Sunset over farmland near Hebron. (Photo by Adela Crandell Durkee/for Chronicle Media)

Cary

Details revealed in murder trial

Michael W. Romano, accused of killing his parents in 2006 went on trial this week. Nick Sr. and Gloria Romano were found dead in their Cary area home in 2006. Romano reported his parents’ death to police. He was not charged until 2014. Prosecutors claim Romano’s motivation was his inheritance.

Crystal Lake

Family wins ticket to attend Pope’s D.C. simulcast

The Bruess family (Kathy and Jerry and daughter Jenna) traveled to Washington D.C. to greet Pope Francis. They were on the White House lawn for the simulcast of the Pope addressing a joint session of Congress. They won the tickets through U.S. Representative Randy Hulgrend (R-Park Ridge).

Lake in the Hills

Emerald ash borer infestations keep crews on path of destruction

The emerald ash borer first hit the area in 2008. About 1,700 trees have been removed and replaced. About 150 trees have been treated and 1,780 trees untreated. The infestation takes its toll quickly, with brittle leaves and breaking limbs. Crews are focusing on removal in order to put an end to the infestation. Replacement trees will come afterwards.

McCullom Lake

Victim’s cell phone allegedly used to cover up murder

According to a McHenry County criminal complaint, Michael L. Bakker, 46, allegedly sent texts from his father’s phone deceiving other family members. Daniel L. Bakker was discovered dead from a gunshot wound earlier this week. The Coroner’s report indicated his death occurred around Sept. 4. Police charged Michael Bakker with first-degree murder.

McHenry

Black Diamond Plumbing and Mechanical relocate headquarters

The new facility in McHenry puts the 24/7 service business under one roof. For the first time, the administrative support team and the employees in the fabrication department are under one roof. The Crystal Lake office will operate as a branch site. The company currently employs 104 people and plans to add 10 more before the end of the year.

Spring Grove

Kayakers rescued by firefighters

McHenry and Fox Lake fire departments rescued two female kayakers who each lost control and tipped over on Sept. 20 in the Nippersink Creek. As they clung to tree limbs, a third kayaker called 911. Neither woman suffered injuries.

Trout Valley

Local man filmed for brother’s heroics during WWII

Although Bernhard Sindberg died in 1983, he told his stories to his younger brother Ole (81.) The China Jiangsu Broadcasting Corp. decided to record Ole recounting how Bernhard helped save as many as 20,000 lives during the Rape of Nanking. The Chinese government estimates 300,000 people died in the first six weeks of the occupation. Bernard, a Danish citizen, sheltered Chinese civilians in the cement factory he managed in 1937 and 1938.

Woodstock

McHenry County adds to SWAT Team.

Sgt. Josh Fourdyce completed his SWAT training and will be added to the McHenry County SWAT Team. The cost of adding a person to the SWAT Team is about $5,000 per year and includes the cost of ammunition, uniform and accessories, tactical helmet, tactical communications, and training. The SWAT Team could grow to 30 people in the future.

McHenry County

Girls Scouts offering Gold Award Workshops

The Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois (covering 16 counties, including McHenry), is offering Gold Award Workshops — open to all high school girls who register as Girl Scouts — for the cost of $4 per girl. In conjunction with next year’s celebration of the Gold Award Centennial, the intent is to encourage more girls to become National Women of Distinction through earning the award. Workshop topics include steps to earn the award, development of a “Take Action” project, and details about how the reward provides benefits regarding college applications, resumes and future career opportunities. Interested girls and parents can contact Kathleen Bayliss at (815) 962-5591, Ext. 7156 or kybalis@girlscoutsni.org. In addition, the Girls Scouts’ 2015 National

Women of Distinction honors event — to be held Oct. 7 — will be available for livestream viewing. Ten Girl Scout Gold Award winners will be honored. To view the livestream broadcast, contact Cindy Kocol at (847) 741-5521, Ext. 7139 or ckocol@girlscoutni.org prior to Oct. 7.

–McHenry County News Briefs–