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Independent Photo by Andrew Rousey Bob Sova (left), Gary Norton, and Rich Watson show off the shirts that define the Playground Reunion group. This year the sleeves were imprinted with the initials of two friends who passed away since they last played, Tim Furst and Jake Arndt. Names of each player are on the back.

‘We haven’t played our last game’

Childhood friends meet yearly to play, reconnect, remember with softball news@thewoodstockindependent.com By Sandy Kucharski It was the 1970s, before iPhones and internet, video games and virtual reality. When school was […] Subscribe or Login to continue reading this quality article by The Woodstock Independent …
August 28, 2025
Independent Photo by Andrew Rousey A sign is already up at 1191 Lake Ave. where Action Packaging will consolidate its corporate offices.

Action Packaging to bring 35 jobs, spend $7 million

Manufacturer moving corporate HQ quickly to Woodstock facility By Larry LoughNEWS@thewoodstockindependent.com Action Packaging, a 45-year-old company with more than 5,000 products, plans to invest $7 million to consolidate its corporate […] Subscribe or Login to continue reading this quality article by The Woodstock Independent …
August 28, 2025

‘You won every lap, and you finished first’

Local sisters roll to victory in inline speed skating competition By Lydia LaGue Lopez news@thewoodstockindependent.com Baseball, tennis, soccer … all common sports for kids to play in the summer. But […] Subscribe or Login to continue reading this quality article by The Woodstock Independent …
August 28, 2025

Business Buzz

Restaurant to residential: plan to transform Coleman’s property to Lofts on Lake  By Susan W. Murray news@thewoodstockindependent.com Nearly six years after Coleman’s Tavern and Grill closed, the building at 823 […] Subscribe or Login to continue reading this quality article by The Woodstock Independent …
August 28, 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 Church congreg…
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 pl…
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 Photo by Andrew Rousey Niko Kanakaris and Peter Andriopoulos hope to redevelop the land on which the former Coleman’s tavern sits as an apartment complex with one- and two-bedroom units, along with a coffee bar/cafe on the first floor. Visible in the rear and part of the vision for the development are the commercial building that houses Fur Elegance and a two-story duplex.

Business Buzz

Restaurant to residential: plan to transform Coleman’s property to Lofts on Lake  By Susan W. Murray news@thewoodstockindependent.com Nearly six years after Coleman’s Tavern and Grill closed,…
August 28, 2025
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

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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

Independent Photo by Andrew Rousey Bob Sova (left), Gary Norton, and Rich Watson show off the shirts that define the Playground Reunion group. This year the sleeves were imprinted with the initials of two friends who passed away since they last played, Tim Furst and Jake Arndt. Names of each player are on the back.

‘We haven’t played our last game’

Childhood friends meet yearly to play, reconnect, remember with softball news@thewoodstockindependent.com By Sandy Kucharski It was the 1970s, before iPhones and internet, video games and vir…
August 28, 2025
COURTESY PHOTOS Sisters Nora Turner, 9, (shown) and Charlotte, 7, sport the medals each won at speed skating national championship events, Charlotte indoor and Nora outdoor.

‘You won every lap, and you finished first’

Local sisters roll to victory in inline speed skating competition By Lydia LaGue Lopez news@thewoodstockindependent.com Baseball, tennis, soccer … all common sports for kids to play in the su…
August 28, 2025

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