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(Far right) Woodstock takes on Beisebol.org Brazil in the feature game at Emricson Park July 18. Beisebol.org Brazil won 7-5. independent photos by Andrew Rousey

‘A lot of work. A lot of fun.’

MCYSA baseball leaves lasting impression on families who were hosts By Sandy Kucharski sandy@thewoodstockindependent The 2025 McHenry County Youth Sports Association Summer International Tournament finished its two-week run Sunday with […] Subscribe or Login to continue reading this quality article by The Woodstock Independent …
July 28, 2025
Courtesy photo Rotary Community Service director Scott Brix presents the certificate for the Rotary’s Service Above Self scholarship to WHS senior Abigail Pagnotta.

WHS grad Abigail Pagnotta honored with Rotary’s 

Service Above Self scholarship worth $5,000 By Janet Dovidio news@thewoodstockindependent.com The Rotary Club of Woodstock awarded its 2025 Service Above Self scholarship to Woodstock High School graduating senior Abigail Pagnotta […] Subscribe or Login to continue reading this quality article by The Woodstock Independent …
July 27, 2025

WHIW Radio celebrates 10 years

Volunteer-run, community-funded labor of love on 101.3 FM By Eileen Millard news@thewoodstockindependent.com In 2015, a new radio station started to transmit in Harvard, 24 hours a day, seven days a […] Subscribe or Login to continue reading this quality article by The Woodstock Independent …
July 27, 2025

‘Would I do it all again? … In a heartbeat’

After a multifaceted career, Deb Walsdorf retires from District 200 By Caryl Dierksen news@thewoodstockindependent.com When Deb Walsdorf began working for District 200 in 2004, she thought she might stay a […] Subscribe or Login to continue reading this quality article by The Woodstock Independent …
July 27, 2025

Community

independent photo by Eileen Millard

WHIW Radio celebrates 10 years

Volunteer-run, community-funded labor of love on 101.3 FM By Eileen Millard news@thewoodstockindependent.com In 2015, a new radio station started to transmit in Harvard, 24 hours a day, seven…
July 27, 2025
Independent Photo by Tricia Carzoli David Victor, the new Woodstock Opera House director, brings a diverse background to the position. “I can’t wait to learn what the community would like to see more of,” he said.

Energy, enthusiasm, and vision

The new face of the Woodstock Opera House By Tricia Carzoli news@thewoodstockindependent.com “I felt an instant connection,” recent city of Woodstock hire David Victor said of his initial impression o…
July 17, 2025

‘Daisy will definitely miss going to work’

Social worker Lisa Terry retires – along with her therapy dog, Daisy By Janet Dovidio news@thewoodstockindependent.com Woodstock North High School social worker Lisa Terry retired this year after 20 y…
July 17, 2025

Every costume a story, and all up for sale

Longtime costumer Kathy Bruhnke selling 10,000 pieces from her collection By Susan W. Murray news@thewoodstockindependent.com “Clothes make a statement,” American professor and wit Mason Cooley said. …
July 16, 2025

Arts & Entertainment

Independent Photo by Tricia Carzoli David Victor, the new Woodstock Opera House director, brings a diverse background to the position. “I can’t wait to learn what the community would like to see more of,” he said.

Energy, enthusiasm, and vision

The new face of the Woodstock Opera House By Tricia Carzoli news@thewoodstockindependent.com “I felt an instant connection,” recent city of W…
July 17, 2025
TOTAL MARKET ISSUE

State News

Consumers likely to pay more each month for utilities’ infrastructure improvements

Illinois Commerce Commission Chair Doug Scott presides over a commission meeting in Chicago in late January. (Capitol News Illinois photo by Andrew Adams)
 By ANDREW ADAMSCapitol News Illinoisaadams@capitolnewsillinois.com CHICAGO — State regulators are again considering massive electric utility spending plans that would affect the state’s climate goals – and 5.4 million electric customers’ […] Subscribe or Login to continue reading this quality article by The Woodstock Independent…
March 18, 2024

Critics of governor’s budget proposal: Disappointed, insulted, deeply concerned; but comptroller praises ‘targeted approach’ as revenue proposals draw ire of GOP, interest groups

Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza – the state’s chief financial officer – is swarmed by reporters for her reaction to Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s proposed budget moments after leaving the House of Representatives chambers. (Capitol News Illinois photo by Andrew Adams)
By ALEX ABBEDUTO, COLE LONGCOR  and JERRY NOWICKICapitol News Illinoisnews@capitolnewsillinois.com SPRINGFIELD – The annual process of negotiating the state budget kicked off Wednesday with Gov. J.B. Pritzker proposing a $52.7 […] Subscribe or Login to continue reading this quality article by The Woodstock Independent …
February 22, 2024

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Business

Independent Photos by Andrew Rousey On June 23, the doors opened to Valley Hi’s new memory care unit within the facility at 2406 Hartland Road.

‘Very proud moment for Valley Hi and county’

By Susan W. MurrayNEWS@thewoodstockindepenDEnt.com When Tom Annarella interviewed for his current position of nursing home administrator at Valley Hi 15 years ago, the subject of incorporating a memor…
July 2, 2025
Cup of Wonder owner Sarah Dycus and assistant manager Linnea Oien serve customers from behind the counter. independent photo by Andrew Rousey

‘Local hangout to relax, work, or meet a friend’

Cup of Wonder now open in Wonder Lake By Susan W. Murray news@thewoodstockindependent.com Wonder Lake resident Sarah Dycus had a lifelong dream of opening a coffee shop.  One night, she […] …
June 28, 2025
Behind stacks of cinnamon rolls, Blessed Little Kitchen’s owner and baker, Mary Holzkopf, stands with her son, Ashton, who helps staff the booth. Independent photo by Andrew Rousey

Wrapping up the roundup

Introducing the final three new Farmers Market vendors By Susan W. Murray news@thewoodstockindependent.com Of the 60 Saturday and 32 Tuesday vendors at the Farmers Market – most of which overlap [&hel…
June 19, 2025

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Schools

Courtesy photo Rotary Community Service director Scott Brix presents the certificate for the Rotary’s Service Above Self scholarship to WHS senior Abigail Pagnotta.

WHS grad Abigail Pagnotta honored with Rotary’s 

Service Above Self scholarship worth $5,000 By Janet Dovidio news@thewoodstockindependent.com The Rotary Club of Woodstock awarded its 2025 Service Above Self scholarship to Woodstock High Sc…
July 27, 2025
Courtesy Photo District 200’s web content manager and director of community outreach, Deb Walsdorf, is pictured at the distict’s retirement dinner in May.

‘Would I do it all again? … In a heartbeat’

After a multifaceted career, Deb Walsdorf retires from District 200 By Caryl Dierksen news@thewoodstockindependent.com When Deb Walsdorf began working for District 200 in 2004, she thought sh…
July 27, 2025

Sports

(Far right) Woodstock takes on Beisebol.org Brazil in the feature game at Emricson Park July 18. Beisebol.org Brazil won 7-5. independent photos by Andrew Rousey

‘A lot of work. A lot of fun.’

MCYSA baseball leaves lasting impression on families who were hosts By Sandy Kucharski sandy@thewoodstockindependent The 2025 McHenry County Youth Sports Association Summer International Tour…
July 28, 2025
courtesy photos Ryan Jones competes for the University of Illinois-Springfield.

Ryan Jones finishes college X-C with honors

ByDanChamness news@thewoodstockindependent Ryan Jones, a Marengo resident and Marian Central Catholic graduate, was a steady top five scorer for the University of Illinois-Springfield Prairie Stars du…
June 30, 2025

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