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WNHS Thunder Interact Service Club adviser Kristy Hinz stands between Rotary members Chris Cantwell and Marlene Frisbie. The three, holding the charter from Rotary, are pictured at a recent breakfast at 3 Brothers Restaurant. Courtesy photo

Thunder Service Club,Woodstock Rotary form partnership

By Janet Dovidio news@thewoodstockindependent.com The Woodstock North High School Thunder Service Club is now chartered by the Woodstock  Rotary Club as of Jan. 1. The group’s new name is the […] Subscribe or Login to continue reading this quality article by The Woodstock Independent …
March 25, 2026

Short-term rentals to be subject to city’s hotel-motel tax

By Larry Loughlarry@thewoodstockindependent.com City government is moving toward expanding collection of the hotel-motel tax to include short-term rentals such as those booked by platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo. Officials figure […] Subscribe or Login to continue reading this quality article by The Woodstock Independent …
March 25, 2026

‘Firm, yet loving, and highly organized’

Retired educator Diana Frisbie is Woman of the Year Staff Reportnews@thewoodstockindependent.com Veteran educator Diana Frisbie has been named Woman of the Year 2026 by the Woodstock Professional and Business Women. […] Subscribe or Login to continue reading this quality article by The Woodstock Independent …
March 25, 2026

State qualifier leads Marian boys track

By Steve Peterson news@thewoodstockindependent.com Led by returning IHSA State Qualifier Wilson Jakubowicz, the Marian Central boys track-and-field team is hopeful for a strong start to the new season. Jakubowicz finished […] Subscribe or Login to continue reading this quality article by The Woodstock Independent …
March 25, 2026

Community

Independent photoby Caryl Dierkson. The Quintanilla family of Cary poses for a photo while visiting the Woodstock Public Library during the Library Lovers Expedition.

With something for everyone

McHenry County Library Lovers Expedition marks its fifth anniversaryBy Caryl Dierksennews@thewoodstockindependent.com It’s back, bigger and better than ever, and it’s in progress right now. For the fi…
March 18, 2026

‘This is one way we do God’s work’

Free Methodist Church members bring a cup of joy to La Bella residents By Janet Dovidionews@thewoodstockindepenDEnt.com The congregation at the Woodstock Free Methodist Church hosted an old-fashioned …
March 11, 2026

‘Different adventures around town’

SOAR@Dorr programs boost local businesses By Janet Dovidio news@thewoodstockindependent.com SOAR@Dorr (Serving Older Active Adults) was created in 2021 to establish a center in Dorr Township for activ…
March 11, 2026

Arts & Entertainment

Courtesy photo by Hilario Done. Farmer and chef Antonio Delgado, shown at his farm in Marengo, is one of the storytellers featured in the upcoming documentary “Nuestras Historias” (Our Stories).

Program to spotlight Latino farmworkers

A sneak preview of the documentary ‘Nuestras Historias’ will be shown Staff Report NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM Contributions of Latino farmworker…
March 18, 2026
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Business

Courtesy photo. The sign outside Blue Thistle advertises that “Everything, yes Everything” is 70% off while the store clears out its inventory before closing at the end of the month. In April, Wild Buffalo Trading Co. will open in its spot.

Business Buzz

All that’s new in openings, closings, moves, and ownership changes By Susan W. Murray news@thewoodstockindependent.com After operating two stores for a little over four years, Shannon Bailey and Nancy…
March 18, 2026
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

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Schools

Courtesy photo. Dean Street School third-graders Gracelyn B. and Brad C. design their Valentine cards.

‘We talk about how good it feels to get mail’

The art of letter-writing is not lost in Dean Street School’s third grade By Janet Dovidio news@thewoodstockindependent.com The students in Dean Street Elementary School’s third grade have a special c…
March 18, 2026
Independent photo by Susan W. Murray. Seventh-grader Emma Strange (above), as Rafiki, holds up baby Simba. “My favorite part is holding up baby Simba because it’s such an important part of the show,” she said.

St. Mary kids work on ‘Hakuna Matata’

School will stage “The Lion King JR.” on March 13, 14 By Susan W. Murray news@thewoodstockindependent.com When “The Lion King” premiered in 1994, its young fans quickly adopted the phrase, […] …
March 11, 2026

Sports

Independent photo by Steve Peterson. Marian Central runners (from left) Zach Wheadon, Gavin Barry, and Nathan Convey work out at a recent Hurricanes practice.

State qualifier leads Marian boys track

By Steve Peterson news@thewoodstockindependent.com Led by returning IHSA State Qualifier Wilson Jakubowicz, the Marian Central boys track-and-field team is hopeful for a strong start to the new …
March 25, 2026

Student of the week

3/25/26 Student of the Week – Finn Prefer

3/25/26 Student of the Week – Finn Prefer

Finn Piefer, a senior at Marian Central Catholic High School, is the son of Colleen and Mark Piefer. His teacher said, “Finn is a highly organized and…
March 25, 2026

Athlete of the week

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