The Rev. Phyllis Meueller from McHenry County Diaper Bank receives gifts from Rez Book Club. (photo by Adela Crandell Durkee/for Chronicle Media)

McHenry County

Congressman honors fallen Army pilot

U.S. Representative Randy Hultgren (R-14th) on Friday on the House floor honored Chief Warrant Officer 2 Kevin Mose Weiss of McHenry County, who was killed in a helicopter training accident on Dec. 2.

Hultgren delivered the following prepared remarks:

“I rise today to honor Chief Warrant Officer 2 Kevin Mose Weiss of McHenry County, a U.S. Army helicopter pilot who lost his life in service to our nation. Returning to duty just after Thanksgiving, Weiss and his co-pilot were flying a routine training exercise out of Fort Campbell in Kentucky on Dec. 2 when the helicopter they were piloting went down, killing both men in the crash. Weiss dreamed of joining his WWII veteran grandfather in flying as a pilot for his country, and was known by his grandfather’s nickname, ‘Mose.’ Weiss was an avid outdoorsman and served our nation overseas, flying a tour of duty in Afghanistan and earning numerous commendations and decorations. Growing up through McHenry public schools, homeschooling, and then Christian Liberty Academy, Weiss met his wife, Beth, through the youth program, Awana. Weiss leaves behind his wife and two children, Lucas and Susan, and extended family and friends. They remember him as brave from a young age, a shoulder to lean on in difficult times, and a caring and loving brother, husband and father. The family Christmas celebration will be muted this year, but we are forever grateful for Mose’s service and sacrifice.”

School districts proactive in addressing transgender needs

McHenry County Regional Office of Education wants to better educate schools on transgender student issues. To that end, the organization plans a conference in February regarding policy, procedures, and day-to-day interactions regarding transgender students. So far, only Community High School District 155 has put out a statement that specifically addresses how a school will handle transgender student questions.

Hunters harvest more deer in 2015

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources reported 334 deer harvested in McHenry County, an 8 percent increase over the previous year. Authorities believe part of the reason for the increase is that 98 percent of the corn was harvested when deer hunting season began. Hunters reported more fat on the deer this year, which may indicate a harsh winter ahead. This year’s deer harvest also showed signs that efforts to curb the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease are working.

Crystal Lake

New President for MCC approved

Clinton E. Gabbard plans to begin serving as president of McHenry County College as early as Jan. 11. He currently serves as vice president of student services at Lake Michigan College. He is replacing President Vicky Smith, who will retire Dec. 31. The board awarded Smith a president emeritus status. 

Fox Lake

Three suspended for unnecessary force

A Fox Lake police detective and two officers were suspended after video evidence prompted them to confess to applying unnecessary force to Jeffrey Grzonka, 36. Grzonka allegedly made threats, placed his clothes over cameras and spit on an officer after his Dec. 5, 2015 arrest for public intoxication. Three videos show police pushing Grzonka onto a concrete bench and into a metal door. A detective grabs Grzonka by the neck while appearing to hold him against the bench before the detective puts his arms under Grzonka’s legs and flips him onto his back. Meanwhile other officers stood by. Det. Jason Baldowsky, and officers Shane Campion, Eric Ewald were suspended without pay; Baldowsky and Campion for 30 days and Ewald for 10.

Harvard

Habitat for Humanity turn over keys to last two houses of 2016.

Jesus Rodarte’s family and Christine VanEnige and Adam Alonzo got the keys to their homes in Harvard Dec. 11. Habitat homes are sold to families who qualify and are willing to make a down payment, put in hundreds of hours of sweat equity labor and can make a monthly mortgage payment.

Marengo

Community rallies behind family of 7-year-old diagnosed with rare form of brain cancer

William Nichols, 7, was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer on Nov. 21. Although surgeons removed one tumor, more remain. Nichols faces more surgery, radiation treatment and chemotherapy. To assist the family of five boys with mounting costs, friends organized a fundraiser at Trio Grill on Dec. 19. Money can also be donated at Prairie Community Bank in Marengo.

Woodstock

Book Club donates books

Rez Book Club meets on the third Tuesday of each month to discuss new fiction, nonfiction, and classics. That is, except in December. During December, the club collects books to share. Dec. 13, 18 members collected books for all ages. The Diaper Bank of McHenry County agreed to distribute the books to their clients.

–McHenry County Area News Briefs–