Featured Article
Community Group Shares Hope
The GPF Foundation Spreads the Message of Harm Reduction.
Featured Article
New Author Releases Debut Novel
Deer Park’s Ray Franze Spins a Fast-Paced Story That’s Never Been Told Until Now.
Featured Article
French Bakery Opening
Later this Spring a New Bakery is Set to Debut, Elevating the Downtown Lake Zurich Scene.
Featured Article
Love Coffee Local
Five Lake County Coffee Shops You’re Gonna Love.
Featured Article
The Art of The Everywhere Photo
Finding Real Life Inside Your Camera
Most Recent Articles
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Community Group Shares Hope
The GPF Foundation Spreads the Message of Harm Reduction. Article by Michael Beightol | Photography by Graham Blus It was the kind of news no parent wanted to hear that changed the lives of Nancy and Ross Friedman. Their son Greg, a vibrant and successful 27-year-old, had passed away. The events leading up to Greg’s death in 2017 have since propelled the Lake County couple, with loving support from family and friends, to help other families avoid the same kind of tragedy they experienced. The...
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New Author Releases Debut Novel
Deer Park’s Ray Franze Spins a Fast-Paced Story That’s Never Been Told Until Now. Article and Photography by Michael Beightol Sal Liparello is a character straight out of central casting. A student at the school of hard knocks. A peer to Capone, Accardo and Giancana with an underworld empire that stretches from Illinois to California. He’s the kingpin of vice from Chicago Heights. Never heard of him? That’s because Sal is the protagonist in The Heights , the first novel by Deer Park's Ray...
read the articleFood + Beverage
French Bakery Opening
Later this Spring a New Bakery is Set to Debut, Elevating the Downtown Lake Zurich Scene. Article by Michael Beightol | Photography by Stephen Neilson She had me at the macaroons. Delightfully colorful. Light, almost airy with a satisfying crunch to the outer shell followed by a not too sweet melt-in-your-mouth creaminess. Jenn Duke, a 30-something mom and Lake Zurich resident, is busy planning for the opening of Après Pastry & Bakery. It will be right next door to Lake Zurich Florist on Old...
read the articleFood + Beverage
Love Coffee Local
Five Lake County Coffee Shops You’re Gonna Love. Article and Photography by Graham Blus When you are ready to break away from Starbucks or Dunkin' Donuts, I found five great locally owned coffee shops you may want to check out this month. For a great start-me-up, especially for folks in or around Mundelein, you've gotta check out the giant Instagram-ready mural outside Area Coffee. Inside, enjoy coffee, tea and goodies in a playful atmosphere. 18 E. Park Street; Area-Coffee.com . Just...
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Michael Beightol
SW Lake is a community-focused media platform (print, online & Social Media) that connects readers to the people, places and businesses that make our communities special. We highlight the unique atmosphere of Lake County -- from locally owned companies to inspirational residents. So whether you’re a native or new to the area, SW Lake is your community hub that always provides active families positive news that is useful, helpful and informative. Check out our recent issues & incredible business partners.