There are already too many high school graduation requirements; not all districts can sufficiently hire staff to offer the courses. Integrating languages into elementary schools would be more logical from an educational and curriculum density standpoint.

"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.

If you hear a politician asserting concerns about administrative financial fraud or abuse, it’s important to listen closely to hear if that person offers the types of details that would be included in these publicly available documents.

"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.

Anyone who lived in Illinois during that campaign cycle remembers the advertising barrage – specifically glossy mailers – and it’s a safe assumption none but those who work in promotions and printing are eager for another round.

Each year at this time, we hear a lot about resolutions or at the very least the good intentions people have about the new year. Some of us are happy just to choose a couple of words to guide the way.

'It is only through early detection from attentive medical experts that my condition was diagnosed so early, and resolved so quickly and effectively.'