Trio honored for their work with crime victims
Three people were honored last week for their service to crime victims.
State's Attorney Michael Waller singled out the individuals April 16 during a luncheon at Viking Park in Gurnee.
Mary Penich, a retired assistant regional superintendent of schools who plays a key role in many areas of Lake County's efforts to reduce violence, was named this year's recipient of the Ruth H. Rosengarden award.
Waller praised Penich for using her education training to work in social services through the county's Domestic Violence and Juvenile Justice councils.
The award is named in honor of Ruth Rosengarden, a victim and witness counselor in the state's attorney's office for nearly 20 years who established many of the programs currently assisting crime victims.
Park City Police Chief Walter Holderbaum was given the law enforcement award for his work with the Major Crimes Task Force, his long service with the North Chicago Police Department and his current occupation.
Kathleen Faust of A Safe Place was recognized with the justice award for her supervision of the court office that assists victims of domestic violence who are seeking orders of protection.
Liberty Bell Awards:ŒChief Circuit Judge David Hall was in a giving mood as well last week when he named this year's recipients of the Liberty Bell Award.
Wayne Hunter of the Lake County sheriff's office was given the individual award for his diverse careers in law enforcement and psychology.
Hunter, currently the director of homeland security for the sheriff, was a long-time officer and detective for the Waukegan Police Department.
After his retirement, Hunter earned a degree in psychology and worked as a psychologist at the county jail before moving to his present position.
The Lincolnshire Garden Club was honored for its five years of volunteer efforts at the Robert Depke Juvenile Center in Vernon Hills.
Hall said club members provide everything from educational tutoring to gardening instruction to donations of books for juvenile detainees.
Capital training:ŒToday is the deadline to register for the Lake County Bar Association's Capital Litigation Training Program.
The training is required for all attorneys who want to work on murder cases in which the defendant is facing or could face the death penalty.
The seminar will feature instruction on Supreme Court rules, case management, the Capital Litigation Trust Fund, jury issues and ethical considerations as well as other subjects.
The two-day program will be held from 9 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday at the Key Lime Cove Convention Center in Gurnee.
The cost for attending the program is $250. For more information, call the association at (847) 244-8259.