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Lake County News

Friday, July 15, 2011

A Comic Book Dreamland for 17 Years

With high customer service standards and industry knowledge, Libertyville comic book store has stood the test of time.

For Dreamland Comics owner Dave Gray, owning a comic book store wasn’t necessarily a dream, but more of a business opportunity utilizing his knowledge of comic book collecting that he’d practiced since he was 10. “It was a little scary at first,” Gray says of purchasing the Rockland Road retail store. “Comics have cycles just like everything else. After the first couple of years we were ok, and then we hit sort of a small downturn, and it was a lot of stress. We worked through it, though, and it ended up working out to our benefit.” Gray, a Buffalo Grove resident, says as a loyal 30-year customer to the store, he was approached by the former store owner about the possible purchase. “I thought, sure, it might be something that would be fun …

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

New Trial Date Set for Accused Arsonist

Judge Daniel Shanes pushes the trial date back to August for Libertyville resident Kyle Kowal.

A Lake County judge on Tuesday agreed to push back an accused arsonist’s trial to August.  Kyle Kowal, 26, of Libertyville, is charged with three counts of aggravated arson, three counts of residential arson, one count of arson and three counts of burglary. His defense attorney, Laura Horner, told Judge Daniel B. Shanes she needs more time to gather information.  Kowal allegedly set fire to two Libertyville homes, attempted to set fire to two other homes, and burglarized The Picnic Basket restaurant in late March. If convicted on all charges, he faces up to 30 years in prison.  He was arrested within a week of the crimes and was remanded to the Lake County Jail. During a pre-trial hearing in early May, Kowal posted $50,000 bond.  He has …

Friday, June 3, 2011

Great Escape

Great Escape: Pretty Toes and Glowing Skin

Turn your home into a spa.

Since having children, you probably have had the house alone to yourself only a handful of times. Even when you are home alone, you are probably folding clothes, organizing the kitchen cabinets, or accomplishing what you can while undistracted. Recently, my husband took my two boys out for a “guys’ night” after dinner, and left me home alone. Despite looming deadlines and full hampers, I used the time to create an at-home spa. With a little time and dedication to yourself, you can create a blissful experience right at home. Facial Facials are actually very easy to do at home, and help to open up clogged pores. You always want to start by cleansing the face and exfoliating with a facial scrub. Open your pores by placing your face over hot …

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Get Out: Anti-Tobacco Walk, Improv Show

Let Patch help you make plans for something fun to do this weekend.

Looking for something to do this weekend? We've got the best bets for your done-with-work-outta-here time. Check out our picks for activities to hit and new places to explore this weekend. 1. Steppin' Out Against Tobacco Walk Where/When: Independence Grove; 8:30 a.m., Saturday, May 21. Why Go?: Celebrate the 9th Annual World No Tobacco Day and walk to honor loved ones who have lost their lives to a tobacco related illness while supporting efforts to reduce tobacco use. The walk is sponsored by the Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center. Enter the drawing for an i-pod, free face painting for kids, free health screenings and energy snacks. Pricing: No entry fee   2. College of Lake County Foundation Joan Legat Memorial …

Pelosi, Plouffe Train Dold Opponents in Washington

National Democrats give local candidates some campaign tips.

Before Rep. Robert Dold (R-Kenilworth) was sworn into office in January, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) decided his 10th Congressional District seat was one it could win in 2012. Nearly five months later, Ilya Sheyman, a community organizer from Waukegan, has formally announced his candidacy for the Democratic nomination to oppose Dold. Bradley S. Schneider, a business consultant from Deerfield, has also expressed interest. Last week they both went on an educational field trip with the DCCC. Special schooling from Plouffe, Pelosi Sheyman and Schneider were two of 34 congressional candidates to receive special schooling at a training session conducted by the DCCC in Washington. The national party has made the …

Police Blotter: Theft, DUI, Invalid License & Insurance

The police blotter is compiled from reports provided by the Libertyville Police Department each week. Readers are reminded that all suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Theft Thieves broke the front door windows with a rock to gain entrance to Buck Brothers John Deere at 1080 E. Park Ave on May 14. Three Stihl landscape tools, a hedge clipper and two backpack blowers were stolen. The items were valued at $1,250. A commuter who parked in the Prairie Crossing South train depot lot, 2401 Harris Rd., reported that a Sirius radio was stolen from the vehicle on May 9. The theft occurred sometime after the commuter left the car at 6:15 a.m. and before the commuter returned at 6:30 p.m. the same day. The passenger side window was broken to gain entry. The radio was valued at $300. Police say they are still investigating the theft. A navy blue women’s mountain bike was reported stolen from the second level of the …

Frugal Family

Frugal Family: Dry Cleaning, Bead Class Deals

This column is dedicated to finding you five great deals each week to help your family’s bottom line.

This week we found discounts for the creative, adventurous and hungry readers out there along with a double-coupon deal to protect you and your family. As always, remember to check with the merchant for all the details. 1. Zengeler Cleaners, Libertyville     Deal: Coupons for  20 percent discount on any dry cleaning order (excludes suede and leather). Valid: through May 31, 2011.   2. Silo Pizza, Lake Bluff        Deal: Receive a 50 percent-off coupon at their website (maximum value $4).  Valid: through May 31, 2011.        3. Target, Vernon Hills Deal: Neutrogena new 'Wet Skin' sunblock coupons. Go to Target coupon page for $1 off and go to the Neutrogena website to get a $2 off coupon. Target allows you to combine their coupon and a …

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Judi Guimarin

4:04 pm on Thursday, May 19, 2011

Thanks Jan, I would also like to add that I found the Playerspass info through the jan-leasure.com! Thanks for that! Judi   more ›

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Accused Arsonist Posts Bond, Back in Libertyville

Kyle Kowal, who is accused of setting fire to homes in Libertyville is back at his parents' house after posting bond.

A 26-year-old man accused of setting fires to homes in Libertyville is back home after his parents posted bond on May 6, according to Assistant State’s Attorney Rod Drobinski. Kyle Kowal, of the 600 block of West St., is accused of setting fire to two homes and attempting to set fire to two other homes in Libertyville on March 24. No one was injured the two fires, but three homes were damaged. Kowal is also accused of burglarizing the Picnic Basket Restaurant, 501 N. Milwaukee Ave., during the early hours of March 24. “His parents had told the pretrial bond services officers, and he put it in his report, that the parents were able and prepared to pay the $50,000 it would take to release him,” Drobinski said. “Basically after that hearing …

Pat Page

2:05 am on Wednesday, May 18, 2011

I know the Kowal family briefly, and am saddened by K.C.'s actions. Anyone who commits arson and buglary needs help of some kind; these actions are a symptom. Yes, he must pay, but getting him help will also benefit the community.   more ›

D128: Education Reform Bill Provides Greater Transparency

The bill would make it easier to fire ineffective teachers in public schools.

The Illinois House cleared a bill that would drastically overhaul how teachers are hired and fired on May 12. It now only needs the signature of Governor Pat Quinn, who supports the bill. The bill, which passed the House 112-1 with one member voting present, would make it harder for teachers to call a strike by limiting the collective bargaining rights of teachers unions, it would also base layoffs on performance instead of seniority, making it easier to fire ineffective teachers. Community High School District 128 Superintendent Prentiss Lea says the bill will help strengthen public education in Illinois. “The legislation provides for a streamlined process for removing under-performing teachers and for the retention of high-performing …

Village Reduces Steps for Some Business Permits

Libertyville's Community Development Director now has authority to approve simple changes in exterior design permits.

Village Board trustees approved a time-saving measure for businesses applying for permits at their board meeting in April. In the future, John Spoden, director of Community Development, will have the authority to approve about one-third of the items previously presented to the Appearance Review Commission. Spoden was given the authority because he is the staff liaison to the village board for ARC. Some of the items he can approve include changes to signs, fencing, landscaping and lighting. Spoden says the move reduces the time of ARC meetings, which typically last three hours. The Community Development Department writes a report with their recommendation for each application. Having the authority to approve routine changes saves time for …

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