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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

John Rickerd of Woodstock shares his stories of the morning Marines planted the U.S. flag on Iwo Jima. While he did not witness the flag being raised, he was a corpsman tending to the wounded during the battle. (Courtesy photo)

‘A wonderful, wonderful time’: WWII veteran takes Honor Flight to see the memorials, museums of nation’s capital

For World War II veteran John Rickerd of Woodstock, a four-day Honor Flight trip to Washington, D.C., gave him an opportunity to bond with other veterans and experience some memorials […] …

September 26, 2023

Active Woodstock artist to celebrate 95th birthday

When Woodstock artist Elaine Goldstead celebrates her 95th birthday on Oct. 2. she will join the rapidly growing number of Americans over 95. According to the most recent U.S. Census, […] …

September 26, 2023

Community Briefs: Fuel tax increased; hydrant flushing; WHS 65th reunion; rocket launches

County motor fuel tax to increase on Jan. 1 McHenry County’s motor fuel tax will increase to 8 cents a gallon after a divided County Board voted last week to […] Subscribe or Login t…

September 25, 2023

Arts & Entertainment

Mayor Mike Turner (left) stands next to Opera House Managing Director Daniel Campbell as they ceremonially accept a check for $25,000 from Friends of the Opera House for the purchase of an LED wall for the theater. The presentation was made during last week’s meeting of the City Council. (Independent staff photo)

Opera House going ‘whiz bang’: LED screen to ‘enhance’ productions on the theater’s main stage

By Ruth Raubertas news@thewoodstockindependent.com The Woodstock Opera House is moving forward to entertain audiences with 21st century technology. Ac…

September 26, 2023

Caution tape might be up in coming months as remodeling work is done at The Woodstock Opera House. (Independent file photo)

12/31/24 is targeted finish date for remodeling of Woodstock Opera House

After touring the Opera House last week before their meeting, members of the Woodstock City Council gave nodding approval to $3.8 million in renovatio…

September 26, 2023

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

As SAFE-T Act goes live, murder suspects previously eligible to post bond are held in jail

A statue is pictured outside of the Illinois Supreme Court building in Springfield. (Capitol News Illinois photo by Jerry Nowicki)

Hearings have been longer, more deliberative – resembling federal detention proceedings By BETH HUNDSDORFERand HANNAH MEISEL Capitol News Illinoisnews@capitolnewsillinois.com In courtrooms around the state early this week, judges conducted the first […] Subscribe or Login to continue reading this quality article by The Woodstock I…

September 19, 2023

Public Safety Logs

Edition of Oct. 4-10

Edition of Sept. 27-Oct. 3

Edition of Sept. 20-26

Edition of Sept. 13

Edition of Sept. 6-12

Edition of Aug. 30-Sept. 5

Edition of Aug. 23-29

Edition of Aug. 16-22

Edition of Aug. 9-15

Edition of Aug. 2-8

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Business

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

“We’ve kept up with the changes in the cars,” Bob Kristensen says after 50 years of owning the station on Washington Street. While he applauds some improvements to cars, including cruise control and the blind spot warning systems and diagnostic tools, there are so many sensors – just in the steering wheel. “When you can’t figure out how to work your radio ...” (Independent photo by Ken Farver)

‘Take it to Bob’: Bob Kristensen marks 50 years of ownership of Kristensen’s Service Center

The car won’t start? It’s “making a funny noise”? Many Woodstock residents would give you the same advice. “Take it to Bob.” Bob is Bob Kristensen, owner of the Mobil […] Subscribe o…

September 12, 2023