Stories from the May 17, 2012 Issue                          

 

Winthrop Harbor recognize Peace Officers Memorial Day

By Meredith Jumisko
Zion-Benton News staff 

Very observant citizens may have wondered why the United States flags were flown at half-staff at the Winthrop Harbor Village Hall and the Schlader Recreation Center on Tuesday. This was done in honor of fallen Peace Officers throughout the country. National Police Week, which was enacted by President Kennedy in 1962, occurs May 13-19 this year.

At Tuesday's regular village board meeting, Mayor Robert Loy proclaimed May 15th as Peace Officers Memorial Day in Winthrop Harbor, in honor all fallen officers, including the only Winthrop Harbor officer to be killed in the line of duty: Marshal William Petersen. Members of the police department attended the meeting and Police Chaplain Dan Pabon led the prayer at the meeting's start.

Loy's National Police Week proclamation read in part, "To recognize National Police Week and to honor the service and sacrifice of those law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty while protecting our communities and safeguarding our democracy." ..... More

 

 

 

Torrez charged in 2005 murder of two girls

By Ginny Skweres
Zion-Benton News staff  

Jorge Torrez, 23, formerly of Zion, was charged Tuesday with the murders of Laura Hobbs, 8, and Krystal Tobias, 9, that occurred on May 8 which was Mother's Day in 2005.Their bodies were found early on May 9. Torrez is now charged with 18 counts of first degree murder, and if found guilty will face a life sentence without parole.

The two girls were beaten and brutally stabbed a number of times and their bodies were found in Beulah Park. Both girls were second-graders in Beulah Park Schools. Laura's father, Jerry Hobbs, had been charged with the crimes after a false confession and served five years in the Lake County Jail waiting for the trial. …More

 

Photo of the Week

April showers bring May flowers.

New Business

The Black Cat Stitchery opens in Winthrop Harbor. Read more about this new addition to our community in this weeks Zion-Benton News.

Volunteers Recognized

Members of the Coalition for Healthy Communities are the recipients of the Friend of Township Award. See who else was honored in this weeks Zion-Benton News.

Schools

Students eagerly work on Mother's Day gifts. See what else has been happening at the schools around town.

Sports

Kendall Williams in the long jump athe the NSC Meet.