Tuesday, August 18, 2009

SHOOTING UPDATE: Armed Man Was Drunk

The Lake County Coroner's Office today has released their initial findings into the death investigation of the 23-year-old man who was shot by a Libertyville Police officer over the weekend - according to the News-Sun website, Spencer Foutes had a Blood-Alcohol Content of .25, or over three times the legal limit for driving, when he allegedly pointed a gun at a police officer.

The Libertyville Police Department is scheduled to release more information later today surround their investigation.

Saturday, August 15, 2009

SHOOTING UPDATE: Armed Man Identified

The 23-year-old man shot to death by a Libertyville Police officer has been identified as Spencer Foutis of the 900 block of Cali Court in Libertyville. According to the Daily Herald, he lived in the home with his mother and a friend, since May.

BREAKING NEWS: LIBERTYVILLE POLICE INVOLVED SHOOTING

A 23-year-old man is dead after he reportedly aimed a gun at Libertyville Police officers who responded to his home early this morning. According the published reports, police were called to the home in the Riva Ridge neighborhood on a domestic disturbance call. While police were inside the home, the gunman allegedly pointed a gun at officers at "close range" - that's when an officer fired at the suspect. The 23-year-old was taken to Condell where he was pronounced dead. Officials have not yet released the man's name. Following standard procedures, the police officer who was involved in the shooting has been placed on administrative leave while investigators look into the incident. No officers were said to have been injured.

Here is some of the local media coverage:

WBBM Newsradio 780: Man, 23, fatally shot by Libertyville police
Chicago Tribune: Libertyville Police fatally shoot armed man
Daily Herald: Libertyville cop shoots armed man in domestic dispute

It's Been A While!

Wow, I can't believe it's already the middle of August! It's been a little while since I've had a chance to update the blog. I thought this would be a good time to plug my e-mail address - if there is ever an idea or feedback you like to send, feel free to get in touch with me @ jimmoran77@gmail.com

Sunrise Rotary Goose Dropping and Mainstreet Street Dance tickets ON SALE NOW!

Tickets for this month's Sunrise Rotary Club Good Dropping raffle (with a top prize of $35,000!) are currently on sale! Tickets are $50 each or five for $200. In addition to the raffle, there is an entire day of fun planned for the Goose Dropping Festival, which will take place Saturday August 22nd at the Libertyville Sports Complex. You don't need to buy tickets to attend the festival - but's it's probably a good idea to get at least one ticket... the odds of winning some money aren't too bad! If you don't feed comfortable purchasing tickets online, let me know - I'd be more than happy to bring tickets to your home (if you live in or around Libertyville).

Mainstreet Libertyville's Annual Street Dance Party!

Don't forget to mark you calendar for Saturday September 26th for the annual Mainstreet Street Dance! This year's event will take place on Church Street (NOT the train station) - featuring several local bands, including; Kev & Co., Tokyo Fish Market, Vardin's Groove and Betty Soul. There will be plenty of great food and beer too! The beer will be furnished by Mickey Finn's, wine from Parkview Gourmet and food catering provided by the Picnic Basket. Tickets are $15 on the day of the event or you can save money by purchasing your tickets now at the Mainstreet office for only $10. (If you have trouble making it to the Mainstreet office, again - I'd be more than happy to deliver them to you - just let me know!)

Friday, July 31, 2009

Book News

Landmark Children's Book Store, Crocodile Pie - Closing!

We learned some sad news earlier this week about the fate of the Crocodile Pie book store in Libertyville - It's set to close in a couple of weeks. Current owners Amy Moran (no relation) and Kim Zizic purchased the store about a year ago - in hopes of saving the store from imminent closing. Unfortunately, economic conditions have given the store no other option than closing down. Crocodile Pie has been a great asset to the village for years - I wish everyone at the store the best in their future endeavors. This store has been around for several generations of children in Libertyville - it will be missed! Read more in the Daily Herald.



Cook Library Board Accepting Applications for New Board Member

The Cook Memorial Library Board is now accpeting applications from those interested in filling the Board's vacant position - created when library board president Aaron Lawlor resigned to take a position on the Lake County Board. Those interested are asked to fill out this application.

Here is the job description from the Cook Library's website -

"The Cook Memorial Public Library District is looking for a candidate to immediately fill a recently vacated position on its Board of Trustees. The candidate should be someone who is interested in serving the Library District, has time to devote to the library, and is interested in improving library services.

Applicants must be at least eighteen years of age, registered voters, and residents of the Library District which encompasses Libertyville, Vernon Hills, Green Oaks, Mettawa, Indian Creek, an unincorporated area north of Libertyville, and a portion of Mundelein. Library Board meetings are held at 6:30 p.m. on the third Tuesday of every month. In addition, Trustees are expected to attend occasional committee meetings and specially scheduled meetings and/or events.

The appointee will complete the unexpired portion of the open trustee’s term through the spring of 2011 after which they may run for an elected term.

Please complete the attached application and mail to Cook Memorial Public Library, 413 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Libertyville, Illinois, 60048 no later than August 12, 2009. For more information, please call Dan Armstrong, Library Director, at 847-362-2330, ext. 100."

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

A Look Ahead!

I just got back in town after spending a few days out on the West Coast - the trip was great! (Anytime I get to enjoy an In & Out Burger, life is good! We really need one in Libertyville!) Anyway, I am a little behind in updating some upcoming events. This is a busy week in and around Libertyville - here are a few highlights of what's going on:

The Lake County Fair kicked off another week of summer fun yesterday - marking a new year in a new location. The Fair has moved closer to Libertyville, near Peterson Road and Midlothian, in Grayslake. In addition to beer sales, this year's fair also features more well-known music entertainment, including Blake Shelton performing on Saturday night.

Mickey Finn's Backlot Brew Fest!

One of the "must attend" events of summertime in Libertyville is the Mickey Finn's Backlot Brewfest! Festivities kick off Thursday night, with most of the outdoor festivities taking place Friday and Saturday night. The food and atmosphere is very conducive to a great time! On Friday night you'll be able to catch hula and Polynesian fire dancers - that sounds like fun! They'll also be live entertainment all weekend too! Oh, did I mention the beer tent? Find out more information on the MickeyFinnsBrewery.com website.

Farmer's Market & Out to Lunch!

Also, don't forget the weekly Mainstreet Libertyville events going on this week! The weekly Libertyville's Farmer's Market is tomorrow from 7am - 1pm. I'll be there early for crepes and coffee!! Out to Supper with the Village Band at 7:30pm Thursday night in Cook Park. And, of course - Friday's Out to Lunch event runs from 11am - 2pm. Also, in other MainStreet news - tickets for this year's Street Dance and now starting to go on sale! Make sure you mark your calendar for Saturday, September 26th!




America's Most Wanted Fugitive Caught In Libertyville!

A 38-year-old Wisconsin man featured on a recent episode of America's Most Wanted was arrested yesterday, after he was found living near downtown Libertyville!

According to the AMW website, Ray Cooper was wanted for the sexual abuse of a young girl in Columbia County, Wisconsin. Columbia County is a bit north of Madison. Someone called the America's Most Wanted tip line and said Cooper was living in Libertyville, in an apartment that had recently suffered fire damage. After a short search, Libertyville Police found that Cooper was living in an apartment on Grant Court, under his own name!