A look back at some of photojournalist Gregory Shaver's favorite pictures of the month in the Northwest Herald for December.

Students from schools throughout northern Illinois learn about and gets hands-on experience with various industries earlier this month during SkillsUSA Illinois' first Industry Pathways Career Experience event at Johnsburg High School.

Girls flag football officially becomes an IHSA-sanctioned sport this fall. Local players got tips from the Chicago Bears at a camp at McHenry High School Wednesday.

Girls flag football becomes an official high school sport in Illinois this fall. Many players are new to the sport but are getting tips from the Chicago Bears.

A Prairie Ridge High School student will play Fiona in the Illinois Theatre Association’s musical production of “Shrek” this January, joined by students from across McHenry County who earned roles on the cast, crew and orchestra.

Alexis Pupillo homered twice and went 3 for 3 with four RBI, and Crystal Lake South’s softball team defeated host Prairie Ridge, 16-1, on Monday.

Jonathan Carreno and Dylan Gonzalez scored goals, Stephan Turskey posted the clean sheet, and Woodstock’s boys soccer team shut out host Woodstock North, 2-0, on Monday to clinch its second Kishwaukee River Conference championship in a row.

Cancellation due to weather forecast, Kane County Health Department says