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Courtesy photo. Woodstock Girls Travel League 10U Storm went 6-0 in the Barrington Softball Classic at Barrington's Field of Dreams and finished as the Gold Division first place champions. They beat the Wauconda Wreckers 9-0 for the championship July 12. Team member are: Back row: Coach Brian Kane, Coach Brett Sarbaugh, Coach Will Petsche. Middle row: Shelby Rizzo, Emily Fisher, Harper Kirk, Alivia Krejci, Ali Russel, Jada Draftz. Front row: Leah Johnson, Maddy Sarbaugh, KK Kane, Mayzi Hagerty, Lily Petsche.

Storm Wins 2026 Barrington Classic Title

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July 22, 2026
Independent photo by Andrew Rousey. The first day of Woodstock co-op flag football camp had 25 young women in attendance. Flag football is a new offering for athletes from WHS and WNHS.

‘It will be a learning experience for all’

First-ever girls flag football team preps for season with red hot camp By Steve Peterson news@thewoodstockindependent.com Woodstock D-200’s first girls flag football camp took place during a hot week at […] Subscribe or Login to continue reading this quality article by The Woodstock Independent …
July 22, 2026

Foundation funds help St. Mary School meet critical needs

By Janet Dovidio news@thewoodstockindependent.com As education costs have increased over recent decades, one group at St. Mary Catholic School in Woodstock has supported unmet needs. The St. Mary of Woodstock […] Subscribe or Login to continue reading this quality article by The Woodstock Independent …
July 22, 2026

Where there’s a Will …

Woodstock Shakespeare Players returns for third season of free shows on the Square Staff Report news@thewoodstockindependent.com Shakespeare is back on the Square this summer! Woodstock Shakespeare Players is back for […] Subscribe or Login to continue reading this quality article by The Woodstock Independent …
July 22, 2026

Community

Rich Sawyer performs with Tennessee Whiskey. Independent photo by Tricia Carzoli.

Smoke lifts, Barndance celebrates

By Tricia Carzolinews@thewoodstockindependent.com Emricson Park was rocking well into the night on Saturday. The self-proclaimed, “Best Seven Hours of Summer,” better known as Gavers Barndance, celebr…
July 22, 2026

Public invited to join Methodists’ summer fun

By Janet Dovidio news@thewoodstockindependent.com Woodstock’s First United Methodist Church is hosting special activities throughout the summer months. Community members are welcome at all of the even…
July 15, 2026

‘Kind of a cool permanent installation’

By McKenna Sweet news@thewoodstockindependent.com Local business installs gym floor at Obama Presidential Center After casting his ballot Nov. 4, 2008, future President Barack Obama went to play a gam…
July 9, 2026

Arts & Entertainment

Courtesy photo. Woodstock Shakespeare Players (from left) include Angie Kells and Emmarie Wilson with Jake Seelye and Jarrett Passaglia in the background.

Where there’s a Will …

Woodstock Shakespeare Players returns for third season of free shows on the Square Staff Report news@thewoodstockindependent.com Shakespeare …
July 22, 2026
Courtesy photo. The Woodstock Folk Festival is one of the premiere summer events on the Woodstock Square.

‘Building Community Through Music’

Woodstock Folk Festival to return for 41st yearBy McKenna Sweet news@thewoodstockindependent.com Musicians from across the state, country, and contine…
July 15, 2026
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Business

Independent photo by Susan W. Murray. Gina Garbis, (left) a co-owner of the Woodstock BratHaus, is pictured with Woodstock BratHaus general Chris Kelley.

‘Everyone wants to try a new restaurant’

Woodstock’s BratHaus serves up ‘Brats, Burgers, Bier’ By Susan W. Murray news@thewoodstockindependent.com On June 22, The BratHaus opened at 101 N. Johnson St., the second of three new restaurants to …
July 9, 2026
Independent photo by Susan W. Murray. Payton Dougherty (left) and Mason Mathews opened Oak & Alchemy, at 11671 Catalpa Lane, on June 25. Having everything on the menu homemade means that the two handle most of the extensive prep work.

‘Nothing like this in Woodstock’

Reservations now open to try Oak & Alchemy’s smokehouse barbecue and woodfired pizza By Susan W. Murray news@thewoodstockindependent.com Maybe the patience that Oak & Alchemy owners Payton Dou…
July 1, 2026

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Schools

Courtesy photo. “Teaching is a high you can’t beat – having a hand in a child’s accomplishment,” said Laura Littner, who retired from Marian this year after 21 years at the school and 37 years in education.

Forever a teacher: Laura Littner retires from Marian

By Susan W. Murray news@thewoodstockindependent.com “I loved school,” Laura (Martino) Littner said. “I knew I wanted to be a teacher when I was 7 years old.” From 2005 until this […] …
July 22, 2026

Six win Farm Bureau scholarships

By Janet Dovidio news@thewoodstockindependent.com The McHenry County Farm Bureau has awarded scholarships totaling $7,500 to six students. The awards are given during the month of June, which is Natio…
July 16, 2026

Sports

Independent photo by Andrew Rousey. The first day of Woodstock co-op flag football camp had 25 young women in attendance. Flag football is a new offering for athletes from WHS and WNHS.

‘It will be a learning experience for all’

First-ever girls flag football team preps for season with red hot camp By Steve Peterson news@thewoodstockindependent.com Woodstock D-200's first girls flag football camp took place during a …
July 22, 2026

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