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Courtesy photo. Members of Thunder Choir show off their new instruments.

Tailoring education for all

Two stories reported recently in The Independent made us feel especially good about the state of education in our community. One involved the great success of the Woodstock School District […] Subscribe or Login to continue reading this quality article by The Woodstock Independent …
July 1, 2026

City gets more funding from state for Route 47 project

Staff Reportnews@thewoodstockindependent.com The city of Woodstock, which has received millions of dollars in supplemental funding for the widening of Route 47, has received an additional $504,652 in an Illinois Transportation […] Subscribe or Login to continue reading this quality article by The Woodstock Independent …
July 1, 2026

Route 47 businesses ask for updates, access during construction

By Susan W. Murraynews@thewoodstockindependent.com Now that work has begun in earnest on the widening of 2.25 miles of Route 47 through Woodstock, owners of businesses on the state highwy were […] Subscribe or Login to continue reading this quality article by The Woodstock Independent …
July 1, 2026

‘Nothing like this in Woodstock’

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 […] Subscribe or Login to continue reading this quality article by The Woodstock Independent …
July 1, 2026

Community

Bob McCann shows almost-ripe blueberries to his wife, Mary. This year, the blueberries will go to a wholesaler. Independent photos by Susan W. Murray.

Blueberry Elegy: A dream realized

By Susan W. Murray news@thewoodstockindependent.com McCann Berry Farm closes after 41 years of fruit and family fun Since 1984, Woodstock families have driven five or six miles out Kishwaukee Valley […
July 1, 2026
Independent file photo by Andrew Rousey. Workers install the abstract sculpture “Whorled” at the roundabout where Lake Avenue intersects with Madison and South streets. The piece was dedicated in November 2025. The city now is considering art at three roundabouts that will be part of the Route 47 widening project.

‘The preliminary to the preliminary’

By Lydia LaGue Lopez news@thewoodstockindependent.com At their May meeting, city Arts Commission members voted to recommend that the City Council issue an RFQ – a Request for Qualifications – for [&he…
July 1, 2026

SOAR@Dorr honors its volunteers

By Janet Dovidio news@thewoodstockindependent.com More than 30 opportunities and programs for fitness, education, and social activities are listed on the calendar of SOAR@Dorr (Serving Older Active Re…
June 25, 2026

To go out or not to go out, that is the question

By Jim Stockwell The other day, a buddy and I were discussing what was more relaxing, camping or channel surfing on your television. After a bit of a debate, I […] Subscribe or Logi…
June 24, 2026

Arts & Entertainment

Theatre 121 to present ‘Rock of Ages’ 

Theatre 121 to present ‘Rock of Ages’ 

Running June 19 through 28 at the Woodstock Opera House, Theatre 121 will present “Rock of Ages,” a musical with “big hair, big dreams, and big ’80s e…
June 17, 2026
Independent photo by Tricia Carzoli. Director Andrew Ossler (left in yellow) gathers on stage with the students in Summer Theater Camp at Marian Central Catholic High School. The two assistant directors — Colin Zecchin ’25 and Maddie Noon ’24 – are behind the bar.

Summer Theater Camp IS a thing!

By Tricia Carzoli news@thewoodstockindependent.com After many years of student interest peaking and waning, Marian Central Catholic High School is hos…
June 10, 2026
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Business

Independent photo by Susan W. Murray. Payton Dougherty (left) and Mason Mathews opened Oak & Alchemy, at 11671 Catalpa Lane, on June 25. Having everything on the menu homemade means that the two handle most of the extensive prep work.

‘Nothing like this in Woodstock’

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 P…
July 1, 2026
Independent photo by Susan W. Murray. Woodstock resident Dawn Barts and her mother, Sue Garcia, brought in 5-year-old beagle rescue Chloe last week for a nail trim. Here, Chloe waits patiently for groomer Cait Dulin to finish the job.

‘Animal lovers, through and through’

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 [&hellip…
June 25, 2026
Independent photo by Susan W. Murray. The front half of the Thompson's Appliance building that suffered a roof collapse in December is set for demolition after the Fourth of July.

Business Buzz

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., Gave…
June 17, 2026

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Schools

Independent photo by Susan W. Murray. Retiring Marian Superintendent Mike Shukis.

‘Lead with love’

Mike Shukis retires as superintendent at Marian By Susan W. Murray news@thewoodstockindependent.com In 2019, when administrators in the Diocese of Rockford asked Mike Shukis to take over as superinten…
June 24, 2026

Sports

Stanger returns to lead Hurricane football

Marian Central Catholic High School has announced a change in its football coaching leadership, as the Hurricanes announced Dirk Stanger as the new head varsity football coach. Stanger replaces Liam […
July 1, 2026

Jandron tabbed for WNHS girls hoops

By Steve Peterson news@thewoodstockindependent.com Dale Jandron, who previously coached the Woodstock North boys basketball team, will coach the Thunder girls basketball team for the 2026-27 season. “…
July 1, 2026

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