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Hello Crystal Lake! Hope your coffee tastes especially good this morning. 

In today’s bring-the-kiddos edition: Gold and silver surge, a free Pi Day party, and a LEGO speed challenge + excuses to get the fam out and about this week.

Today’s sponsor, Spot Pet Insurance, is something I wish I had before a late-night emergency vet visit left me with a $10,000 credit card bill. It’s cheaper than Netflix… and means you never have to choose between your pet and your savings. It takes less than 5 minutes to sign up – get started here.

📰 In the news

Emergency access concerns highlighted: McHenry County Board unanimously rejected a proposed slaughterhouse near Wonder Lake after neighbor pushback and frontage concerns. The 17-0 February vote ends the bid close to Crystal Lake — see what concerns swayed votes.

Respiratory illnesses remain a concern: McHenry County flu season peaked in December but may not be over. Officials say influenza B can bring a second surge, and RSV remains high among children 0 to 4 — read the full update.

Strategic expansion gains momentum: Follett Content announced February 19 it is accelerating its public library push with 10 plus professionals and tech for brief MARC and EDI, a multi-year plan not tied to disruptions — read the full story.

Gold & silver are hot: Coming off gold’s best year since 1979, the momentum is carrying well into 2026 with silver remaining one of the most talked-about assets. Curious why they’re back in focus? American Hartford Gold has a free guide that explains what’s happening and how people are approaching it today. It’s free – and definitely worth a read.

Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175/month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.

Highlights this week:

• Declutter and donate to empower women
• Join Mathnasium’s free Pi Day party
• Celebrate St. Patrick’s at The Fox
• This top-tier home warranty is 50% off right now

🐾 One pet emergency can cost $10,000+

Together with our sponsor Spot Pet Insurance

Nothing prepares you for a late-night emergency at the vet. I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache.

From the initial exam fee just to be seen, to x-rays, surgery, medication, and follow-up visits… the bill racks up fast (to say the least). And at that moment? You’re not thinking about your savings, you’re just saying yes to whatever keeps them thriving.

As soon as we got home, I dug around online and ultimately signed up for Spot.

It’s super affordable and reimburses up to 90% on qualified vet bills. It was too late for me, but it’s not too late for you. Sign up today.

🫶 We got your back

Tapas tonight? Jude’s Cocktails leans local with shareable small plates and a cocktail list made for lingering. Expect cozy corners, a low-lit buzz, and bites that turn “just one” into a slow, satisfying spread you’ll think about all week, long after the last glass.

Lace up, Crystal Lake: Whether you’re easing back into miles or plotting spring races, The Running Depot keeps it simple with expert shoe fittings, friendly guidance, and low-pressure vibes. Their weekly fun runs offer an easy nudge to get outside, even when Netflix whispers from the sofa.

Movie night, upgraded: Small-town charm meets big-screen tech at Classic Cinemas Woodstock Theatre, where restored history pairs with laser-bright projection, immersive sound, and heated recliners. Need a simple pick-me-up? Settle in, and let the picture-perfect screen handle the rest.

Access cash without selling your home: A reverse mortgage can help anyone over 62 cover everyday expenses, support healthcare needs, fund home improvements, or even reduce pressure on 401(k) withdrawals – all while staying in your home. Longbridge offers a free calculator to estimate how much flexibility your home could provide, with no commitment required.

📆 Fun for the whole fam

Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →

All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.

🏀 March Madness Tournament and Fundraiser @ Mchenry High School-West Campus | Saturday (3/7) at 8:00 AM – Think your bracket’s safe? Come watch the Jr. Warriors turn both McHenry campuses into full-on March Madness, with wall-to-wall games, raffles, 50/50s, silent auctions, and concessions. It’s family chaos with purpose, and your snack run funds future Warriors; local businesses, bring prizes, earn sainthood.

🥞 NAMI 6th Annual Pancake Breakfast @ St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church | Saturday (3/7) at 8:30 AM – NAMI McHenry County is flipping a fundraiser pancake breakfast at St. Thomas Church in Crystal Lake, with Knights of Columbus manning the griddles. Pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage, coffee, and juice, ten bucks for adults, five for kids, and you leave caffeinated, full, and feeling virtuous.

🤟 Sign With Katy @ Cary Area Public Library | Saturday (3/7) at 9:15 AM – If you’re ready to upgrade from charades to communication, head to Cary’s library for Sign With Katy. She teaches basic ASL for caregivers and infants 0 to 3, each session is different, and future you will thank you. Register on the CAPL website.

🏎 LEGO Speed Challenge @ Nick’s Pizza & Pub | Saturday (3/7) at 9:30 AM – Let the kid prove their mettle at KIN’s LEGO Speed Challenge, a clock-beating build for ages 8 to 18 with a $100 LEGO prize, runner-up goodies, and participants take home a full set. Under-14s need a chaperone, spectators cheer from sidelines, you get bragging rights.

👑 Paper Bag Princess Day Story Time @ Read Between The Lynes | Saturday (3/7) at 10:30 AM – This one’s a local favorite: story time under the tree at Read Between The Lynes, then a simple craft the kids will actually finish. It’s Paper Bag Princess Day, theme Dare to be Brave, because sometimes the best armor is paper, courage, and a book.

🍵 Barbie Tea Party @ Colonel Palmer House | Saturday (3/7) at 2:00 PM – Your junior fashion icon can sip tea, trace Barbie’s many careers, and strut a tiny runway at a Barbie Tea Party for ages 6-12. Dress to impress, bring a favorite doll, then craft couture and dollhouse accessories, because even plastic needs a fresh spring wardrobe.

🐟 Fins & Feathers Fest @ Mackeben Elementary School | Sunday (3/8) at 10:00 AM – Whether you’re a lifelong aquarist or here for the bird tent, this Algonquin fest packs 50-plus tables of parrots, guppies, tanks, and toys at better-than-pet-store prices. Bring cash, an empty trunk, and kids, because self-control is optional. Birds can get nail and wing trims, too.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

🔥 Worth a peek

We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week.

• Thinning hair? Don’t wait – here are 3 treatments that work
• This free tool helps connect you with the right financial advisor
• Got debt? You may be able to pay less than you owe
• Protect your pet from disaster with this pet insurance plan
• You can own physical gold and silver in your retirement account
• Treat yourself: Save on self-care during the CVS Epic Beauty Sale

📻 Crystal Lake report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 47°F – Low: 39°F – Precip: 16%

A slight chance of rain showers after 3pm. Partly sunny. High near 47, with temperatures falling to around 44 in the afternoon. East wind around 5 mph, with gusts as high as 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Later: A chance of rain showers before midnight, then rain showers likely and patchy fog. Cloudy, with a low around 39. East northeast wind 0 to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

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Tomorrow – High: 48°F – Low: 40°F – Precip: 73%

Rain showers likely and patchy fog. Cloudy, with a high near 48. North northeast wind around 5 mph, with gusts as high as 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. Later: A slight chance of rain showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 40. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Someone Googled you this week 👀

It may feel like an invasion of privacy, but unfortunately It’s the new normal. Whether you’re joining a committee, selling something locally, dating again, or just meeting new neighbors… people are going to look you up online.

Like it or not, the internet has a way of surfacing past mistakes and outdated information that no longer reflects who you are.

Thankfully, there’s a really easy way for you – or someone you care about – to clean up outdated results that no longer tell the real story. Learn more here.

This house is wild

This updated 3-bed, 2-bath sits on nearly half an acre in unincorporated Crystal Lake, served by Prairie Ridge schools. The kitchen features quartz counters, white shaker cabinets, and stainless appliances. The expanded primary suite adds a full bath with separate shower. Enjoy LVP flooring, new electrical panel, a walk-out lower level, and a backyard steps from the Fox River.

Take a peek inside →