State's Attorney-elect Randi Freese is scheduled to become the first woman to serve in that role Monday. Several new county board members are set to begin their terms Monday as well.

The list of candidates for next year’s elections began to take shape this week. On the ballot next year are countywide offices, two county-level judicial vacancies and seats on the McHenry County Board and in the Illinois House and Congress.

Xylazine, a prescription veterinary tranquilizer often used on large animals including cows and horses, has shown up in McHenry County overdose deaths, being added to heroin, fentanyl and cocaine and not easily counteracted.

McHenry County Coroner Michael Rein has spent his first month in his new role looking for ways to strengthen communication and build relationships with other offices

Newly elected McHenry County Clerk Joe Tirio said he plans to improve accuracy of elections following news that his predecessor did not include tens of thousands of early votes, a margin that altered the outcome of several major races