🌱 Patch AM: See how Crystal Lake’s high schools stack up statewide this year.

Cheers Crystal Lake! We're back, helping you stay up to date with what's happening. Let's take on the day together! ☀️

In today's newsletter:

• See how Crystal Lake's high schools stack up statewide this year.
• How high Crystal Lake South's rising star climbed in state rankings
• How local volunteers just boosted support for Crystal Lake families in need.

Also on today's calendar: Brews & Baseball Cup in Hand Kickball Tournament and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: Why do fish live in salt water? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

• Thursday: Mostly sunny and less humid, with a high of 79 and low of 57 degrees.
• Friday: A heavy t-storm in the p.m., temps: high: 75, low: 60.
• Saturday: A p.m. t-storm in spots, with a high of 77 and low of 55 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

• How Crystal Lake, Cary High Schools Rank Among Illinois' Best (patch.com) — Crystal Lake's District 155 high schools – Central, South, Prairie Ridge and Cary-Grove – all earned spots in U.S. News & World Report's 2026-27 Best High Schools rankings, with statewide and national placements. The piece also compares their performance with other top Illinois schools.
   

• Class of 2027 Rankings Update (prepbaseballreport.com) — A Crystal Lake South High School standout, Illinois-committed infielder Carson Trivellini, climbs to No. 15 in a new statewide Class of 2027 baseball ranking, highlighting local talent on the rise. The piece breaks down major movers across Illinois, spotlighting pitchers and hitters whose summer performances boosted their recruiting stock heading into the fall circuit.
   

• United Way of Greater McHenry County Thrives with Community Support (shawlocal.com) — United Way of Greater McHenry County is rallying local businesses and volunteers to meet back-to-school needs, including supplies and family support, with help reaching Crystal Lake families through the Crystal Lake Food Pantry. Charter Casting's donations, car wash, and volunteer efforts show how nearby employers are stepping up.
   

📸 Around Crystal Lake

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Crystal Lake

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

Thursday August 20
• MCHENRY COUNTY MARINE CORPS LEAGUE MONTHLY MEETING
  Woodstock Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry 240 N THROOP ST WOODSTOCK, IL 60098
  7:00 pm
• Feed Your Soul Gestalt Group- Thursdays
  Woodstock Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry Soulful Prairies Equine Gestalt Therapy and Retreat Center
  7:00 pm
Friday August 21
• Link Crew - Freshman Check-ins
  Johnsburg High School JHS Cafe
  7:30 am
• Chamber Playbook: Understanding Your Membership
  Woodstock Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry Conference Room 101 N Johnson St Unite 1A Woodstock, IL 60098
  10:00 am
Saturday August 22
• Brews & Baseball Cup in Hand Kickball Tournament →
  Boncosky Comples at Lippold Park
  10:00 am
• Way Back When at Colonel Palmer House →
  Col. Gustavus A. Palmer House, 660 E Terra Cotta Ave, Crystal Lake
  10:00 am
• Bourbon Country →
  Raue Center For The Arts, 26 N Williams St, Crystal Lake
  7:00 pm
Wednesday August 26
• Crystal Lake Park District Sunset Soiree →
  Main Beach Pavilion, 300 Lakeshore Dr, Crystal Lake
  5:30 pm
Saturday August 29
• McHenry County Dog Daze →
  Kaper Park, Cimarron Dr, Cary
  10:00 am
Friday September 4
• Lucy's Comedy →
  Raue Center For The Arts, 26 N Williams St, Crystal Lake
  8:00 pm
Saturday September 5
• Greenroom Improv →
  Raue Center For The Arts, 26 N Williams St, Crystal Lake
  7:00 pm
Sunday September 6
• Crystal Lake Half Marathon and 12K →
  Crystal Lake Main Beach, 300 Lakeshore Dr, Crystal Lake
  7:30 am

📣 Crystal Lake Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

 

Thank you 👏👏👏 to these businesses for making Crystal Lake PatchAM possible:

• Springbrook Community Church — (224) 569-3300
• Crystal Lake Christian Church — (815) 459-9350

Click here to show your appreciation! 💚

Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

• Fall Programs at Crystal Lake Park District Nature Center Begin Soon —Crystal Lake Park District Read on Patch
• Lots for Tots this Fall at the Crystal Lake Park District —Crystal Lake Park District Read on Patch

• Hi neighbors, just had ASAP GARAGE DOOR REPAIR in Huntley out to fix a garage door issue and perform maintenance on 3 garage doors.
  Tyler our tech did a fantastic job and explained everything. Our appointment was 7-8a and Tyler was here at 7a. Awesome first impression! Great local… (Nextdoor Crystal Lake)
• Insured Licensed HVAC & Water Heater Services 🔧
  A/C tune ups availability keep your Air conditioner efficient Offering fast and reliable service for: • AC & furnace repair/installation • Water… (Nextdoor Somerset Ln and More)

• Mr. Handyman International, LLC posted a job opening for Carpenter in Crystal Lake. Apply here.
• Burger King posted a job opening for Team Member in Cary. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Crystal Lake here.

🗞 Nearby News

Lake in the Hills

• Andrew Spaid (wqad.com)
• Supernatural Project: 1967 Chevrolet Impala Hardtop (barnfinds.com)

Cary

• Aptar expands U.S. production for Meridian aerosol actuator platform (spraytm.com)

Ok Crystal Lake! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: Pepper makes them sneeze (Thank you Karla H. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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