Illinois Quick Hits: Waukegan official charted with casting dead mother’s ballot

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

(The Center Square) – A Waukegan alderman has been arrested and charged with a felony after she allegedly used her dead mother’s ballot to cast a vote in the Illinois primary election earlier this year.

The Lake & McHenry County Scanner reports that Sylvia Sims Bolton, 67, of Waukegan, received a vote-by-mail ballot for her mother, Mary Sims, after her mother died.

Prosecutors said Bolton filled out the ballot and signed Sims’ name, knowing it was not possible for her to vote in the election.

FORMER TILTON POLICE CHIEF DIES IN CONSTRUCTION ZONE COLLISION

Former Tilton, Illinois Police Chief Steve Cornett is being remembered after he was fatally struck by a vehicle on Wednesday morning while he was working as a construction contractor at the Interstate 57/74 interchange in Champaign.

Cornett, 74, served in the Tilton police department from 1984 to 2017, when he retired. He also served as a firefighter and EMS provider.

The Illinois Department of Transportation said in a social media post it is working with state police to investigate the incident.

HENRY COUNTY MAN ARRESTED ON CHILD PORNOGRAPHY CHARGE

Illinois State Police have arrested a Henry County man after a child sexual abuse materials investigation.

Tyler K. Hartman, 28, of Atkinson, Illinois is charged with dissemination of child pornography. Hartman was taken into custody on Wednesday.

GROUPON PLANS HUNDREDS OF LAYOFFS

Chicago-based Groupon is planning to reduce its global workforce by up to 400 workers. Groupon CEO Dusan Senkypl said in a press release earlier this month that the pace of AI adoption across every team gives him confidence in stronger performance ahead.

The company reported flat global revenue and billings down one percent year-over-year for the first quarter of 2026.