Rain or shine, I plan to join the millions of other Americans who will fire up the grill today in honor of our nation’s 233rd birthday.

Big blue eyes gaze out from under a bald head that rests in the toddler’s hand as he looks toward the camera lens.

After 22 years, the absence of a Crystal Lake Gala Festival this weekend will sadden some, although there’s no doubt that others were happy to see it go.

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I –

If you don’t give me a Popsicle, right this very instant, mommy, I am going to hold my breath until I turn blue in the face, and then you’ll be sorry. You’ll see, mommy.

With a first-hand look at agriculture through a diverse program extending from July 8 through July 14, 24 McHenry County teachers will observe many facets of agriculture in McHenry County.

Something stinks in Johnsburg, and it’s not residents’ aging septic systems.

Sometimes the mind becomes so fixated on tasks that we think demand our immediate attention that we ignore – at our peril – what’s truly important, even as it dwells right under our misdirected noses.

Spending much of a career covering crime taught me that many clichés about the criminal justice system are unfounded.

What a way to start a workday.

Someone once told me as I guzzled a diet cola, “Those artificial sweeteners’ll kill ya.”

I guess it was just after the woman who had been seated behind me on the upper deck of the Chicago-bound Metra train wound her way down to the first level and opened a bottle of Red Stripe beer using the stainless steel door of the lavatory that it struck me.

While headlining the traditional brunch at Harvard Milk Days on June 6, WGN farm director Orion Samuelson noted the 200th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth and dramatized Lincoln’s contribution to the farming community with a litany of Lincoln-inspired accomplishments.

Dan Marchik plans to run in a 5-kilometer race tomorrow, talk to his father on the telephone, and then relax.

It’s not a great time to announce that $500,000, and likely much more, in state money is being earmarked for a Chain O’ Lakes island renovation project.However, it is worth looking at a couple of factors: 1.) The bigger picture where this now publicly owned island is concerned; and 2.) How these particular funds can and cannot be spent.

Many are watching with anticipation what might happen to local social service agencies whose budgets might be slashed significantly as casualties in a state budget war.

If you find yourself walking along the path around Wildflower Lake in Sun City Huntley, you’d better watch your head.

It’s not that Larry Tyree can’t keep a job.

My position on the front line of the 68th annual Harvard Milk Days last weekend was pleasant and an opportunity to see many friends at the brunch and along the parade route.

Comedian Jerry Seinfeld once offered this quip about fans’ allegiance to their favorite sports teams:

The optimistic among us are more well-armed against stress, more likely to achieve in the face of adversity, not to mention more pleasant to be around – if you subscribe to the notion that perpetually cheerful, noncomplaining types are more fun than witty cynics.

Ryan Hallett’s successful verdict against former Richmond police officer Brian Quilici and his department marks the end of an ugly chapter in the history of McHenry County law enforcement.

“What were they thinking?” I find that to be my response these days to any number of things.

There is a fine line between clever and stupid. That much we know.The decision to give Packard the President Emeritus Stimulus Package was made by the McHenry County College Board of Trustees. The current lineup of MCC board members is over there to the right of this column.

You are invited to meet the artists who painted the carousel horses you’ve seen throughout Woodstock.

Harvard’s Milk Days are in full swing this weekend, marking the unofficial launch of the summer festival season in McHenry County.

Various clichés and even a nursery rhyme come to mind when pondering the potted potties in the Highland Drive yard of Lakemoor resident Tina Asmus.