James Booras re-elected as chief judge

Circuit Judge James Booras has been elected for a second year as chief judge of the 19th Judicial Circuit.

Booras, a former Lake County assistant state's attorney, received his law degree from Lewis University College of Law in 1979.

Born in Nestani-Tripolis, Greece, Booras was appointed an associate judge in 1991 and a circuit judge in 2000.

"I am very happy to serve as chief judge for another year and I am grateful for the vote of confidence of the other judges," Booras said. "I am proud to have the opportunity to work with one of the hardiest working judiciaries in the state."

Moving up

Sheriff Mark Curran promoted four of his hardest working deputies Wednesday during a ceremony in the County Building.

John Crilly and Brian Keller were elevated to the rank of lieutenant, and Leonard Cole and Ted Sittig were promoted to sergeant.

"These are four solid guys who have had terrific careers," Curran said. "They do their jobs quietly and do them in a way we can all be proud of."

All four had their new badges pinned on by their wives as friends and other sheriff's office personnel looked on.

Runyard retires

One of the most recognized people in Lake County law enforcement has hung up her badge.

Waukegan Police Cmd. Marlene Runyard retired last week after 30 years of service to the department.

Runyard started her career in the patrol division and was promoted to sergeant in 1988 and lieutenant in 1994.

After serving as the department's first deputy police chief from 1995 to 1997, Runyard ran unsuccessfully for sheriff in 1998.

She was promoted to captain in 2001 and that position was converted to commander later the same year.

Runyard was responsible for securing the 1993 federal grant that paid for the department's mobile police station that is still in use today.