Briefs: YMCA official charged

The former business manager of the Camp Duncan YMCA near Waukegan was charged Thursday with stealing at least $22,000 from the organization. Laura Weber, 38, of Lakemoor, faces up to seven years in prison if convicted of theft. Lake County Assistant State's Attorney Stephen Scheller said Weber was originally charged in 2006 with stealing $600 in gift cards from the organization and was placed on probation after being fired. Discrepancies in the accounts continued to appear and a forensic audit was done on the organization's books. Scheller said that audit found more than $50,000 was missing. Weber was questioned by sheriff's detectives and admitted taking $22,000, Scheller said. She appeared Thursday morning before Associate Judge Daniel Shanes, and was released on a signature bond. Weber is to appear in court June 2.

Fox Lake fire gets grant

Fox Lake-based Alliance National Insurance Agency, Inc. (ANI) and Fireman's Fund Insurance Company will award a $5,000 grant to the Fox Lake Volunteer Fire Department for new communications equipment needed to improve response capabilities. The money will be used to purchase upgraded pagers and allow the department to phase out its outdated ones. The grant will be given to the department Monday, 11 a.m., at Fox Lake Fire Station # 2 at 306 Washington, Ingleside. The grant is part of a nationwide program called Fireman's Fund Heritage and funded by Fireman's Fund Insurance Company.

Boat inspections

The Wauconda Police Marine Unit will conduct boat inspections Saturday, 8 a.m. to noon, at the Wauconda Park District boat launch, and noon to 4 p.m. at the Lakeview Villa boat launch. Typically, police check to ensure boats comply with state law and village ordinance regarding required equipment, including life preservers, horns, fire extinguishers, battery covers, lighting, mufflers, and boating registration numbers. They also check to ensure boats don't have items like sirens and flashing lights that are prohibited, and the watercraft is seaworthy. The village board increased boat inspection fees this year. The fee will depend on the horsepower rating of the boat. The annual fees range anywhere from $20 to $90. Those fees had not been increased for the last 18 years. Previously, they ranged from $10 to $45. Visit the Wauconda Police Department Web site for more boating information, www.waucondapolice.com. For more information, call Deputy Chief John Thibault at (847) 526-2421.

Tickets remain on sale

Tickets for the 26th annual Fox Lake Policeman's Ball will be on sale until 4 p.m. today. Cost of a ticket is $100 and goes to help fund various charities through the police department. The event is Saturday, 6 p.m. to midnight, at Lakemoor Banquet Hall, 28874 W. Route 120. The hall is used because it's the only location large enough to seat 500 people, Police Chief Mike Behan said. Dinner is served at 7 p.m., and the event will feature live and silent auctions, as well as dancing. For information or to order tickets, contact the police department at (847) 587-3962.