Local Beaches, Outdoor Pools Opening Soon

The summer season is almost upon us. Find out when area pools and beaches will be re-opening for the summer.

Many area beaches will be re-opening over the Memorial Day weekend for the summer season.  Among the area hot spots, the popular beach at Three Oaks Recreation area will re-open on May 25 at 10 a.m. The marina and boat rental area at Three Oaks has been opened since early April. The Three Oaks website has more information on the many amenities available at Three Oaks and the parks hours of operation.  One of the beaches in Lake in the Hills, Butch Hagele Beach, 71 Hilltop, will also open back up for swimming on May 25 and will be open from sunrise to sunset. The beach will have lifeguards on duty starting on June 1 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Lake in the Hills other beach, Indian Trail Beach, 228 Indian Trail, is open year round and will have …

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Chilly Monday, 80 Degrees by Tuesday: Weather Forecast for Algonquin, LITH

The National Weather Service weather forecast for the coming days in Algonquin and Lake in the Hills.

National Weather Service forecast for Algonquin-->--> National Weather Service forecast for Lake in the Hills-->-->

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FEMA Assesses McHenry County Flood Damage

The Fox River in Algonquin and McHenry has finally dipped below the flood stage.

At least 800 homes in McHenry County were affected by floodwaters last month, according to the Northwest Herald.  Preliminary Federal Emergency Management Agency assessments found that none of the homes could be categorized as having major damage or worse but more than 200 homes did sustain minor damage, according to the Northwest Herald. Of those homes, 56 were in McHenry and 45 were in Port Barrington, according to the article.  McHenry County was declared a disaster area following the flooding, which allows the state to provide assets for assistance to the county. FEMA's website has more information on how to qualify for disaster assistance and the steps you need to take to apply for assistance.  The Fox River in McHenry reached record …

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Starbucks Happy Hour: Half Off Frappuccinos in Algonquin, LITH

Frappuccino Happy Hour runs through May 12.

Starbucks' Frappuccino Happy Hour is back! Customers get half off any size or flavor frappuccino until May 12 if they visit a Starbucks location between 3 and 5 p.m. The popular blended coffee beverage comes in a variety of flavors including Caramel Ribbon Crunch, Mocha Cookie Crumble, Caramel, Mocha, Java Chip, White Chocolate Mocha and more.  Area Starbucks Locations Include: 

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Gas Prices Up in Algonquin, LITH

Motorists across Illinois have been paying more at the pumps this week, more than the majority of states, according to AAA. Here are the lowest prices in the Algonquin-LITH area.

The majority of states may be experiencing a drop in gas prices, but not Illinois and other parts of the Midwest, according to AAA. Record rainfall that led to flooding and reduced production related to refineries shifting over to "summer-blend" gasoline are part of the reason, reports AAA. There was also an explosion at a Detroit refinery on April 27, though that incident was not expected to contribute to higher prices for motorists. The current average price for regular unleaded in Illinois is $3.95. Last month, the average was $3.84. A year ago the average was $4.02. The highest recorded average was $4.31 on May 5, 2011, according to AAA. Algonquin, Lake in the Hills Gas Prices As of Sunday, the following gas stations had the lowest …

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Early Bird Algonquin Pool Passes Now Available

Pool passes are now available for the summer swimming season.

LITH Leaders Angry With County's Bid Plans for Continuous Flow Intersection

Village leaders oppose plans for a continuous flow intersection at Randall and Algonquin roads.

Lake in the Hills Village Board members were not pleased when the McHenry County Board's Transportation Committee added a last-minute agenda item for its meeting last Wendesday. The item called for bids for a continuous flow intersection at Algonquin and Randall roads, the First Electric Newspaper reports. The last-minute agenda item called for Phase II design proposals to rebuild the clogged Randall-Algonquin roads intersection to improve traffic flow, FEN reports. LITH leaders oppose the continuous flow intersection proposal as they fear it could hurt local businesses.

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Richard T. Wolek, 90, of Algonquin

Visitation will be held from 4-8p.m., Tuesday, April 30, at Davenport Family Funeral Home, 419 E. Route 176, Crystal Lake, IL 60014.

Richard T. Wolek, 90, of Algonquin, passed away peacefully to the care of Our Lord, Thursday, April 25, 2013, in Barrington, at Journey Care surrounded by his loving family. He was born on July 1, 1922, to Peter and Anna (nee Pazdyka) Wolek in Chicago. Richard married the love of his life, Florence on September 15, 1945 at St. John Cantius Church. He served in the Army based out of Del Rio, Texas during World War II. After returning to Chicago he and Florence had four children while living on Chicago’s Northwest side. In 1958 they moved to Algonquin, where they found their dream home and raised their kids. Richard coached his sons’ baseball teams there and was an active parishioner of St. Margaret Mary Church for 55 years. He loved all …

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Parts of Prairie Trail Bike Path Closed Due to Construction

Bicyclists should take note of trail closures before hitting the path.

With the arrival of warmer weather, the McHenry County Conservation District reminds residents several parts of the Prairie Trail Bike Path are closed due to multiple construction projects in Algonquin.  The Prairie Trail has no through traffic from Route 31 (Main Street) in Algonquin to just south of Pyott Road in Lake in the Hills. Closed through May 24, Algonquin ByPass Construction: Section from Huntington Road to Algonquin Road. Closed through July 30,  Delayed Bridge Repair: On the North – Trail exits at subdivision westbound on Willow. On the South – Trail Ends at Route 31 Huntington. Meyer Road parking lot is closed. It will reopen in June for cyclists traveling southbound only. Village of Algonquin has the intersection of …

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