• Woodstock's most trusted news source since '87
  • Thursday, February 19, 2026

Trust the Torch!

Subscribe
Main Menu

Top Stories

2/18/26 Student of the Week – Carie Zhang

2/18/26 Student of the Week – Carie Zhang

Carie Zhang, a senior at Woodstock High School, is the daughter of Shaona Zhang and Hongcai Zhang. Her teacher said, “Carie is a standout student who expertly balances a rigorous […] Subscribe or Login to continue reading this quality article by The Woodstock Independent …
February 19, 2026

‘Singin’ in the Rain’ to open at Opera House Feb. 20

By Eileen Millard news@thewoodstockindependent.com There won’t be actual rain falling on the Woodstock Opera House stage when Theatre 121’s production of “Singin’ in the Rain” opens on Feb. 20, but […] Subscribe or Login to continue reading this quality article by The Woodstock Independent …
February 18, 2026

Community

Courtesy photo. Cast members (from left) are Nathanael Vasquez, Lia Hyrkas, Alexie Hrykas, Alisha Resultay, Reis Verastique, Tomas Melero, Olivia Slome (seated), Devin Manoso, Orabella Suarez, and Mira Burkhart.

‘It’s a sweet little murder mystery’

WNHS brings back a crowd favorite, ‘And Then There Were None’ By Eileen Millard news@thewoodstockindependent.com If you’re looking for a fun night at the theater this weekend, Woodstock North High [&h…
February 12, 2026

And … cut. That wraps up Groundhog Days 2026

By Tricia Carzoli news@thewoodstockindependent.com With the dust of Groundhog Days having settled, the memories are fresh. One highlight of the festival was Woodstock Mayor Mike Turner handing over th…
February 12, 2026

‘Becoming the March family’

WHS Theatre to stage ‘Little Women’ Feb. 6-8 BySusan W. Murray NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM “Little Women” director Billy Seger describes Woodstock High School’s spring musical as “a simple story …
February 5, 2026

Arts & Entertainment

(c) Tricia Carzoli TLCPHOTOGRAPHYAND

Time to light up Woodstock for the holidays

Staff Report news@thewoodstockindependent.com The city of Woodstock will officially kick off the holiday season in its historic downtown on Friday, No…
November 26, 2025
TOTAL MARKET ISSUE
Our once monthly free digital issue for you to read. Consider subscribing to keep up with news in and around the Woodstock community.

Public Safety Logs

Get full access to The Independent today!

  • Award winning reporting
  • Most trusted news source since '87
  • The best community coverage
Subscribe Now

Business

Independent file photo. Napoli Pizza took over Dusty’s Pizza in Wonder Lake in May 2022. Last week, Shawn and Brigitte Baker nnounced thet would close the Wonder Lake location.

Business Buzz

All that’s new in openings, closings, moves, and ownership changesBy Susan W. Murray news@thewoodstockindependent.com In Wonder Lake restaurant news, Napoli Pizza announced on Facebook on Jan. 26 that…
February 5, 2026
Independent photo by Susan W. Murray. While modestly priced by Woodstock standards, this home northwest of the Square was listed for 77 percent over the price that it sold for in 2020, reflecting fast-rising prices that have been the norm for five years.

Woodstock home prices rise in 2025

Average price for a single-family, detached home hits $410,359 By Susan W. Murray news@thewoodstockindependent.com For the first time, the average price for a detached, single-family home in the 60098…
January 28, 2026
Independent photo by Susan W. Murray. A shuttered Dairy Queen used to be a sure sign of the approaching winter in Woodstock, but this year, owner Rafael Castaneda is experimenting with remaining open during the winter months, with the exception of a 10-day break between Christmas and New Year’s.

Business Buzz

In the spirit of the season of leftovers . . .By Susan W. Murray news@thewoodstockindependent.com Always, when The Woodstock Independent runs a Business Buzz, a few stray items straggle into [……
December 4, 2025

Get full access to The Independent today!

Subscribe

Know about breaking news and developing stories, and get updates as they unfold.

Schools

Courtesy photo. Cast members (from left) are Nathanael Vasquez, Lia Hyrkas, Alexie Hrykas, Alisha Resultay, Reis Verastique, Tomas Melero, Olivia Slome (seated), Devin Manoso, Orabella Suarez, and Mira Burkhart.

‘It’s a sweet little murder mystery’

WNHS brings back a crowd favorite, ‘And Then There Were None’ By Eileen Millard news@thewoodstockindependent.com If you’re looking for a fun night at the theater this weekend, Woodstock North…
February 12, 2026

Sports

Independent photo by Andrew Rousey. Nate Shirley competes in the 100-yard butterfly at the Fox Valley Conference swim meet at the Woodstock North High School pool, earning a personal best time in this race. (Below) Geo Kopolous swims the 200 free.

Woodstock co-op hosts Fox Valley Conference invite

By Steve Peterson news@thewoodstockindependent.com The Woodstock co-op swim team hosted the Fox Valley Conference Invite Feb. 14 at Woodstock North High School, and coach Maggie Sullivan was happy wit…
February 17, 2026
Independent file photo by Andrew Rousey. Brianna Crown faces down an opponent earlier in the season. She is one of the first two state qualifiers for the Woodstock co-op girls wrestling team.

Goal achieved: 2 girls advance in state wrestling

Blue Streaks’ Taqi Baker heading to IHSA Class 2A state in boys wrestling By Steve Peterson news@thewoodstockindependent.com When the 2025-26 Woodstock co-op girls wrestling season began, head coach E…
February 17, 2026

Student of the week

Athlete of the week

The most reliable local news source in McHenry County since 1987

Sign up today for just 6 dollars and get full access for 1 month

Get Instant Access

Live

Subscriber Access

Login

Need an account? 

What can we help you find?

Search

Popular Topics