"The Crystal Lake Lions are grateful to all the residents who supported our inaugural Toys for Tots Drive," Crystal Lake Lions President Rob Parrish writes in a letter to the editor.

"Zach Brokaw’s mission in life was to make the world a kinder place. Sadly, he died, at age 20, after falling asleep behind the wheel. The following Christmas, 'Stuff the Stocking for Zach' was born," Diane Brokaw of Woodstock writes in a letter to the editor.

"My last letter to the editor, submitted Nov. 12, 2024, was rejected because the Northwest Herald will now be publishing letters on local issues only," Carl Hurtig of McHenry writes in a letter to the editor.

In addition to the new designs, we’ll be able to choose to keep the current design or adopt the 1918 centennial or 1968 sesquicentennial flags.

"McHenry County Conservation District’s super slick 33% tax permanent tax increase referendum passes; this will give the district over $3 million of your hard-earned money to spend!" Bob Anderson of Wonder Lake writes in a letter to the editor.

November is National Family Caregivers Month when we celebrate these unsung heroes. It is also a time to elevate the voices of America’s 53 million family caregivers.

"Our culture emphasizes the joys of gatherings, gifts and celebrations. However, the holiday season can be quite challenging for many individuals," writes guest columnist Leonetta Rizzi.

Holiday Grinches lurk, waiting for unsuspecting holiday shoppers. Here are a few tips to help you avoid being a target this season.

We can both look California, where there are so many propositions on each ballot the state has to reset its numbering system every decade. Chaotic by comparison, that system gives our Midwestern sensibilities a sense of practical order.

Prior records, criminal or otherwise, should factor strongly into decisions about whether suspects can abide by release conditions. If judges and prosecutors aren’t so empowered, lawmakers have an invitation to act

'We are mindful that the legislature has considered amending the Vehicle Code, but it might also consider amending the Regulation Act'

Sincere belief in cash bail elimination carries a commitment to ensuring the current law applies equally in all cases.

Caregiving for someone with dementia comes with a lot of lessons. Sometimes the things learned come from emotional or mental challenges. However, a few are more of the physical variety. To say they are hard lessons learned would be an understatement.

Over the years I’ve tried to spend a few column inches sharing reader inspirations in hopes of making everyone’s holidays a little brighter.

We’re not to the point of remembering the past, we’re living the first draft of history.