Published July 15, 2026 • Republicans of Wheeling Township
ROWT has two updates to share on the vandalism cases affecting our organization: a hearing date in the McNerney case, and a resolution in the disorderly conduct case. Details on both are below.
McNerney Case: Hearing Thursday, July 23
Date: Thursday, July 23, 2026
Time: 1:30 p.m.
Location: Courtroom 104, Rolling Meadows Courthouse
The next hearing in the McNerney case is scheduled for Thursday, July 23, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. in Courtroom 104 at the Rolling Meadows courthouse. It is anticipated that the McNerneys will plead guilty at this hearing.
John Saletta, ROWT's Committeeman, is asking members to turn out in support of the organization:
"Please try to attend this hearing in support of ROWT. It is important."
John has also written to Congressman Brad Schneider, who has spoken out publicly on recent hate crimes in Lake County, inviting him to attend in support of ROWT as victims in this case. No response has been received yet.
Images from the Incident
Below are images from the January 2026 vandalism: surveillance stills from the night the "FED UP? Vote Republican 4 a Change!" signs were tampered with, and the defaced Charlie Kirk memorial from the ROWT office window. Profanity written on the memorial has been obscured for publication.
Disorderly Conduct Case: Resolved
The disorderly conduct case involving an individual who taunted ROWT has been resolved. The individual pled guilty and was fined $100. The hearing was held at Arlington Heights Village Hall.
John Saletta, Joe Murglin, and Terry Murglin attended the hearing prepared to testify; the guilty plea made testimony unnecessary. John noted that the individual showed no remorse and did not apologize.
A Word on Local Engagement
John closed his update to members with this reflection from Jacqueline Garretson, Contributing Editor at Grassroots Quarterly:
"Being a Republican should not be something that only shows up during election season. It should show up in how we engage with our communities every single day. That means getting out of our own circles and into real conversations. It means building trust long before anyone asks for a vote. And it means understanding that no amount of last-minute effort can replace consistent local presence."
Showing up for the McNerney hearing on July 23 is one concrete way to put that into practice; please try to attend.
John S. Saletta
Committeeman, Republicans of Wheeling Township