David Gudgeon didn’t know what he wanted to do with his life back when he graduated from McHenry High School’s West Campus in 2013. He tried taking classes at Harper College in Palatine. But then a friend talked to him about enlisting in the Air Force. Today, Sgt. Gudgeon is on his third six-year reenlistment with the U.S. military, working towards a planned retirement once he hits 20 years in.
A DeKalb firefighter/paramedic died Monday while off duty, the city announced Tuesday evening. The Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois identified the deceased as DeKalb firefighter Juan Gasca. A DeKalb city news release didn’t say how Gasca died. DeKalb Fire Chief Luke Howieson said Gasca’s death happened while he wasn’t working. He said the city isn’t planning on releasing any further information about cause of death to respect the family’s wishes.
A Rock Falls manufacturing company has filed a lawsuit alleging that one of its owners systematically looted the business of more than $4 million through personal credit card charges, unauthorized cash withdrawals and transfers to his own companies. Rotary Airlock LLC filed the complaint in Whiteside County Circuit Court on April 13, naming Rocky McGowan of Sterling and his affiliated entities as defendants. The company alleges McGowan exploited his control over the company’s finances to enrich himself at Rotary Airlock’s expense over more than two years.
Crews were in Joliet on Monday for the first time to film a pilot show for the proposed HBO TV series “American Blue.” The series, if approved for production, will depict the lives of police officers using the city of Joliet as the setting for the stories it tells. The creator of the series, Brian Udovich, is a native of Joliet. Many of the crew members and extras involved in the filming on Monday also have local roots. Plainfield resident Senica Billingsley, the first assistant director for the show, said she was proud to have “American Blue” filmed close to home in Joliet.
In a rare showing of public ire Monday, Geneva Mayor Kevin Burns alleged the Geneva Chamber was untruthful about its finances and questioned how – or if – the city should provide funds for its festivals. Burns set a special Committee of the Whole meeting for 7 p.m. May 11 to discuss the Chamber and May 18 for the council’s final action on how to proceed – possibly with a grant/reimbursement program, where the Chamber is treated like every other organization that gets city funds.
6: State police investigate fatal shooting of Bradley man on Jonette Avenue involving village police
The Illinois State Police is investigating a fatal shooting by Bradley Police officers Wednesday who were responding to the 600 block of Jonette Avenue for a well-being check. Officers responded about 12:46 p.m., and state police said the officers encountered a 36-year-old man armed with a bladed weapon. Police said the suspect disobeyed officers’ orders to stop, and the suspect continued to advance on the officers. That is when officers discharged their weapons.
Two people were hospitalized with burn injuries after a magnesium fire erupted at Coogee Chemical Plant in Ottawa on Tuesday morning, Ottawa Fire Chief Brian Bressner said. Firefighters were dispatched about 8 a.m. to the plant in the 1500 block of Titanium Drive. Upon arrival, firefighters witnessed white smoke coming from the building and confirmed it was a magnesium fire, Bressner said. One person is in critical condition, he said. The condition of the second person is unknown at this time.
With a project as massive as the almost $400 million Lake Michigan water sourcing project, stretching about 30 miles across Naperville, Oswego, Montgomery, out to Yorkville, it can be difficult to scope the work’s full extent. Yorkville city staff provided a closer look at the project, including what construction already has been started and what work residents of Kendall County can soon expect. The first water down the pipeline is expected in the Yorkville area by the summer of 2028. Montgomery should receive water by 2030.
