Recent actions by the Crystal Lake Park District board, with three newly elected members, have caused tension in the community, with many residents speaking out against a series of swift changes.

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

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.

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.

Write-in votes and outstanding mail-in ballots in McHenry County local elections might not be counted until April 15.

Voters in the McHenry County are selecting hundreds of local municipal leaders in the election that ended Tuesday. Here are a few things to watch for as results come in.

Renovations and additions will be made to the McHenry County Department of Health building in Crystal Lake after it received city council approval.

More multifamily housing is coming to Crystal Lake as developers got the City Council's OK to build more than 100 owner-occupied townhomes near the Three Oaks Recreation Area.

Downtown Crystal Lake’s commuter parking lots near the Metra station will now be free to park at starting at noon instead of 4 p.m.

Monster Ink Tattoo and Piercing Studio in Crystal Lake will move to a new location after city council approved a rezoning request. Some neighbors have concerns.

A truck terminal expansion could still be happening in Crystal Lake, despite the City Council denying the rezoning request made by NVA Transportation.

"High-end car condos” - two-story garages that owners can use as separate spaces away from home – has been proposed for Crystal Lake by the mayor.

Following the Crystal Lake clerk's arrest, the city has voted to make the position appointed rather than elected.

A cafe with a bar, market and outdoor space called Lake Roots will replace the former Mr. A’s restaurant in Crystal Lake.

Just over 100 new townhomes will be coming to Crystal Lake as the City Council unanimously approved two developments along Bard Road and Route 31.

The Dole Mansion was granted an updated permit for its special events like the farmers markets that takes places Sundays seasonally. Traffic and safety concerns were raised by some neighbors.

Crystal Lake's planning commission unanimously approved an amendment allowing the Dole Mansion to host community and art events, including the seasonal farmers market that has drawn negative reception from some neighbors.

The Crystal Lake City Council approved plans for a self-storage facility on the site of the former Crystal Bowl, overriding a negative recommendation from the Planning and Zoning Commission.

Crystal Lake City Council established the Crystal Lake Youth Commission that will advise the city board on matters related to teenagers and young adults.

Developers might have to eliminate some buildings in the 312-unit apartment complex plan at on land owned by Immanuel Lutheran Church in Crystal Lake in order for the city council to back the plan.

Florio's Italian, located at 1540 Carlemont Drive, will have dishes inspired by southern Italy including seafood, pasta, chicken and veal dishes. Owner Dominic Florio expects the restaurant to open on June 1.

Developers are attempting to get a complex with over 300 apartments in 15 buildings at the former Immanuel Lutheran Church site in downtown Crystal Lake, but the city’s planning and zoning commission does not recommend the project to village officials.

Plans to replace Crystal Bowl in Crystal Lake with a self-storage facility were sent back to the plan commission for downsizing.

Both incumbents in Crystal Lake are in position to hold onto their City Council seats, while a first-time candidate is “cautiously optimistic” about joining onto the council based on unofficial and incomplete results from Tuesday’s election.

Here are updated results throughout Tuesday night on municipal elections in McHenry County

Nearly four dozen of the local races in McHenry County will be competitive on Tuesday, as voters head to the polls to decide who will lead their school boards, municipalities, libraries and parks.

The Crystal Lake City Council weighs ban, regulations akin to those for bed-and-breakfasts for short-term rentals like Airbnb.

Question: How would you spur economic development in your community? Answer: Crystal Lake offers numerous opportunities for new development as well as redevelopment. Read Ellen Brady's full election questionnaire here.

Question: What projects or infrastructure would you look to address in your community and how would you do it? Answer: We live in a rapidly changing world, and the post-pandemic economy is reshaping the way we work, live, and shop in Crystal Lake.

Question: How would you spur economic development in your community? Answer: I truly believe that the best economic opportunities lie within small business growth. Read more of Denise Smith's election questionnaire here.

Question: How would you spur economic development in your community? Answer: Having quality public spaces and well funded and staffed public services is important. People need to know they are safe to be comfortable. Read Robert Brechbiel's questionnaire here.

Question: Why are you running for office? Answer: The current City Council members have forgotten their role is to enact policies that are beneficial to Crystal Lake’s residents. Read Donald Kountz's full election questionnaire here.

New public spaces around Crystal Lake’s downtown and Metra station are among what’s in store for 2023, Mayor Haig Haleblian said, announcing he expected the city to close on the purchase of the downtown Metra station within the next several months.

Crystal Lake City Council candidate Don Kountz this week asked a judge to step in and reverse decisions by city officials that kept incumbent council member Brett Hopkins on the April 4 ballot.

The Crystal Lake City Council is set to consider an increase in its property tax levy that still see individual homeowners pay less, city officials said.

The Crystal Lake City Council on Tuesday approved a 280-unit apartment development and 320-unit townhome development on the southern part of the original Lutter Center property

The Crystal Lake City Council voted to have Haig Haleblian take over as the city's acting mayor at Tuesday night's meeting.

McHenry County Clerk and Recorder Joe Tirio has filed an emergency motion to intervene in the case of a Crystal Lake man hoping to appear on the spring ballot for a seat on the Crystal Lake City Council

A Crystal Lake man is appealing a decision barring him from being listed on the spring ballot as a City Council candidate

A challenger to Mayor Aaron Shepley will not be on the ballot this spring.

Crystal Lake city officials ratified a new four-year collective bargaining agreement with the city’s fire department on the same day it officially swore in a new chief.