Developers have not walked away from their proposal of redeveloping the former Maplewood Elementary School property in Cary despite a public notice made by the village seeking more applicants.

A two-story house in Cary and its contents were deemed a total loss in a Wednesday fire that caused partial collapse to the structure. A pet remained missing.

There were no injuries reported, but the Cary home and its contents are considered a “complete loss,” and a dog remained missing as of early Thursday

From the deaths of prominent citizens to the far-reaching impacts of the first year of President Trump's second term, here is a look at some of the biggest stories that happened in the McHenry County area in 2025.

During McHenry County College’s recent winter commencement ceremony, one of the 528 graduates was a 16-year-old student from Cary who received his associate’s degree before graduating from high school.

A selection of the top feature photos in the Northwest Herald in 2025, by Shaw Local photographers.

A distillery and bar in Cary known for its unique spirit options has permanently closed after co-owners lock horns in years-long legal battles.

Crystal Lake-based Community High School District 155 is planning to break ground on the multi-million football stadium renovations for Prairie Ridge High School early next year.

Cary Park District continues annual tradition of Holiday Party in a Bag for the sixth year to bring hot food and festive gifts to seniors in the area.

The Village of Cary is building a new 1,300-foot deep well and water treatment facility at the Cary Lake in Rotary Park.

A 4-year-old Cary-area boy injured over Labor Day weekend in a lawnmower accident at his home has hit major recovery milestones including returning to preschool and completing four surgeries.

After a successful giveaway on Thanksgiving eve, Breaking Bread Catering & Deli will be giving out another 100 free loaves of bread ahead of Christmas.

The family of Anna Schneider of Sleepy Hollow, who died under mysterious circumstances in 2009 at 19, have put up billboards to promote the reward they're offering for information about her death.

McHenry suspended its leaf pickup, hopes to get remaining leaves in the spring, but offers yard waste pickup through end of the week.

A canopy of a gas station in Cary collapsed Sunday from the snow after it was initially damaged from a severe thunderstorm in August.

Cary's very merry holiday celebration Merry Cary brought a parade and lots of seasonal mirth to town Sunday after another snow left the village looking that much more like Christmas.

Santa Claus is coming to Huntley – and will be among the first participants in a new holiday parade at Very Merry Huntley. And find a listing of other weekend Christmas events.

Fifth grader Delilah Stamp of Oakwood Hills has taken home dozens of medals competing in the martial art across the country.

Tree-lightings, parade and festival about this holiday season in the McHenry County area, starting right after Thanksgiving and through Christmas.

The Giving Door has been a silent giver for over two decades allowing volunteers to anonymously fulfill wish lists over the holidays for families and children in need.

A portion of West Main Street in Cary wA closed due to a downed live power line, officials report, as dangerous winds kick up as many people travel for Thanksgiving.

Breaking Bread Catering & Deli is giving back during the holidays by offering 100 free loaves of bread the Wednesday before Thanksgiving.

A Streamwood man charged with firing a gun from a car in Cary last year has been denied pretrial release following his recent arrest.

FaithBridge, a group that encourages interfaith communication, will host its Thanksgiving program, “Welcoming the Stranger,” at 4 p.m. Sunday in Crystal Lake.

Almost 4 acres of marshland were burned Saturday near Cary.

A former Cary man accused of starting a fire in his Crystal Lake motel room was detained Wednesday in jail.

The parents of Michael Jake Porter of Cary say his autism and anxiety led him to the "desperate and terrible decision" of taking his life after misunderstandings led to drawn guns and a police response.

Developers looking to turn the former Maplewood School property into a residential area in Cary have been granted another 60 days to propose the final plan to the Village Board.

Crystal Lake's Kevin Byrnes struggled to adjust after his military service in Iraq, Afghanistan and other war zones. Now he's finding success with his company Smash'd Burgers.

Options & Advocacy, a Crystal Lake nonprofit that helps people with autism and other disabilities hosts a fundraising gala on Nov. 15 in Lake in the Hills.

McHenry County food pantries are trying to stock up as much as they can and are reporting that as the need has increased, so too have donations. But uncertainty over SNAP benefits remains.

McHenry County's request for disaster relief from damaging storms in August was rejected. Officials plan to appeal.

Most McHenry County communities will have their sanctioned trick-or-treating hours on Halloween Friday.

The Cary Village Board has approved a apartment complex off Route 31 that prompted serious opposition from neighboring residents, mainly because of plans to extend a road to the highway.

Thirty years ago Saturday, a Metra train struck a school bus in the heart of Fox River Grove, killing seven Cary-Grove High students and injuring many more. The community and rail safety were forever changed.

A long, sometimes tense meeting over a controversial development and road extension in cary prompted the Village Board to delay a vote on the matter.

About three weeks remain for the public to provide input on a road extension project planned in Cary that aims to improve mobility in the downtown area.

Many Illinois communities are adding back a 1% grocery tax that will otherwise expire on Jan. 1. Is your town among them?

The Cary Village Board is set to give a final answer on a proposed mixed-use luxury community Tuesday that have many residents left concerned over a road extension that would connect a neighborhood street to Route 31.

About 18 months after a fire completely destroyed a sober-living facility in Crystal Lake, Last Chance House is rebuilding on the same property to continue their efforts to help men recover from addiction.

Cary Prairie Stewards ask for community’s help to prevent the extinction of the rare gravel prairies to invasive species.

Officials say the bicyclist who was critically injured in a crash involving a car Tuesday afternoon near Cary did not stop or yield before entering the roadway.

The Cubs spoiled Quinn Priester’s homecoming Wednesday, knocking out the Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher with a four-run first inning and keeping their season alive with a 4-3 win in Game 3 of the National League Division Series.

A man riding a bike near Cary was airlifted late Tuesday after a crash involving a sedan, officials said.

Cary-Grove graduate Quinn Priester will start for the Milwaukee Brewers against the Cubs in Game 3 of the National League Division Series on Wednesday at Wrigley Field. The Brewers lead the best-of-five series 2-0.

Cary Police Chief Patrick Finlon is retiring after 12 years of serving in the leadership role.

Cary School District 26 plans to add solar panels to the roofs of three schools with a goal to have them installed before financial incentives end with the passage of the “Big Beautiful Bill” backed by President Donald Trump.

Crystal Lake police said they detained a Central High School student for questioning because of a social media post showing the juvenile with a rifle and ammunition.

About 300 vintage shops and barns, high-end consignment and boutiques throughout southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois are gearing up for the annual fall Vintage Shop Hop the weekend of Oct. 3 and 4.

Algonquin residents now have access to tele-health services that aim to increase healthcare access in an optional, fee-based program. But residents have to opt out to avoid a $6 monthly feel.