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Independent photo by Andrew Rousey
Kim Keefe displays the model of the “Whorled” sculpture that will be placed in the center of the roundabout at Lake Avenue and South and Madison streets, where an estimated 7,000 people will see the artwork every day. Keefe is president of Art4Woodstock, the nonprofit raising funds on it Facebook page to pay for the art.

Arts Commission mulls over arts master plan

Groundhog-in-the-Square statue moves forward; fundraising ongoing for roundabout sculpture By Susan W. Murray news@thewoodstockindependent.com A movement to place a statue of the groundhog in…

February 20, 2025

During staff recognition at the Feb. 11 Board of Education meeting, the following teachers from Olson Elementary School were recognized for exceptional efforts in their jobs. Pictured (from left) are Olson Principal Jennifer Malecke; Aubrey Zientek (fifth-grader); associate Kristin Kostov; Jordan Stock (fifth-grader); fifth-grade teacher Debra Yarc; and Victoria Anderson (fifth-grader).

d-200 courtesy photo

‘I guess we’ll see what happens’

School Board discusses options if Department of Education shuts down By Eileen Millardnews@thewoodstockindependent.comIn a report to the D-200 Board of Education at the Feb. 11 meeting, D-200 Superint…

February 20, 2025

Leave no idea unexplored!

New SOAR Explorers committee plans social outings for seniorsBy Janet Dovidionews@thewoodstockindependent.comIn addition to the many offerings for wellness, exercise, games, workshops, lectures, craft…

February 14, 2025

‘People have enjoyed the new missions’

New missions attract visitors to Challenger Learning CenterByJanetDovidionews@thewoodstockindependent.comChallenger Learning Center has launched two new missions this school year, Lunar Quest and Oper…

February 14, 2025

Arts & Entertainment

Arts Commission mulls over arts master plan

Groundhog-in-the-Square statue moves forward; fundraising ongoing for roundabout sculpture By Susan W. Murray news@thewoodstockindependent.com …

February 20, 2025

Independent Photos by Andrew Rousey
The lead role of Aladdin is played by Thomas Melero.

WNHS creates ‘Aladdin’ magic

Theater production provides students opportunities for growthBy Lydia LaGue Lopeznews@thewoodstockindependent.comA whole new world arrives as Woodstoc…

February 14, 2025

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.comCHICAGO — State regulators are again considering massive electric utility spending plans that would affect the state’s climate goals – and 5.4 million electric customers’ monthly […] Subscribe or Login to continue reading this quality article by The Woodstock Inde…

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.comSPRINGFIELD – The annual process of negotiating the state budget kicked off Wednesday with Gov. J.B. Pritzker proposing a $52.7 billion […] Subscribe or Login to continue reading this quality article by The Woodstock Independent …

February 22, 2024

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Business

Independent Photo by Andrew Rousey
Crowds jam the sidewalk on Cass Street outside The Thoughtfulness Shop and The Backdrop at 8:25 a.m., about an hour after the Prognostication on Sunday, Feb. 2.

‘Ka-bing!’ Groundhog Days rings registers

By Susan W. Murraythewoodstockindependent.comFaced with the usual January – February dropoff in business after the Christmas holiday season, retailers and restaurateurs might share the sentiment of Ph…

February 14, 2025

Independent Photo by Andrew Rousey
Josh Downey stands in his home kitchen with his new Chicago pizza cookbook and his four most popular products: Perfect Pizza seasoning, the Mild and Hot Giardiniera, and Cherry Bourbon Barbecue Sauce. “I like introducing people to any food they haven’t had before,” Downey said.

Right out of a storybook

Woodstock resident Josh Downey behind Chicago Johnny’s sauces and spice mixesBy Susan W. Murraynews@thewoodstockindependent.comWhen Josh Downey was 9 years old, he wrote a story about having a restaur…

February 6, 2025

Independent photo by Andrew Rousey
Susie Frank talks about The Gift Wrap Place, which opened above A New Interiors Anew in December. In addition to traditional gift wrap, the gift bundles in the background are examples of what the shop can put together for a customer as part of its concierge service. Businesses can install a kiosk, as seen behind Frank, and create gift bundles from their own merchandise.

Woodstock’s first wrap stars

The Gift Wrap Place opens on the Woodstock SquareBy Susan W. Murraynews@thewoodstockindependent.comFrom being “The Gift Wrap Girl” at Bergner’s at Spring Hill Mall to wrapping gifts for clients during…

January 30, 2025