Illinois quick hits: Highland Park shooting suspect refuses to leave cell; Thieves steal vases from Illinois cemetery

Highland Park shooting suspect refuses to leave cell

The man accused of killing seven people and injuring dozens more at the Highland Park Independence Day parade in 2022 apparently won’t leave his jail cell. A hearing was scheduled for Thursday, the first for Robert Crimo III since he rejected a plea deal in June. The Lake County Sheriff’s Office said Crimo refused to leave his cell when informed by corrections staff that he was due in court. Crimo’s trial date has tentatively been set to begin in February 2025.

Governor calls for safety ahead of harvest season

Gov. J.B. Pritzker has proclaimed this week as Farm Safety and Health Week in Illinois with a theme of “Don’t Learn Safety by Accident.” This year marks the 80th year for the annual observance nationwide. In recognition of Farm Safety and Health Week, the Illinois Department of Agriculture partnered with the Illinois Department of Transportation and the Illinois Department of Labor to encourage farmers and farm workers to follow safety precautions during the upcoming fall harvest season. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the agriculture sector is the most dangerous in America, with more than 500 fatalities annually.

Thieves steal vases from Illinois cemetery

Several vases were stolen from atop headstones this month in Woodstock. The vases, likely made of brass and copper, are an add-on that the cemetery sells to hold flowers. Officials believe the vases were stolen for scrap metal.