The Woodstock Independent | Trust the Torch

Community

Inspecting the fence around the Old Courthouse Center is an employee of Midwest Fence. Care will be taken to preserve the historic features of the 19th century Old Courthouse and Sheriff’s House as renovation winds down for an anticipated opening this summer for commercial uses of the buildings. (Independent photo by Ken Farver)

Community Briefs: McConnell Road closure; Girl Scouts scholarship; Coffee With the Chief

McConnell Road closure scheduled until June 5 McConnell Road will be closed to all traffic between Golden Oaks Drive and Courtaulds Drive until June 5. The closure was scheduled to […] …

May 30, 2023

Elaine Stinger serves during a pickleball game at the Woodstock Recreation Center. (Independent photo by Ken Farver)

Call for pickleball: Should outdoor tennis courts be converted for popular ‘new’ sport?

By Eileen Millard news@thewoodstockindependent.com Pickleball was batted around during a special meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission this month. Woodstock currently has indoor pickleball co…

May 30, 2023

First Presbyterian Church youth group rebuilding

The youth group at First Presbyterian Church in Woodstock is in a rebuilding year, under the direction of Jackie Lawler. “Growing up, I have fond memories of my time with […] Subscri…

May 30, 2023

Herbs grown in your backyard seem more flavorful

By Nancy Shevel You can’t go wrong with flavorful herbs grown in your own backyard. You can also grow some of the most commonly used spices in your yard with […] Subscribe or Login t…

May 30, 2023

Arts & Entertainment

“Spring Festival of Dance,” on the Opera House stage in two performances this weekend, explains the chronology of a dancer’s story. (Courtesy photo)

Spring in their step: ‘Festival of Dance’ at Opera House will feature nearly 100 performers this weekend

By Lydia LaGue news@thewoodstockindependent.com Spring is a time for new beginnings, and with it brings opportunities for new expressions. The Woodsto…

May 30, 2023

Visitors look over the “Welcome Spring” exhibit of the Lakes Region Watercolor Guild, which is on display through June 5 in the Community Room of the Woodstock Opera House. The guild says its mission is “to enhance, enrich, and further work in watercolors. ...” The guild has members in McHenry and Lake counties and southern Wisconsin. (Independent photo by Ken Farver)

Arts Briefs: Dickinson’s Little Vaudeville, Historical Society’s 60th anniversary, Friday concert series

Vaudeville show to feature children performers 5-11 Dickinson’s Little Vaudeville, a comedy musical show performed by kids 5 to 11 years old, will be …

May 23, 2023

State News

State board of education looking for new providers in preschool ‘deserts’: Agency looks to open 5,000 new slots in underserved communities

Illinois State Superintendent of Education Tony Sanders is encouraging public and nonpublic organizations to apply for funding to expand the availability of preschool in areas of the state that are currently underserved. He is pictured in his Springfield office. (Capitol News Illinois photo by Peter Hancock)

By PETER HANCOCKCapitol News Illinoisphancock@capitolnewsillinois.com SPRINGFIELD – Even though Gov. J.B. Pritzker has yet to sign the budget bill lawmakers just passed, the Illinois State Board of Education is seeking […] Subscribe or Login to continue reading this quality article by The Woodstock Independant …

June 1, 2023

Governor touts new budget’s higher education spending: MAP grant increase will make community college tuition-free for many

Gov. J.B. Pritzker is pictured at the University of Illinois Springfield during a news conference Wednesday to tout the state budget's higher education spending. (Capitol News Illinois photo by Peter Hancock)

By PETER HANCOCKCapitol News Illinoisphancock@capitolnewsillinois.com SPRINGFIELD – Gov. J.B. Pritzker began a tour of the state Wednesday to tout the new state budget that lawmakers passed last week, stopping at […] Subscribe or Login to continue reading this quality article by The Woodstock Independant …

May 31, 2023

Public Safety Logs

Edition of May 31-June 6

Edition of May 24-30

Edition of May 17-23

Edition of May 10-16

Edition of May 3-9

Edition of April 26-May 2

Edition of April 19-25

Edition of April 12-18

Edition of April 5-11

Edition of March 16-22

Get full access to The Independent today!

Business

The foundation is in for the Tropical Smoothie Cafe in the Jewel-Osco shopping center, near Panera. (Independent photo by Ken Farver)

Business Buzz: The Independent takes a look at comings and goings around town

With spring having really and truly arrived, correspondents for The Woodstock Independent have been out and about collecting information on business openings, closings, and changes in ownership. Witho…

May 30, 2023

independent photo by ken farver
Theater patron Don Hodory of Woodstock displays a beer he bought from Woodstock Classic Cinemas assistant manager Jacob Rightmyer before a May 13 show. The cooler for alcoholic beverages is over Rightmyer’s right shoulder. Woodstock City Council granted the theater a Class E-6 liquor license in early April. The Woodstock location became the 15th of 16 Classic Cinemas theaters to sell alcohol. (Independent photo by Ken Farver)

Cocktail with your cinema? The days of wine and shows premiere at Classic Cinemas Woodstock

No spotlights searched the sky, no red carpet covered the sidewalk, but two members of the press showed up for the premiere of alcohol sales at Woodstock’s Classic Cinemas. After […] …

May 23, 2023

Woodstock North High School senior Kyle Freeman cuts a piece of wood trim as students in the building trades program of Woodstock School District 200 put the final touches on a home that is now open for bid. The home at 1550 Sandpiper Lane has three bedrooms, two tiled bathrooms, an attached garage, and a basement with 9-foot ceilings. (District 200 photos)

Opening career options: D-200’s 43rd building trades home ready for market

Staff Report news@thewoodstockindependent.com Bids are due June 1 for interested buyers of a 1,660-square-foot home built by students in the building trades program of Woodstock School District 200. B…

May 16, 2023