It has been proven time and time again that most crime is committed by natural-born citizens.

"When you drive into Woodstock and pass 1035 Lake St., that good vibe you feel is coming from the Dorr Township building where the SOAR Senior Center is located," Deborah Glaubke of Woodstock writes in a letter to the editor.

"This was the 3rd protest in the last six months in the city of McHenry against the current trump administration." Carl Hurtig of McHenry writes in a letter to the editor.

Park Board President Fredrick Tiesenga whines about how five Park Board members and “vocal residents” are responsible for a tax increase. Mark G. Eckel of Crystal Lake writes in a letter to the editor.

"I’m not happy that we lost to them, but it is nice to see that these accomplishments are shared," Nolan Carlson of Algonquin writes in a letter to the editor.

"The administration’s current trajectory is a stain on our democracy," Amanda Staley of Harvard IL writes in a letter to the editor.

"Is it safe or economically prudent to mine near a residential area?" Robert Lisowski of Woodstock writes in a letter to the editor.

"As a Woodstock native, I am concerned by the city’s push for surveillance cameras on our historic Square," Matt Carmichael of Woodstock writes in a letter to the editor.

"I question why any group of citizens would protest against the removal of hundreds of thousands of violent criminals," Tim Beck of McHenry writes in a letter to the editor.

The drivers were acknowledged every day with special treats, from baked goods to gift cards, personalized tumblers and specially made thank you cards from the students.

We are in a time where saying no or saying yes is becoming more than the product of a philosophical discussion. There are very real consequences to the decisions we make. Being on the sidelines is becoming less an option.

Protecting democracy in challenging times: Recent events across our country have underscored how vital it is to defend the principles of democracy.

"Recent events have made me increasingly concerned about the actions of our executive branch and the growing instability they cause both at home and abroad," Mike Gallagher of Morris writes in a letter to the editor.

Larson: I feel shame, I feel a sense of guilt concerning this animus being visited by one American upon another.

Coach Lalor, our family and I are beyond humbled by the overwhelming outpouring of love, support and gratitude by so many families, friends, coaches, officials, community members and players who have been our football family for so many decades.

Morris resident Mike Gallagher responds to State Sen. Sue Rezin, R-Morris, comments on the passage of the Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability act.

It is up to each person to find the cost of freedom.

"With so many disturbing and increasingly violent stories in the news lately, it warmed my heart to see the beautiful husky being rescued on the cover of the Jan. 7 paper," Rosalyn Hayes of Crystal Lake writes in a letter to the editor.

"On Dec. 10 at Bethany Lutheran Church, my husband and I witnessed the most spectacular Christmas program by Cary-Grove students, directed by Rob Boncosky," Barbara Nelson of Crystal Lake writes in a letter to the editor.

"We have positively impacted THOUSANDS of lives in Zach’s memory, and look forward to be able to continue doing so!" Diane Brokaw of Woodstock writes in a letter to the editor.

"The Crystal Lake City Council has the power to protect the Crystal Lake Academy building as a unique and irreplaceable part of Crystal Lake history," Robert Teetsov of Crystal Lake writes in a letter to the editor.

The Mt. Morris Goodfellows would like to thank the many individuals, organizations, and businesses that chose to support our efforts by making a donation to help those in our community who, for some reason, could use a little assistance or community support.

The Forreston Lions Club would like to thank everyone who helped with the Christmas boxes.

"Dying comes for us all, often accompanied by immense suffering. Sometimes at the end, suffering is so extreme that we’d rather just go to sleep, we’d rather not stick it out to the bitter end," Edward Gogol of Crystal Lake writes in a letter to the editor.

"There is a battery storage facility being proposed on Behan Road. This is less than a mile from our home, and a mile and a half from Prairie Grove Elementary School," Pam Hermsdorfer of Crystal Lake writes in a letter to the editor.

"Schools’ most important jobs are teaching reading and critical thinking. Print newspapers, with quality and local interest articles, are necessary to reinforce these skills," Donna Davis of Woodstock writes in a letter to the editor.

"Weather history proves that residential battery storage in northern Illinois will never be reliable beyond a short-term power failure," David Albers of Crystal Lake writes in a letter to the editor.

"I hope your readers will find it in their lives to take cyberbullying seriously and find ways to help prevent the destruction it supports," Kay France of McHenry writes in a letter to the editor.

Paisley: Sometimes it feels like the real meaning of Christmas gets a bit lost in the midst of the decorations, presents and whirl of activities surrounding the end-of-the-year festivities.

"In today’s world, where is our silent time? I believe it is a gift too precious to lose. So, I am fighting to keep sufficient silence in my life. The benefits may be immeasurable," Dori Lynn Michaels of Fox River Grove writes in a letter to the editor.

As a Byron High School football fan, I want to express my gratitude to the Byron high school program for the many years of excitement I have come to enjoy.

LARSON: For the experiment of democracy to work, citizenry must work to become enlightened.

DeHaan: After this year’s Candlelight Walk in Oregon, I’ve been reflecting on what volunteerism truly means in our communities.

"Time to repurpose Illinois coal to the State Capitol for the annual garbage passed during the veto session," Mike Ruffner of Antioch writes in a letter to the editor.

"Cost of goods is coming down, just look at the price of gasoline today and what you paid in 2022," Robert Meale of Crystal Lake writes in a letter to the editor.

The Kiwanis Gold K Club of Rochelle would like to extend a sincere thanks to the Rochelle community for making their recent annual Peanut Days an outstanding event.

"The project has 40 units and cost $20 million. That’s $500,000 per unit," Steve Willson of Huntley writes in a letter to the editor.

"Christmas is not running to and fro buying presents for people who don’t need them," Cynthia Barber of Algonquin writes in a letter to the editor.

"November was National Family Caregivers Month, a time to honor the 63 million Americans and 2.2 million Illinois residents providing ongoing, complex care every day," Illinois Family Caregiver Coalition Executive Director Amy Brennan writes in a letter to the editor.

Devore: "I just read Reed Harris’ column, 'Consider this: Why I love Rochelle', in the Sunday, Nov. 23, Rochelle News-Leader and I commend his love of Rochelle."

"How lovely to wake up and read such a beautiful letter of hope, love, peace, and gratitude," Shannon Mayhall of Cary writes in a letter to the editor.

"And after a massive increase on the assessed value of my NOT-FOR-SALE home just two years ago, the Nunda Township assessor has just sent me the Dear John letter saying my assessed valuation has now increased again," Chuck Berndt of McHenry writes in a letter to the editor.

"Is it much different as we approach our 250th anniversary than it was in 1863?" Nicholas C. Kockler of Woodstock writes in a letter to the editor.

Schwendau: Given the disrespect and misinformation being shown towards our seated President Donald Trump, I think it is time to drop some hard truths that are not up for debate.

"The holidays have always resonated as a time to care for one another – to share what we have and look out for our neighbors," Kristin Sotos of Crystal Lake writes in a letter to the editor.

Rochelle stands at the doorstep of another wave of technology investment: data centers. Questions about water, energy and neighborhood impact are natural — but so are the opportunities.

"Here in McHenry County, with more than 40,000 unpaid caregivers and almost 22,000 caring for a senior loved one, connection is both a practical necessity and a lifeline," John Buckley of Woodstock writes in a letter to the editor.

"Immigrants support disabled individuals like my adult son, who lives in a group home and requires 24/7 supervision," James Gould of Carpentersville writes in a letter to the editor.

"This is a time of year as autumn falls upon us, the trees change colors, the leaves fall to the ground, we are reminded of hope," Bob DeLacy Jr. of Marengo writes in a letter to the editor.

"McHenry County was all red with all the Trump signs. How’s that working out for you? High tariffs, high prices," Jake Getter of Huntley writes in a letter to the editor.