The 10 McHenry Riverwalk Shoppes owners are preparing to kick off the third season of the local retail incubator Friday.

Starting May 2 and through at least December, McHenry retailers are invited to stay open until 8 p.m. on the first Friday of the month, giving people out in downtown McHenry more time to check out its shops.

Spencer’s is the latest store to open in Algonquin Commons and will be hosting a grand opening celebration Saturday.

Developers are looking to construct an age-restricted apartment building in Crystal Lake with the aim to be more affordable compared to other units in the area.

Unique Japanese discount retail store Daiso is taking over the shuttered BuyBuy Bay property in Crystal Lake with a grand opening this weekend, becoming one of the first in the state and Midwest.

Morbid Mementos opened March 1 in downtown Elgin. The store sells taxidermy, bone art, jewelry, perfume oils, candles, books and more.

Three McHenry retail stores - two from the Riverwalk Shoppes and one recent relocation - opened this week to take advantage of the crowds during ShamROCKS the Fox

The new season will not only include plenty of blockbuster films, but tribute weekends to different stars, genres and directors, as well as fun events throughout the summer and fall.

The McHenry County Board is set to decide the fate of a potential gravel pit and ready-mix plant near Marengo that many area residents oppose.