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🌱 What a new lawsuit alleges about a McHenry autism school’s supervision

You won't want to miss Carnival Glass ONLINE ONLY Auction September 10 on the McHenry Patch calendar

Thursday September 3rd Patch AM (Patch graphic)

Good morning McHenry! We're back again in your inbox, keeping you updated with what's happening in and around town. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • What a new lawsuit alleges about a McHenry autism school's supervision
  • Why prosecutors suddenly dropped the charge against a major McHenry employer's CEO.
  • How a random Petersen Park attack led to a 65-year sentence

Also on today's calendar: Carnival Glass ONLINE ONLY Auction September 10 and 6 more events.

Today's riddle: What has 2 arms and a neck but no head? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Thursday: Hot and humid with a t-storm, with a high of 90 and low of 71 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Friday: Hot and humid with a t-storm, temps: high: 91, low: 68.
  • Saturday: Humid with a t-storm possible, with a high of 83 and low of 65 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Lawsuit says autistic child lost parts of 2 toes after being unsupervised at McHenry day school that failed to report incident (lakemchenryscanner.com) — A lawsuit claims a non-verbal autistic student at Alexander Leigh Center for Autism in McHenry lost parts of two toes after a seizure, inadequate supervision and a table accident, and that the school failed to report the incident to DCFS. The McHenry-based day school and staff deny the allegations, while the suit details lasting physical and emotional impacts and seeks millions for lifetime care.
   

2. Charge dropped against McHenry CEO accused of tracking man she said stalked, threatened her (shawlocal.com) — A misdemeanor tracking charge against the CEO of McHenry-based Follett Content Solutions has been dismissed, ending a closely watched case tied to alleged stalking and safety concerns. The CEO, whose company is one of McHenry County's largest employers, says she remains disappointed in the justice system and has invested heavily in security to protect staff and family.
   

3. Judge hands down 65-year prison sentence for man who randomly attacked, nearly murdered woman in McHenry park (lakemchenryscanner.com) — A man has been sentenced to 65 years in prison for a brutal, random attack at Petersen Park in McHenry that left a local woman with catastrophic, permanent injuries and a bystander badly hurt. The judge found him guilty but mentally ill after a bench trial, and McHenry County prosecutors say the long sentence reflects the severity of the violence and the community's need for safety.
   

4. Alfred Bersted Foundation (insidephilanthropy.com subscription) — Nonprofits serving McHenry residents may be eligible for grants from the Alfred Bersted Foundation, which focuses on education, health, and human services in four Illinois counties including McHenry. Typical awards range from about $10,000 to $30,000, with an online application due June 1 and strong preference for organizations addressing hunger, housing, mental health, and other core community needs.
   

5. McHenry County Heat Advisory: Cooling Centers Open As Temperatures Climb (patch.com) — Dangerous heat is hitting McHenry County today, and McHenry residents can cool off at McHenry City Hall, McHenry Township offices and the McHenry Public Library District. A heat advisory runs from noon to 9 p.m., with heat index values up to 105 degrees, so officials urge you to limit strenuous activity, drink plenty of water and check on vulnerable neighbors.
   

📸 Around McHenry

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🗓 Upcoming Events in McHenry

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

    Friday September 4
  • Mini Masterpieces: Pastel Bubbles
    McHenry Chamber of Commerce McHenry Public Library District
    10:00 am
  • First Fridays - Downtown McHenry
    McHenry Chamber of Commerce downtown McHenry
    10:00 am
  • Never Eat Alone - The Cullom Knoll
    McHenry Chamber of Commerce 3018 Hickory Dr McCullom Lake, IL 60050
    11:45 am
  • Lucy's Comedy →
    McHenry Chamber of Commerce Raue Center for the Arts 26 N Williams St Crystal Lake, il 60014
    8:00 pm
  • Saturday September 5
  • McHenry Downtown Uncorked - 2026 →
    McHenry Chamber of Commerce Starting at Veteran's Memorial Park 3400 Pearl Street, McHenry 60050
    1:00 pm
  • Greenroom Improv →
    McHenry Chamber of Commerce Raue Center for the Arts 26 N Williams St Crystal Lake, il 60014
    7:00 pm
  • Square Notes
    McHenry Chamber of Commerce Woodstock Opera House 121 W. Van Buren St.
    7:30 pm
  • Singo at the Vixen
    McHenry Chamber of Commerce The Vixen 1208 N Green Street, McHenry, IL 60050
    7:30 pm
  • Thursday September 10
  • Carnival Glass ONLINE ONLY Auction September 10 →
    ONLINE Auction
    10:00 am

📣 McHenry Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

🗓 Events Nearby

    Thursday September 3
  • MC1 Marketing Connection Group →
    McHenry Chamber of Commerce Green Street Cafe 1219 N Green St McHenry, IL 60050
    7:30 am
  • Morning Coffee & Community Conversation
    McHenry Chamber of Commerce Independence Health & Therapy 2028 N Seminary Ave Woodstock, IL. 60098
    7:30 am
  • Vision and hearing screening - all day
    Richard Bernotas Middle School Crystal Lake, IL 60014
    7:40 am
  • Office Closed
    Senior Care Volunteer Network 42 East St Ste C, Crystal Lake, IL 60014
    9:00 am

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • I am considering getting a Costco membership, mainly for buying meat since the quality at other places is beginning to falter.
    I have a few questions if anyone can help. -Can anyone tell me the averages for random cuts of beef, chicken, and pork? - Is farm-raised beef… (Nextdoor McHenry)
  • Kentucky Fried Chicken posted a job opening for Team Member in Mchenry. Apply here.
  • Kohl's posted a job opening for Part Time Store Cleaning & Operations Associate (Early Morning) in Crystal Lake. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near McHenry here.

Ok McHenry! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: A shirt (Thank you Dianna H. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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