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McHenry High School's student-written and -edited newspaper

The McHenry Messenger

McHenry High School's student-written and -edited newspaper

The McHenry Messenger

McHenry High School's student-written and -edited newspaper

The McHenry Messenger

"Cadillac" Jerry Spanier sits at his desk at the Castle dealership on Route 31. Cadillac Jerry visits basketball games around McHenry County and films TikToks.

We’re on Randall

Afton Ingraffia, Features Editor February 26, 2026

MCHS students sit in the gym during halftime of a boys varsity basketball game on Jan. 23. The whole gym is tense waiting for the third quarter to begin. At the front of the student section a chant begins....

The Riverwalk shops offer new and small business to rent out their stores and get their name out into the community.

A walk to remember

Tate Bartelson, Staff Writer November 12, 2024

As the McHenry Riverwalk shoppe's 2024 vendor season comes to an end the Chamber of Commerce are preparing for the 2025 vendor season and are looking for new vendors to help start up on the riverwalk. In...

Even as many states lift masking mandates, many businesses still want to see proof of vaccination. But what about those who have their reasons not to get the jab?

Opinion: Requiring vaccines is wrong

Kyla Henige, Features Editor February 11, 2022

With another year of COVID underway, comes another year of more restrictions. One of the newest most controversial rules, is that citizens must be vaccinated to enter buildings in certain areas, one of...

When COVID hit in March of 2021, businesses were hit particularly hard. Local businesses like Buddy'z have worked hard to attract business in the year since the shutdown.

Yes, we’re open

Joe Hissem, Staff Writer May 12, 2021

The global pandemic’s year-long reign has managed to seep its way into the family-owned businesses of the city of McHenry, many of which closed after during the virus's spread and non-essential businesses...

Right now, Illinois restaurants and bars are supposed to be closed to indoor dining. Though this helps stop the spread of COVID-19, it unfairly punishes the small business who should not have to bear the brunt of the pandemic.

Opinion: Don’t punish local businesses

Ciara Duncan, Features Editor January 12, 2021

Humans have witnessed countless horrible, traumatic events — events that have left them seeking out any form of solidarity they can find, begging on their knees for better days, and wondering how they'd...

Christmas is a time for holiday joy and giving. Though with changing times and attitudes, have corporations taken over the spirit of Christmas?

Opinion: Christmas for business?

Jared Bysiek, Features Editor December 20, 2019

The Christmas season is a time for friends, family, and appreciation. It’s also a time for the stress of feeling pressured to buy presents for loved ones. As the holiday approaches, many people may feel...

West Campus student, Gianna Matassa orders coffee during 2nd hour.

West Campus coffeeshop creates buzz

Anthony True, Staff Writer – West Campus February 7, 2019

Last semester, MCHS partnered with the Hidden Pearl Coffeeshop to bring their caffeinated beverages to West Campus. The coffee shop, aptly named The Hidden Pearl West, started serving coffee to sleepy...

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