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Model trains will be on display in storefronts throughout downtown Woodstock this weekend for the city’s annual Railfest, where you can pick up a nifty pair of locomotive earrings. (Independent photo by Tricia Carzoli)

Railfest back on track: Model train festival has doubled number of participating businesses in its four years

Woodstock is riding the rails again. For the fourth year in a row, Railfest will bring together train hobbyists, enthusiasts, and newcomers alike. “This truly started out of trying to […] …

October 3, 2023

Maggie Crane helps a customer while Linda Mokry checks supply at the Share the Bounty table at St. Mary Catholic Church. (Courtesy photo)

Fundraiser this weekend to help local needy

The St. Vincent de Paul Society at St. Mary Catholic Church will sponsor its annual Soles on Fire fundraising walk for the needy on Sunday, Oct. 8. The organization is […] Subscribe …

October 3, 2023

Community Briefs: Cemetery donations; Medicare open enrollment; free Narcan vending

Donations are accepted for Oakland Cemetery The Board of Directors of financially troubled Oakland Cemetery, founded in Woodstock 164 years ago, welcomes donations from the public. Checks should be ma…

October 3, 2023

Photo Detective

The station was located at 235 Washington St. After Andrew Steffensen retired, Ralph Kristensen stepped in to lease the station in 1946. In 1961, he moved his business across the […] …

October 1, 2023

Arts & Entertainment

Magical ensemble: Latest Theatre 121 production encourages staff improvisation

By Lydia LaGue news@thewoodstockindependent.com A bit of magic is coming to the Opera House. Theatre 121 will present “Puffs: Or Seven Increasingly Ev…

October 3, 2023

Arts Briefs

Clayworkers’ annual show at MCC through Oct. 30 The Woodstock-based Clayworkers’ Guild of Illinois is hosting its 23rd annual Members Show through Oc…

October 3, 2023

State News

Pritzker urges Biden to intervene amid ‘untenable’ pace of migrant arrivals; buses from Texas accelerate as Illinois counts 15,000 new arrivals in 13 months

Gov. J.B. Pritzker is pictured in his Capitol office. (Capitol News Illinois file photo by Jerry Nowicki)

By HANNAH MEISELCapitol News Illinoishmeisel@capitolnewsillinois.com As Chicago prepares for an increase in the already steady stream of migrants arriving from the southern U.S. border, Gov. J.B. Pritzker is again publicly […] Subscribe or Login to continue reading this quality article by The Woodstock Independant …

October 3, 2023

Election officials warn early of misinformation aimed at 2024 voting process: Seek public’s cooperation ahead of next year’s election

By PETER HANCOCKCapitol News Illinoisphancock@capitolnewsillinois.com SPRINGFIELD – Six months before the next presidential primary elections in Illinois, county clerks and other local election authorities are asking for the public’s help […] Subscribe or Login to continue reading this quality article by The Woodstock Independant …

September 26, 2023

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Business

Antigua Mexican Grill at 125 E. Calhoun St. has six tables, seating at the bar, and additional room on the patio when the weather cooperates. It is in the former BBQ King building, a block off the Square. (Independent photo by Ken Farver)

Evoking feelings of home: Antigua Mexican Grill comes to Woodstock for third location

Luis Rodriguez owned and ran two successful restaurants in McHenry County before he opened Antigua Mexican Grill at 125 E. Calhoun St. on Sept. 1. Open since 2018, Antigua’s Crystal […] …

October 3, 2023

Owner Zak Dolezal (left) is pictured with General Manager Zak Knox in front of the pizza oven at Duke’s Inferno, 11671 Catalpa Lane, former site of Americano’s. Dolezal also owns Duke’s Alehouse in Crystal Lake. (Independent photo by Ken Farver)

Business Buzz: Local happenings – Duke’s branching out; incubator business makes scents

With the start of autumn, The Woodstock Independent has harvested a bumper crop of business openings and moves around town. Here’s what we’ve gathered: Zak Dolezal, owner and chef at […] …

September 26, 2023

A group waits for a table at The Double Yolk Café (Corner Square Café´) on Saturday morning. The Woodstock Independent’s informal restaurant survey of readers produced a large response. The one area of disagreement was between those who want to go to their favorite fast-casual restaurants without leaving Woodstock and those who hold a firm “no chain restaurants” position. (Independnent photo by Ken Farver)

Hungry yet, Woodstock? You told us what restaurants you want – from fine dining to White Castle

Three weeks ago, The Woodstock Independent asked you, our readers, what cuisine you’d like to add to the city’s thriving restaurant scene. We did not set limits. You could tell […] S…

September 19, 2023