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Cress, French tabbed for Shriners’ football game

By Steve Peterson news@thewoodstockindependent.com Woodstock Class of 2026 member Matthew Cress and Marian Central’s Dan French were selected to participate in the 52nd Annual Illinois Shrine All-Star Football Game at […] Subscribe or Login to continue reading this quality article by The Woodstock Independent …
June 18, 2026
Courtesy photo. Three Woodstock North softball players were among five local players who were awarded Illinois Softball Coaches Association All-State status. Pictured (from left) are Kylee Nicholson, Aly Jordan, and Madelynn Nordahl at the team's awards night.

Five softball players earn all-state recognition

By Steve Peterson news@thewoodstockindependent.com The Illinois Softball Coaches Association (ISCA) announced its all-state selections after the state softball finals were concluded. Marian Central pitcher senior Christine Chmiel earned a Class […] Subscribe or Login to continue reading this quality article by The Woodstock Indep…
June 18, 2026

Riding off into the sunset’

North grad Braelan Creighton: ready for track, life’s challenges By Steve Peterson news@thewoodstockindependent.com As graduates from the Class of 2026 leave high school behind, they are riding off into the […] Subscribe or Login to continue reading this quality article by The Woodstock Independent …
June 18, 2026

College Report

WN’s Landan Creighton shines in Sun ConferenceChampionship By Dan Chamness Landan Creighton, a Woodstock North graduate and St. Thomas University Bobcat junior, showed just how powerful he is at The […] Subscribe or Login to continue reading this quality article by The Woodstock Independent …
June 18, 2026

Community

Miss Woodstock 2026

Miss Woodstock 2026

Kendra Heidtke is crowned as Miss Woodstock 2026. Subscribe or Login to continue reading this quality article by The Woodstock Independent …
June 11, 2026
The Woodstock Public Library offers more than bound volumes. Audiobooks can be a good option for summer travelers, who can listen to a book while driving. Independent photo by McKenna Sweet.

‘Choose your own adventure’

Making the most out of the Woodstock Public Library this summer  By McKenna Sweet news@thewoodstockindependent.com Four-year-old Revy Cardenas and his mom came to the Woodstock Public Library to check…
June 10, 2026

A ‘never ending debt of gratitude for our freedom’

By Tricia Carzoli news@thewoodstockindependent.com Every year, the Woodstock community and surrounding areas gather on the Square to remember those who have paid the ultimate price for their country. …
June 3, 2026

Steve Gavers never asked for this fight …

but he turned it into something far more powerful than himself Gavers Cancer Foundation What do you do with a shattering cancer diagnosis? One that strikes hard, hits fast, and […] …
May 29, 2026

Arts & Entertainment

Theatre 121 to present ‘Rock of Ages’ 

Theatre 121 to present ‘Rock of Ages’ 

Running June 19 through 28 at the Woodstock Opera House, Theatre 121 will present “Rock of Ages,” a musical with “big hair, big dreams, and big ’80s e…
June 17, 2026
Independent photo by Tricia Carzoli. Director Andrew Ossler (left in yellow) gathers on stage with the students in Summer Theater Camp at Marian Central Catholic High School. The two assistant directors — Colin Zecchin ’25 and Maddie Noon ’24 – are behind the bar.

Summer Theater Camp IS a thing!

By Tricia Carzoli news@thewoodstockindependent.com After many years of student interest peaking and waning, Marian Central Catholic High School is hos…
June 10, 2026
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Business

Independent photo by Susan W. Murray. The front half of the Thompson's Appliance building that suffered a roof collapse in December is set for demolition after the Fourth of July.

Business Buzz

All that’s new: openings, closings, moves, ownership changes By Susan W. Murray news@thewoodstockindependent.com Nearly seven months after a roof collapse at Thompson’s Appliance at 318 Clay St., Gave…
June 17, 2026
Independent photo by Susan W. Murray. Jill Tinelli Ferrarini stands outside the new location for Gracie Lou’s Boutique at 100 Cass St. Ferrarini will move her merchandise to the northwest corner of Cass and Benton streets at the end of the month when The Thoughtfulness Shop closes. The store will be known as Gracie Lou’s Boutique Features Jeans and Jesus and will carry an expanded section of denim and religious goods.

Changes coming to Cass Street businesses

Thoughtfulness Shop, My Little Bow Peeps to close; Gracie Lou’s on the move By Susan W. Murray news@thewoodstockindependent.com More than six years ago, when Ken and Ceal Schroeder were preparing [&he…
June 11, 2026
Independent photo by Susan W. Murray. David Morphew of Woodstock takes his bagel from Jake Anderson, market manager at the Mill Creek Bagel Co.

New faces of Farmers Market

By Susan W. Murray news@thewoodstockindependent.com The May 2 return of the Farmers Market to the Woodstock Square brought with it some new vendors. The Woodstock Independent is periodically profiling…
June 11, 2026

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Schools

District 200 photo. Members of Thunder Choir hold their new instruments.

Thunder Choir makes joyful musical noise

By Janet Dovidio news@thewoodstockindependent.com The District 200 Education Foundation has awarded funds to one choir needing specialized instruments. Megan Kim, music teacher and choir director at W…
June 17, 2026

Sports

Cress, French tabbed for Shriners’ football game

By Steve Peterson news@thewoodstockindependent.com Woodstock Class of 2026 member Matthew Cress and Marian Central's Dan French were selected to participate in the 52nd Annual Illinois Shrine Al…
June 18, 2026
Courtesy photo. Three Woodstock North softball players were among five local players who were awarded Illinois Softball Coaches Association All-State status. Pictured (from left) are Kylee Nicholson, Aly Jordan, and Madelynn Nordahl at the team's awards night.

Five softball players earn all-state recognition

By Steve Peterson news@thewoodstockindependent.com The Illinois Softball Coaches Association (ISCA) announced its all-state selections after the state softball finals were concluded. Marian C…
June 18, 2026

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