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Courtesy photo. The Barndance team poses under the Big Top.

A fun night out becomes a lifeline for local families

Gavers Cancer Foundation It was never supposed to be this big.  The original idea behind the Gavers Community Cancer Foundation Barndance was simple. Pull people together, have a good time, […] Subscribe or Login to continue reading this quality article by The Woodstock Independent …
July 16, 2026

Understandable TIF3 concerns

At the end of the City Council’s June 16 public hearing on a proposed third tax increment financing district, which would facilitate development of the former Die Cast factory site, […] Subscribe or Login to continue reading this quality article by The Woodstock Independent …
July 16, 2026

Public preserves ofThe Land Conservancy

By Ruth Raubertasnews@thewoodstockindependent.com There are more public nature preserves to enjoy around Woodstock than you might think! In addition to the preserves owned and operated by the McHenry County Conservation […] Subscribe or Login to continue reading this quality article by The Woodstock Independent …
July 16, 2026

Community

(Left to right) Cody Hendrickson, Val Balentyne, Nick Nelson, Logan Balentyne, and Delilah make sourdough pizza dough at Fun Fest. Little Logan loved the soft texture of the dough so much that his portion became a sensory toy rather than pizza crust. Courtesy photo.

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
The Main Court at the Obama Presidential Center features an NBA-regulation-sized basketball court plus several practice courts and accessible seating. Courtesy photo.

‘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

Independence Day Art

Subscribe or Login to continue reading this quality article by The Woodstock Independent Read eve…
July 7, 2026

Blueberry Elegy: A dream realized

By Susan W. Murray news@thewoodstockindependent.com McCann Berry Farm closes after 41 years of fruit and family fun Since 1984, Woodstock families have driven five or six miles out Kishwaukee Valley […
July 1, 2026

Arts & Entertainment

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

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. A co-ed 4s team plays sand volleyball at Kingston Lanes.

Sand volleyball thrives at Kingston Lanes

By Steve Peterson news@thewoodstockindependent.com Sand volleyball has been a summer pastime at Woodstock’s Kingston Lanes since the bowling alley opened 13 years ago.  Monday through Friday, the bar …
July 15, 2026
Marian Central head football coach Dirk Stanger (center), speaks to a group of young football enthusiasts at the Under the Lights camp for future Hurricanes. A young camp participant mimics a Marian player in drills. Independent photo by Andrew Rousey.

Stanger welcomes future’Canes at camp

By Steve Peterson news@thewoodstockindependent.com Future and current Marian Central football players are making plans for the new season.  New Hurricanes head football coach Dirk Stanger welcomed abo…
July 15, 2026

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