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The Home of the Sparrow is a wonderful place to find one-of-a-kind gifts this holiday season. (Independent file photo by Eileen Millard)

Going ‘green’ for gift-giving: Reduce clutter, help the planet with selective shopping this season

By Eileen Millard news@thewoodstockindependent.com For holiday gift-giving this year, do any people on your list want to make less of an impact on the planet or lack space in their […] …

December 5, 2023

The Rev. Hyu-Jae Lee, Brad and Bev Limbaugh, and Don Goers stand with Woodstock’s newly restored nativity scene, displayed on property of First United Methodist Church, 201 W. South St. John Scharres, former director of the Woodstock Opera House, built the stable for the set decades ago. Goers thanked the community for letting the church know how important the scene is to them. (Independent photo by Ken Farver)

‘Come and see’: Woodstock’s restored nativity scene returns for public display

The life-sized nativity scene that once graced the Park in the Square and later nestled in front of the Old Courthouse did not make an appearance in 2020 or 2021. […] Subscribe or Lo…

December 5, 2023

‘Hope is what they need’: Former Woodstock resident Julie Hybel helps Ukrainian refugees as missionary in Poland

By Eileen Millard news@thewoodstockindependent.com Julie Hybel grew up in Woodstock and went to Poland in 1998 on a short-term assignment to work with troubled youths through International Messengers,…

November 28, 2023

‘A little magic, too’: New Santa Hut in downtown Woodstock built to be accessible to kids of all ages, abilities

“It is something we dreamed of, planned for, and willed into reality.” That’s how Chris Cantwell, Woodstock Rotary Club’s past youth adviser, explained the new Santa Hut at Van Buren […] …

November 28, 2023

Arts & Entertainment

Laura Dowling, former White House chief floral designer, will be the final speaker in the 2023 Creative Living Speaker Series. The Fiske family, in memory of their mother, Darlene Fiske, a founder of the sponsoring Woodstock Fine Arts Association, has donated a special gift for those attending the Dec. 14 event. Every ticket holder will receive this year’s official White House Historic Society Christmas ornament, a festive holiday wreath adorned with decorations. (Courtesy photo)

‘Find ways to add beauty, cheer to everyday life’: Former White House chief floral designer to speak in Creative Living series

By Eileen Millard news@thewoodstockindependent.com Whether it’s a simple bouquet of the first daffodils of spring, or plans for a state dinner at the …

December 5, 2023

Image from a poster promoting “The Nutcracker Ballet 2023,” which begins this weekend at the Opera House.

After 30 years, ‘The Nutcracker’ gets fresh touches

Staff Report news@thewoodstockindependent.com More than 100 local dancers and actors will be joined by a guest artist in 10 performances starting this…

December 5, 2023

State News

Gas company rate requests cut, Nicor by 30 percent; low-income customers set to receive new discounts

Illinois Commerce Commission member Michael Carrigan (left), Chairman Doug Scott, and member Ann McCabe are pictured at a commission meeting in Springfield this month. (Capitol News Illinois photo by Jerry Nowicki)

By ANDREW ADAMSCapitol News Illinoisaadams@capitolnewsillinois.com CHICAGO – Regulators at the Illinois Commerce Commission have unanimously approved rate hikes for four major natural gas utilities, but the little-known regulatory body’s decision […] Subscribe or Login to continue reading this quality article by The Woodstock Inde…

November 17, 2023

Final decision on natural gas rate increases expected before the end of the year; higher electricity rates also proposed

Yessenia Balcazar of the Southeast Environmental Task Force holds a sign at a March 27 protest of Peoples Gas’ proposed rate increase in downtown Chicago. (Capitol News Illinois photo by Andrew Adams)

By ANDREW ADAMS Capitol News Illinoisaadams@capitolnewsillinois.com Utility customers throughout Illinois will likely see higher natural gas bills beginning in January after staff at the state’s utility regulatory agency recommended rate increases […] Subscribe or Login to continue reading this quality article by The Woodstock Ind…

October 17, 2023

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Business

“I want people to come in, step back, relax, and enjoy themselves,” said Seleta Scents’ co-owner Julienne Samuels. The store is named for Samuels’ mom, Seleta Samuels. (Independent photo by Ken Farver)

‘Power of scent’ prompts career change: Seleta Scents fills second incubator space in Old Courthouse Center

In the two weeks after the conclusion of the outdoor Farmers Market season at the end of October, Seleta Scents’ co-owners Julienne Samuels and Mike Richards pushed themselves to open […] …

December 5, 2023

Beth Conerty leads a tour for an agricultural conference at the Integrated Bioprocessing Research Lab pilot plant at the University of Illinois. Conerty, a 2006 graduate of Woodstock High School, has been the business development manager at IBRL for six years, working to grow relationships with industry and help bring projects into the IBRL facility. (Courtesy photo)

Made in the U.S.A.: Science lessons for WHS grad opened ways to grow Illinois businesses

In her job as associate director of business development for the Integrated Bioprocessing Research Laboratory at the University of Illinois, 2006 Woodstock High School alumnus Beth Conerty puts her de…

November 28, 2023

Ingrid Navarro, a Woodstock High School graduate and Aurora University student, helps in the Family Thrift Shop, which is owned by her mother, Iliana Cruz. “The store gives new life to things that people don’t want anymore,” Navarro said. (Independent photo by Ken Farver)

Shopping with a conscience: Woodstock’s newest thrift stores part of growing national trend

The Association of Resale Professionals reported in 2023 that the number of resale shops in the United States has increased by about 7 percent over each of the past two […] Subscribe…

November 21, 2023