Community spirit was the winner overall while the fire fighters won the contest 7-5 at the Veterans Memorial Park diamond in Sun City Aug. 6. The 22nd annual softball game was part of Huntley's National Night Out Day and Enjoy Huntley Week activities.

The game had the visiting police department members take an early lead, but first baseman of the HFPD, Keith Schroeder, had the big hit with a three-run double in the HFPD win.

AHS is in the midst of a major construction project.

“We're under construction for the first phase and we're fund-raising for the second phase for the second phase,” AHS spokesman Cindy Wigdahl said.

Chicago Bear Tyler Bangent signed on to help the AHS effort.

They gathered at the Huntley Gazebo Aug. 4 to learn about a type of bicycle which was created in Huntley.

Jake Marino of the Huntley Historical Society explained the achievements of the Latimer Brothers Bike, whose concept generated three bicycle patents for Frank Latimer and brothers Dale and Henry.

“It's a very valuable piece that belongs to one of the Historical Society members. There are only two Latimer bicycles in existence, this and one in a museum in the Netherlands,” Marino said.

“But this year, I was 110 percent sure to do it,” Pawlak said.

On July 30 in Woodstock, Pawlak, a 2023 Huntley High School alumnae, won the Miss McHenry County Fair pageant title.

“I was very surprised. My parents, Marcena and Maciej, and my whole family hugged me. I was shocked, grateful. It's been fun so far,” Pawlak said.

Pawlak enjoyed dancing with those listening to “Banjo Buddies” old songs and also showed a goat during the open competition at the county fair Aug.

Huntley Police Chief Linda Hooten commented on NNO's importance.

“We look forward to NNO every year as a dedicated night to celebrate the positive relationship between the police and our community members. I invite everyone to come out and meet the police officers protecting the Village of Huntley and keeping it safe. We cannot do this without the support of our wonderful residents,” Hooten said.

Huntley Historical Society was the beneficiary of the Second Annual Beer Mile event, held at the grounds of Sew Hop'd Brewery and Tap Room in Huntley. More than 60 participants took to the beer drinking and running course. Some competed as relay teams while others did so individually.

“We had the Beer Mile last year and had about 40 runners,” Historical Society member Lonnie Oldham said.

Kevin Byrnes' business, SmashD Burgers and Fries, a smash style burger served from his food truck, took center stage at Huntley Area Public Library July 22. Byrnes is a veteran of the US Marine Corps, where he served for nine years.

“I think the event in Huntley went very well. I would like to thank the support from the community and business leaders as well as the library,” Byrnes said.

According to a D158 press release statement, in addition to weekly Monday readings, D158 students and families have been invited to participate in the Charlotte's Web scavenger hunt; looked for RRT posters at local restaurants and other recreational spots in Huntley this summer.

Mike Riggins of Sleepy Hollow brings goodies from his garden each week.

“Right now, we have a lot of beets, carrots, and garlic. In August, it's the tomatoes, then spinach, lettuces in the fall. I'm always thinking about the next crop, and I enjoy the people here,” Riggins said.

Meanwhile, Pingree Grove resident Bob Kapheim, owner of Bob's Art Photography, showed off his talents of award winning art, photography, and glass fusion crafts.

The indoor amusement center operated by WorkUP Ninja is described as an indoor obstacle course gym built based on the American Ninja Warrior television series.

This year's MCYSA tournament will be the 31st annual event. It begins with session one on July 12 through July 15, followed by the second session, July 18-21. Games are played at Crystal Lake's Lippold Park and Veterans Acres and other locations.

The area will be contributing several teams to the 99-team field, including two from Huntley, the Citius Navy 8U and Raiders Baseball Academy 13U.

★ Have a Family Sing-Along!

Coming from a musical background, music can be such a celebratory and bonding experience. Collect some well-known songs that honor the country, such as: our National Anthem, “You’re a Grand Old Flag,” “Party in the USA,” the “Seventh Inning Stretch,” to name a few.

Meyers was one of three members of the IADA Class of 2024 Hall of Fame, along with Terry Dobbs who worked at Palatine and Greg King of Sterling, at the May IADA meeting. Meyers explained that due to his retirement as Johnsburg High School Athletic Director in 2003, he is one of the elder statesman so honored.

Rita Castens is the new HHS Athletic Director as of July 1, while Matt Landvick was named HHS Assistant Athletic Director in separate Huntley Community School District 158 (D158) Board of Education meetings.

Castans was appointed by the D158 BoE to succeed Glen Wilson as AD, as Wilson will return to the classroom this fall. Landvick's role is a new position.

The heroes of the 96-65 Cubs regular season were in town to toast one of their own, Hall-of-Famer Ryne Sandberg, for his new statue at Wrigley Field. The statue was unveiled June 23, with the reunion at Huntley's Pinecrest Golf Course and Club 400 gathering over the next two days.

The 1984 teammates helped mark the famous Sandberg Game against St.

Cornelison's tenor voice boomed and brought a long applause after two songs, the national anthem “God Bless America.” He sang the national anthem at the Hawks Stanley Cup wins in 2010, 2013 and 2015. This day, he wore his Stanley Cup ring he was given by the Blackhawks after their 2015 championship.

Starting at 10:30 a.m., however, the new restaurant, located at 9830 Route 47, is expected to reward the first 100 guests in line with a “Free Wings for a Year” voucher. Recipients of the voucher will be able to get six free wings every week for 52 weeks.

According to a press release statement, out of the 75 applications received by the foundation, 16 student finalists were interviewed by the foundation’s scholarship committee before naming this year’s scholarship winners.

“Scholarship winners are students who’ve demonstrated a commitment to community service, active participation in extracurricular activities, effective leadership qualities, academic strength, and a desire to achieve future goals, said Steve Lulofs, chair of the scholarship committee.

Treat Dad for breakfast

Who doesn’t love a good breakfast or brunch? Located on Huntley’s own Main Street, “Village Inn” offers affordable and delicious meals. Step into their homey restaurant for comfort-food and a fun-filled meal with Dad that’s right around the corner!

The first of several read-aloud sessions took place June 10 at Huntley Area Public Library. D158 Superitendent Dr. Jessica Lombard was the first reader in the Monday afternoon series. The gatherings begin at 1 p.m. In addition to the reading, students participated in an art activity.

Families are also encouraged to participate in a community-wide scavenger hunt in June and July in search of the main characters from the book by visiting local Huntley businesses.

For $50 annually or $30 semi-annually, readers will enjoy a growing amount of news content and more variety than our current news options.