A two-story house is uninhabitable after a fire broke out Monday afternoon near Johnsburg
The alarm was upgraded to a “working fire response,” according to the release. Crews fought the fire from both the interior and exterior while searching for a person who was reported to possibly still be in the home. Firefighters were able to confirm all occupants evacuated before they arrived, and no civilian or firefighter injuries were reported.
The home suffered “extensive heat, smoke and water damage,” according to the release. Smoke detectors were in the home, but did not alert to the fire, according to the release.
The cause of the blaze is unknown and under investigation by the fire district, according to the release.
Fire departments from Antioch, Cary, Fox Lake, Nunda, Richmond, Round Lake, Spring Grove, Wauconda and Wonder Lake assisted the McHenry Township Fire Protection District during the call.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Lake and McHenry County Scanner
A driver was uninjured after a semi-truck hauling a dump trailer rolled over while dumping its load at the McHenry Township Road District in Johnsburg Wednesday morning
The McHenry Township Fire Protection District and Johnsburg Police Department responded around 8:05 a.m
McHenry Township Fire Protection District Battalion Chief Dave Harwood said the McHenry Township Road District was receiving a shipment of road salt
A semi-truck was dumping the contents of its trailer for the delivery when the truck and trailer both rolled over
The driver was inside the cab of the truck when the incident occurred
He was able to self-extricate before the fire department arrived and was uninjured
Harwood said it is unknown what caused the truck to tip over
It is unclear if the load shifted or if there was a mechanical failure
Fire crews arrived and found diesel spilling out of the saddle tank of the truck
The tank holds approximately 200 gallons of fuel and approximately 50 gallons spilled
The fuel spill was contained and the diesel did not enter any water or drains
The incident occurred in the parking lot of the township office and traffic was not impacted
Harwood said fire crews remained at the scene for four hours while crews pumped the fuel tanks and uprighted the truck and trailer
No part of this website may be reproduced or stored in any form without written permission from Lake and McHenry County Scanner
To keep you informed about the latest news across Lake and McHenry counties as it happens
ExpandJohnsburg's Peyton Mesce delivers to the plate against Woodstock on Wednesday
has a good subject for his next article in Johnsburg‘s school newspaper
which continues to be one of the best stories in McHenry County this spring
Johnson’s two perfectly placed bunt singles and two-run triple helped support Peyton Mesce’s complete-game effort on the mound, as Johnsburg beat Woodstock 7-1 on Wednesday to move closer to winning the Kishwaukee River Conference championship.
Johnsburg (17-6, 10-2 KRC) and Marengo have two losses apiece in the conference and split their two games against each other. The Skyhawks finish KRC play next week with two games against Harvard.
Last season, mind you, Johnsburg won only six games, including five in conference. Imagine if someone had told the Skyhawks last year that they would be in position to win the KRC in 2025.
“I would have said you’re lying to me,” Johnson said. “I would have said that’s the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard.”
Mesce, a junior who played on varsity with Johnson last year, didn’t see the Skyhawks having this kind of success this season.
“I thought we were going to have a better season, but I didn’t think we were going to be here,” Mesce said. “Our confidence in ourselves [has been the difference].”
Johnson was a difference-maker against Woodstock (4-13, 2-7). He bunted for singles down the third base line in the second and sixth innings, and then the 5-foot-9, 130-pounder showed some pop in his bat in the seventh. He helped put the game away with an opposite-field, two-run triple that rolled to the fence. Johnson (3 for 4) scored both times after his bunt hits and also stole a base.
“He’s a great kid,” Skyhawks coach Eric Toussaint said. “He’s full of energy. I’ve had him in basketball. He’s probably one of my favorite kids I’ve ever coached. He can do all of the little things.”
By his count, Johnson, a senior infielder, has six or seven bunt hits this season.
“I’ve bunted a lot in my career,” said Johnson, who also has played golf and basketball in his Johnsburg career, and whose fraternal twin, Landon, also plays for the baseball team. “Since I was a sophomore, when I was brought up [to varsity] as a little, scrawny kid, I bunted when I had to. I probably got the sign to do so once a game.”
Mesce, Johnsburg’s No. 3 starter behind Evan Pohl and Ashton Stern, gave up a leadoff single to Cayden Holtzee in the bottom of the first. One out later, Sonny Marsalla tagged Mesce for a long RBI double to center field, putting Woodstock up 1-0.
“His on-base percentage is out of this world,” Blue Streaks coach Ian Rago said of Marsalla. “He has a great approach at the plate. He’s just done a really good job all year.”
Mesce settled in after the first inning, as the 5-9, 170-pound righty allowed only two more hits. He struck out four, including the side in the second, effectively using a fastball, curveball and changeup.
“I trust my team to back me up all the time,” Mesce said. “That’s going to keep happening for the rest of the season. I know they got my back, no matter what.”
Leading only 2-1 after five innings, Johnsburg got a break to start the sixth, as a fly ball was dropped for a three-base error. Kaeden Frost’s RBI single capped a three-run inning.
“It was right before that [sixth] inning,” Toussaint said. “The Linkletters [assistant coaches Mark and son Ryan] got them all together. They said, ‘You’re listening to us. We’re going to take pitches, and we’re going to bunt. We’ve got to change it up.’ It was totally [the Linkletters], and the kids listened.”
Woodstock starting pitcher Maximilian Haggerty went six innings, allowing five hits and five runs, but only the first two were earned. He struck out four, including the side in the sixth.
Maximilian Haggerty delivers a pitch against Johnsburg on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at Emricson Park in Woodstock. (Joe Aguilar)
“Max always battles,” Rago said. “He gives you his best effort every time he’s out there. He doesn’t overpower anybody. He’s just smart, and he’s very competitive.”
Stern had a double for Johnsburg. Deegan Turner and Brady Fisher also had RBIs.
ExpandJohnsburg Village Hall is shown in 2024
The Johnsburg Village Board has approved new salaries, with bonuses, for its department heads.
One incoming trustee questioned that vote, as did a former trustee.
“These are not minor administrative matters,” said Keith Von Allman, the former Johnsburg chief of police who now works for the McHenry County State’s Attorney’s Office. “They are long-term financial decisions that should not be made without the input of the board that will soon bear the responsibility of implementing and funding them.”
Von Allman and newcomer J.D. Sylvanus won seats on the Village Board in the April 1 election, while current Trustee Josh Hagen was reelected. They are due to be sworn in Tuesday, May 6.
Hagen also provided the lone no vote against the salary increases at the Village Board meeting April 24.
Von Allman questioned why the raises were being considered before the new board members are sworn in. He also noted that the village hasn’t yet finalized its budget for the fiscal year set to begin May 1, and the last audit has not been completed. The audit was set for delivery to the village Friday, Village Administrator Claudett Sofiakis said.
According to village documents, Sofiakis and Chief of Police Jason Greenwald both received 3% raises, bringing Sofiakis’ salary to $178,231 and Greenwald’s to $127,308. Sofiakis also was given a $12,000 bonus, and Greenwald $6,000.
Other increases ranged from a 13% bump for the parks and facilities manager, bringing him to $60,320 a year with a $3,000 bonus, to a 6% raise for an administrative assistant now making $44,000 a year, with a $1,000 bonus.
It is normal for a Village Board to vote on staff raises before a new board is sworn in, Village President Ed Hettermann said.
“The County Board does it the same way. You do it with the old trustees because those trustees have worked with staff,” Hettermann said.
Former Trustee Tom Curry, who did not win reelection two years ago during the 2023 elections, checked the board minutes from that year and saw the new board that year was sworn in May 2, and the raises were approved in at the May 16 meeting.
He also claimed that the raises that year were beyond what was allowed by village code, and that the code was not changed until August 2023.
“I wanted that on the record,” Curry said.
The Johnsburg Village Board is expected to vote at its Feb. 4 meeting on a zoning change and special use permit that could bring a new convenience store to town.
Those hoping to build a Kelley’s Market at the corner of Route 31 and Johnsburg Road said the business will not attract more traffic to the area and would bring both full- and part-time jobs with benefits to it.
Some residents of the adjacent Skyhawk neighborhood on the northwest corner of Route 31 and Johnsburg Road, however, have attended two Planning and Zoning Commission meetings and the Jan. 21 Village Board meeting to voice their opposition to the project.
“The residents' concerns, for many of them, is traffic at the intersection and the environmental impact of gas stations,” Village Manager Claudett Sofiakis said.
The site plan as proposed for a Kelley's Market at Route 31 and Johnsburg Road, Johnsburg. (Photo provided by the Village of Johnsburgb)
The first Planning and Zoning Commission discussion on the project was at its December meeting. The commission tabled the issue to its Jan. 8 meeting “to narrow down concerns and what can be done to minimize the concerns,” Sofiakis said.
The commission ultimately voted 5-1 to give its nod of approval to the project.
Owner Kelley Williams Company seeks a 6,000-square-foot convenience store with a Which Wich sandwich restaurant, gas and diesel fueling islands, and a drive-thru car wash.
“I have no problem with developing, but it should not be a 24-hour gas station.”
“It is a convenience store with multiple offerings, ... and we do have fuel offering,” company President Clifton Morris told the Village Board.
If approved, the $9 million project could bring $500,000 to $600,000 in sales tax, $50,000 to $70,000 in property taxes and video gaming revenues to Johnsburg, Morris said.
The company also proposes the store would be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
“I have no problem with developing, but it should not be a 24-hour gas station,” resident Heather Chappell said at the Village Board meeting. She also said residents already have difficultly pulling onto Johnsburg Road during peak times.
The roads in question are not controlled by the village, Sofiakis said. Johnsburg Road is controlled by McHenry County, and Route 31/Richmond Road is under the Illinois Department of Transportation.
Kelley Williams is proposing right-in, right-out access to the site off Route 31. On Johnsburg Road, the access would be off Hamlin Drive. The company would rebuild Hamlin, adding both right- and left-turn lanes onto the county road and space to stack 12 cars into those turning lanes.
“At the end of the day, we will improve [access] to Hamlin,” Morris said in an interview with the Northwest Herald.
There is a Marathon convenience store/gas station across the street now. The full access that store has to both roads would not be approved by regulators now, according to Kelley Williams representatives, who said the lighting there would not be either. Current lighting standards require lights that do not go beyond the property boundaries.
Of the two parcels in the proposal, one already is zoned for the convenience store. The board would need to rezone the second lot to match.
ExpandRichmond-Burton's Madison Kunzer (left) and Hailey Holtz (Alex Kantecki)
Rockets pitcher Hailey Holtz said Kunzer always brings big energy
a four-year high school teammate with Kunzer
“We’re all just sitting in the dugout waiting for her to hit an absolute nuke
Kunzer added a single in her third at-bat and finished 3 for 4 with three RBIs, while Holtz came up one batter short of a no-hitter and struck out 17 in an 8-0 win over Johnsburg in their Kishwaukee River Conference game.
Madison Kunzer, Richmond-Burton (Photo provided by Richmond-Burton High School)
Kunzer has provided many clutch hits and big blasts throughout her career. Tuesday’s no-doubt homer to start the scoring in the top of the second was another key hit as the Rockets (16-6-1, 6-2) avenged a 1-0 loss to Johnsburg (8-12, 4-5) on April 8.
Richmond-Burton coach Tylar Stanton said Kunzer has done a good job attacking center and right field during a recent stretch of hot hitting.
“She’s got some of the fastest hands, one of the strongest girls on the team,” said Stanton, who has had Kunzer on varsity all four years. “She’s a big-time player. Once she solidified her swing and started putting the best part of the bat on the best part of the ball – hitting it hard – she’s jumped.
“With two strikes, she’s been very successful for us. Triple down the right field line is great to see in any situation, and it’s something we’ve worked on countless times. It’s clicking.”
“She’s got some of the fastest hands, one of the strongest girls on the team. She’s a big-time player.”
Richmond-Burton broke the game open with a five-run fourth that included back-to-back RBI triples from Kunzer and Lilly Kwapniewski. Gracie Johnson and Jocelyn Hird also had RBIs in the inning.
Kunzer was happy to get the Rockets’ offense going Tuesday. She continues to work on hitting to all fields.
“That’s always been my weakness, hitting the outside [pitch],” said Kunzer, who will play next year at NAIA St. Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa. “We hit live BP at practice and work outside a lot. I’ve got a hitting coach that helps me out with that, and I’ve been feeling a lot more confident with outside pitches.
“It’s got me more hyped and more confident.”
Kunzer fielded the only ball that made it to the outfield by the Skyhawks when Abri Bruns broke up Holtz’s no-hitter with two outs in the seventh with a solid single to center field.
“In the outfield, I’m like, ‘I’m not going to get anything, because all she does is strike people out,’ ” Kunzer said of Holtz. “She always does amazing. There’s no worry when she’s pitching.”
Hailey Holtz, Richmond-Burton (Photo provided by Richmond-Burton High School)
Before Bruns’ single in the seventh, the only Skyhawks batter to reach base against Holtz was opposing pitcher Joree Tibbs, who walked twice and was hit by a pitch.
With KRC title aspirations, the Rockets were determined to not let the Skyhawks trip them up again.
“We let one slip a bit the last time we saw [Johnsburg], so that wasn’t an option today,” Stanton said. “[Holtz] was dialed in. We got that early start from Madison, the dugout erupted, and there was energy all the way through. Hailey is very talented. When she’s got the lead, she’s got a little bit of extra edge, which is great to see.”
Tibbs, a senior, struck out seven and walked none over seven innings for Johnsburg. She threw a shutout against R-B in their first meeting.
Johnsburg coach Katie McKay said her team’s at-bats were not competitive enough against Holtz on Tuesday.
“We were really undisciplined, and she capitalized on it,” McKay said. “She knew that she could come up and in and we’d swing at it every time. We need to do a better job of being disciplined. We take a pitch away from her, and she might start moving it, and we might put the ball in play more.”
ExpandLetter to the Editor (Shaw Local News Network)
As a current member of Johnsburg’s school board
a former educator and a proud parent of four Johnsburg graduates
I write to encourage you to vote for our ticket
We are proud of our record of creating programs that have improved student achievement
we have increased academic interventions for our struggling learners
expanded the Academically Talented program to reach more of our students
added more advanced math courses at the junior high
as well as changed policy so that students taking geometry at the junior high will receive high school credit
courses that award students both high school and college credit
potentially saving our families thousands of dollars in higher education costs
We also recognize that not every student’s achievement includes a university education
our nationally recognized Career and Technical Education department has updated its equipment
expanded offerings and increased the number of students in our program and attending Tech Campus
In supporting the total upgrade of the high school’s outdoor facilities
the first major exterior work of this scale since the school’s 1978 opening
our students and athletes now have use of some of the best facilities in the state
Tom Oeffling and Mark Majercik so that we can continue providing our students an excellent education
Johnsburg
ExpandJohnsburg's Evan Pohl celebrates the game winning run after the infield umpire calls Marengo's Alexander Johnson for a bulk in the seven inning that allowed Pohl to score during a Kishwaukee River Conference baseball game on Monday
JOHNSBURG – Johnsburg’s flair for winning baseball games on walk-off balks trumped Marengo senior Alten Bergbreiter’s knack for late-inning heroics at the plate
Both made for fitting drama considering first place in the Kishwaukee River Conference was at stake
A balk was called, allowing Evan Pohl, whose one-out single started the rally, to trot home from third base with the winning run.
Marengo coach Nick Naranjo said the umpire made the correct call on the balk.
“We had our defense not set up in the right way,” said Naranjo, whose Indians hosted Johnsburg in a rematch Wednesday. “Our outfielders were playing a little bit too shallow, so we wanted to get them back to default depth, and then we told [Johnson] to step off and, unfortunately, he went to deliver and stepped off at the wrong time.”
It was the second time this season that first-place Johnsburg (14-4, 7-0) won a KRC game at home on a balk, as it also happened against Richmond-Burton on a snowy April 9. It’s been that kind of season for the Skyhawks, who had a 12-game winning streak snapped last week after having won only six games all of last season.
“All of the kids are characters,” first-year Skyhawks coach Eric Toussaint said with a smile. “There’s something about them. They’re just goofy and fun, and battle, and love to be here. I guess I expect the weird endings with the kind of kids that we have.”
Bergbreiter’s two-out, two-run single tied the score in the top of the seventh and kept Pohl from getting the win after Johnsburg’s lefty starter dominated for six innings. Pohl struck out 12, including seven in a row, walked three and allowed only two hits and no earned runs. He struck out 18 batters against Woodstock North on April 14.
“Fastball, changeup, keeping it outside and letting the wind take it a little,” the 5-foot-9, 160-pound Pohl said of what was working against Marengo. “I like the corners.”
Trailing 2-0, Marengo (13-5, 6-2) started its seventh-inning rally against Pohl thanks to an error and walk to Max Broughton. Toussaint then went to closer Deegan Turner. David Lopez’s sacrifice bunt moved the runners to second and third. Turner got a called third strike for the second out, before the lefty-hitting Bergbreiter singled into center field, tying the score.
As a sophomore two years ago, Bergbreiter hit a walk-off single in the regional final. Marengo walked off with a win against Woodstock on April 12 this season when Bergbreiter smacked a two-run single in the seventh.
“I just go up there and have the approach that I work on every time, and it seems like when it matters, it works,” Bergbreiter said. “I’ve got nothing to lose.”
Pohl, who plans to play for McHenry County College next year, had two of Johnsburg’s seven hits (all singles). Batting in the No. 3 spot, he went 2 for 3 with a first-inning sacrifice bunt that led to Dom Vallone and Landon Johnson scoring the game’s first two runs.
“The coaches are keeping us in a better mindset,” Pohl said. “They’re getting us to think about approaches at the plate, not just swinging to swing, having an idea of what to do.”
Marengo starting pitcher Michael Kirchhoff struck out nine, walked two and hit two in five innings. He allowed one earned run and four hits. Kirchhoff also had one of the Indians’ three hits (all singles).
Regional convenience store chain Kelley’s Market will not be building a location at Route 31 and Johnsburg Road
1 concern we have heard from residents,” Trustee Beth Foreman said
It was traffic concerns that may have killed the project for Johnsburg
Trustees were under the assumption that the McHenry County Division of Transportation would allow left-turn lanes out of both entrances for that housing development, Hagen said. However, only right-in/right-out access was approved by the county agency.
Although the Illinois Department of Transportation approved right-in/right-out access on Route 31 for the proposed convenience store, the McDOT approvals have not been finalized. Kelley Williams asked the county for right- and left-turn lanes off a rebuilt Hamlin Drive onto Johnsburg Road.
Tuckaway Townhomes – a workforce rental housing development – asked the county for a similar, three-quarters intersection, Johnsburg village engineer Tim Hartnett said. That type of entrance allows both left- and right-in, but only right turns out onto a main road.
The townhouse developers “were willing to spend the money with engineering and traffic consultants, but in the worst-case scenario said they ... will live with right-in and right-out. That is what is there today,” Hartnett said.
If the village approved the convenience store development before McDOT approved access to Johnsburg Road, the village would have to accept whatever the county decided.
The convenience store that was rejected in Johnsburg is at the same intersection where rental townhouses - another controversial project in town – were under construction in October. (Gregory Shaver/Gregory Shaver )
Residents also were concerned about the store’s plan to be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Kelley Williams hoped to build a 6,000-square-foot convenience store with a Which Wich sandwich restaurant, gas and diesel fueling islands, and a drive-thru car wash.
A motion to limit the car wash’s hours of operation and to make village approval contingent on McDOT’s acceptance of the expanded access to Johnsburg Road was voted down before the final vote.
Foreman questioned whether any business would consider the corner for future development.
“People are not investing in new brick-and-mortar. It is a specific money-making enterprise that can afford to make that investment,” Foreman said. “If we say no, what is the next opportunity?”
A Johnsburg water tower is seen from Johnsburg Road in a 2024 photo. (Gregory Shaver/Gregory Shaver )
It is a “challenging lot” that is not the right one for the business, Trustee Greg Klemstein said, but he told the Kelley Williams representative that he would “love to see your gas station in our town.”
BaseballJohnsburg 12-0, Plano 0-11: At Plano, the Skyhawks split their Kishwaukee River Conference doubleheader with the Reapers, getting a no-hitter from Nate Frost in Game 1.
Frost struck out six and walked none. Dom Vallone, Tayden Pinkowski, Kaeden Frost and Brady Fisher each had two RBIs for Johnsburg in the Game 1 win.
Woodstock North 5-6, Richmond-Burton 3-8: At Richmond, the Thunder and Rockets split their KRC doubleheader. Ryan Lalor tossed five scoreless innings with seven strikeouts in the Game 1 victory for North. Brady Rogers had a triple and RBI.
In Game 2, Ray Hannemann had two doubles and an RBI for R-B. Cooper Nagel and Gavin Busa each drove in two runs.
Galesburg 7, Burlington Central 1: At Burlington, Sam Maglares had a double and RBI in the Rockets’ nonconference loss.
Marian Central 20, Schaumburg Christian 0 (6 inn.): At Schaumburg, the Hurricanes coasted to a nonconference win against the Conquerors. Adam Wrzos had a home run and three RBIs, Colin Kowalsky went 3 for 4 with a homer and three RBIs, and Jaxson Christensen and Mason Graf also drove in three runs.
Winnebago 15, Alden-Hebron 0 (5 inn.): At Winnebago, the Giants were no-hit in a loss to the Indians.
Lakes 4, Woodstock 1: At Lake Villa, the Blue Streaks fell to the Eagles in nonconference play. Sonny Marsalla was 2 for 3 with a double and one RBI.
Bishop McNamara 3, Marian Central 1: At Kankakee, the Hurricanes dropped their Chicagoland Christian Conference game to the Fighting Irish. Christine Chmiel struck out 10 in six innings for Marian.
Woodstock 21, Elgin 4 (4 inn.): At Woodstock, Hayden Williams was 2 for 2 with a double and five RBIs in the Blue Streaks’ nonconference win. Tipper Axelson and Emma Douglas both drove in three runs and Julia Broughton had two RBIs. Woodstock collected 19 hits in the win.
Sycamore 7-12, McHenry 0-5: At McHenry, the Warriors dropped both games of their doubleheader against the Spartans. Charlee Cape, Natalie Bender, Elyssa Fullington and Isabelle Townsend drove in runs in Game 2 for McHenry.
Alex KanteckiSports editor for the Northwest Herald. Local prep sports coverage of McHenry County.
Fire crews fought flames and bitter cold when they were called to the scene of a fire at 3 a.m. Tuesday in Johnsburg
The McHenry Township Fire Protection District found flames visible from the roof and attic of a two-story home in the 3700 block of Richmond Road, according to a news release from the fire district.
Residents had evacuated safely when crews arrived within five minutes of the call. They deployed hose lines to the second floor for fire suppression while searching the house. Because of the bitter cold, a mutual aid box alarm was requested, according to the release.
Crews brought the fire under control within 50 minutes without injury to firefighters or residents. The origin of the fire is under investigation, and no damage estimate was available, but officials said the house was deemed uninhabitable.
The fire district was assisted by personnel from Round Lake, Spring Grove, Wonder Lake, Fox Lake, Richmond Township, Libertyville, Cary, Wauconda, Antioch, Nunda Rural, Woodstock, Lake Zurich and Grayslake either at the scene or covering stations during the call. The American Red Cross is assisting the residents.
ExpandThe former restaurant/nightclub building at Paradise Cove
The building has been abandoned since about 2000
Mike Oliver doesn’t remember a time when the restaurant and nightclub along the Fox River in Johnsburg wasn’t a run-down ruin
The McHenry resident hopes to bring Paradise Cove back to life starting later this year
Oliver presented Johnsburg’s Planning and Zoning Commission with plans for a new
“north of $30 million” development for the 22-acre site at 3309 N
Chapel Hill Road that has been sitting mostly idle since the late 1990s
Where there is now the shell of a building
Oliver proposes what he calls Hidden Harbor
he’d knock down the old restaurant and nightclub in favor of an expanded marina with 62 boat slips
drive-up boat storage and a retail building
The existing Waterfront Hotel and restaurant would remain
and along the riverfront Oliver envisions an ice cream shop
playground and splash pad open to the public
Hidden Harbor plans as presented on Wednesday
to Johnsburg's Planning and Zoning Commission
“We want to provide a mini version of the McHenry Riverwalk” for Johnsburg
he told the commission and about 50 residents who came to hear and comment on the plans
“We want to provide a mini version of the McHenry Riverwalk.”
others have spent millions “trying to revive this property and have thrown in the towel,” Oliver said
“The current situation on the property is terrible.”
Chicago-based development firm Millennium Marketing & Development received village approval for a 6,000-square-foot restaurant
156 townhouses and 140,000 square feet of commercial space
That 108-acre proposal stretched from the river to Coolidge Avenue west of Chapel Hill Road
and included single-family homes on the east side of Chapel Hill Road south of Bay Road
the contract to purchase Paradise Cove had lapsed
according to Northwest Herald reports at the time
In 2013, Mario Arcari purchased the site and later spent $1 million renovating the hotel, renaming it The Waterfront Hotel & Marina
He built out what was basement storage space facing the Fox River into The Wave Bar & Grille
Plans were to do something about the falling-down restaurant – last known as JuggerDoon’s – next door
is a superintendent for a commercial construction company and has experience with redevelopment
He does not have the funding to build out Hidden Harbor himself
“I am not a multimillionaire,” Oliver said
His plans call for building the boat storage in the first phase of construction
The idea is income from those monthly rentals will then pay for phase two
Commonly called “car condos,” they are a space for car and power sports fans to store their collections
They come with bathrooms and can include kitchens and even home office space
They are purchased by the owners and are “slightly cheaper than buying home on the riverfront,” Oliver said
Finished units or those combining more than one condo unit could cost $1 million
Johnsburg would need to amend its zoning ordinance
permitting them as a conditional use in a B-2 business district
Questions about car condos and enforcing a rule that they’re not to be lived or slept in pushed a vote on the amendment and on Oliver’s plans to May 14
would be expanded to allow 62 boat slips by removing the former restaurant/nightclub building on the site
Commissioner Ken Calhoun asked if fines can be included if car condo owners spend the night “to make sure it does not become a residence somehow?”
Johnsburg could impose only a $750-a-day fine
One resident said she was concerned about the cost of relocating a road as part of the development. Laura King said she spoke with the McHenry County Division of Transportation and that office indicated that Salem Avenue would need to be relocated to the south, so it meets Chapel Hill at Bay Road.
“We are still working through complexities with McDOT,” Oliver said.
After the meeting, Oliver said he plant to discuss possible development incentives with the Village Board.
“We do think they should incentivize us, with this level of development in town,” Oliver said.
If ultimately approved by the Johnsburg Village Board, construction could begin this fall for a mid-summer 2026 opening date for the boat storage portion, Oliver said.
ExpandWork continues on General Capital's townhome style rental units at Route 31 and Johnsburg Road on Wednesday
The townhomes are clustered in seven-unit buildings and include one-
two- and three-bedroom rentals that are directed at families and young people in the working world
As of this week, there are 48 families who have applied to live in one of the 49 apartments at Tuckaway Townhomes in Johnsburg – but that should not discourage people from applying for a unit there
so they should contact the leasing office for the application,” said Sig Strautmanis of Wisconsin-based developer General Capital
Work continues on General Capital's townhome style rental units at Route 31 and Johnsburg Road on Wednesday
Now under construction at Route 31 and Johnsburg Road
the apartments were approved by the Johnsburg Village Board in 2022
The seven-building workforce housing complex has 25 three-bedroom
Households living there there can earn between 80% to 30% of the median income for the Chicago-Naperville-Joliet statistical area
A family of three could earn up to $80,720 a year and qualify for one of the units
Rent is limited to 30% of household income
16 are set aside for those making 80% of the median income
That lowest income threshold are set aside for people with disabilities
The $24.8 million project was funded “by an interesting combination of sources” including tax credits
an Illinois Housing Development Authority loan
Solar credits allowed the developer to install panels to power the complex’s common areas
Each unit was built so that if more solar grant funding becomes available
each building could be fitting with panels at a later date
Providing affordable housing for working families is important to our community.”
Internal Revenue Service code allows private financiers to purchase tax credits
the investors get a break on their tax bills
The funds go toward affordable housing developments
so developers are held to a higher standard
All of these things increase the quality and the efficiency of the projects” while also decreasing utility cost
It also means construction is often more expensive than standard apartments
“But there is an increase in the quality and efficiency and the long-term viability of the product,” Strautmanis said
Tuckaway Townhomes is the second General Capital-led project in Johnsburg in recent years. The company also renovated the former Bush Elementary School, creating 68 units for those aged 55 and older in what they call Berkshire-Johnsburg
Prior to the Bush school project, there was just one rental apartment building in Johnsburg, Village Manager Claudett Sofiakis told the Northwest Herald in late 2022
More rentals and more rooftops encourage more private retail development in the village
It also is providing more options for residents
“Providing affordable housing for working families is important to our community
Construction at Tuckaway should wrap up by late November and be ready for move-in in December
Because the company also has the Berkshire property on West Church Street
He touted the building’s playground and community center with a lounge
business center and fitness center as highlights of the development
along with the stability that comes with living there
Residents there “tend to be very stable and when turnover happens it is because (residents) found a different job and are moving up and out,” he said
Information on applying for the apartments can be found at tuckawayjohnsburg.com, or by calling the leasing office at 815-354-3291.
ExpandSteve Dixon (Photo provided by Steve Dixon)
Village of Johnsburg Trustee
Enterprise Account Executive for IMAGETEC L.P
Village of Johnsburg Planning & Zoning Commission Board Member
JohnsburgFirst.com
University of Iowa Tippie College of Business Graduate
Committee Member of The Johnsburg High School Athletic Hall of Fame Committee
Lifelong Parishioner of St. Johns the Baptist Catholic Church (Johnsburg)
Saufen und Spiel (Johnsburg Days) Volunteer Member
I believe we are experiencing a trend towards multi-family housing because there is a lack of it in the area. I support a balance of housing options, which includes multi-family housing, so that we can accommodate the needs of all residents.
As a planning & zoning commission member, I supported the workforce housing development in Johnsburg. Much of the available housing in McHenry County is unaffordable and I believe we have a responsibility to provide housing for all of our residents. I strive for Johnsburg to be a place where you can work, live, shop, and dine.
Yes, I believe it is important and essential for local law enforcement to cooperate with ICE and other government agencies in their efforts to help ensure the safety and wellbeing of the residents in our community and the country as a whole. I believe the United States of America truly is the land of opportunity and I welcome those that wish to immigrate to the U.S., but they must do so legally.
1) Economic Development - We need to work with local businesses, investors, organizations, chambers of commerce, and other surrounding municipalities to increase well fostered and planned economic growth in Johnsburg’s downtown area as well as the RT 31 corridor. Doing so will enable the village to increase revenues while reducing the residential tax burden, improve infrastructure, and expand opportunities for all village residents.
2) Public Safety - We need to have a strong relationship with our brave men and women in our local law enforcement/first responders to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the village’s greatest asset, the people of Johnsburg.
3) Non-Highway/Golf Cart Privileges - We need to protect and preserve our responsible non-highway/golf cart privileges in Johnsburg. This is a special privilege that our community offers that not only encourages social interaction but has also enticed residents from other communities to move to Johnsburg, both of which have resulted in increased tax revenue both for the village and our school district.
By having a collaborative relationship with developers and investors as well as local, state, and federal government agencies to increase economic development while ensuring the protection of our natural resources.
I believe we need to continue to work with local and State agencies to increase access to and the frequency of public transit throughout the County. We must also continue to expand our road networks and other infrastructure such as bike paths and sidewalks to accommodate other means of transportation. All of these efforts require funding and the continued pursuit of grants will be critical to ensure the burden is not placed on our residents.
Our village government should have a substantial and collaborative role in supporting and promoting economic growth in our village. Prosperous businesses and economic growth not only increases tax revenue for our village and our school district but will create jobs within the community for multiple age demographics and help to reduce the tax burden on our residents.
The role of our public safety departments today is far more challenging than ever. To ensure that we can provide for the public’s safety, it is critical that we fund a public safety department that is staffed, trained and equipped to address whatever may threaten our community. Doing so will require continued participation in mutual aid efforts with other agencies and grant funding to help offset the increasing cost of public safety operations.
By having a transparent approach with all village residents regardless of age, gender, or demographics. Promoting inclusion for all village residents will bring multiple perspectives on village topics and issues that will result in resolutions that includes the voices of all village residents.
Yes, this is essential for transparency between the government and village residents. Disclosing potential or an actual conflict of economic interest should absolutely be disclosed so decisions are made in the best interest of all village residents and not a select few. Much of this is already required through the Statement of Economic Interest process administered through the County.
I will promote and encourage village residents to meet with me either in person or virtually, whichever is more convenient. If they cannot attend a meeting, then having open-ended communication through email, social media, phone, etc. is important. I believe one of a candidate’s most essential traits is their availability, commitment & communication with residents in the community.
ExpandCaptain David Meyer of Chicago Fire Department Truck 29 has died as a result of injuries from a fire Wednesday
(Photo provided by Chicago Fire Department)
The house between them on the Fox River was not in great shape until a new owner started working on it himself
neighbors Brian Pokrzywa and Mike Morreale said
“There were here on the weekends. They came about every weekend and during the week here and there,” Pokrzywa said. “They are a great family.”
Meyer, 54, joined the Chicago department in October 1996, according to information provided during a department news conference Wednesday. The fire was out, and crews were starting salvage and overhaul when the garage collapsed on Meyer. He was taken to Stroger Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries, according to Chicago fire officials.
The Meyer family bought the house between Morreale and Pokrzywa “for a song” because of the shape it was in, Morreale said.
Meyer “took a lot of time and effort” bringing the house back, Morreale said. “He was always out doing something.”
Meyer was also always willing to help his neighbors out.
“He was one of those guys who was hard to find,” Morreale said.
When a recent storm took down a large branch on one of his trees, Morreale asked Meyer if he could come over with his chainsaw “and whack this into pieces for me.”
“I went to the store and when I came back it was done” and the wood piled for him, Morreale said.
During a family party one recent summer weekend, an outside stair tread broke at the Pokrzywa house. Meyer, who was up on a ladder in his own home came over “and had it fixed in 10 minutes, during the party,” Pokrzywa said.
Another time, he asked for help getting a ladder up to a high light bulb. “I am not good on ladders. I asked, ‘Can I borrow a ladder?’” but Meyer came over, threw the ladder up and changed the lightbulb, Pokrzywa said.
“Every time Dave was here he was working on something,” Pokrzywa added. “He was such a nice guy who would do anything for anybody.”
There are not a lot of summer homes left on the Fox River in Johnsburg, with many having become permanent homes over the years, Morreale said. It was his understanding the family hoped to move there permanently after David Meyer retired.
A moment of silence for Meyer was held at the Johnsburg Village Board meeting Thursday evening.
2025 at 3:43 pm CDTExpandLauren Sharp founded Art for Adrienne in honor of her late mother
Sharp will dedicate 10 percent of sales of her hand-etched hats to the National Alliance on Mental Illness of McHenry County
(Photo by Cynthia Wolf | Wolf Wordsmithing )
JOHNSBURG – Mere minutes after Lauren Sharp placed several of the wide-brimmed fedoras she hand-etches on a back table at a McHenry coffee shop
curious onlookers couldn’t help themselves
“I love these!” said McHenry resident Dana Ferguson
who had stopped by Toast & Roast with her friend David Arroyo of Grayslake
“I could tell when I saw her face she’s an artist,” Arroyo said
between visits with others drawn to gaining a up-close glimpse of her intricately crafted headgear
explained the motivation behind the name of her home-based business
a talented artist herself who died by suicide in 2009 at age 47
as Adrienne Paradise battled mental health and substance abuse struggles
is dedicating 10% of all of her Art for Adrienne sales throughout May to a mental health agency
during National Mental Health Awareness Month
Sharp will dedicate 10% of all of her sales to the National Alliance on Mental Illness of McHenry County
She also is donating one of her fanciful chapeau to NAMI for its May gala
“Lauren’s hats are gorgeous, and her talent and passion for her craft is evident in every single piece,” said Abbey Nicholas, executive director of NAMI McHenry County
“NAMI is so honored to feature a one-of-a-kind donated hat in our Sunset Gala auction
Lauren’s personal story reminds us that we are all touched by mental health
and her generosity will help ensure that everyone in our community has access to free mental health services.”
Sharp said she is grateful to have formed a connection with Nicholas and NAMI
“This is an opportunity to spread some positivity
turn some bad things that have happened in my life into good,” Sharp said
it will also help to bring healing to others.”
using a wood-burning technique known as pyrography
A gallery may be viewed and orders placed at artforadrienne.com
alligators lurk or a moon casts its shadow across a desolate landscape
Acrylic paints provide an extra pop of color to some
leather braids or ropes of rough-cut stone
Even the undersides of Sharp’s brims delight
Sharp spoke openly about both her own mental health challenges and the one that ultimately took her mother’s life
As Sharp and her three siblings were growing up in McHenry and Wonder Lake
their mother struggled off and on with alcohol abuse
were among Toast & Roast coffee shop customers drawn to Lauren Sharp's hats as Sharp sat down for an interview to talk about her business
dilapidated antique and give it a new life
she could paint it and make something truly beautiful out of it
“She was also a muralist,” Sharp continued
“She painted my whole bedroom wall this beautiful ocean theme with dolphins and fish and coral
About a year before Adrienne Paradise died
doctors tried to dial in an effective regimen
John Paradise ran screaming into Lauren’s room
Adrienne Paradise had swallowed a bottle of Tylenol after a daylong bender
who fought mental health demons of her own
after the birth of her second child in 2022
Sharp suffered severe postpartum depression
and his mother persuaded Lauren to see a mental health professional
I have felt like a whole new person,” she said
Sharp said the grief that follows the suicide of a close family member is pitted with guilt
Sharp and her sister were “just getting into trouble,” she said
tearing up as she wondered aloud whether she’d done anything by then to make her mother proud
Sharp also often wonders how her mother’s life might have progressed had the artist survived
“She died before social media took off and before Etsy was a thing,” Sharp said
“I can just imagine what she could be doing today in a world where it is so much easier to have your art seen.”
“Getting help is the best thing I’ve ever done,” she said
“I don’t know if this feeling will ever go away that there’s a big piece of my heart missing
But now that I’m doing things to benefit my mental health
and making art that I know would make my mom proud
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
more than 49,000 Americans died by suicide and 1.5 million attempted it in 2023
the last year for which statistics are noted on the website
call the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988
The lifeline offers judgment-free support for mental health crises
Shaw Local News NetworkShaw Local News Network provides local news throughout northern Illinois
ExpandSailboats take off from the Pistakee Yacht Club on Saturday
The club has been in a land dispute with the village over boat storage
(Gregory Shaver/Gregory Shaver Shaw Media )
Josh Hagen, reelected to the Johnsburg Village Board on Tuesday
hopes he and the two other winning candidates on his slate can bring the village and the Pistakee Yacht Club back to the negotiating table and out of a courtroom
“I think it was a very serious issue that came up a number of times in the campaign,” Hagen said
The lawsuit between the 128-year-old boating club and the village is just one of the reasons the slate – including Hagen
“We ran a no-negative campaign” that focused a vision for Johnsburg
“Let’s come up with a plan on how we get there and bring new ideas to the village.”
Unofficial totals from Tuesday’s election show Hagen and Sylvanus both received nearly 20% of the vote
Incumbents Greg Klemstein and Mary “Beth” Foreman were at 13% and 14%
Because Hagen and Von Allmen are yacht club members
they will continue to abstain from votes regarding the club
we are able to bring the two parties together again
There is a lot of animosity between the two.”
Arguments in the case are set for May 1 in a McHenry County courtroom
Von Allmen said he believes a solution can be found before May 6
when the newly elected trustees are sworn in
A third-party mediator or court reporter to take notes could be brought in
“It is my belief that the village wants the Pistakee Yacht Club to be successful,” Von Allmen said
slate members say they want to promote communication and transparency between the village and its residents
When the three candidates determined their priorities for the village
“it was based on our interactions with people in Johnsburg,” he said
“Communication and transparency quickly rose to the top.”
Von Allmen wants to make available to the public the supporting documents that are given to the Village Board members before public meetings
which the slate would also like to see live-streamed
“People were caught off guard by it and it was presented like ‘This is happening,‘” Sylvanus said
He contrasted that with the Hidden Harbor project proposed for the Paradise Cove
Developer Mike Oliver “is going house-to-house saying ‘Here is my plan,‘” to those homes adjacent to it
The three newly elected board members said they are in favor of that project, which would bring drive-up boat storage, car condos and an expanded marina to the southwest corner of Chapel Hill Road at the Fox River
That proposal is expected to get a second hearing from the Planning and Zoning Commission on May 14
A date for it to go to the Village Board has not been set
“I think that property is probably the single most important property in the village for commercial development that is not large-scale retail
Johnsburg has the most waterfront footage but very little commercial” land on that riverfront
He likened that and other development proposals nearby to the McHenry Riverwalk, with its mix of commercial, residential and public space.
“There is not a lot of opportunity for public space and [Oliver] made the best out of that with the mixed use,” Hagen said.
ExpandGregory Klemstein (Photo provided by Gregory Klemstein)
I have been serving the Village of Johnsburg as a Village Trustee since May 2013
Finance Concentration - Valparaiso University
Johnsburg Men’s Club Member, Board of Directors for Heartland REALTOR Organization, Treasurer for Women’s Council of REALTORS – Elgin / McHenry Area, McHenry County Council of Government - Finance Committee Member
We have attempted many times since then to reach a resolution, but the yacht club’s priorities and desires keep growing. I would very much like to see a resolution that keeps the yacht club running as the fixture it has been within our community.
As far as the club closing, the property will belong—as it does now—to the yacht club and the members will have to decide what its future will be.
If we want to grow our community—or even maintain current levels--we need to allow for the opportunity for folks to experience Johnsburg and why we love it.
With the new development of Tuckaway Townhomes at the corner of Route 31 and Johnsburg Road, I believe we have sufficient workforce housing. Other neighboring communities, such as McHenry, are developing workforce housing and other forms of subsidized housing as well.
I did vote in favor of the Tuckaway Townhomes development. In my experience as a resident of Johnsburg, I have encountered a variety of people who are working hard at multiple jobs (for example: retail workers and restaurant servers) in Johnsburg but are unable to afford housing in our town.
Under current Illinois law, the TRUST Act, local law enforcement is prohibited from assisting with immigration enforcement. If that law changes, then I think law enforcement will have to do what is required of them under that new law and work with the new Federal Laws.
Economic Development: Strive to grow our Route 31 corridor by bringing in new businesses and filling vacant structures (such as the old J.C. Penny building). Investigate the possibility of microbusinesses, including smaller retail locations.
Infrastructure: Our current reliance on individual septic systems for businesses and residences (properties under one acre) inhibits our growth. The village must continue to look for opportunities to further develop our sewer system, so we can bring in new businesses, including restaurants, into our downtown area.
Community Development: The food truck initiative on Wednesdays has been very successful. I would love to see more opportunities for the community to come together, whether it’s with a movies or concerts in the park or family fun nights with a variety of activities for all ages.
All businesses are required to follow federal, state and local guidelines for environmental standards. When a new business is being contemplated or voted on, it is also important to consider the impact on residents and their quality of life (higher traffic, light pollution, etc.) and that must be weighed carefully along with the potential economic growth.
As mentioned above, my infrastructure priority is expanding the sewer system so that we are able to attract more new businesses. As far as public transportation is concerned, new stops or routes are generally dependent on population size and the transportation entity (Metra and PACE, for example) determining the economic viability of said routes.
Johnsburg does participate in the MCRide community program, in which residents can schedule a ride to other participating towns, for a low cost. I voted in favor of this program.
The Village Board should work with local business associations (such as JABA) and seek out opportunities to help businesses where feasible. Façade grants, for example, or perhaps sales tax abatements if it makes sense in a particular scenario.
My current top safety concern is the increased traffic, due to housing and business growth in McHenry county. I would like IDOT and MCDOT to perform an updated traffic study to look at speed limits, road capacity, and the need for additional traffic lights in town.
Everyone should be treated fairly under the laws and regulations of Johnsburg. All residents are encouraged to bring their concerns and questions to their trustees and the village board as a whole.
All Village Board Members and the Members of the Zoning and Planning Committee are required to complete a statement of economic interest every year. These statements are submitted to the McHenry County & Illinois Secretary of State for review.
I’m available via phone, email, and one-on-one conversations as requested. I’m always happy to hear from constituents as I look for ways to serve their needs.
BaseballJohnsburg 11, Richmond-Burton 10: At Johnsburg, the Skyhawks (9-2, 2-0) rallied for three runs in the bottom of the seventh inning and scored the game-winning run on a balk in a Kishwaukee River Conference win over the Rockets. Riley Johnson had an RBI hit to cut R-B’s lead to one, and Kaeden Frost walked with the bases loaded to tie the score before the walk-off balk.
Richmond-Burton (1-8, 0-2) scored four runs in the top of the seventh to take a 10-8 lead. Tayden Pinkowski was 2 for 3 with a double, two runs and three RBIs for Johnsburg. Evan Pohl (three runs) and Johnson both knocked in two runs.
For R-B, Luke Johnson had two doubles, two runs scored and three RBIs. Joe Larsen scored twice and drove in two, and Cooper Nagel went 2 for 3 with a double and three RBIs.
Cary-Grove 1, Burlington Central 0: At Cary, Charlie Taczy threw a shutout with 11 strikeouts and knocked in the game’s only run to lead the Trojans (5-3, 1-0) past the Rockets (6-1, 0-1) in a Fox Valley Conference game. Taczy allowed two hits and walked one in the complete game.
Chase Powrozek took the loss, allowing an unearned run on five hits over five innings. He struck out eight and walked three.
Crystal Lake South 10, Dundee-Crown 8 (10 inn.): At Carpentersville, Christian Alther was 3 for 4 with a double, three runs scored and four RBIs for the Gators (6-3, 1-0) in the FVC win. Alther drove in two of his four runs in the 10th inning. Carson Trivellini added three hits and an RBI and Gio Evers-Sanchez had two hits and drove in one.
Ryan Pierce had three hits and two RBIs for D-C (5-3, 0-1). Jake Toms (double) and Jacob Gillette both had two hits and one RBI.
Woodstock 7, Harvard 4 (susp.): At Harvard, the Blue Streaks lead the Hornets in their KRC game after 3½ innings. Trevor Cote drove in two runs for Woodstock before the game was suspended because of rain.
Marengo 2, Woodstock North 1 (susp.): At Marengo, the Indians grabbed the lead in the bottom of the fourth on a bases-loaded walk by Michael Kirchhoff before the game was suspended because of rain.
McHenry 0, Hampshire 0 (susp.): At Hampshire, the FVC game between the Warriors and Whips was suspended with one out in the top of the second inning.
Huntley 2, Crystal Lake Central 1 (susp.): At Huntley, the Raiders scored two runs in the bottom of the first inning to take the lead over the Tigers. The FVC game was suspended after 2½ innings because of rain.
Huntley 25, Burlington Central 0: At Huntley, Leah Holmberg scored her 100th career goal as the Raiders (2-1, 1-0) rolled in their FVC opener. Holmberg had three goals and an assist, Ally Schneider had three goals and two assists, and Abriy Walker, Lauren Cardinal and Meya Soto all scored twice.
Crystal Lake Central 18, Cary-Grove 3 (4 inn.): At Crystal Lake, the Tigers (6-0, 2-0) scored nine runs in the third inning and stayed unbeaten with an FVC win over the Trojans. Cassidy Murphy was 3 for 4 with two home runs, three runs scored and four RBIs, Lily Perocho was 4 for 4 with five RBIs and Adi Waliullah added three runs scored and three RBIs. Makayla Malone earned the win, striking out five in four innings.
Aubrey Lonergan (2 for 2) drove in two runs for C-G (1-4, 0-2).
Huntley 14, McHenry 2 (5 inn.): At McHenry, Lyla Ginczycki (2 for 3) hit a home run and drove in two in an FVC win for the Raiders (4-5, 1-1). Isabella Boskey (2 for 3, three runs) and Ajai Bonner (2 for 4) had three RBIs, while Sadie Svendsen and Avery Collatz both drove in two.
Gretchen Huber gave up a pair of unearned runs in five innings with six strikeouts for the win. Danica McCarthy had two hits for McHenry (2-5, 0-1).
Burlington Central 13, Dundee-Crown 3 (5 inn.): At Burlington, Olivia Sutton (3 for 4) had two RBIs and two runs scored in the Rockets’ (3-6, 2-0) FVC win over the Chargers. Kelsey Covey and Addison Beltran (2 for 3, double) both knocked in two runs. Mei Shirokawa scored three runs. Addisyn Petersen got the win, allowing three runs in five innings with three strikeouts.
Alyssa Gale drove in a run for D-C (4-3, 1-1).
Harvard 14, Guilford 4 (5 inn.): At Harvard, Nayeli Sanchez was 2 for 2 with two doubles and seven RBIs as the Hornets moved to 3-3 on the season. Tallulah Eichholz scored three runs and had two steals. Kara Knop earned the win, striking out nine in five innings.
Hampshire 8, Jacobs 3 (susp.): At Algonquin, the Whip-Purs sent 11 batters to the plate and scored eight runs in the top of the first inning, highlighted by a three-run home run by leadoff hitter Ally LeBlanc. The game was suspended after one inning because of rain.
Ashton-Franklin Center 19, Alden-Hebron 2 (4 inn.): At Ashton, Olivia Toscano drove in a run for the Giants (0-3) in a nonconference loss to the Raiders.
Marian Central 1, Round Lake 1: At Round Lake, Kalia Parris scored the Hurricanes’ lone goal in a nonconference draw. Rut Navarrete made 10 saves for Marian and Adriana Wrzos had an assist.
Richmond-Burton 7, Harvard 0: At Harvard, Maddie Seyller and Sydney Frericks scored two goals apiece for the Rockets (3-3, 1-1) in their KRC win against the Hornets. Kenzie Ragusca, Abbie Leslie and Elle Barrettsmith also scored. Kat Pacheco and Rylee Molczan combined for the shutout.
Johnsburg 4, Antioch 3: At Johnsburg, Lauren McQuiston scored on a penalty kick in the 72nd minute to lift the Skyhawks (3-2) to a nonconference win. Charlie Eastland, Brooke Butler and Liz Smith also scored, while McQuiston added two assists. Lila Konrad made a penalty-kick save in the 69th minute.
Firefighters from a dozen departments battled a house fire in Johnsburg in frigid sub-zero temperatures and rescued a cat from the residence
which was left uninhabitable Tuesday morning
The McHenry Township Fire Protection District responded around 3 a.m
Tuesday to the 3700 block of Richmond Road in Johnsburg for a report of a structure fire
Fire crews arrived on the scene within five minutes to find a two-story home with flames coming from the roof and attic
according to McHenry Township Fire Protection District Battalion Chief Ryan Mastandrea
Firefighters learned that all residents had safely evacuated the home
The response was upgraded to bring additional fire departments to the scene and to cover McHenry fire stations
Firefighters deployed hose lines to the home’s second floor to extinguish the fire while simultaneously searching the house
Mastandrea said the frigid temperatures resulted in the Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS) being activated to the box alarm level for more resources
Temperatures were several degrees below zero during the incident
The fire was brought under control within 50 minutes
Mastandrea said a cat was found alive by firefighters and a second cat was missing but believed to still be alive somewhere in the house
The home was deemed uninhabitable and the American Red Cross was assisting the residents
A damage estimate was not immediately available and the cause of the fire remains under investigation
Lake Zurich and Grayslake fire departments assisted at the scene or covered McHenry fire stations
The Salvation Army Canteen from Crystal Lake also responded to the call
ExpandJohnsburg's Liz Smith (center) celebrates her goal with teammates
Lauren McQuiston (left) and Charlie Eastland (right) during a Kishwaukee River Conference match at Richmond-Burton on Tuesday
RICHMOND – Liz Smith stopped and took in the moment as she stood along the Johnsburg sideline on Richmond-Burton’s soccer field Tuesday
When the final buzzer sounded from the scoreboard
As soon as Smith realized what had just happened
[ Photos: Johnsburg vs. Richmond Burton girls soccer ]
It was a surreal moment for Smith and the Skyhawks in their third match of the season. Johnsburg not only had just beaten Richmond-Burton 2-0
but the Skyhawks had handed the Rockets their first Kishwaukee River Conference loss since 2019
it just means so much because we’ve been working for this since my freshman year
and I’m just excited for the season that we have in store for us.”
R-B had dominated the KRC over the past four seasons
The Rockets won 35 straight KRC matches in the regular season and in the KRC Tournament
suffering their last KRC loss to Woodstock in April 2019
The 2020 season was canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic
Over the years, R-B felt like a mental hurdle Johnsburg couldn’t clear. On Tuesday, the Skyhawks finally got over it.
“To come out here and to put it on them, it just felt like a relief,” sophomore Charlie Eastland said. “We’ve wanted this, we deserved this for so long. It’s always been a mental battle for us. So to come out here and to step past that line and get over that line, it was really amazing for us as a team.”
Johnsburg's Charlie Eastland controls the ball in front of Richmond-Burton's Nicole Mendlik during a match on Tuesday at Richmond-Burton. (Gregory Shaver/Gregory Shaver )
The Skyhawks (2-1, 1-0) did it by using their speed and aggressiveness. After the Rockets controlled the pace for the first 15 minutes, Johnsburg broke through when Smith created a fast break. She split through the Rockets defense to score with 21:20 left in the first half.
The pressure continued and Eastland made it 2-0 with 3:21 left in the first half after she broke through on a run and scored. Johnsburg ended the match with nine shots on goal, six coming in the second half.
“We try to use that to our benefit,” Smith said of the team’s speed. “I think that was a perfect example of what we’ve talked about in training, and we just executed right there. I just think that’s great passing.”
In a way, Rockets coach Casey DeCaluwe was relieved his team lost Tuesday. No, DeCaluwe didn’t want R-B (0-2, 0-1) to lose and for the streak to end. But he felt this year’s roster, which is filled with a large number of newcomers, carried the pressure of the streak with them.
“It’s great for the team. We have such a young team, so coming into this and winning, it just means so much because we’ve been working for this since my freshman year. It’s just crazy that we finally beat them and I’m just excited for the season that we have in store for us.”
Tuesday felt like an important moment for the Rockets to move on from the past and build for this season.
“Every day has got to be a building block,” DeCaluwe said. “This was just a step. I think we get better because of it. So I don’t look at it as a negative. I look at it as things that we can do to learn from our mistakes.”
Both teams hoped to use Tuesday’s match as a building block for the rest of the season. If history repeats itself, the two could meet again in the KRC Tournament and the postseason like they did last year.
But for at least a night, the Skyhawks wanted to take in the moment. They appreciated what they had accomplished and what it could mean for their future.
“I honestly think it’s opening the floodgates in a way because this is the hardest game mentally and physically, but mainly mentally for this team,” Eastland said. “So to be able to come out with a win on them, it is amazing for us. I’m just so excited to see where this season takes us.”
My name is Mark Majercik, and I am running for the Johnsburg District 12 school board
I am a lifelong conservative resident of Johnsburg
graduate of JHS (’85) and proud father of three wonderful daughters
My eldest daughter and JHS grad is finishing her college degree this spring (biology teacher) and our twins are excelling academically and athletically as juniors at JHS
My quality Johnsburg education prepared me well for college where I went on to earn three degrees from the University of Illinois
Most of my college peers came from much larger and better funded school districts
but I always felt that I was just as well prepared as any of them and I would like to do my part to help continue/enhance this fine tradition
I am a strong believer in community service and am a former president of the Johnsburg Community Club Inc.
member of the Catholic Order of Foresters and current owner of two businesses based in Johnsburg
I have coached my daughters in summer softball for the past 17 years and have been a volunteer softball coach the past two years at JHS
I have been very impressed over the years by the sound fiscal management of the current board
including the incredible exterior sports complex recently completed WITHOUT raising our taxes
Neiss and Oeffling so that we can continue the fine education and conservative fiscal leadership at Johnsburg schools
Dom Vallone and Deegan Turner both knocked in two runs under the lights as the Skyhawks (6-2) beat the Titans for their fifth win in a row
Riley Johnson drove in a run and Tayden Pinkowski was 2 for 3 with two runs scored
Turner and Landon Johnson both stole two bases
Ashton Stern started and allowed an unearned run in three innings
He gave up a hit with four strikeouts and two walks
the Warriors (0-1) dropped their season opener against the Bulldogs
call the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988
Mere minutes after Lauren Sharp placed several of the wide-brimmed fedoras she hand-etches on a back table at a McHenry coffee shop
“I love these!” exclaimed McHenry resident Dana Ferguson
“I could tell when I saw her face she’s an artist,” added Arroyo
between visits with others drawn to gaining a more up-close glimpse of her intricately crafted headgear
“Lauren’s hats are gorgeous and her talent and passion for her craft is evident in every single piece,” said Abbey Nicholas
“NAMI is so honored to feature a one-of-a-kind donated hat in our Sunset Gala auction … Lauren’s personal story reminds us that we are all touched by mental health
Sharp takes blank, wide-brimmed, “vegan” fedoras of various hues and, using a wood-burning technique known as pyrography, engraves them with a range of free-handed, imaginative, feminine, or fierce designs. A gallery may be viewed and orders placed at artforadrienne.com
Between the visits from curious passers-by
My friends would come over and they were so jealous.”
Adrienne Paradise had swallowed a bottle of Tylenol after a day-long bender
The experience left Lauren Sharp — who fought mental health demons of her own — fearful
Lauren Sharp suffered severe postpartum depression
I have felt like a whole new person” she said
guards Johnsburg’s Skye Toussaint in varsity girls basketball on Saturday at McHenry High School in McHenry
(Patrick Kunzer for Shaw Local/Patrick Kunzer for Shaw Local)
McHENRY – Johnsburg studied film of its season-opening win over McHenry and didn’t like what it saw.
Despite coming away with the win, the Skyhawks felt they could play at a much higher level. More specifically, Johnsburg wanted to show its ability to spread the ball around and make a defense really work.
ExpandAutoplayImage 1 of 21McHenry’s Maritza Martinez splits Johnsburg’s defense of Ava Jablonski, left, and Carlie Majercik, right, in varsity girls basketball on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025, at McHenry High School in McHenry. (Patrick Kunzer for Shaw Local/Patrick Kunzer for Shaw Local)
During Saturday’s rematch, no play demonstrated that more than when freshman forward Skye Toussaint took a pass from twin sister Summer and made a 15-foot jumper midway through the third quarter.
All five Skyhawks touched the ball on the possession, with 12 passes made before Skye Toussaint’s sweet swish from the free-throw line.
Johnsburg displayed plenty of unselfish play throughout to start off the new year with a 41-31 nonconference win.
“They really played into our game plan of just trying to get the most ball movement, ball reversals and unselfish basketball,” Johnsburg coach Erin Stochl said. “We watched film of the last time we played [McHenry], and we weren’t super happy. McHenry plays really tough, they’re aggressive. We focused on getting as much ball movement to make them work for it.”
Leading 18-14 at halftime, the Skyhawks (9-5) came out and made their first four shots. Senior guard Ava Jablonski hit her jumper, followed by a hook shot from forward Carlie Majercik and a 3-pointer from Summer Toussaint. Lauren McQuiston then hit a 3 from the left wing for a 28-14 lead with 5:56 left in the third quarter.
Jablonski got banged up in the first half and used it as motivation for a fast start to the second.
“I got that little shin thing that happened and was a little mad. I knew I had to come out with enthusiasm,” said Jablonski, the team’s lone senior starter. “I told the girls, ‘Let’s go on a run because we haven’t been on one in a long time.'
Johnsburg’s Ava Jablonski navigates heavy traffic in varsity girls basketball on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025, at McHenry High School in McHenry. (Patrick Kunzer for Shaw Local/Patrick Kunzer for Shaw Local)
Stochl said Jablonski, who hit two 3s in the fourth quarter, has been vital to the team’s 9-5 start.
“She’s a spit fire,” Stochl said. “She brings so much energy. Truly, she’s the best leader I’ve ever coached. She plays incredible defense for us. I don’t even think I took her off the floor today because she brings so much energy, intensity and communication.”
Skye Toussaint led all scorers with 11 points and 10 rebounds. Summer Toussaint had nine points on three 3s, and Jablonski posted eight points and three assists. Majercik and Brooke Jones had four points apiece.
Stochl challenged Skye Toussaint to be more aggressive after halftime. She said the 6-foot-2 freshman is one of the most unselfish players you’ll find.
“Skye is such a smart player, and sometimes she is so unselfish to a fault,” Stochl said. “We told her at half, ‘You need to look for your shot’ and she did. She took that and ran with it.
“She has so many pieces, and I was really happy that she was a little more selfish with it. She can do so much.”
Skye Toussaint, too, said she has been looking to expand her offensive game.
“In eighth grade I didn’t score as much as my sister, but I’m looking to do more,” Skye Toussaint said. “I feel like I’ve gotten a lot more confident with my down-low game, even my shooting game. I’m trying to score more for my team and look for the open [shot].”
McHenry’s Gaby Grasser battles under the hoop against Johnsburg in varsity girls basketball on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025, at McHenry High School in McHenry. (Patrick Kunzer for Shaw Local/Patrick Kunzer for Shaw Local)
McHenry (2-13) was led in scoring by senior guard Gaby Grasser with 10 points and freshman Maritza Martinez and sophomore Brooklyn Anderson with six points apiece.
McHenry coach John Lunkenheimer said his team is still looking for more ways to score. It didn’t help Saturday that one of the Warriors' top scorers, senior Avery Stinger, was unavailable after getting her wisdom teeth removed.
“Defensively, I thought we did a good job,” Lunkenheimer said. “We need to score more, that’s been our issue. That run to start to second half, that’s tough to come back from. We knew who their shooters were from the first time we played them. We knew No. 32 [Skye Toussaint] is long inside. She kind of clogs the lane and makes things difficult.”
ExpandBeth Foreman (Photo provided by Beth Foreman)
Johnsburg Village Trustee
Retired Educator McHenry District 15
johnsburgfirst.com
Former Chair VOJ Community Affairs Committee
I’m not sure you are framing this question correctly
An ideal outcome would be to ratify the formal proposal that was accepted in principle by both parties in Spring/Summer 2024
The PYC reneged on the terms that we worked diligently to craft and was agreed upon by both parties
They chose instead to continue their lawsuit with the village
There is no intention of seeing the PYC close
The trend towards multi-family housing is a response to economic issues that are national in scope
Home ownership is becoming increasingly difficult to achieve for people
High interest rates and shortages of inventory have forced this shift
if interest rates decrease and builders can build homes in a way that is more affordable
we could possibly shift the trend back to single family homes
I don’t see that shift on the immediate horizon
so consideration for higher density housing is a must in any strategic plan
We support McHenry County’s Board recommendation to pursue workforce housing
Our first workforce housing development is finishing up and currently leasing units
I don’t believe local law enforcement should be called upon to further national mandates
We are a small police force that are responsible to safety and well-being of our village
The three top priorities for our village would include: economic growth that is supported by infrastructure improvements
by striking a balance between preserving our natural resources yet pursuing business and residential growth
to encourage and hold dear our family-oriented community by offering great schools
safe and accessible parks and finally by discouraging hurtful
social media rhetoric that brings down group morale and divide our hometown
I would encourage people to get involved in face-to-face interactions with the leaders
volunteers and neighbors that are the heart of any town
We have the treasures of both the Chain of Lakes and the Fox River that help define our village boundaries and village identity
The VOJ has invested in extending sewer to the south side of the Fox River
By extending sewers we are hoping to minimize the impact septic systems have on the Fox River and Chain
We can now offer businesses the ability to invest in Johnsburg while minimizing the impact it has on our valuable waterways and surroundings
We are members of Friends of the Fox River Days and are members of excellence in the National Wildlife Federation’s Mayors’ Monarch Pledge
We have set aside pollinator sights within the village
in honor of loved ones throughout our parks
we can balance the preservation of our local natural resources with business development
We will continue our commitment by partnering with the township to provide McRide options to residents
We also have completed bus stops in two locations within the village to keep people out of the elements if they choose to use mass transit
Metra NW in McHenry is also a viable option when commuting to Chicago and surrounding suburbs
the challenge is to attract businesses to provide services to a relatively small community
SWOT analysis has concluded that higher density housing with mixed used business might be a way to attract more business to our town
the village has offered small grants to improve business facades throughout the village
We have limited commercial roadway access to offer businesses
we have to be strategic about which types of businesses would fit and succeed in our village
We are fortunate to have a fantastic police force in our village
There are challenges we see though in the recruitment and retention of officers
and many villages experience have to do with the political climate and culture that has plagued our nation
Some hiring bodies have had to lower requirements and expectations to attract new candidates
the Safe T Act has put an undue burden on small departments that are already understaffed
While our officers don’t let the additional requirements affect their ability to perform their duties
costs to replace and update equipment has proven to be cost restrictive
Careful budgeting is required to fund the ever-changing technology that is a part of policing
All of these factors contribute to making any town safe
I have learned you can’t make all the people happy all the time
But that doesn’t mean you never stop trying
healthy conversations with people regarding issues related to them and to the village
You have to encourage attendance at village functions and board meetings or minimally stay on top of meetings by reviewing minutes to get firsthand information about the goings on in the village
I would encourage people to minimize and not rely on social media for their information
As a trustee you cannot promise things you cannot deliver
be analytical in your decision making and always operate on the premise
do no harm and do what is best for the village as a whole
I definitely support government officials disclosing potential conflicts of interest when running for office
I think recusal from voting or removal from office if the offense is egregious enough
bforeman@johnsburg.org
Also, before or after board meetings or committee meetings and/or at any community event. Or the grocery store.
ExpandWoodstock's Charlie Walrod shoots the ball as he goes to the basket against Johnsburg's Josh Kaunas (left) during a Kishwaukee River Conference basketball game on Friday at Woodstock High School
Grzetic didn’t say whether his tears splashed similarly to his 3.
“I was actually crying while standing out there [outside the gym entrance] while waiting to walk in [before the game],” said Grzetic, a 6-foot-2 forward. “I’ve been kind of soaking in this moment. Just being here and being a senior now, I feel like how other guys [seniors in years past] did when they were in the same position as me.”
Grzetic helped make the night even more special for Woodstock, as the Streaks won 47-36 to dash the Skyhawks' hopes of winning the KRC title. Johnsburg (15-14, 9-4) needed to win to remain a game behind leader Sandwich.
Johnsburg's Jayce Schmitt blocks the shot of Woodstock's Denzel Juarez during a Kishwaukee River Conference basketball game on Friday, Feb. 14, 2025, at Woodstock High School. (Gregory Shaver/Gregory Shaver )
With Woodstock (18-11, 8-5) winning, Sandwich (18-11, 11-2), which beat Woodstock North on Friday, clinched the conference championship. Defending KRC champ Johnsburg came in riding a season-best four-game winning streak.
“Bad night,” Johnsburg coach Mike Toussaint said. “We’ve been playing well, but this is what we thought we should have been doing all year. Things haven’t gone the way we anticipated.”
Jayce Schmitt had 14 points and 11 rebounds for Johnsburg, which had its lowest-scoring game of the season. The Skyhawks missed several layups and putbacks early and never found their shooting touch against the Streaks' man-to-man defense. They shot 13 of 59 from the floor (22%) and were 6 of 26 from 3-point range.
“It was a struggle, just really could not finish at all,” Schmitt said. “We kept trying different things, and it just wasn’t working out tonight.”
Toussaint credited Woodstock coach Ryan Starnes and what the Streaks did down the stretch to secure the win. Johnsburg pulled within 42-34 after Schmitt hit a 3-pointer with 5:28 left in the fourth, but Woodstock made 5 of 8 free throws to keep the Skyhawks at bay.
“We try to take away the 3-point line against them the best we can, because it’s hard to do,” Starnes said. “We talk about being good one-on-one defenders because they try to drive and kick to their shooters. Your instincts defensively are to slide over and help, and that’s what they want you to do.”
Woodstock has had Johnsburg’s number in the last year. The Streaks handed the Skyhawks their only KRC loss last season and swept the season series this season.
Johnsburg's Trey Toussaint battles with Woodstock's Liam Laidig for a loose ball during a Kishwaukee River Conference basketball game on Friday, Feb. 14, 2025, at Woodstock High School. (Gregory Shaver/Gregory Shaver )
“They play really good defense, and we kind of struggle when there’s a lot of physical defense,” Schmitt said.
Starnes had no answer for his team’s three straight wins against Johnsburg dating back to last season.
“Whatever it is, we’ll take it,” he said. “We’ll keep rolling with it. Knock on wood, I guess.”
Woodstock led 26-18 at halftime, but Schmitt’s two free throws got Johnsburg within 30-25 with 2:19 left in the third quarter. Grzetic answered, knocking down a right-wing 3-pointer.
Grzetic rarely shoots from the perimeter, and his 3 attempt earlier in the third missed everything.
“If I’m open, I tend to let it fly, even if I’m going to air ball a shot,” said Grzetic, who grabbed five rebounds and fed JJ Stokes (six points) for a layup that put the Streaks up 42-31 in the fourth.
Joey Nitz, who had 10 points and five rebounds, followed Grzetic’s 3-pointer with a 3 of his own. Freshman Liam Laidig had a team-high 12 points and seven rebounds for Woodstock. Max Beard finished with eight points and 11 rebounds.
Starnes started five seniors who don’t start – sixth-man Nitz, Samuel Tafoya, Brett Neuhart, Charlie Walrod and Jackson Thomas – and they helped the hosts build an 11-5 lead after one quarter. Senior Denzel Juarez and usual starting guard Collin Greenlee, another senior, came off the bench to hit 3-pointers in the first quarter. Walrod opened the scoring with a basket in the lane.
“I’m really proud of the group of seniors,” Starnes said. “There’s only a handful of them who play regularly, and people who come and watch these games don’t get a chance to see what the other seniors do every day. A lot of times they’re the scout team, but they’re the ones who are making us better every day in practice.”
Thomas “Doc” Fowler, 63 of Johnsburg, Illinois passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, September 19, 2024.
Tom worked many years as a custodian in Johnsburg schools, Crystal Lake schools, and at Marian Central High School. Later in life, Tom found his passion working in the restaurant industry. He was a fixture at Stucky’s, Mary’s Hideaway and The Sand Bar and Island Grill.
Tom is survived by his sister Nancy (Scott) Valentin, brother Jeff Fowler and sister Karen (Chris) Barbian; nephews Ryne (Rachel) Valentin and Kevin Valentin, nephew Nathan Barbian and niece Caitlyn Barbian. He is also survived by great-nieces Harper, Ava and Mae Valentin, and many aunts, uncles and cousins.
Tom is preceded in death by his mother Arlene and father Thomas.
A celebration of Tom’s life will be held at 3 pm, Friday, September 27, 2024 at the Johnsburg Community Club, 2315 W. Church Street, Johnsburg, IL.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to “Johnsburg High School”. Please send the donation to Johnsburg High School, Attn: Athletic Director Casey Duval, 2002 W. Ringwood Road, Johnsburg, IL 60051. Please make a note on the donation that it should be directed to the JHS Athletic Hall of Fame.
JOHNSBURG – As of Monday, April 14, Johnsburg’s meal service for seniors is no longer being made onsite. The meals will instead be made in Warrensburg and then delivered to Johnsburg seniors, either at their homes or for congregate eating at the Senior Center. The meals will still be available to any seniors who sign up for the service.
At the April 15 Johnsburg Town Board meeting, Supervisor Kevin Bean expressed frustration over the change, particularly in how the news was relayed to him. He said the information was sent to a defunct email instead of his current one, rather than a direct phone call from the Warren County Office for the Aging Director Dee Park, which resulted in him not receiving adequate notification.
The county runs five senior meal distribution sites, including the one in Johnsburg. Meals are either delivered to seniors’ homes or at sites like local senior centers. According to County Administrator John Taflan, use of the congregate meal service option has significantly dwindled since COVID.
During the meeting, Supervisor Bean said Johnsburg’s location had about two to six people regularly attending for in-person meals. While that number increases during holidays, he told The Post-Star the program used to have an average of 35 people regularly attending.
In addition to the lower attendance numbers, Taflan said the county has also had trouble filling positions for onsite cooks, which led to the decision to prepare meals at Countryside Adult Home in Warrensburg and then deliver them to the participating municipalities. Previously the meal sites would be run by two people at each location, but Johnsburg only had one staffer who was coming in from Warrensburg.
Bean noted that one of benefits of onsite preparation is the atmosphere and sense of community it creates, by giving seniors the opportunity to socialize with each other and the cooks while meals are being prepared.
Supervisor Bean said he plans to investigate alternatives, including seeing whether the town budget can accommodate paying for an onsite cook. He noted that Lake Luzerne has its own cook, as well as a robust set of senior programs that offer other activities such as concerts and plays, as well as the meals. Taflan said Lake Luzerne still receives money from the county for its program, but the overall cost is a roughly 50/50 split between the town and the county.
“We hope to do a deep dive on what seniors need,” Bean told The Post-Star. Regarding the low attendance, he questioned whether it was due to a need for transportation or if the town had actually lost that many seniors. The issue will be brought up again next Wednesday during Johnsburg’s Senior Committee meeting.
Johnsburg offers meals at the Senior Center Monday through Friday to seniors 60 and older, as well as to spouses of any age, regardless of income level. Seniors who are unable to travel or make their own meals at home can also request meals be delivered to their home. Any senior looking to participate in the program can call the Senior Center at 518-251-2711.
Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter.
Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.
Former Warren County CO sentenced to 8 1/3-25 years for domestic violence
Sheriff’s Office investigating Amish buggy crash in Jackson
South Glens Falls woman killed in fatal Kingsbury vehicle crash
The Queensbury Town Board has come out in opposition to Central Apothecary, an adult-use retail cannabis dispensary, from receiving a New York…
Queensbury Union Free School District is mourning after the unexpected passing of long-time Queensbury Middle School counselor Michelle Sulliv…
Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device.
Account processing issue - the email address may already exist
Your account has been registered, and you are now logged in.
Invalid password or account does not exist
Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password.
An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the email address listed on your account.
ExpandFormer Bears quarterback Bobby Douglass signs an autograph for Lyndsey Stevens of Sterling in this file shot at Clover Hills Appliance Center in Sterling. Douglass will be among the speakers at the 47th Johnsburg Oldtimers Club event Jan. 24. (Philip Marruffo)
While not promoting “out with the old and in with the new,” the Johnsburg Oldtimers Club would welcome some young blood at its annual event.
The 47th men-only event, which will feature three former Chicago sports athletes as guest speakers, will take place Jan. 24 at the Johnsburg Community Club.
In the past, the Oldtimers Club has given donations to local boys leagues, girls softball leagues, boys and girls travel teams and Johnsburg High School’s athletic department.
“It’s a great event,” JOTC board member Kyle Frost said. “We’ve been doing this a long time, we got a lot of money, and we want to give back to the kids.
“And we want to continue to promote this because a lot of our clientele who come to this are baby boomers. We’re trying to reach out and get to the youth, [men] in their 20s and 30s. I would say 75% of the people who attend our event are 60-plus [years old].”
Attendees have to be at least 16 years old. Tickets cost $75, and dinner is included. Cocktails are at 5 p.m., followed by dinner at 6:15 p.m., raffle and awards at 7:30 p.m. and the program at 8 p.m.
Renowned national anthem singer Wayne Messmer will serve as emcee, something he has done for more than 20 years. The guest speakers will be former Bears quarterback Bobby Douglass, former Blackhawks defenseman and 2010 Stanley Cup champion Brent Sopel and former White Sox infielder/outfielder Steve Lyons.
Frost said free autograph and photo opportunities will be available after the program.
The JOTC event traditionally has been cash only, but this year attendees can pay for tickets electronically via Zelle. Attendees also can make silent auction and raffle ticket purchases using Zelle, credit card or debit card. Cash payments still will be accepted, as well.
“As we move into the future, we’re advancing,” Frost said. “So we’re making [payment options] electronic.”
This year’s event will celebrate 2024 scholarship winner and 2024 Johnsburg High graduate Henry Ray, who is expected to attend with his mother, Annie. Henry’s dad, Steve, died Oct. 27, 2024. In the past, scholarship winners have received up to $4,000.
To buy tickets, contact Rick Golemba at johnsburgoldtimers1976@gmail.com or call 815-715-3324.
A man was taken to the hospital Friday evening and evaluated for hypothermia after falling through the ice on Pistakee Bay near Johnsburg, McHenry Township Fire Protection District officials said.
Fire crews were called about 5 p.m. Friday to the scene. The man who fell through was ice fishing with friends.
Other people were able to get the man out of the ice and the group was heading back to shore when first responders arrived, Battalion Chief Ryan Mastandrea said.
The man was taken to Northwestern Medicine McHenry Hospital in good condition, but was checked out for hypothermia, Mastandrea said.
The fire protection district urges people to use extreme caution when out ice fishing.
ExpandJohnsburg's Summer Toussaint (14) puts up a shot defended by Plano's Chloe Rowe (24) during their basketball game between Johnsburg at Plano
Chloe Rowe wore uniform accessories Monday that fit her game
Plano’s sophomore forward had a brace on her right knee from a travel softball injury
A band on her right bicep was to stop the bleeding for a cut from someone’s nail
“So I don’t break my teeth,” Rowe said with a laugh
[ Photos: Plano vs. Johnsburg girls basketball ]
Rowe and senior Josie Larson both had double-doubles to lead Plano’s tenacious rebounding work. The Reapers used that and their pressure defense to turn away visiting Johnsburg and sensational freshman Summer Toussaint 48-37 in Monday’s Kishwaukee River Conference game.
Rowe had 14 points, 12 rebounds and five steals and Larson 17 points and 13 rebounds for Plano (9-3, 3-1), which outrebounded Johnsburg 40-22 with 21 offensive rebounds to bounce back from a loss to Marengo.
Toussaint had 21 points and 11 steals for Johnsburg (6-4, 3-1).
“We had these two, Marengo and Johnsburg, circled on our calendar, us being three of the better teams in our league,” Plano coach Tristan Spivey said. “We focused on rebounding all week. We gave up a bunch of second-chance points against Marengo, and that was the difference in that game. Today I thought the girls responded.”
Johnsburg at Plano Girls Basketball Plano's Chloe Rowe (24) puts in lay up during their basketball game between Johnsburg at Plano, Monday Dec 16, 2024 in Plano. (Gary E Duncan Sr. for Shaw Local)
Spivey doesn’t need to remind Rowe that rebounding is a priority.
She has the instinct to put herself in position for when balls come off the rim. And if Rowe isn’t there, she’ll find a way to go through people to get there.
Rowe scored 10 of her 14 points in the third quarter Monday as Plano extended what was a five-point halftime lead to 42-31.
“My motto is the ball is mine. I got to get the ball,” Rowe said. “Honestly, I don’t think when I play. That ball is mine. I got to go get it. The more physical the game, the more exciting.”
That goes for underneath the basket, or in the open court. Rowe bowled over a Johnsburg girl for a steal that she turned into her own score to start a 9-0 run late in the third quarter.
“She loves the physical game. It’s her favorite part,” Spivey said. “Since she’s played for me, without teaching, she knows where to be on the court. She knows where to move without me even telling her.”
Larson, who became Plano’s all-time leading scorer earlier this season, missed her first six shots Monday. But she didn’t let it affect her all-around game.
Larson’s first make, a 3-pointer on Plano’s fourth shot in a second-quarter possession, gave the Reapers an 18-9 lead.
“You just have to forget about the shots you miss. Everyone misses shots,” Larson said. “My team still needs me to be in the game, stay calm and play my game.”
“Josie has one stat she cares about – winning. She doesn’t care about anything else," Spivey said. “She doesn’t keep track of her individual stats. She cares about winning, cares about her teammates. I can say that about all the girls. They’re in it for the right reasons.”
Johnsburg at Plano Girls Basketball Plano's Josie Larson (23) shoots a three during their basketball game between Johnsburg at Plano, Monday Dec 16, 2024 in Plano. (Gary E Duncan Sr. for Shaw Local)
It took Johnsburg more than six minutes to score Monday, the Skyhawks committing 11 of their 27 turnovers in the first quarter.
But they rallied, led by the talents of their twin freshmen, Summer and Skye Toussaint.
Summer Toussaint, who missed Johnsburg’s last game with a knee injury, scored 12 of her 21 in the first half, and the twins scored the Skyhawks' first 18 points.
Summer Toussaint’s sweet runner in the lane had Johnsburg within 33-29 with 2:50 left in the third quarter.
But she was whistled for her fourth foul moments later, and Plano got its 9-0 run with her sidelined.
“Summer plays really aggressive and sometimes gets called for those fouls,” Johnsburg coach Erin Stochl said. “I’m proud of her effort.”
Stochl looks forward to more of the same from Summer and Skye Toussaint, who had eight points and six rebounds.
“The greatest thing with her and Skye is their work ethic. They get in the gym, and they love the gym,” Stochl said. “And it shows in their game. Really coachable kids, high basketball IQ. What’s most exciting is they’re just freshmen. The future is bright.”
Spivey knows it, complimenting the efforts defensively from his senior guard Sanai Young against Summer Toussaint, who had 33 in a game last week.
“She got her 20, but Sanai made her work,” Spivey said. “Those girls are going to be great. They’re going to be a problem in this league.”
the Warren County Board of Supervisors approved $2.5 million in supplemental occupancy tax funding to assist the town of Johnsburg in financing a wastewater treatment facility deemed vital to the region’s tourism economy
The county funding will be paid out annually at a rate of $250,000 over the next 10 years
according to the resolution approved on Monday
Johnsburg Town Supervisor Kevin Bean explained to the Warren County Occupancy Tax Coordination committee that coming to them for these funds was a “last resort” and that the town had exhausted all other options to finance a wastewater treatment facility
We have tried every conceivable option there is,” Bean said
The $2.5 million will “bridge” the funding gap for construction bids that were delayed substantially due to mishaps during the wastewater permit process
The permit process was delayed when the State Department of Environmental Conservation “misfiled” the town’s original wastewater permit
Since the DEC permit approval didn’t come through until August 2024
the construction bids for the wastewater project arrived in November 2024
and by that time the cost was substantially over the town’s initial estimates
“We finally got our permits through the DEC
and because of the time differential of when our map plan and report was made
and when our bids went out and then came back
we ended up being $2.5 million short and were unable to award those bids,” explained Jim Williams
Williams also heads the town’s sewer committee tasked with finding a wastewater solution
the original schedule for the town’s wastewater project included bidding the project for construction in January 2024
and construction being substantially completed in December 2025
Johnsburg received an extension for their construction bids until Feb
any further delays in securing funding beyond Feb
19 would have threatened multiple development projects and potential for local economic growth
Development that will be impacted by this wastewater facility includes a 120-room hotel from Front Street Development at the former Copperfield Inn site
an upcoming residential development of townhomes and workforce housing
as well as a mixed-use development with retail on the street level and residential housing on the upper floors
our infrastructure that we focused on for our first phase of our municipal sewer system
“It’s all been tied to the town developing a municipal sewer system,” Williams added
the New York State Olympic Regional Development Authority is currently constructing a brand new year-round Ski Bowl Lodge at Gore Mountain that is expected to bring 40,000 additional guests to the Johnsburg and North Creek area
“If we are to see any meaningful sustainable economic development
the community must have a modern wastewater system that will allow the existing business structure to improve and grow and bring other scalable business entities
that serve both the visitors and the locals,” said Jim Siplon
president of the Warren County Economic Development Corporation
Siplon also explained how significant economic drivers like “Rev Rail” and river raft businesses add a volume of about 40,000 visitors to the area as well
but that those same visitors don’t stay overnight in North Creek because there’s no suitable place to lodge
“That corner of our county is not going to be able to be economically developed because of the combination of its geography
and the situation of the Park Authority and the way that they manage development,” Siplon said of Johnsburg and North Creek
Warren County’s support for Johnsburg derived from the potential for the project’s return on investment
and how the economic future of the town was largely dependent on a municipal sewer system servicing hotels and businesses
there were several arguments made against the proposed occupancy tax funding for Johnsburg’s wastewater facility
most notable of which is how it could set a bad precedent to use occupancy tax dollars for municipal infrastructure projects
with others questioning the long-term sustainability of this practice
“When we start talking about using occupancy taxes for infrastructure
owner of Adirondack Pub and Brewery in Lake George
Carr argued that any infrastructure need could be turned into a tourism ask
therefore “opening the floodgates” for other municipalities to ask the county for occupancy tax funds to build out infrastructure
Despite approving the occupancy tax dollars
many Warren County supervisors grew frustrated that ORDA and New York State did not double down on their investment commitment to the town of Johnsburg to help cover the cost of the wastewater treatment facility
The positive aspect of the occupancy tax payment plan is that during those 10 years
the town of Johnsburg can explore additional funding grants through Empire State Development
If more funds are awarded through state grants
then the county’s $2.5 million occupancy tax allotment could be reduced
Luke Mosseau is a staff writer. Contact: 518-742-3224, lmosseau@poststar.com
Get the latest local business news delivered FREE to your inbox weekly
Email notifications are only sent once a day
Former longtime Village Mayor Bob Blais has proposed that the town and village purchase the former Water Slide World property on Route 9L from…
Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device
Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password
An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the email address listed on your account
NY (WRGB) — The Town of Johnsburg and Warren County announced that construction on a new wastewater treatment plant is set to begin this spring
to build the facility on land next to Johnsburg Town Hall
Construction is expected to start in April, with the plant anticipated to be operational for the 2025-26 ski season, when the Gore Mountain Ski Center plans to open a new lodge
and zipline at North Creek’s Ski Bowl in fall 2025
The $10.1 million project aims to protect the environment and boost economic growth in Johnsburg
are proposed or in the works in the North Creek area
that are contingent on the plant's completion
The Warren County Board of Supervisors has pledged up to $250,000 per year in occupancy tax funding for 10 years to support the project
This funding helped bridge a financial gap
allowing the town to proceed while still seeking additional funding
including $3.5 million in pending New York State grants