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Local News
This section focuses on local governance, community profiles, investigative journalism, and local social issues


"Harvey" playing this weekend at C-G
Never a bad show at Cary-Grove. But if you typically only drop in for the big spring musicals, the Drama department’s funny, intimate “Harvey” might surprise you in a number of ways. Mary Chase’s Pulitzer Prize winning play follows the people who interact with Elwood Dowd the unflappable friend to everyone he meets who claims to know a man-sized white rabbit, the titular Harvey. Alternatively farcical and contemplative, the play pokes at our social performances and explores

Holly Huffstutler
Oct 161 min read


The County is Listening to your Answers on two Upcoming Referendums
There are two non-binding referendums on this year's ballot. These votes won't result in an immediate change to the law, but the McHenry County Board voted to include these on the ballot to gauge voters' interest.

Kristine Ensor
Sep 223 min read


Flock Cameras: Should Cary and Fox River Grove Citizens Be Worried?
If you've been following the news, one of the latest concerns involves Flock cameras. Reports of these cameras being overused or used unlawfully have become increasingly common at both the local and national levels.

Kristine Ensor
Aug 53 min read


State Senator Wilcox Untapped at Cary Ale House
State Senator Craig Wilcox (R) of Illinois District 32 recently chatted with constituents in a “Conversations Untapped” Q&A session in the cozy backroom of downtown’s Cary Ale House.

Holly Huffstutler
Aug 42 min read


Cary Could Join Growing List of Communities Allowing Backyard Chickens
“Roosters will be STRICTLY prohibited,” Samantha Jelinske stressed in her presentation before the Village Board on May 19. During the public forum portion of the evening she proposed an amendment to our municipal code that would allow Cary residents to raise hens. She stressed that only hens should be allowed, as the noise complaints that target backyard chickens have been primarily caused by roosters’ typical early morning cock-a-doodle-doos. What is the Benefit of Backyard

Holly Huffstutler
Jun 292 min read


E-Bike Uncertainty Forces New State and Local Laws
“I just watched a kid pull out onto Montana Dr. right in front of an SUV going about 15 miles per hour over the speed limit. The kid probably could have kissed the front bumper of that car. Your kid on a fancy bike won't be one of the cool kids when they're dead.” Cary’s Mayor and Village Board passed an ordinance on April 7, 2026, but many residents remain unaware of existing restrictions and penalties. In response to the confusion, Chief of Police, Nathan Hayes, sent a let

Kristine Ensor
Jun 243 min read


Zoom in the Courtroom
The use of Zoom in our courtrooms has been far from smooth sailing, based on what we saw on June 18 at the McHenry County Government Center. “I wish the Supreme Court were in here to see what we’re dealing with because they said we could do Zoom court!” bemoaned the frustrated Justice Mark R. Facchini. Is Zoom Slowing Down the Courts? He’d had to cut off one Zoom plaintiff’s “I'm here…can you hear me now?...How about now?” entreaties that repeatedly interrupted another case.

Holly Huffstutler
Jun 242 min read


Cary Village Board Votes Unanimously for Change
Despite dozens of passionate individuals sharing their disapproval in person and online, the Cary Village Board voted unanimously on Tuesday, June 2 to change current zoning laws in downtown Cary. Since the closing of Maplewood School in 2010, the property had been offered to various government bodies including School District 26 and Cary Park District. The village eventually purchased it for $5.525 million in Tax Increment Financing (TIF) bonds. Since its acquisition, they

Kristine Ensor
Jun 245 min read
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