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Mchenry County

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Storm perimeter expands: weekend to midweek severe weather threat for the Chicago region
weather16 days ago

Storm perimeter expands: weekend to midweek severe weather threat for the Chicago region

The National Weather Service warns of periodic thunderstorms, some potentially severe, from Sunday through Wednesday across Lake and McHenry counties and the Chicago area. The first round is expected Sunday morning into early afternoon, with a risk of damaging winds and hail up to a quarter-size, plus a localized flash-flood threat as storms train. Additional rounds are anticipated Sunday evening into Monday, with the forecast remaining unsettled through Wednesday. Stay tuned to warnings and take precautions when heavy rain or thunder occurs.

Partial head found near Fox River crash; investigators seek ID
crime-and-safety25 days ago

Partial head found near Fox River crash; investigators seek ID

McHenry County officials are trying to identify partial human remains found near the Fox River (Colby Drive) days after the fatal Fox River boat crash that killed Magdalena Jablonska. Dental records are being used to establish an ID, as authorities have not confirmed whether the remains belong to Jablonska, who was decapitated in the collision of a 31‑foot pontoon and a smaller boat. The coroner’s office continues its investigation with other agencies; meanwhile, Richard Stevenson, 45, remains jailed on reckless homicide and aggravated DUI charges related to the crash.

Partial head found in Fox River as coroner probes link to fatal boat crash
crime26 days ago

Partial head found in Fox River as coroner probes link to fatal boat crash

A partial head was recovered from the Fox River in McHenry County as authorities investigate a possible link to a fatal boat crash that killed Magdalena Jablonska; the remains have not yet been identified, and the coroner’s office says identification is pending. The crash, which occurred Saturday, led to charges of aggravated DUI and reckless homicide against the driver, Richard Stevenson, as investigators explore connections to the ongoing investigation.

Lisle man charged after deadly Fox Lake boat crash on Fox River
crime27 days ago

Lisle man charged after deadly Fox Lake boat crash on Fox River

A Lisle man, Richard Stevenson, faces aggravated DUI and reckless homicide charges after a high-speed pontoon crash on the Fox River near McHenry that killed 48-year-old Magdalena Jablonska. Prosecutors say his BAC was about .200 and he was speeding at 80 mph in a slow zone; two other occupants fled the scene. Stevenson, who has prior DUI and reckless-driving offenses, was detained and is jailed with a court date set for Aug. 5. He was terminated from his job at Stevenson Crane Company.

Bond Denied for Lisle Executive After 80 mph Fox River Boat Crash Kills Woman
local28 days ago

Bond Denied for Lisle Executive After 80 mph Fox River Boat Crash Kills Woman

A judge ordered the detention of Richard M. Stevenson, 45, of Lisle, after prosecutors say he drove a 31-foot boat on the Fox River at about 80 mph while intoxicated, crashing into another boat and killing a woman while injuring another person near the 1800 block of South Fernwood Lane in unincorporated McHenry. Stevenson's blood alcohol content was 0.236, and he is charged with one count of reckless homicide and two counts of aggravated DUI causing a crash involving death; he refused chemical testing and his license was suspended. Prosecutors sought to detain him pending trial, and a McHenry County judge granted the request. The incident drew a multi-agency response, closed and later reopened the Fox River, and is under investigation by conservation police; Stevenson is scheduled for a status hearing August 5. A LinkedIn profile lists him as VP of Stevenson Crane Service.

Company exec accused of reckless DUI in fatal Fox River boat crash near McHenry
crime29 days ago

Company exec accused of reckless DUI in fatal Fox River boat crash near McHenry

Richard M. Stevenson, 45, of Lisle, a company executive, allegedly operated a 31-foot South Bay boat on the Fox River at about 0.236 BAC—nearly three times the legal limit—driving at “full throttle” in a no-wake zone and striking a second boat near McHenry, killing a female occupant and injuring another. He faces reckless homicide (Class 3 felony) and aggravated DUI causing a crash involving death (Class 2 felony); Stevenson was arrested at the scene, transported to a hospital, and is scheduled for an Initial Appearance in court as the river closure near the McHenry Dam was temporarily lifted.

Rabid Bat Found Inside Home Triggers Rabies Advisory in McHenry County
local-news2 months ago

Rabid Bat Found Inside Home Triggers Rabies Advisory in McHenry County

A resident found a bat inside a McHenry County home that tested positive for rabies, marking the county’s first rabid bat of 2026. The resident was exposed and was advised to receive rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). Animal Control collected the bat for testing, and the McHenry County Department of Health urged containment of any indoor bat, provided steps to prevent future intrusions, and noted that rabies in Illinois is primarily transmitted by bats and is not typically spread person-to-person.

River floodwaters force road closures and warnings across Lake and McHenry counties
local4 months ago

River floodwaters force road closures and warnings across Lake and McHenry counties

Heavy rainfall pushed the Fox River and Des Plaines River above flood stage in Lake and McHenry counties, prompting widespread road closures (including Grand Avenue in Gurnee and River Road near Moraine Hills) and flood warnings as officials warn major flooding could rise downstream; residents are urged to avoid floodwaters, heed closures, and use bottled water if wells are contaminated while sandbagging efforts continue.

Norovirus Outbreak Alert Prompts Precautions Across McHenry County
health6 months ago

Norovirus Outbreak Alert Prompts Precautions Across McHenry County

McHenry County health officials report a two-week rise in acute gastroenteritis, most likely norovirus, with symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, nausea and cramps. They urge residents to wash hands with soap and water (not sanitizer), stay home 24 hours after symptoms end (48 hours for food handlers), stay hydrated, disinfect surfaces with EPA List G products, and follow CDC guidance to prevent spread.

McHenry County Overdose Deaths Double, Health Alert Issued
health1 year ago

McHenry County Overdose Deaths Double, Health Alert Issued

The McHenry County Department of Health has issued a warning following a 100% increase in suspected overdose deaths in October compared to September. While the deaths have not been confirmed as opioid-related, fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid, is often involved in such cases. The department emphasizes the availability of fentanyl test strips and Naloxone (Narcan) to prevent and reverse overdoses, respectively. These resources are available for free at various locations in the county, and residents are reminded of the Good Samaritan Act, which protects those seeking emergency help for overdoses from prosecution for drug possession.

"Norovirus Outbreaks Sweep Across Midwest Schools and Communities"
health2 years ago

"Norovirus Outbreaks Sweep Across Midwest Schools and Communities"

McHenry County has experienced eight norovirus outbreaks, including four in schools, resulting in 317 reported cases since December 1. The virus, which causes symptoms such as stomach pain, nausea, and diarrhea, is highly contagious and has prompted a warning from the county's health department. Residents are advised to practice good hygiene, including frequent handwashing and proper food preparation, to prevent the spread of norovirus. Nationally, norovirus cases are on the rise, with the Midwest currently experiencing a PCR test positivity rate of nearly 13.5%.

Tragic Family Shooting Claims Four Lives in McHenry County
crime3 years ago

Tragic Family Shooting Claims Four Lives in McHenry County

Four people have been identified as the victims of a shooting in unincorporated McHenry County near Crystal Lake. Three women were found dead at the scene, while a man and another woman were seriously injured. The man, believed to be the aggressor, later died. The deceased have been identified as Lauren Smith-Song, Jean Song, Yuna Song, and Chang Song. The authorities have not disclosed the relationship between the victims. The motive and details of the shooting remain unknown, and autopsies are scheduled. Neighbors expressed shock and sadness over the incident.