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Murphy Development Group drawing. A concept for apartment buildings on the former Die Cast factory site

Downtown has a plan, Die Cast a concept

By Larry Loughnews@thewoodstockindependent.com Developments in downtown Woodstock took two steps forward last week when the City Council advanced plans to guide planning on the Square and beyond as well as […] Subscribe or Login to continue reading this quality article by The Woodstock Independent …
May 27, 2026
Independent photo by Susan W. Murray. Part of the new Prairie Roots landscape design at the Woodstock Public Library, the moon gate features leaves and birds at rest and in flight. The moon gate and the triptych with its geese flying out of a pond were designed by Ash Ash, an MCC student.

Creating community with a new landscape design

By Susan W. Murraynews@thewoodstockindependent.com Prairie Roots at the Woodstock Public Library opens officially on May 30 When the newly expanded and renovated Woodstock Public Library reopened its doors in June […] Subscribe or Login to continue reading this quality article by The Woodstock Independent …
May 27, 2026

WPBW presents three 2026 Kuhn Scholarships

By Ruth Raubertas news@thewoodstockindependent.com On May 18, the Woodstock Professional and Business Women presented three scholarships to deserving women to further their educational and professional goals. This year’s recipients are […] Subscribe or Login to continue reading this quality article by The Woodstock Independent …
May 27, 2026

Rotary Club of Woodstock awards three scholarships

By Janet Dovidio news@thewoodstockindependent.com The Rotary Club of Woodstock awarded three scholarships during a ceremony at Woodstock High School on May 7. One was the Service Above Self scholarship that […] Subscribe or Login to continue reading this quality article by The Woodstock Independent …
May 27, 2026

Community

Courtesy photo by Juli Anne Photography Pictured at the WPBW 2026 scholarship awards dinner are (from left) scholarship recipient Deandra Keyes, scholarship chairperson Sandra Pierce, and recipients Kelsey Hawes and Jessica Forester.

WPBW presents three 2026 Kuhn Scholarships

By Ruth Raubertas news@thewoodstockindependent.com On May 18, the Woodstock Professional and Business Women presented three scholarships to deserving women to further their educational and profe…
May 27, 2026
Courtesy photo. At a ceremony on May 7 at Woodstock High School, members of Woodstock’s Rotary Club presented three scholarships. (from left) Drew Barrette, Vocational Scholarship recipient; Rotary scholarship presenters Scott Brix and Chris Cantwell; Eloide Yantis, Vocational Scholarship recipient; and Krishna Patel, Service Above Self Scholarship recipient.

Rotary Club of Woodstock awards three scholarships

By Janet Dovidio news@thewoodstockindependent.com The Rotary Club of Woodstock awarded three scholarships during a ceremony at Woodstock High School on May 7. One was the Service Above Self scho…
May 27, 2026

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 wil…
May 21, 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

5/27/26 Student of the Week – Holly Zabroski

5/27/26 Student of the Week – Holly Zabroski

Holly Zabroski, a senior at Marian Central Catholic High School, is the daughter of Kathy and John Zabroski. Her teach said, “Beyond her accomplishments, Holly is a true embodiment of […] …
May 27, 2026
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 Individual D…
May 21, 2026

Sports

Independent photo by Andrew Rousey. Woodstock North's JR Fadahunsi on the track earlier this season.

Boys track athletes charge to Charleston

By Steve Peterson news@thewoodstockindependent.com Woodstock-area athletes qualified in 11 IHSA Class 2A events at R-B sectional. Woodstock North junior Adan Castaneda’s double championship in the 100…
May 27, 2026

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