Fox Valley briefs

Remembering the missing

The Elgin Watch City VFW Post 1307 will hold a POW/MIA Remembrance event at 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19. This National Day of Observance was designed to set aside a day separate from Memorial Day and Veterans Day specifically to remember the missing - those who were captured or lost and never returned home. The ceremony will feature a Table of Remembrance, a playing of taps and a reading of "Remember." Special attention will be given to the last POW from the Vietnam War, Air Force Col. Charles Shelton. Afterward, the post will have a barbecue with burgers, hot dogs and potato salad. A $5 donation is requested at the door. Any profits will go to the post relief fund.

McHenry County collects $37,806 over elections gaffe

The McHenry County State's Attorney's Office has recovered a judgment in the amount $37,806.75 from the state over a claim that arose because of an error made by the Illinois State Board of Elections. The error occurred when the state board mistakenly omitted the name of Circuit Court Judge Maureen McIntyre. McIntyre's name from the November 7, 2006 judicial retention ballot. As a result, County Clerk Katherine Schultz had to pay for the reprinting of the ballots on an expedited basis in order to have them prepared in time for the election. Shortly after the retention election was held, the state's attorney's office filed the claim, eventually resulting in the reimbursement for the costs of reprinting ballots. These funds will go into the county's general fund.

No bond reduction for urine smuggling suspect

A judge denied a bond reduction Monday for a McHenry woman accused of smuggling another person's urine into the McHenry County courthouse in hopes of passing a drug test. Heather Derer, 36, remained in custody at the county jail on $20,000 bond under the decision. She is charged with defrauding a drug and alcohol screening test, a Class 4 felony. Judge Sharon Prather said Monday she would later consider a bond reduction if Derer is admitted to an inpatient substance abuse treatment center. Sheriff's police arrested Derer last week after she was found with a condom filled another person's urine when she arrived at the courthouse to take a drug test that was required under a probation sentence for a prior theft conviction.