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Hello Crystal Lake! Hope your coffee tastes especially good this morning. In today’s bring-the-kiddos edition: New technology center, draft horse pulls, and Disney Pin Trading Day + excuses to get the fam out and about this week.
Today’s sponsor, Goldco, is helping folks around Crystal Lake help protect their savings after a remarkable few years for gold and silver. Their free guide explains what's behind the run… and what to know before adding precious metals to your portfolio. Grab your free copy here.* |
01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
Preparing future makers: McHenry County College in Crystal Lake opened its 45,000-square-foot Center for Advanced Technology Innovation, adding labs for CNC, welding, robotics, and more, while skills camps for grades 6–9 filled -- read the full story.
Community pressure builds: T5 Data Centers paused its bid to fill 15.75 acres of wetlands for the proposed $18 billion Grayslake campus after pushback, and coalition says a lawsuit over approvals is planned -- read the full story.
Campus achievements recognized: Seven Arlington Heights students were honored by Augustana College, and an MSOE graduate earned high honors. Names and achievements were reported Aug. 3 in announcements compiled from colleges and families -- read the full announcements.
The bill everyone over 50 should double check: Car insurance. If you’ve been on the same plan for years, you might be paying way more than you need to. It’s an easy one to forget about, but switching could save you up to $1,500 this year. Case in point: Shopping around could cut your premium in half — this free comparison tool makes it easy*
Watch your credit card balance drop. Here's a rare one: this card lets you skip interest charges until nearly 2028, and you won't pay a cent in annual fees to do it. On top of that, every purchase earns at least 1.5% cash back, with some categories as high as 5%. Spend a little early on and there's up to a $200 bonus waiting too -- take a look.*
Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC bill: If your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest -- this one's $150 off right now.* Highlights this week: |
02 — From our sponsor Gold posted one of its strongest runs in decades...Silver has been right there with it, and after a few remarkable years both metals have become some of the most talked-about assets for those looking to stay ahead of market volatility. While many are still sitting on the sidelines, others are quietly repositioning. If you’re wondering whether you’re missing something, Goldco has a free guide explaining what’s driving the renewed interest… and how people are approaching precious metals right now. It’s free and worth reading before the next move.* |
03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Cook, sip, repeat: Your weeknight upgrade lives at The Joyful Gourmet, where curated cookware and gadgets they actually test in the event kitchen meet an intimate wine bar and lively classes, from hands-on pasta to chef demos, so you can level up dinner this week and have fun doing it.
Good hair day incoming: Whether you're after a fresh cut and color, a relaxing skin care session, or a quick wax before the weekend, Blush Salon & Spa delivers thoughtful, polished results across hair, spa, waxing, and bridal services. Consider it your local shortcut to feeling put-together without trying too hard.
Brows, lashes, and zen: Aixa Beauty & Spa handles the glow-up trifecta with brow lamination and wax, classic to volume lash extensions, and real-deal skin care like clinical acne facials, chemical peels, dermaplaning, even LED therapy. If your week needs sculpting or stress relief, think lymphatic drainage, wood sculpt, or a massage with hot stones.
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04 — Our recommendations
We got your backA handful of products and services we think are worth a look.
An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial walk-in-the-door fee to x-rays, surgery, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could save thousands on your next vet bill with *Lemonade →
Home insurance premiums jumped 12% last year alone: That's on top of years of increases that have outpaced inflation. Before you blindly renew with your current insurer, a free comparison tool matches your home with top-rated insurers so you can see quotes side by side, in about two minutes. Some homeowners find hundreds in savings, and if you don't find a better policy, you stay put knowing you checked. *See your options →
The fitness trend that doesn't require leaving your living room: Chair yoga is having a moment, and for good reason. It's low-impact, easy on the knees and back, and you do the whole thing seated. No floor, no equipment, no studio. A quick quiz turns it into a personalized plan built around your body and goals, then adjusts as you build the habit. *See your plan →
One plug-in drives bugs out of your home, no spray required: For every bug you see along the baseboards, more are nesting out of sight, and traps and poison only reach so far. This one works differently: patented pulse technology runs through your home's wiring to make the whole place uncomfortable for insects and mice, so they clear out on their own. No fumes, nothing on the floor near the kids or pets, just plug it in. Over 3.5 million sold, it's silent, and there is a money-back guarantee. *Get yours 40% off →
The real retirement risk isn't a bad year. It's a long life: 40 years of saving, and the hard part is making it stretch across 30 more. SmartAsset's free quiz matches you with vetted fiduciary advisors who serve your area and are legally required to act in your best interests. The plan is built around you, not their commission. No obligation to hire anyone. *Start the quiz → |
Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
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05 — The event calendar Fun for the famOur favorite upcoming kid and family-friendly events. All events are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
🐴 Draft Horse Pulls @ McHenry County Fairgrounds (Woodstock) | Wednesday (8/5) at 6:30 PM – If your idea of horsepower involves hooves, the McHenry County Fair grandstand in Woodstock hosts draft teams hauling a dynamometer, elimination style, until the biggest load moves. Think tractor pull with manners, where the engines blink, snort, and chase 27 and a half feet.
🏍 Indian Uprising All Pontiac Weekend 2026 @ Holiday Inn Chicago NW Crystal Lake Convention Center | Friday (8/7) at 2:00 PM – Whether you’ve babied a GTO since mixtapes, or just miss pop-up headlights, the 35th annual All Pontiac weekend hits Crystal Lake, with the Fiero in the spotlight. Expect parking lot mingling, a mega cruise night with food, drinks, a band, and hundreds of Pontiacs.
🌳 Movie in the Park @ Parisek Park (Huntley) | Friday (8/7) at 8:15 PM – Movie in the Park is bumped to Friday, August 7, because Huntley air wants the starring role. We’ll still camp out with lawn chairs for Miracle on Ice, same spot, with a food truck, Kona Ice, and that fresh wave of Team USA nostalgia.
📌 Disney Pin Trading Day @ America's Antique Mall (Algonquin) | Saturday (8/8) at 10:00 AM – Disney Pin Trading Day lands at America’s Antique Mall Algonquin, a free swap where collectors trade pins, not cash. Bring your lanyard, your inner child, and your reading glasses, and browse Disney vendors in the lounge while outside traders keep it trade-only.
🚗 2nd Annual Car Show @ Ivy Hall Dispensary | Sunday (8/9) at 10:00 AM – Roll into Ivy Hall, Crystal Lake for the second annual car and bike show with music, food, and prizes. Bikes welcome, bragging optional, and a suggested $20 donation covers prize entries and supports a good cause, which feels right between the chrome and lawn chairs.
🐴 McHenry County Fair Fun Horse Show @ The McHenry County Fair (Woodstock) | Sunday (8/9) at 10:00 AM – Fair season calls for saddles, sand in your shoes, and a bit of bragging. The McHenry County Fair Fun Horse Show is recess for horse people, with low-stress classes, barn buddies, and proud prancing. Even the non-riders will find something to clap for, begrudgingly.
🕊 Keep the Spirit of ‘45 Alive @ Veterans Memorial Park (McHenry) | Sunday (8/9) at 4:00 PM – Got a photo of your WWII or Korea hero tucked in a drawer? Bring it to a hometown tribute that keeps the Spirit of ’45 alive, no history lecture, just shared stories, quiet pride, and a wall of faces that make the past feel present.
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
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07 — Crystal Lake report Weather forecastToday — High: 78°F — Low: 62°F — Precip: 74%
Showers and thunderstorms likely before 2pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 2pm and 5pm, then showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy. High near 78, with temperatures falling to around 76 in the afternoon. West southwest wind 0 to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible. Later: Showers and thunderstorms. Cloudy, with a low around 62. Northwest wind 0 to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Tomorrow — High: 78°F — Low: 60°F — Precip: 53%
A chance of rain showers before 1pm, then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 78. Northeast wind 0 to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. Later: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 7pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 60. Chance of precipitation is 20%. This house is wildThis three-story Chatham townhome in Crystal Lake pairs modern style with everyday function. Luxury vinyl plank flooring, quartz counters, 42-inch cabinetry, and a dramatic kitchen island set the tone on the main level. Upstairs, the primary suite brings a walk-in closet and private bath, while a lower-level study, laundry room, and easy access to downtown and Metra add extra appeal.
Take a peek inside → |
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