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Independent photo by Andrew Rousey. Installation of the "Whorled" sculpture last fall involved a lot of hands and equipment.

Time to consider Woodstock’s next roundabout art

Is it too early to begin talking about what kind of public art should be placed in the three traffic roundabouts that will be built as part of the widening […] Subscribe or Login to continue reading this quality article by The Woodstock Independent …
July 9, 2026

Despite $122,000 shortfall, Stage Left renovation moving forward

By Larry Loughlarry@thewoodstockindependent.com Renovation of Stage Left Cafe will proceed while city officials look for an additional $122,000 to fully cover costs of the project. The City Council last week […] Subscribe or Login to continue reading this quality article by The Woodstock Independent …
July 9, 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 game of […] Subscribe or Login to continue reading this quality article by The Woodstock Independent …
July 9, 2026

‘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 […] Subscribe or Login to continue reading this quality article by The Woodstock Independent …
July 9, 2026

Community

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 p…
July 9, 2026
Two Woodstock North High School students, Chase Williams and Vivian Krucek, braved the heat July 2 to paint an Independence Day-themed mural. The community greeting, of sorts, can be viewed at Read Between The Lynes on the Square. Courtesy photo.

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

‘The preliminary to the preliminary’

By Lydia LaGue Lopez news@thewoodstockindependent.com At their May meeting, city Arts Commission members voted to recommend that the City Council issue an RFQ – a Request for Qualifications – for [&he…
July 1, 2026

Arts & Entertainment

Independent photo by R.M. Brands. Woodstock Children's Summer Theatre makes it fun to prepare for a show! They say they don't just rehearse the show, but do activities that help confidence, teamwork, and acting skills.

‘Feast for the eyes and ears’

Children’s Summer Theatre to perform ‘Once Upon a Mattress’ By R.M. Brands news@thewoodstockindependent.com Swaths of children stream into the First U…
July 9, 2026

McHenry County Fair Talent Contest

The 62nd annual  McHenry County Fair Talent Contest will take place on Friday August 7, starting at 7pm. The contest is open to anyone 21 years old an…
July 9, 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 restau…
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
Independent photo by Susan W. Murray. Woodstock resident Dawn Barts and her mother, Sue Garcia, brought in 5-year-old beagle rescue Chloe last week for a nail trim. Here, Chloe waits patiently for groomer Cait Dulin to finish the job.

‘Animal lovers, through and through’

Groom Woodstock opens on Route 47 By Susan W. Murray news@thewoodstockindependent.com In the five years that the Dulin family has owned Groom Huntley at 12388 Princeton Drive in Huntley, they [&hellip…
June 25, 2026

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Schools

Independent photo by Susan W. Murray. Retiring Marian Superintendent Mike Shukis.

‘Lead with love’

Mike Shukis retires as superintendent at Marian By Susan W. Murray news@thewoodstockindependent.com In 2019, when administrators in the Diocese of Rockford asked Mike Shukis to take over as superinten…
June 24, 2026

Sports

Courtesy photo. The Woodstock Girls Softball League hosted the Northern Illinois Softball Association playoffs at Bates Park. The Firecrackers, pictured with coach Will Prtsche, came out as 10U champions.

WGSL Firecrackers end softball season as 10U champions

By Steve Peterson news@thewoodstockindependent.com It was an all-Woodstock battle for the 10U championship June 27. Woodstock U1 Firecrackers, coached by Will Petsche, beat the Woodstock 10U2 Gators, …
July 9, 2026
Woodstock boys basketball coach Ryan Starnes gives strategy during a timeout last season. Courtesy photo.

High school basketball shot clock era begins

By Steve Peterson news@thewoodstockindependent.com Area basketball teama began summer camp workouts with something new in the gym.  A 35-second shot clock has been approved by the Illinois High School…
July 9, 2026

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