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The living room artwork behind her expressing the family’s love for Ireland, Maeve Gross explains the reason behind the wigs that Irish Dancers wear.

WHS senior Maeve Gross takes on the world

17-year-old will compete in Dublin next month at the Irish Dancing World Championship By Susan W. Murray news@thewoodstockindependent.com The only time that Maeve Gross wanted to quit Irish D…

March 12, 2025

courtesy photo
Author Jay Bonansinga, author of “The Killer’s Game,” will share his book-to-movie saga at the Woodstock Opera House on March 20.

‘A riveting book with a big movie idea’

Author to share his 30-year journey from book to movieBy Eileen Millardnews@thewoodstockindependent.comWhat’s it like to have a great idea for a book, get a movie deal before you’ve even finished [&he…

March 12, 2025

Mr. WNHS

By TRICIA CARZOLIA fun night of entertainment at the packed Woodstock North auditorium saw Bryce Allin, Sean Fiorina, Alex Flores, Sam Foster, Jakob Idle, William Noe, Dominion Okwong, Grant Schnulle,…

March 8, 2025

Kagan joins the ranks of Eagle Scouts

By Janet Dovidionews@thewoodstockindependent.comJacob Kagan is the most recent Boy Scout from Troop 159 to complete the requirements and earn the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest rank in Scouting. To …

March 6, 2025

Arts & Entertainment

‘A riveting book with a big movie idea’

Author to share his 30-year journey from book to movie By Eileen Millard news@thewoodstockindependent.com What’s it like to have a great idea…

March 12, 2025

Independent Photo by Tricia Carzoli
All juniors, Sabrina Noon, Colin Zecchin, and Connor Truckenbrod play, respectively, Katherine Plumber, Jack Kelly, and Davey Jacobs.

Marian musical makes ‘News(ies)’

Directors praise students’ connections in preparing for four presentationsBy Tricia Carzolinews@thewoodstockindependent.comA perfect mix of students a…

March 6, 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
Jim Bykowski stands behind the bar at Liquid Blues, known for its 1970s décor and laid-back vibe. “Twenty-five years later, it seems to still be working,” Bykowski said.

‘The most comfortable place to go’

March 12, 2025

Independent Photo by Andrew Rousey
At the beginning of February, Woodstock resident Monica Roman opened Roman Seguros y mas (Roman Insurance and more) at 144 Washington St., offering insurance and financial services. Roman’s office serves both English- and Spanish-speaking clients.

A focus on serving community

Roman Seguros y mas opens on Washington in former Ehrke’s buildingBy Susan W. Murraynews@thewoodstockindependent.comThe reason that Monica Roman opened her own business to offer insurance and financia…

March 6, 2025

Independent photo by Andrew Rousey
Houston Crigler took over in January as the owner/operator of the Woodstock Culver’s. “We put a lot of emphasis on the interaction between the team and the guest,” Crigler said. He hopes the restaurant will become more active in the community with additional “Share Nights” with local schools, teams, and organizations.

Business Buzz

New ownership, openings, and expanded services dominate the newsBy Susan W. Murraynews@thewoodstockindependent.comThe Quality Inn, at 1785 S. Eastwood Drive, sold in late December for $2.2 million to …

February 27, 2025