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Independent file photo by Andrew Rousey. WHS senior J.J. Stokes (pictured in a previous game) led the Blue Streaks in scoring with 12 points in the team's 58-42 regional semifinal win over Belvidere Feb. 25.

WHS boys basketball team to face Sycamore

Blue Streaks reach regional final Woodstock advanced to the IHSA Class 3A Boylan Catholic boys basketball regional final game on the strength of a strong first half against Belvidere. The […] Subscribe or Login to continue reading this quality article by The Woodstock Independent …
February 26, 2026

Gravel pit proposal postponed until summer

By Larry LoughLarry@thewoodstockindependent.com Jack Pease said he decided “to slow the train down” on the proposed expansion of his Lily Pond Road gravel pit to give him time to respond […] Subscribe or Login to continue reading this quality article by The Woodstock Independent …
February 26, 2026

City Council aims to protect investment in streets

By Larry Loughnews@thewoodstockindependent.com on on the city’s five-year Enhanced Streets Improvement Program, which ended in 2025, Woodstock’s streets are above average, and the City Council wants to keep it that […] Subscribe or Login to continue reading this quality article by The Woodstock Independent …
February 26, 2026

Seven Marian students Illinois State Scholars

Seven students from the graduating class of 2026 at Marian Central Catholic High School have been designated as 2026-27 Illinois State Scholars, School Curriculum Director Debra Cunico announced. They are […] Subscribe or Login to continue reading this quality article by The Woodstock Independent …
February 26, 2026

Community

Courtesy photo. Six of seven Marian seniors designated as Illinois State Scholars pose with their certificates: (from left) Addison Ebel, Daniel French, Nola Midday, Connor Truckenbrod, Joshua Sievert, and Claire Ostrowski. Not pictured: Grace Schneider.

Seven Marian students Illinois State Scholars

Seven students from the graduating class of 2026 at Marian Central Catholic High School have been designated as 2026-27 Illinois State Scholars, School Curriculum Director Debra Cunico announced. T…
February 26, 2026
Members of the WHS orchestra and choir rehearse Elaine Hagenberg’s “Illuminare” in preparation for their combined performance on March 3. Courtesy photo.

WHS orchestra, choir up for the challenge

By Janet Dovidio NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM Woodstock High School orchestra director Lyndra Tingley and choir director Brian Jozwiak have scheduled a challenging and unique performance by their …
February 26, 2026

Multi-sport athletes join Marian’s Hall of Fame

Marian Central Catholic High School inducts new members of its Hall of Fame at a school ceremony By Steve Peterson news@thewoodstockindependent.com Last month, Marian Central Catholic High School indu…
February 26, 2026

Local woman named a Nexstar ‘remarkable woman’

By Tricia Carzoli news@thewoodstockindependent.com Five years ago, Woodstock High School graduate Kellyn VandeWalker’s life changed. Three years later, she was on a mission to change the world. Today,…
February 20, 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
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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

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Schools

Independent photo by Eileen Millard. Tyler Carlson, currently vice principal at Woodstock North High School, attended last week's Board of Education meeting with his wife, Liz, and was congratulated by the board on his upcoming promotion to WNHS principal starting in the 2026-2027 school year.

North principal vacancy filled from within D-200

By Kevin Lyonsnews@thewoodstockindependent.com An experienced District 200 administrator said he’s excited to lead Woodstock North High School beginning this summer. Tyler Carlson, 40, is currently an…
February 20, 2026

Sports

Independent file photo by Andrew Rousey. WHS senior J.J. Stokes (pictured in a previous game) led the Blue Streaks in scoring with 12 points in the team's 58-42 regional semifinal win over Belvidere Feb. 25.

WHS boys basketball team to face Sycamore

Blue Streaks reach regional final Woodstock advanced to the IHSA Class 3A Boylan Catholic boys basketball regional final game on the strength of a strong first half against Belvidere. The Blue S…
February 26, 2026

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