Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: 6th DUI For Cary Man With 2 Attempted Murder Convictions: Prosecutors

Happening soon: Fall Harvest Fest-Trunk or Treat hosted by Springbrook on the Crystal Lake Patch calendar

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What's up Crystal Lake! Let's start this morning right by getting caught up on what's going on around town. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Crystal Lake DUI crash leads to Class X felony conviction
  • Which Crystal Lake teams pulled off big wins Thursday night?
  • Crystal Lake remembers longtime junior high teacher and football coach

Also on today's calendar: Fall Harvest Fest-Trunk or Treat hosted by Springbrook and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: Why did the cookie go to the hospital? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Friday: An afternoon shower or two, with a high of 67 and low of 54 degrees.
  • Saturday: Breezy in the morning, temps: high: 79, low: 54.
  • Sunday: Mostly cloudy, with a high of 73 and low of 56 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

• 6th DUI For Cary Man With 2 Attempted Murder Convictions: Prosecutors (patch.com) — Crystal Lake residents are learning more about a December 2025 crash on Northwest Highway, where prosecutors say a Cary man with five prior DUIs drove drunk, crossed the median and hit another vehicle before fleeing. Authorities report his blood alcohol level was more than twice the legal limit, and he has now pleaded guilty to a Class X felony DUI, with sentencing set for December in Kane County.
   

• Josie Franckowiak surpasses 1,000 career assists in Richmond-Burton win: Thursday's Northwest Herald roundup (shawlocal.com) — Crystal Lake athletes had a busy night, with Crystal Lake Central, Prairie Ridge, and Crystal Lake South all featured in Thursday's volleyball and soccer action. Local teams battled through tight Fox Valley Conference matches, standout players hit major milestones, and South's boys soccer squad staged a dramatic comeback win at home after falling behind by two goals.
   

• James Lowell Long (wgil.com) — A former Crystal Lake junior high math teacher and football coach has died at 85, remembered for his years in District 47 classrooms and on the field before retiring to Monmouth. He also remained connected to Crystal Lake through St. Paul's Church and will be laid to rest later in Cary, with memorials directed to a fund in his name.
   

📸 Around Crystal Lake

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • FREE Crystal Lake Park District Nature Center History Day —Crystal Lake Park District Read on Patch
  • Crystal Lake Park District Musical Theater Performance of Elf The Musical, Jr. —Crystal Lake Park District Read on Patch
  • Been going to Andy's for over 30 years.
    My kids and grandkids love it. Andy actually has given my 4 grandkids silver dollars in the passed and they remember him. Great family (Nextdoor Country Woods)
  • Found this on a walk tonight on Alexandra blvd.
    There's a school Id inside for Indian Prairie. Message me if your kid lost their wallet. I'm going to take it over to the school tomorrow if no one… (Nextdoor Village)
  • Sam's Club posted a job opening for Freezer, Cooler and Deli Stocker Associate in Crystal Lake. Apply here.
  • CVS posted a job opening for Shift Supervisor in Crystal Lake. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Crystal Lake here.

🗞 Nearby News

Cary

  • Cary man twice convicted of attempted murder pleads guilty to 6th DUI after hitting car and fleeing near Crystal Lake (lakemchenryscanner.com)

Algonquin

McHenry

  • McHenry County, Illinois records 66 bookings in August 2026 (mchenrytimes.com)
  • 2026 IHSA state golf preview: McHenry County golfers set to tee off this weekend (shawlocal.com)
  • Data center moratorium advances as McHenry County eyes rules on water, electricity, noise (shawlocal.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: "Why did the cookie go to the hospital?" — Because he felt crummy. (Thank you Sanda J. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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