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.

Larson: The origin of the word “woke” is in the vernacular speech of African Americans of the 1930s. It originally meant one was aware and attentive to issues of social injustice, including racism and discrimination.

The Rochelle Lions Club would like to thank everyone who participated in our annual Candy Days.

There are currently at least 42 million Americans dependent upon SNAP to provide the necessary funds to feed themselves and their families.

Board of Directors: Please help us help our neighbors. We need cash donations to help us purchase the food items we need to meet both current demands and this new surge.

Cooper: President Trump's "alternative facts" seem to now be a central feature in appeals of several lawsuits involving his deployment of National Guard troops into Los Angeles, Portland and Chicago in response to protests of ICE immigration tactics.

"For my parents, fire drills were safety practice. For us, lockdowns are survival training. We’ve grown up expecting the sound we’ve only heard on TV," Tyler Barrus of Huntley writes in a letter to the editor.

"Like many others from McHenry County, I participated in a Oct. 18th No Kings Rally, exercising my right to peacefully protest actions of the current administration," Joan Davis of Huntley writes in a letter to the editor.

"Did anyone notice just how unruly the No Kings rally on Rt. 31 in McHenry was Oct. 18th? Oh, wait, the only police action was pulling over a vehicle backfiring exhaust along Rt. 31 in the faces of peaceful rally-goers," Carl Hurtig of McHenry writes in a letter to the editor.

"Northwest Herald, if you want to be relevant again, if you want people to have a reason to buy your paper, start reporting on issues that are important," Steve Willson of Huntley writes in a letter to the editor.

Does the Constitution give the President the power to send the National Guard into Chicago, or Portland, or Los Angeles? No, it does not.

"Of course not one such murder is acceptable, but lies and laying blame only worsen the situation," Joan Davis of Huntley writes in a letter to the editor.

"Ray Mrocks will be missed, but look at the lovely and unusual send off his volunteerism wrought. RIP Ray Mrocks," Pat Lawlor of Marengo writes in a letter to the editor.

"If Shorten leaves one post, we will still need to cut two checks. Since he’s doing a good job with both why chance someone else," Peter Krawczyk of McHenry writes in a letter to the editor.

Larson: One who builds upon a strong foundation, will enjoy the blessings of life and weather every storm.

Bob Rozycki of Crystal Lake shares a conversation he had with a World War II veteran outside a local nursing home, who said he wondered if the current president was what he fought to protect.

Mike Shorten meeds to "resign as a County Board Member or resign as the Nunda Township supervisor," writes Bob Anderson of Wonder Lake.

"I wish to thank Prairie Isle Golf Club for their wonderful tribute to veterans, at their 19th annual Veterans Salute held on Sept. 9 in Crystal Lake," Ron Hameetman of Fox River Grove writes in a letter to the editor.

"I support the idea of having the Ten Commandments displayed in public schools, which is now being done in several schools across the country," Tim Beck of McHenry writes in a letter to the editor.

"Charlie’s supporters met their deep sense of pain and loss with quiet reflection, prayer and a commitment to carry on Charlie’s good works," Rich Rostron of Woodstock writes in a letter to the editor.

"Our kids need adults to plan better. Evidence-based funding gets a D," Jim Yaworski of Crystal Lake writes in a letter to the editor.

"Their professionalism and pride in their work were clear, and it was a reminder of how essential local government services are to our quality of life," Maria Peterson of North Barrington writes in a letter to the editor.

"I was horrified to read the two-day coverage in the Northwest Herald regarding the D-47 board discussing the censure of a board member due to a Facebook post," Linnea Thennes of McHenry writes in a letter to the editor.

"This is something we all need to take to heart," Carole Elsner of Crystal Lake writes in a letter to the editor.

"Please make sure you are receiving your electric bills," Tina Uselding of McHenry writes in a letter to the editor.

"In the ’50s, I stood in line at my local school to receive a polio shot, grateful that it was available. When I had measles, I stayed in a dark place to protect my eyes," Nancy Delware of Crystal Lake writes in a letter to the editor.

"Is it the homeowner’s responsibility to diagnose a power outage and pay an independent electrician to then notify ComEd?" Richard K. Ragni of Crystal Lake writes in a letter to the editor.

"It’s been over a month since the road construction crew has been working on the streets here on Northwest Highway in Cary," Rachele Anzalone of Cary writes in a letter to the editor.

"I don’t understand how restrooms in a public building can be restricted to the public. If I am taking the Metra train, I expect to be able to use the restroom facilities there," John Falk of Lakewood writes in a letter to the editor.

"When is the Republican Party, which is the majority party in this county, going to stand up and say Trump is no longer the leader you want representing America?" Carl Hurtig of McHenry writes in a letter to the editor.

Since the inauguration, the President has waged a campaign to gain control of the legislative and judicial powers assigned by the Constitution to Congress and the Supreme Court.