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Independent file photo This railyard in Crystal Lake, and another in Barrington, would be replaced by a layover facility Metra has planned for Woodstock.

Metra has big plans for Woodstock; RTA begging

Metra officials were in Woodstock this March just as they were in March 2024, with their maps and charts, explaining plans for a new layover yard and maintenance facility off […] Subscribe or Login to continue reading this quality article by The Woodstock Independent …
April 2, 2025
Observations of a poetry geek

Observations of a poetry geek

April, National Poetry Month, is here again, a time to celebrate verse and its importance in our culture. Introduced in 1996, the occasion is observed each year by the Academy […] Subscribe or Login to continue reading this quality article by The Woodstock Independent …
April 2, 2025

City goes to court to obtain private property for public parking

By Larry Loughnews@the woodstockindependent.comAlthough the city has filed eminent domain proceedings to take a vacant downtown lot from a private owner, a settlement out of court is still the city’s […] Subscribe or Login to continue reading this quality article by The Woodstock Independent …
April 2, 2025

New garbage toters coming in June

Everything you need to know about toter delivery, pickupBy Eileen Millardnews@the woodstockindependent.comWhen the city’s new trash and recycling program starts on July 1, all residents should have received any new […] Subscribe or Login to continue reading this quality article by The Woodstock Independent …
April 2, 2025

Community

Who needs dirt to grow fresh, healthy foods?

Who needs dirt to grow fresh, healthy foods?

You can grow fresh, healthy foods year round using hydroponic methods, which need no soil. With a hydroponic system, you actually use less water than growing in soil because you […] …
March 27, 2025

‘A lot of broken teeth and wisdom teeth in Negril’

By Ruth Raubertasnews@thewoodstockindependent.comMost of us in the United States don’t really know how good we have it when it comes to the medical and dental services available to us. Members [&helli…
March 27, 2025

Arts & Entertainment

Sony Pictures Television Photographer: Eric McCandless Retired teacher and Woodstock resident Jo Ann Bomkamp competed on “Wheel of Fortune” in an episode that aired on St. Patrick’s Day.

Dreams really do come true

Woodstock woman takes a spin on the Wheel of Fortune, wins $3,700By Tricia Carzolinews@thewoodstockindependent.comSo many people wonder whether dreams…
March 26, 2025

State News

Consumers likely to pay more each month for utilities’ infrastructure improvements

Illinois Commerce Commission Chair Doug Scott presides over a commission meeting in Chicago in late January. (Capitol News Illinois photo by Andrew Adams)
 By ANDREW ADAMSCapitol News Illinoisaadams@capitolnewsillinois.comCHICAGO — State regulators are again considering massive electric utility spending plans that would affect the state’s climate goals – and 5.4 million electric customers’ monthly […] Subscribe or Login to continue reading this quality article by The Woodstock Inde…
March 18, 2024

Critics of governor’s budget proposal: Disappointed, insulted, deeply concerned; but comptroller praises ‘targeted approach’ as revenue proposals draw ire of GOP, interest groups

Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza – the state’s chief financial officer – is swarmed by reporters for her reaction to Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s proposed budget moments after leaving the House of Representatives chambers. (Capitol News Illinois photo by Andrew Adams)
By ALEX ABBEDUTO, COLE LONGCOR  and JERRY NOWICKICapitol News Illinoisnews@capitolnewsillinois.comSPRINGFIELD – The annual process of negotiating the state budget kicked off Wednesday with Gov. J.B. Pritzker proposing a $52.7 billion […] Subscribe or Login to continue reading this quality article by The Woodstock Independent …
February 22, 2024

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Business

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‘The best case scenario’

Coming Cobblestone Hotel gets city thinking in two directionsBy Susan W. Murraynews@thewoodstockindependent.comAnticipation of the completion of the Cobblestone Hotel and Suites in November 2026 at th…
March 27, 2025
‘The most comfortable place to go’

‘The most comfortable place to go’

Liquid Blues celebrates 25 years, debuts Kitchen UndergroundBy Susan W. Murraynews@thewoodstockindependent.com“It hasn’t changed in 25 years,” said Jim Bykowski II, owner of Liquid Blues.While that’s …
March 12, 2025
Independent Photo by Andrew Rousey At the beginning of February, Woodstock resident Monica Roman opened Roman Seguros y mas (Roman Insurance and more) at 144 Washington St., offering insurance and financial services. Roman’s office serves both English- and Spanish-speaking clients.

A focus on serving community

Roman Seguros y mas opens on Washington in former Ehrke’s buildingBy Susan W. Murraynews@thewoodstockindependent.comThe reason that Monica Roman opened her own business to offer insurance and financia…
March 6, 2025

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Schools

District 200 photo Dual-language Spanish teacher Cristina De la Fuente Gonzalez works with first-grade students in her classroom at Prairiewood Elementary School on March 7. De la Fuente was honored with an Award of Recognition from the Illinois State Board of Education.

Dual-language teacher earns state honor

By Kevin Lyonsdistrict 200A bilingual teacher at Prairiewood Elementary School in Woodstock was recently honored by the Illinois State Board of Education for the strong connections she makes with stud…
March 26, 2025
Courtesy Photo During staff recognition at the March 18 D-200 School Board meeting, Verda Dierzen Early Learning Center and Olson Elementary School staff members were honored for their exceptional efforts in their jobs. Pictured (from left) are Olson principal Jennifer Malecke, food services manager Colleen Roth, VDELC head custodian Ryan Logsdon, VDELC principal Trica Bogott, VDELC assistant principal Suzanne Evenson, and bus driver Beth Sullivan.

ComEd OKs upgrade for WNHS solar project

By Eileen Millardnews@thewoodstockindependent.comThe D-200 Board of Education last week voted unanimously to approve a $1 million change order to add additional capacity to the solar field project on …
March 26, 2025

Sports

Jeremiah Homuth

Veteran assistant chosen to lead WNHS football

By Kevin Lyonsdistrict 200A longtime Thunder assistant coach eager to build on recent success was tapped as the new Woodstock North High School head football coach.Jeremiah Homuth, 39, has coached [&h…
March 29, 2025

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