Abalabix Books of Crystal Lake and Reeses Barkery and Pawtique in McHenry received $10,000 Backing Small Business Enhancement Grants - the latter before a fire that gutted its shop.

As McHenry County continues to digest the results – many still unofficial – of this year’s primary election, here are some oddities that flew under the radar this week.

Crystal Lake Central faces Wauconda in a nonconference softball game on Friday, March 20, 2026, at Crystal Lake Central High School.

A man pleaded guilty Thursday to attempted aggravated arson in connection with a fire he started in a Crystal Lake motel room.

Weeks after McHenry County was sued for turning down a pair of solar farms in December, two more solar developers who were denied that night also have filed lawsuits against the county.

A Marengo woman has pleaded guilty to driving drunk a fifth time and was sentenced to prison, but still has another DUI case pending.

Less than 24 hours after winning one of the most closely watched primary races in the nation, 9th Congressional District Democratic nominee Daniel Biss of Evanston greeted voters in his hometown Wednesday.

Backed by a powerhouse band featuring some of Chicago’s funkiest and most talented musicians, Revelator captures the heart, energy and authenticity of the Tedeschi Trucks Band experience.

Bohemian Queen celebrates Queen's timeless catalog that continues to unite generations of music fans.

Audiences will experience everything from chart-topping hits like “Wish You Were Here” and “Comfortably Numb” to deep cuts cherished by devoted Floyd fans.

A Cary man is charged with driving under the influence and leaving the scene of a hit-and-run crash that seriously injured a pedestrian near Barrington Monday night, authorities said.

Crystal Lake-based Read with a Buddy nonprofit continues to grow with more donation boxes and events to spark to love of childhood reading. It was started by a retired teacher.

Denise Smith is a Crystal Lake City Council member and so much more. And now she's among the 10 current honorees of Shaw Local/Northwest Herald's Women of Distinction Awards.

About 1,400 8th grade students from around the county learned about career possibilities Friday at the annual McHenry County College’s Middle School Career Quest.

Catch up on the week’s top McHenry County news in minutes. Hear the week’s 5 most popular stories, read aloud for you, for the week of March 8-14

A single-family home in Crystal Lake that sold for $1.28 million tops the list of the most expensive residential real estate sales in McHenry County over the past week.

McHenry County bakeries, pizzeria ready to serve up slices for Pi Day

McHenry County College is hosting free tax assistance and e-filing of federal and state returns for qualified individuals with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Clinic through April 15.

Residents of a home in Crystal Lake are displaced from a fire that broke out on the exterior of the house Thursday night, officials report.

Editor’s note: Today marks the second installment of a two-day series about the growing number of women charged with domestic assault.

This high-energy tribute features a 10-piece band led by award-winning singer, songwriter and harp player Derrick Procell.

Andy's Restaurant in Crystal Lake is celebrating its 45th anniversary on Thursday with 45-cent coffee and beverages.

Editor’s note: Today marks the first installment of a two-day series about the growing number of women charged with domestic assault

For 18 days, goldendoodle rescue Mia was lost in the 3,400-plus-acre Glacial Park Conservation Area in Ringwood. It took endless dedication from her owners, volunteers, drones and plenty of hope to get her back home safe.

A Crystal Lake teen who was at the center of criminal cases against her mother and stepfather died while their cases were pending. Now her brother is suing a DCFS contractor over her death.

The Republicans running for Illinois’ 9th Congressional District seat cite immigration and gerrymandering among their top campaign issues.

One of the first Northern Illinois Dutch Bros. drive-thru coffee shops will be in Crystal Lake after city council unanimously approved for the business to move into the former Home State Bank.

The village of Cary is starting discussions on ways traffic can be calmed and mitigated now that a residential road will be connecting to Route 31 for a new mixed-use development.

A second man pleaded guilty to theft by deception in connection with the $4,500 home repair fraud of an elderly Crystal Lake resident.

Crystal Lake City Council approved builders to finish out a townhome development in the downtown area that was put on pause for over 30 years.

After multiple vote postponements, the Crystal Lake City Council approved a plan for a third Dunkin’ Donuts location in the city.

Crystal Lake South faces Kaneland during the IHSA Class 3A Woodstock North Sectional final boys basketball game on Friday, March 6, 2025, at Woodstock North High School.

After receiving an outpouring of support from loyal customers in its last week of operation, Tasty Bistro in Crystal Lake is reconsidering permanent closure.

An Algonquin man has pleaded guilty to crimes in McHenry and Kane counties and was sentenced to 7 years in prison in both cases, to be served at the same time.

The Vintage Shop Hop, featuring vintage, thrift and antique stores across northern Illinois and Wisconsin, is March 6 and 7.

Crystal Lake South defeats Sycamore in an IHSA Class 3A Woodstock North Sectional semifinal boys basketball game on Wednesday, March 4, 2025, at Woodstock North High School.

With the help of a million-dollar anonymous donation, The National Alliance on Mental Illness McHenry County is opening a community hub that provides free mental health assistance.

Catch up on the week’s top McHenry County news in minutes. Hear the week’s 5 most popular stories, read aloud for you, for the week of Feb. 22-28

State Rep. Suzanne Ness will host a virtual town hall Tuesday to discuss Illinois Gov JB Pritzker’s annual budget proposal.

A Crystal Lake man has pleaded guilty to aggravated reckless driving in a head-on crash that seriously injured two people and occurred when he was 18.

A beloved Crystal Lake sushi and Asian cuisine restaurant will permanently close next week, leaving Cary as its sole location.

Developers are looking to finish out a townhome development in downtown Crystal Lake that has been on pause for over 30 years.

The chair of the McHenry County College board, who also runs a community health care center in Crystal Lake, will be a guest of U.S. Rep. Bill Foster at President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address Tuesday.

The McHenry County Coroner’s Office identified a man who was found along Route 176 in the Prairie Grove area Saturday.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness McHenry County plans a Feb. 26 open house for its new community hub in Crystal Lake with a Living Room to address mental health crises and a Drop-In Center to combat social isolation.

A man was found dead in the grass along Route 176 Saturday morning in Prairie Grove after being reported missing hours earlier, officials report.

Packed with big-top excitement and bubble magic, Circus of Bubbles offers an extraordinary evening of laughter, amazement and interactive fun.

The Crystal Lake Park District Executive Director will be retiring after nearly 16 years of service, leaving the decision for the replacement up to the board.

Crystal Lake police officers are investigating a possible burglary after a car smashed through a smoke shop Friday morning, officials report.

Breaking Bread in downtown Crystal Lake is launching indoor markets and trading card shows this months with the hope of making them permanent monthly events. The first event is Saturday, Feb. 21.