Lakewood’s Erin Smith’s Winter Letter

Here is the winter quarterly letter Lakewood Village President sent her constituents: From the President Dear Neighbors: On behalf of the Board of Trustees, we want to extend our very best wishes for a joyous holiday season to each of … Continue reading

Lakewood Fire Protection Switch from Woodstock to CL Draws Criticism

This email from Linda Wagner criticizes the Lakewood Village Board’s 3-1 vote to switch fire protection from the Woodstock Fire Protection District to the City of Crystal Lake Fire Department. Voting favor were Jeff Iden, Paul Serwatka and Bev Thomas. … Continue reading

Early Afternoon House Fire on 400 Block of Calhoun Street in Woodstock

A friend of McHenry County Blog turned photojournalist this afternoon when he spotted a fire in Woodstock. Another shot of the response to the house fire. “Tons of equipment,” our correspondent wrote. “About 20 – 35 men,” continued our cell … Continue reading

Honoring Dick Locher

The Sunday before, the Tribune syndicated Dick Tracy comic strip’s current creators Joe Staton and Mike Curtis honored Dick Locher for his time as chief cartoonist. Locher has retired and been honored with a statue of Dick Tracy in his … Continue reading

Candidates Withdraw from Local Races

There were not many contested races in the April 5, 2011, election to start with, but there are fewer now. In the Village of Barrington Hills, Trustee candidate Dawn Davis has withdrawn. Blake Hobson, appointed to fill a vacancy, is … Continue reading

Lakewood Paying Private Fire Company $120,000 for Early Termination of Contract

At its Tuesday night meeting in the village-owned Red Tail Golf Course trailer complex, the Lakewood Village Board voted to hire the Woodstock Fire Protection District to replace American Emergency Service Corporation. The Gary Jensen firm, which provides privatized fire … Continue reading

Lakewood Moving Fire Protection from Private Company to Woodstock Fire Protection District

Four years ago negotiations broke down between the City of Crystal Lake and the Village of Lakewood concerning fire protection. Crystal Lake officials insisted that Lakewood residents pay an amount calculated by using the tax rate Crystal Lake residents pay. … Continue reading