By R.M. Brands news@thewoodstockindependent.com Ben’s Tree Farm, the only Certified Naturally Grown Christmas tree farm in the Midwest, is set to open for the season on Friday, Nov. 27. Customers can expect organic, homegrown fir trees for the holiday season, as well as free horse-drawn wagon rides, pictures with Santa, and more. Ben Czarnowski, the […]
By R.M. Brands news@thewoodstockindependent.com Thursday, August 20, was a good day for Turning Point, the nonprofit organization based in Woodstock that offers services and support to domestic violence victims. ASAP Plumbing partnered with Corey’s Bagels to deliver dozens of bagels and cream cheese to Turning Point in a show of support for their cause. “They […]
Longtime travel agents open Woodstock Travel Services on Square By McKenna Sweet news@thewoodstockindependent.com Dana Prichard and Tori Witt opened the doors to Woodstock Travel Services on July 13 to share their years of travel agent expertise with the community. The agency is now the latest business to occupy the former Ray Wolf Jeweler building on […]
Bialas Barn will feed you and allow you to feed a chicken or a goat By R.M. Brands news@thewoodstockindependent.com The Bialas Barn is nestled in between an overstuffed barn and a charming house on Chelsea and Joe Bialas’ property on Franklinville Road west of Woodstock. It is filled with homemade baked goods made by Chelsea […]
Woodstock’s BratHaus serves up ‘Brats, Burgers, Bier’ By Susan W. Murray news@thewoodstockindependent.com On June 22, The BratHaus opened at 101 N. Johnson St., the second of three new restaurants to open in Woodstock in a six-week period, sandwiched between the May 8 opening of Ta Wan Thai & Ramen at 214 Main St. and the […]
Reservations now open to try Oak & Alchemy’s smokehouse barbecue and woodfired pizza By Susan W. Murray news@thewoodstockindependent.com Maybe the patience that Oak & Alchemy owners Payton Dougherty and Mason Mathews have shown in getting their smokehouse barbecue and woodfired pizza restaurant ready for diners is because neither ever dreamed of being a restaurant owner. […]
Groom Woodstock opens on Route 47 By Susan W. Murray news@thewoodstockindependent.com In the five years that the Dulin family has owned Groom Huntley at 12388 Princeton Drive in Huntley, they have clipped and trimmed canine and feline clients from Woodstock. As Woodstock residents themselves, Brad and Christine Dulin knew that Woodstock’s only pet groomer for […]
All that’s new: openings, closings, moves, ownership changes By Susan W. Murray news@thewoodstockindependent.com Nearly seven months after a roof collapse at Thompson’s Appliance at 318 Clay St., Gavers Asphalt Paving and Excavating will demolish and remove the front half of the structure after the Fourth of July. Since the collapse happened on Dec. 3, 2025, […]
Thoughtfulness Shop, My Little Bow Peeps to close; Gracie Lou’s on the move By Susan W. Murray news@thewoodstockindependent.com More than six years ago, when Ken and Ceal Schroeder were preparing to close The Thoughtfulness Shop after 21 years, Craig Wilcox purchased some store fixtures from the couple. Wilcox’s wife, Janice, had been selling her My […]
By Susan W. Murray news@thewoodstockindependent.com The May 2 return of the Farmers Market to the Woodstock Square brought with it some new vendors. The Woodstock Independent is periodically profiling the fresh faces at the market. Mill Creek Bagel Co. “This is such a cool place,” Jake Anderson said. “Just being on the Square is great.” […]
Larry Lough is editor of The Independent and reports local news.
Janet Dovidio has been a freelance correspondent for The Independent for eight years.
Susan W. Murray wrote for The Independent, covering various beats, from 2005 to 2008.
Tricia Carzoli is a freelance writer and photographer that on community news.
