The 19th Judicial Circuit recently announced that it had distributed $100,000 in grants to two organizations that help crime victims and provide legal aid.
The Lake County court circuit said it was awarding $50,000 each to the Zacharias Sexual Abuse Center and to Prairie State Legal Services, Chief Judge Mark Levitt announced.
The awards came via the judicial circuit’s Crime Victims Services Fund Committee, which administers the grant.
The Zacharias Center provides direct medical and legal assistance to survivors of sexual assault and their families. The center seeks to alleviate the trauma of sexual assault and prevent survivors from re-experiencing their trauma.
Prairie State is dedicated to equal access to justice and fair treatment by providing legal services, advice and representation.
Organizations that wish to be considered for the 2024 grant program can find the application through the 19th Judicial Circuit’s website. The deadline to apply is April 1.
Suspect sought
Round Lake Beach police recently released a sketch of a man wanted in connection with two attempts to lure children into a van last month.
Police also released additional information about the man’s vehicle, which they say is a gray Toyota Sienna XLE hybrid, with a model year between 2021 and 2024.
The luring incidents took place on Jan. 23 at around 6:50 a.m. on McGillis Drive. The offender is described as a 5-foot-2 man with short hair on his chin.
Attempted abduction
Grayslake police are investigating a similar incident that took place in the late afternoon of Jan. 26 in the 700 block of Cherry Creek Drive, in the Cherry Creek subdivision. The victim told police that as they were walking home, a man attempted to force them into a gray or silver minivan.
The victim managed to evade the attempted abduction and the vehicle drove off.
The victim said there were two men in the van, and the attempted abductor was about 5-foot-8 and 200 lbs. He was wearing a black hooded shirt and a surgical mask. The incident remains under investigation.
Cocoa with a Cop
Gurnee residents looking for a low-key way to chat with their police department are invited to the Cocoa with a Cop event planned for Feb 10, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The event will be at Mission Barbeque, 6430 Grand Ave., and the cocoa will be free.
“This is your chance to connect, chat, and share a cozy moment with those who work hard to keep our community safe.,” GPD said in a social media post. “Bring your family, friends, and neighbors — everyone is welcome.”
Send a valentine
Gurnee police are also working to make sure that local seniors are remembered on Valentine’s Day.
The department is asking area residents to either buy or create a valentine, sign it and perhaps include a message. The cards can be dropped off at the police station until Feb. 6.
