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Ealy trial: Guilty of murder

WAUKEGAN, Ill. — James Ealy faces life in prison after a Lake County, Ill., jury found him guilty Friday afternoon of first degree murder in the stabbing and strangulation of Trevor resident Mary Hutchison, 45, during the robbery of a Lindenhurst, Ill., Burger King.

Nearly seven years after Hutchison, a manager, was found lying face down in a pool of blood shortly after 5 a.m. Nov. 27, 2006, jurors agreed Assistant State’s Attorneys Jeff Pavletic and Steve Scheller proved beyond a reasonable doubt Ealy killed Hutchison intentionally and did so in a heinous and cruel manner while engaged in felony robbery.

Though not specifically convicted of the latter charges, they can come into play as enhancers when Lake County Circuit Court Judge David Shanes sentences Ealy, who faces 20 years to life in prison.

Victim’s family finds little peace in Ealy’s conviction

WAUKEGAN, ILL. — Ken Hutchison said the conviction Friday of James Ealy for killing Hutchison’s wife, Mary, six-and-a-half years ago brought the family little, if any, peace.

“It’s not a day of closure,” Hutchison said, eyes red-rimmed and wet with tears. “Closure for us is going to be the death penalty — which has been taken off the table.”

Kenosha historian, author, former reporter Don Jensen dies

Of all the people that gave voice to the human experience in Kenosha, Don Jensen, 77, did so with knowledgeable authority.

The local historian, writer, and radio man died peacefully Thursday afternoon at his home. He is survived by his wife Arlene, two sons and six grandchildren.

Speed rules as high-performance boat racing returns

PLEASANT PRAIRIE — Lake Andrea in Pleasant Prairie will be the site of a the U.S. Title Series for Outboard Hydroplane and Runabout Racing today and Sunday.

Racing runs from noon to 4 p.m. on each day.

Today’s News Briefs

A bomb threat made by a student at Lincoln Middle School on Thursday determined to be unfounded, according to Kenosha Unified spokeswoman Tanya Ruder.

Parents received an automatic phone message following the morning incident. Ruder said that school officials and the school resource officer questioned the boy about the alleged device and its whereabouts on school property.

Central student who died to be remembered at graduation

PADDOCK LAKE — Michelina “Micki” Combs will be remembered June 2 by Central High School classmates who plan to wear buttons with her image on them during commencement.

“It’s really sad to think she should be at our graduation,” Brooke Andersen-Gazda said. “But, because of a tragic accident she was unable to accomplish this.”

Flowers add life downtown

Dozens of baskets of flowers have been hung downtown, a herald of spring for the past 12 years.

This year, 65 baskets and eight potted barrels will be placed throughout the downtown district. When the program started, there were 35 baskets, planted by Maria Caravati, in her backyard. As the program expanded, Burr Oaks Greenhouse and Gifts took over production of the baskets, starting the plants early in its greenhouse, so they would be full and ready for hanging by Memorial Day weekend.

Reconstruction of Rawson Interchange will cause I-94 closures

As part of the Interstate-94 North-South Freeway Project, the Rawson Avenue Interchange is being reconstructed. To accomplish this, the eastbound bridge will be demolished beginning Tuesday evening. I-94 West (northbound) will be closed at the Milwaukee/Racine County line and I-94 East (southbound) will be closed overnight at Rawson Avenue Tuesday through Friday.

Traffic on I-94 West will be directed to exit at 27th Street, head north to College Avenue, turn right and head east back to I-94 West.

Zoo staff explain dangers of alligators, exotic pets in light of local recoveries

RACINE — Alligators, crocodiles, venomous snakes and other poisonous reptiles do not make good pets. Period.

Harborside students package thousands of meals for Hati’s children

The junior class at Harborside Academy takes its food seriously.

Suspicious vehicle in restricted part of airport brings out county fire, hazmat units

A suspicious vehicle found inside a secure area of the Kenosha Regional Airport brought out most of the county’s hazardous materials response units Thursday.

Kenosha cracks 100,000 residents

Congratulations, Kenosha! You’re a six-figure town.

Minutes missing in full video of alleged crime scene in ongoing ‘glue-gate’ probe

In the scheme of political scandals, Kenosha’s case of the glued door lock is no Watergate.

Police and fire commission receive excessive force complaint

The Kenosha Police and Fire Commission received a complaint on Tuesday from a man who said he sustained multiple injuries during his arrest due to officers using excessive force.

News notes

Gateway Technical College invites members of the public — and business leaders, specifically — to help provide direction on the type of job skills training that should be offered by the college in the near future.

Charges filed against woman accused of cemetery embezzlement

Charges have been filed against a woman believed to have stolen more than $170,000 from the cemetery where she worked from 2006 to 2009.

Temporary repairs make Tot Park usable again

Today’s problem: Deterioration and disrepair of equipment deterred parents, families from bringing kids to the lakefront playground popularly known as “Tot’s Park,”

One suspect in home shootings charged

The two men shot in last week’s home invasion are lucky to be alive, prosecutors said. Both were shot in the head or face at close range.

Ryan reportedly writing book

Paul Ryan is reportedly working on adding another title to his resume: author.

Preliminary hearing set for couple charged with animal mistreatment

The couple accused of starving and neglecting horses on their Pleasant Prairie farm are headed for a hearing, despite not yet hiring an attorney.

Events

PLEASANT PRAIRIE — For the 10th year in a row, hydroplanes will race at Lake Andrea over the Memorial Day weekend.

Police nab shooting suspect

Lamarkous D. Washington, one of two suspects in the attempted murders of two men last week in Kenosha, was arrested Wednesday night in the Milwaukee area and was being transported to the Kenosha County Jail.

Bipartisan effort saves funding for county support services

A bipartisan effort in Madison is helping Kenosha County maintain programs for struggling families and children.

Employers, job seekers find a match at career expo

SOMERS — Employers and job seekers tried to mesh needs with skills Wednesday at a state-sponsored exposition at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside.

Homeroom: Somers students help clean up new nature area

Somers Elementary students spent a weekend afternoon with community members cleaning up a local park as part of a service and community-based learning project.

News briefs

A driver who was taken to Froedtert Hospital in Wauwatosa by Flight For Life on Friday said he felt a seizure come on and tried to pull over before ultimately crashing and rolling his vehicle.

Court Roundup

A man charged with sexually assaulting a teenage girl told said he was a Navy SEAL, according to police, and that his kisses were just helping her for when she has boyfriends.

Event briefs

KENOSHA — Organist Charles Bonow will present his festival worship service concert, "Our Life In Christ," this weekend.

Memorial Day weekend ceremonies set

While many people have plans for travel and family gatherings for the Memorial Day weekend, others will be concentrating on the reason for the long weekend — remembrance of those who fought and died for the country.