrant obtained: aggravated identity theft, forgery;
Adriana Dupree, 33, Chicago, was cited for a warrant obtained, and aggravated identity theft;
Johnny Phelps, 50, Grayslake, was cited for DUI – alcohol, and open transportation of alcohol;
Angel Aldana-Garrido, 41, Waukegan, was cited for no driver’s license;
Michael S. Cannon, 70, Gurnee, was cited for disorderly conduct;
Imani M. Pizano, 20, Waukegan, was cited for no driver’s license;
Chatherine E. Weber, 78, Waukegan, was cited for driving with revoked registration; Sept. 25
Andy E. Padedes, 29, Round Lake, was cited for battery;
Alma Cruz-Espinoza, 33, Waukegan, was cited for unlawful possession of a weapon, and open transportation of alcohol; Autumn N. Pitts, 31, North Chicago, was cited for driving while license revoked; Sept. 26
Demitra Angela Zaino, 32, Deer Park, was cited for domestic battery; Antuwan M. Hall, 34,
Waukegan, was cited for a warrant obtained: obstructing a peace officer, and driving while license revoked; Richard A. Tomassetti, 60, Round Lake Beach, was cited for unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia; Sept. 27
Juvencio Tellez-Castillo, 25, Wheeling, was cited for aggravated speeding (94 mph in 45 mph zone).
Traffic safety campaign results announced
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office conducted a successful Halloween traffic safety enforcement campaign. Sheriff’s Deputies arrested two impaired drivers, one of whom was also charged with endangering the life of a child when they were found to have a child passenger in their vehicle. Sheriff’s Deputies issued 21 citations for speeding, four citations for driving without a valid driver’s license, and two citations for child safety seat violations. Sheriff’s Deputies also arrested two people with active arrest warrants. In total, Sheriff’s Deputies stopped 65 vehicles and issued 56 traffic citations during the campaign.
Law enforcement agencies across Illinois participated in this statewide effort to save lives by removing impaired drivers from the roads and ensuring more drivers and passengers were properly buckled up. The fall enforcement campaign, which ran from October 18 through November 1, was part of the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” and “Click It or Ticket” initiatives.
Special attention was given to late-night enforcement, as data shows that this is when the highest number of impaired driving incidents and unbuckled fatalities occur
This enforcement effort was made possible through federal highway safety funds provided by the Illinois Department of Transportation.
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