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Independent photo by Tricia Carzoli. Lance Piekos holds his U.S. Army uniform.

Reluctant warrior proud of his service, not cost of war

By Tricia Carzoli news@thewoodstockindependent.com Woodstock resident Lance Piekos looks on Memorial Day as a way to impress upon civilians that the cost of war is always great.  The man who […] Subscribe or Login to continue reading this quality article by The Woodstock Independent …
May 21, 2026
Independent photo by Susan W. Murray. The staff of Ta Wan Thai & Ramen pose for a photo. (From left) Kitt Sakulwongsa, Meow Piankhuntod, Anusorn “Wan” Piankhuntod, and Adalia Schuh. “I’m very happy that the people in Woodstock welcomed us,” Wan said.

A new flavor for Woodstock

Ta Wan Thai & Ramen finds enthusiastic customers in Woodstock By Susan W. Murray news@thewoodstockindependent.com While Woodstock residents appreciate their Mexican and pizza restaurants – and will argue at length […] Subscribe or Login to continue reading this quality article by The Woodstock Independent …
May 21, 2026

Creekside AVID program, teacher recognized

By Janet Dovidio news@thewoodstockindependent.com Creekside Middle School and a teacher at the school each received recognition from the AVID organization this year. AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) is a nonprofit […] Subscribe or Login to continue reading this quality article by The Woodstock Independent …
May 21, 2026

School board wraps up one school year, preps for next

By Caryl Dierksennews@thewoodstockindependent.com The agenda for the May 12 meeting of the D-200 Board of Education was a mixture of recognizing recent accomplishments and looking to the upcoming school year. […] Subscribe or Login to continue reading this quality article by The Woodstock Independent …
May 21, 2026

Community

Independent photo by Susan W. Murray. The staff of Ta Wan Thai & Ramen pose for a photo. (From left) Kitt Sakulwongsa, Meow Piankhuntod, Anusorn “Wan” Piankhuntod, and Adalia Schuh. “I’m very happy that the people in Woodstock welcomed us,” Wan said.

A new flavor for Woodstock

Ta Wan Thai & Ramen finds enthusiastic customers in Woodstock By Susan W. Murray news@thewoodstockindependent.com While Woodstock residents appreciate their Mexican and pizza restaurants …
May 21, 2026

Woodstock Food Pantry collects groceries, cash

On April 25 and 26, the Woodstock Food Pantry hosted a collection area in front of two Jewel entrances. Seventeen pantry volunteers worked in shifts to greet patrons as they […] Sub…
May 14, 2026

Creekside Best Buddies No. 1 in state

Creekside program is Illinois Middle School Chapter of theYear By Kevin Lyons District 200 Creekside Middle School’s Best Buddies program was selected as the Illinois Middle School Chapter of the [&he…
May 14, 2026

Arts & Entertainment

Jim Stockwell

Fall in love with ‘Calendar Girls’

Local theater companies collaborate to stage adult comedy at MCC By Jim Stockwell Review Did you hear about the two thieves who stole a calendar from …
May 14, 2026
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Business

Independent photo by Susan W. Murray. The staff of Ta Wan Thai & Ramen pose for a photo. (From left) Kitt Sakulwongsa, Meow Piankhuntod, Anusorn “Wan” Piankhuntod, and Adalia Schuh. “I’m very happy that the people in Woodstock welcomed us,” Wan said.

A new flavor for Woodstock

Ta Wan Thai & Ramen finds enthusiastic customers in Woodstock By Susan W. Murray news@thewoodstockindependent.com While Woodstock residents appreciate their Mexican and pizza restaurants …
May 21, 2026
Independent photo by Susan W. Murray. Roberto and Maria Diaz, owners of Stewart’s Cleaners, reopened at 365 S. Eastwood Drive on May 4. The move was necessitated when the city bought the building at 225 E. Calhoun St. in anticipation of a hotel development at the northeast corner of Jefferson and Calhoun streets.

Business Buzz

All that’s new in openings, closings, moves, and ownership changes By Susan W. Murray news@thewoodstockindependent.com The Woodstock Independent looks at news in business. The last of the businesses h…
May 7, 2026
Independent photo by Susan W. Murray. New awnings, newly painted trim, and the "We are hiring!" sign point to an imminent opening for the BratHaus.

Business Buzz

All that’s new in openings, closings, moves, and ownership changes By Susan W. Murray news@thewoodstockindependent.com With the local business climate warming up along with temperatures, The Woodstock…
April 30, 2026

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Schools

Courtesy Photo. Creekside Middle School teacher Emily Gay displays the second Golden Ticket she has been awarded for her work in the AVID program.

Creekside AVID program, teacher recognized

By Janet Dovidio news@thewoodstockindependent.com Creekside Middle School and a teacher at the school each received recognition from the AVID organization this year. AVID (Advancement Via Indivi…
May 21, 2026
5/20/26 Student of the Week – Lilly Sofie

5/20/26 Student of the Week – Lilly Sofie

Lilly Sofie, a sophomore at Woodstock North High School, is the daughter of Joseph and Danielle Sofie. Her teacher said, “Lilly Sofies is currentlhy in my AP Seminar class at […] Su…
May 20, 2026

Sports

Independent photo by Steve Peterson. Woodstock freshman Evie Rick looks to pass the ball in regional soccer action against Rockford East.

Kendall Pope leads Blue Streak soccer to regional win

By Steve Peterson news@thewoodstockindependent.com Woodstock’s girls soccer team was in charge from the start in the IHSA Regional quarterfinal match here against Rockford East. Junior captain Kendall…
May 20, 2026

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