Algonquin-LITH Year In Review: Top Stories Of 2017

ALGONQUIN-LAKE IN THE HILLS, IL — As the year comes to a close, we at Patch are reflecting back on some of the biggest news stories of 2017. There's plenty to read and talk about.

We've collected some of the biggest stories of the year. They cover crime, local interest, good people and more. We've also listed some of the best 2017 stories from our nearby Patches.

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Algonquin, Lake in the Hills

65-Year-Old Algonquin Man Climbs Kilimanjaro With His New Knees

In late 2010, Jack Groppel was unable to play in the backyard with his son, Shen, due to bad knees. Seven years later, after two knee surgeries and months of physical therapy, the 65-year-old Algonquin resident found himself at the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak, with now 12-year-old Shen by his side.

Algonquin Clerk 'Slammed' Door Into Trustee, Trustee Says

Tensions are high among Algonquin Township officials as a trustee accused the clerk of slamming a heavy door into her body, bruising her arm, over a conflict about documents, the Northwest Herald reported.

Lost Dog Comes Home After 2 Years

After two years, Kody is finally home. The Siberian Husky went missing in 2015 and was found over 50 miles away in Rockford, according to CBS. Kody's owner, Armand Ravizza, said it's surreal to see his dog again.

Search Turns Up 3 Kilos of Heroin, Valued at $400,000, in Carpentersville Home

Bond has been set $4 million for two Carpentersville men after a search of two homes this past week turned up three kilograms of heroin. The street value of the heroin seized during the searches is about $400,000, authorities said on Friday.

LITH Mom Sedated Children Before Strangling Them, Hanging Herself: Police

A Lake in the Hills woman who suffered for years from mental health issues and was struggling with a failed relationship sedated her two children before strangling them to death in January and then hanged herself, according to recently released police reports.

Father Of Children Killed In LITH Murder-Suicide Speaks Out

The father of the two young children killed by their mother, whom authorities believe then hanged herself, said his family had "no dark secrets or anything like that."

Man Who Jumped Into Fox River After Not Paying Restaurant Tab Found Dead

A 29-year-old Carpentersville man who jumped into the Fox River while fleeing a restaurant after failing to pay his tab has been found dead, authorities said Saturday morning. The man has been identified as Ernest Prentic and his body was found in the Fox River, according to a Saturday morning news release from the Algonquin Police Department. The discovery came following an at least day-long search along the Fox River.

Huntley High Superintendent Responds To Racist Pamphlet

A Huntley High School student is facing disciplinary actions after circulating a racist pamphlet around the school on Friday.

PHOTOS, VIDEOS: Fox River On The Rise; More Flooding Expected

Days after heavy rains hit the area, leaving many communities still underwater, towns along the Fox River, Chain O' Lakes and Des Plaines River are expected to get slammed again by flooding this weekend. Potentially record-breaking river levels could add insult to injury for many towns along the waterway. As of Friday morning, the Des Plaines River was expected to crest by Saturday for many northern Illinois towns while the Fox River in McHenry County could be on the rise through early next week.

Endangered Bumblebee Halts Construction on Longmeadow Parkway

An endangered bumblebee stopped construction on the Longmeadow Parkway just hours after crews began work on the long-planned project.

Crystal Lake, Cary

Crystal Lake Attorney Found Guilty of Planting Video Camera in Fitness Center Bathroom
Crystal Lake Lawyer Sentenced In Gun, DUI Case
Wauconda Student Threatened School Shooting: Police
Cary Man Committed Suicide In McHenry Jail Cell: Source
Pablo's Crystal Lake To Serve Free Christmas Meals To The Needy
Zion Drug Dealer Gets 28 Years for Drug-Induced Death of Young Algonquin Woman
Machine Gun, 350 Pounds Of Marijuana Seized From Sprawling McHenry Mansion
Computer Malfunction Messes With Fireworks Grand Finale
Crystal Lake Tiny House Featured On HGTV Show

Elgin

Elgin Man, Convicted Of Fatal 1995 DUI, Gets Another DUI
South Elgin Mother, Daughter Lose $5K In Fake Kidnapping Scam
Elgin Woman Hit Estranged Husband With SUV, Drove Into Fox River: Authorities
Convicted Felon Charged With Accidentally Shooting Friend
Father's Essay Sheds Light On Daughter's Heroin Addiction, Overdose Death
Son Fatally Punches Dad For Walking In On Girlfriend During Bath Time
Cop Says He's Detaining Teen 'Because You're White' In Video
Elgin Social Worker Kept Patient As Sex Slave: Lawsuit

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