Crystal Lake

View art in Harvard and go fishing with the McHenry County Conservation District this weekend in McHenry County.

Attempts are underway to preserve several old farms buildings around McHenry County – including one that just made a most-endangered list – but how to save them isn't always clear.

A Cary man has pleaded guilty to possessing images depicting child sex abuse and was sentenced to three years in prison, with the possibility of court supervision for life.

Developers are pursuing plans for a five-story, mixed-use building on "Block B" in downtown Fox River Grove.

A Crystal Lake man who is former owner of Huntley's Dairy Mart pleaded guilty to unauthorized video recording and also to possession of psilocybin.

Ben Jankowski of Woodstock received a Purple Heart medal for his service in Vietnam War. Now facing a leg amputation, Jankowski received ramp donated and built by The Home Depot.

Ben Jankowski is a Vietnam veteran and Purple Heart recipient who has to have a leg amputated soon, so The Home Depot donated and built a ramp for him, facilitated by the Veterans Network Committee of Northern Illinois.

A proposed sales tax increase in Woodstock would bring the city’s overall rate to 8.5%, which would tie Crystal Lake for the highest in McHenry County.

Crystal Lake Mayor Haig Haleblian declared June Service League of Crystal Lake Centennial Month as the organization marks 100 years. A June 21 celebration is planned at The Dole.

Chants of “boo” and “shame” broke after the Crystal Lake park board, which has a new majority post-election, voted to remove the district’s diversity, equity and inclusion policy from the books.

Shaw Local newspapers received a combined 33 awards Thursday, June 5, 2025, in news contest categories that included general excellence, photography, news writing, opinion writing, design, community service and editorial pages.

Ten accomplished mentors, businesswomen, organizers, local leaders and family pillars are honored by Shaw Media/Northwest Herald with 2025 Women of Distinction awards on Wednesday, June 4, 2025.

The developer of Water's Edge in Crystal Lake received a $14 million incentive package from the city, and will also now get revenue from a new 1% sales tax that will imposed on shoppers there.

Summer is in full swing with festivals lined up in Woodstock, Spring Grove and Harvard this weekend in McHenry County.

Enjoy a bike ride around Crystal Lake, followed by the Night Owl After Party at Raue Center.

A tree fell on a house in Harvard during severe weather that made its way through McHenry County early Tuesday afternoon.

Friends of a Crystal Lake family start a fundraiser to help them recover after losing their home and five pets in a fire while they were at Six Flags Great America.

Hundreds of people gathered for the 2nd annual Downtown Crystal Lake Pride Walk & Social Sunday as a kickoff to June being Pride Month.

Ellen Hanson, a recipient of the Northwest Herald's Women of Distinction honor, was a longtime teacher but has had many other roles helping others in the Crystal Lake area.

Crystal Lake resident McKenna Dunn, 24, and her father, James Dunn, have taken over the paddleboard rental business at The Board House at Three Oaks Recreation Area.

As the future of a 19th-century building that served as Crystal Lake’s first school is in limbo over a pending landmark vote by City Council, historic advocates push fundraising efforts to save it.

The Crystal Lake Nature Center's Butterly House is opening Saturday, and a see-through beehive can also now be viewed by visitors.

Senior Services Associations push to protect the Older Americans Act that provides funding for essential services.

Go fishing with the family in Spring Grove and attend the grand opening of an outdoor venue in Marengo this weekend in McHenry County.

The band channels the spirit of rock legends such as The Rolling Stones, Janis Joplin, Led Zeppelin and Heart.

Outdoor farmers market season is underway this spring, with many options in the McHenry County area.

McHenry County authorities say a man and woman from Ogle County were traveling in a stolen vehicle while in possession of methamphetamine, open alcohol containers, billy club and a toddler in tow.

The Crystal Lake Soccer Federation has established a semi-pro women's team called the Force, which will play in the United Women's Soccer League. The team's debut is Saturday at The MAC.

The builders of Crystal Lake’s largest development are seeking additional incentives from the city, in this case in the form of a special 1% sales tax.

Beach openings over Memorial Day weekend in Crystal Lake have been pushed back due to lower than average temperatures.

A man who authorities said arrived on a Metra train in Crystal Lake with cocaine and a loaded pistol has pleaded guilty to drug and weapons charges.

Crystal Lake’s first public art piece funded by the city will be created by a local prominent artist and displayed in the center of a roundabout at Congress Parkway and Exchange Drive.

Residents of a subdivision neighboring a proposed 37-acre mixed-use development are speaking out against a plan that would connect New Haven Drive to Route 31, disrupting their community, residents say.

Find out where you can honor fallen service men and women this Memorial Day weekend in the McHenry County area.

A fire was reported Sunday in Crystal Lake, extent of damage unknown

An 80-year-old Crystal Lake man who was accused of operating a drug-trafficking business out of his home has pleaded guilty to just one count of possessing cocaine.

Brent Hollenberg is rehabbing a former synagogue outside Crystal Lake into a six-unit vacation rental property, breathing new life in the 111-year-old building.

The unseasonably cool weather has delayed the opening of Crystal Lake‘s Main Beach and some local pools and water features.

The Crystal Lake City Council got a shock when it received bid estimates over $1.5 million higher than engineers originally estimated for the downtown Depot Park reconstruction.

Crystal Lake-based Community High School District 155 is seeking donors to fulfill a $1 million capital campaign and sell naming rights to help fund renovations for Prairie Ridge High School’s stadium.

Huntley police are asking residents to check security camera footage for two missing teens, one from Crystal Lake, who have been reported missing and may be in Chicago with an unidentified male.

Traffic came to halt along busy Route 14 in Crystal Lake as a band of strangers tried to help about a dozen ducklings and their mama who were in the street.

The stellar lineup features seasoned comics John DaCosse, Dwayne Kennedy, Warren B. Hall and Brian Hicks.

Brent Hollenberg has purchased the former Ridgefield schoolhouse at 8617 Ridgefield Road, near Crystal Lake. Hollenberg has plans to turn the building into a six unit Airbnb. The building was last the home of the McHenry County Jewish Congregation.

The lake that shares its name with the city of Crystal Lake gets high marks in the recent "state of the lake" evaluation. See some favorite pictures from recent years, from the cardboard regatta to Fourth of July fireworks to loads of fun at Main Beach.

Crystal Lake's namesake body of water ranks among the best in water quality and chemical conditions in the country, according to a report made for the Crystal Lake Park District.

The family-owned and operated Around the Clock Restaurant and Bakery, located at 5011 Northwest Highway in Crystal Lake, is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a 50-cent all-you-can-eat pancake promotion.

Who sold and bought real estate in McHenry County the week of May 7 and for how much?

A McHenry County Board committee voted against three of four proposed speed limit reductions, but the full board could override those votes. At least one local police chief wants the one is his suburb.

A prosecutor provided “graphic details” of the alleged sexual assaults of a child starting when she was 6, leading to charges against a McCullom Lake man.