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Board discusses changing school start/end times

April 14 board meeting will be open for parent input By Eileen Millardnews@thewoodstockindependent.com D-200 Superintendent Mike Moan presented options at the March 31 Board of Education meeting for changing school […] Subscribe or Login to continue reading this quality article by The Woodstock Independent …
April 8, 2026

4/8/26 Student of the Week – Luke Bigler

Luke Bigler, a junior at Woodstock North High School, is the son of John and Jennifer Bigler. His counselor said, “Luke is a motivated and dependable student who actively seeks […] Subscribe or Login to continue reading this quality article by The Woodstock Independent …
April 8, 2026

4/1/26 Student of the Week – Alex Avila

Alex Avila, a junior at Woodstock High School, is the son of Mercedes Avila and Esteban Avila. His teacher said, “Alex is a consistently positive student who comes in every […] Subscribe or Login to continue reading this quality article by The Woodstock Independent …
April 8, 2026

Community

The 20 writers who participated in the Local Author Showcase at the Woodstock Public Library on March 21 pose for a group photo. Photo courtesy of Woodstock Public Library

Book lovers have their day

Woodstock Public Library hosts third – and best – Local Authors Showcase By Caryl Dierksennews@thewoodstockindependent.com The Woodstock Public Library hosted its third annual Local Authors Showcase o…
April 1, 2026
WNHS Thunder Interact Service Club adviser Kristy Hinz stands between Rotary members Chris Cantwell and Marlene Frisbie. The three, holding the charter from Rotary, are pictured at a recent breakfast at 3 Brothers Restaurant. Courtesy photo

Thunder Service Club,Woodstock Rotary form partnership

By Janet Dovidio news@thewoodstockindependent.com The Woodstock North High School Thunder Service Club is now chartered by the Woodstock  Rotary Club as of Jan. 1. The group’s new name is the [&hellip…
March 25, 2026

With something for everyone

McHenry County Library Lovers Expedition marks its fifth anniversaryBy Caryl Dierksennews@thewoodstockindependent.com It’s back, bigger and better than ever, and it’s in progress right now. For the fi…
March 18, 2026

‘This is one way we do God’s work’

Free Methodist Church members bring a cup of joy to La Bella residents By Janet Dovidionews@thewoodstockindepenDEnt.com The congregation at the Woodstock Free Methodist Church hosted an old-fashioned …
March 11, 2026

Arts & Entertainment

Courtesy photo by Hilario Done. Farmer and chef Antonio Delgado, shown at his farm in Marengo, is one of the storytellers featured in the upcoming documentary “Nuestras Historias” (Our Stories).

Program to spotlight Latino farmworkers

A sneak preview of the documentary ‘Nuestras Historias’ will be shown Staff Report NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM Contributions of Latino farmworker…
March 18, 2026
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Business

Courtesy photo. The Woodstock Misfits-Amy Ligman, Jacob Waryck, and Erin Fritz-relax on a sandwich couch during Jimmy John's team competition in Atlanta in February.

Sandwich shop crew ‘the best’

Local Jimmy John’s team makes it to top five in nationwide competition By Tricia Carzoli news@thewoodstockindependent.com Woodstock Jimmy John’s, led by general manager Amy Ligman, has made it all the…
April 8, 2026
Courtesy photo from Juli Anne Photography. Arlene Lynes accepted the Harold Buschkopf Award from chamber director Amy Humbracht. The evening included a murder mystery experience.

Awards abound at Chamber gala

Local businesses, individuals honored at Chamber’s Annual Awards Gala By Susan W. Murray news@thewoodstockindependent.com Held on March 13, the Woodstock Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry’s annu…
April 2, 2026
Courtesy photo. The sign outside Blue Thistle advertises that “Everything, yes Everything” is 70% off while the store clears out its inventory before closing at the end of the month. In April, Wild Buffalo Trading Co. will open in its spot.

Business Buzz

All that’s new in openings, closings, moves, and ownership changes By Susan W. Murray news@thewoodstockindependent.com After operating two stores for a little over four years, Shannon Bailey and Nancy…
March 18, 2026

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Schools

Independent photo by Susan W. Murray. “Legally Blonde” cast members wait on stage for their first rehearsal with the professional band that is providing the musical accompaniment for the show.

Woodstock North to stage ‘Legally Blonde’

Woodstock North to musically tell the tale of Elle Woods By Susan W. Murray news@thewoodstockindependent.com Woodstock North High School junior Reid Verastique first watched the movie version of “Lega…
April 8, 2026
Courtesy photo. Regional Office of Education Superintendent of Schools Diana Hartmann is pictured with St. Mary eighth-grader Vinny Brendel after his win at the regional spelling bee competition.

St. Mary student wins Regional Spelling Bee

By Janet Dovidio news@thewoodstockindependent.com St. Mary Catholic School eighth-grader Vinny Brendel is the champion of the 2026 Spelling Bee sponsored by the McHenry County Regional Office of Educa…
April 1, 2026

Sports

Courtesy photo by Cali Dankemeyer. The Blue Streaks' boys sprinters get a good grip out of the blocks on the new track. Pictured (from left) are junior DiAngelo Benavidez and freshmen Josh Rankin and Amiriyon Harper.

WHS boys track and field, strength in numbers

By Sandy Kucharski news@thewoodstockindependent.com Woodstock High School’s boys track and field team is 80 members strong and hoping to make new marks this season on their brand new track and [&helli…
April 8, 2026
Courtesy photo by Cali Dankemeyer. Blue Streak sophomore Lydia Weidner works on hurdles at practice.

WHS girls track to defend KRC crown

By Steve Peterson news@thewoodstockindependent.com Woodstock’s girls track and field program enjoyed success last season, with three individual events and two relays advancing to the IHSA State Girls …
April 8, 2026

Student of the week

4/8/26 Student of the Week – Luke Bigler

4/8/26 Student of the Week – Luke Bigler

Luke Bigler, a junior at Woodstock North High School, is the son of John and Jennifer Bigler. His counselor said, “Luke is a motivated and dependab…
April 8, 2026

Athlete of the week

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