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Independent File Photo The Woodstock train depot will have a companion structure when Metra builds a long-delayed warming shelter on the other side of the tracks along the commuter service’s in-bound line.

New Metra warming shelter expected in 2026

By Larry Loughlarry@thewoodstockindepenDEnt.com Woodstock’s train station should get its long-awaited warming shelter for Metra riders next year. And the new Riverwoods housing subdivision in southeast Woodstock should get more homes […] Subscribe or Login to continue reading this quality article by The Woodstock Independent …
August 13, 2025
Residents of Hearthstone Manor, which will close on Sept. 30, and Hearthstone Village, set to close on Oct. 30, have limited options in Woodstock for comparable care.

Time short, options few for Hearthstone Manor and Village residents

By Susan W. Murray NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM The news that Hearthstone Manor and Hearthstone Village would be closing after 122 years – the Manor on Sept. 30 and the Village on Oct. […] Subscribe or Login to continue reading this quality article by The Woodstock Independent …
August 13, 2025

Three-wheeled thrill rides

Trishaw travel through Emricson Park entertains Grace Lutheran members ByJanetDovidio news@thewoodstockindependent.com The weather on Sunday, July 27, was perfect for the Grace Lutheran Church congregation’s bike ride through Emricson Park. […] Subscribe or Login to continue reading this quality article by The Woodstock Independe…
August 10, 2025

Area aviators show off vintage aircraft

By Tricia Carzoli news@thewoodstockindependent.com The Experimental Aircraft Association AirVenture airshow in Oshkosh, Wisc. featured a local aerobatic performer and drew Woodstock residents up by plane and by car.  Harvard native […] Subscribe or Login to continue reading this quality article by The Woodstock Independent …
August 9, 2025

Community

independent photo by andrew rousey Grace Lutheran Church members Donna Freeman (left) and Denise Klabubde enjoy a trishaw ride in Emricson Park with pilot Mike Phillips.

Three-wheeled thrill rides

Trishaw travel through Emricson Park entertains Grace Lutheran members ByJanetDovidio news@thewoodstockindependent.com The weather on Sunday, July 27, was perfect for the Grace Lutheran Churc…
August 10, 2025

Area aviators show off vintage aircraft

By Tricia Carzoli news@thewoodstockindependent.com The Experimental Aircraft Association AirVenture airshow in Oshkosh, Wisc. featured a local aerobatic performer and drew Woodstock residents up…
August 9, 2025

‘Oh, I’m a little entrepreneur’

Farmers Market invites young vendors to try out their skills By Susan W. Murray news@thewoodstockindependent.com At the Tuesday Farmers Market on July 22, one vendor was a little different from [&hell…
August 9, 2025

‘McHenry County’s next karaoke star’

Last year’s runnerup is this year’s singin’ teen champion ByRachelBrands news@thewoodstockindependent.com Stage Left Café was packed and bustling with excited patrons last week, waiting for the final …
August 9, 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 Woodstock …
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 School grad…
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 she might s…
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 Tournament fi…
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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