Craig Wilcox

Northern Illinois lawmakers called for changes to Illinois’ political system following the conviction of three ex-lobbyists and the former Commonwealth Edison CEO in federal court this week.

State Sen. Craig Wilcox, R-McHenry, will partner with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to help local businesses receive recovery funding through a state grant program implemented to help those greatly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

With an eye on tourism and boosting the economy, economic officials and political figures across the spectrum in McHenry County called the news of Chicago hosting the Democratic National Convention in 2024 a win.

McHenry County Board Chair Mike Buehler on Thursday called the indictment against former President Donald Trump “politically motivated,” while the county’s Democratic Party Chair Kristina Zahorik said it’s “justice being served.”

About 20,000 valentines were delivered in the days leading up to Valentine’s Day to residents of area nursing homes, assisted and memory care centers and long-term care facilities.

Several area legislators are participating in the third annual Valentines for Seniors card drive, designed to “brighten the days” of older residents in the area and “ensure they know they are a valued part of the community,” according to news releases.

The elimination of cash bail set to take effect Jan. 1 will no longer be happening in McHenry County, the county’s chief judge and top prosecutor said.

With Tuesday’s election, voters in McHenry County selected candidates for two state senate and five house districts.

Both Democrats and Republicans in McHenry County say they are noticing more political signs than normal, including some that aren’t following the rules.

The race for Illinois governor won’t be the only one on Tuesday’s ballot. With the redrawing of the state’s political maps, the make-up of the entire McHenry County Board and both the U.S. and Illinois houses of representatives will be determined, along several other races.

State Sens. Dan McConchie and Craig Wilcox will host a Conversations Untapped event from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday at Spirit Water, 3300 Three Oaks Road in Cary.

Lake Villa Trustee Allena Barbato is looking to unseat incumbent Republican state Sen. Craig Wilcox in state Senate District 32.

State Sen. Craig Wilcox, R-McHenry, will host a series of Conversations Untapped events in May and June in an effort to “connect with his constituents in the 32th Senate District.”

County and township officials charged with a felony or certain other crimes could be placed on administrative leave while their cases are pending under a bill passed out of the Illinois Senate last week.

A judge last week ruled in favor of Nunda Township Highway Commissioner Mike Lesperance, saying the township Board of Trustees could not change the property tax levy from what Lesperance proposed.