Crystal Lake

Before losing reelection as Nunda Township Highway commissioner, "Iron Mike" Lesperance used taxpayer money for projects that went beyond the office's legal authority, his successor contends.

If Woodstock raises its sales tax, will it be the highest in McHenry County? Take a look at what shoppers pay in taxes for general merchandise in each county community.

A Lake in the Hills man was sentenced to three years in prison after he was accused of striking and choking a woman as she slept in her home - while awaiting trial on charges of beating the same woman.

The Crystal Lake Chamber of Commerce has named Steve Slack grand marshal of the 2025 Independence Day Parade.

The Crystal Lake location is celebrating 30 years in business, while the Elgin location is marking 20 years.

The McHenry County Conservation District invites visitors to “Find Your Wild” and join its interactive journey through the county’s public open spaces all summer long in pursuit of fun prizes.

Developers are looking to create six "industrial condos” in Crystal Lake to house manufacturing businesses – space the plan commission sees as a potential business incubator.

The drive-through-only coffee chain 7 Brew is quickly expanding its presence in the McHenry County, with several new locations planned.

A Chicago man who was on parole when he was accused of multiple thefts – including stealing Christmas presents from a Crystal Lake church – pleaded guilty Wednesday to burglary from a vehicle.

Heat indexes in McHenry County could climb to the triple digits in the coming days.

You don't have to fight city traffic to enjoy a day at the beach in northern Illinois.

Saturday, June 21 is World Martini Day. Check out these top-rated bars and restaurants for the best martini in Kane, McHenry and DeKalb counties and the Illinois Valley area.

Service League of Crystal Lake celebrates 100 years with a centennial celebration Saturday at the Dole Mansion.

The McHenry County Coroner’s Office identified a man who died in a Hebron-area motorcycle crash last week.

No one was seriously hurt in a two-car crash early Sunday that closed Route 31 for more than an hour. No one was transported to the hospital.

Take a look back at some of our recent pictures of fathers and grandfathers for Father's Day.

Online bidding ends at 8 p.m. Saturday, June 14, on mini-artworks created by local residents for the Raue Center for the Arts’ 6x6 Art Auction. A reception is also Saturday evening.

A Crystal Lake church agreed to remove rodent bait boxes from its property to help protect a family of great horned owls living nearby.

A Crystal Lake man was killed in a three-vehicle crash Wednesday on Route 47 in Greenwood Township.

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.