The Island Lake lighted star has been shining bright for almost 60 years. Sitting on top of the 110-foot tower along Route 176 near Roberts Road, the star is a focal point each holiday season. Built by Carl Woerner and the Island Lake Businessmen’s group in 1965, the star was created to lift the spirits of the community that was hit by a deadly tornado. The 12-foot star was refurbished in 2018 and the Historical Society of Island Lake held a viewing party. Woerner died in June, 2024, at age 89.
Paul Valade/pvalade@dailyherald.com