Trust the Torch!

Independent photo by Tricia Carzoli.
WHS grad Kellyn VandeWalker holds one of her nonprofit organization’s Macyn’s Jars between WFRD Battalion Chief Jeff Lesniak and WFRD Firefighter/Paramedic Greg Antor. VandeWalker is one of the top five regional nominees for the Nexstar Remarkable Women of the Year.
By Tricia Carzoli news@thewoodstockindependent.com Five years ago, Woodstock High School graduate Kellyn VandeWalker’s life changed. Three years later, she was on a mission to change the world. Today, she has […] Subscribe or Login to continue reading this quality article by The Woodstock Independent …
Courtesy photo. 
During staff recognition at the Feb. 10 D-200 Board of Education meeting, Olson Elementary School staff members were honored for their exceptional efforts in their jobs. Pictured are (from left) Olson Principal Jennifer Malecke; registered behavior technician Margaret Cambora; Lillian Hare, third grade; third-grade teacher Renee Simes, and Lilith Szweda, third grade. Lillian Hare’s prepared remarks were in the form of a poem.
Parent of student on list speaks about the incident and what’s next By Eileen Millardnews@thewoodstockindependent.com During the public comment section of the D-200 Board of Education meeting Feb. 10, Melissa […] Subscribe or Login to continue reading this quality article by The Woodstock Independent …
By Kevin Lyonsnews@thewoodstockindependent.com An experienced District 200 administrator said he’s excited to lead Woodstock North High School beginning this summer. Tyler Carlson, 40, is currently an assistant principal at Woodstock […] Subscribe or Login to continue reading this quality article by The Woodstock Independent …
Staff Reportnews@thewoodstockindependent.com Woodstock’s share of the Route 47 project has been reduced to about $9.5 million after the city obtained federal funds through the office of Congressman Bill Foster. The […] Subscribe or Login to continue reading this quality article by The Woodstock Independent …
Independent photo by Tricia Carzoli.
WHS grad Kellyn VandeWalker holds one of her nonprofit organization’s Macyn’s Jars between WFRD Battalion Chief Jeff Lesniak and WFRD Firefighter/Paramedic Greg Antor. VandeWalker is one of the top five regional nominees for the Nexstar Remarkable Women of the Year.
By Tricia Carzoli news@thewoodstockindependent.com Five years ago, Woodstock High School graduate Kellyn VandeWalker’s life changed. Three years later, she was on a mission to change the world. …
Courtesy photo.
Cast and crew of "Singing in the Rain"
By Eileen Millard news@thewoodstockindependent.com There won’t be actual rain falling on the Woodstock Opera House stage when Theatre 121’s production of “Singin’ in the Rain” opens on Feb. 20, but [&…
WNHS brings back a crowd favorite, ‘And Then There Were None’ By Eileen Millard news@thewoodstockindependent.com If you’re looking for a fun night at the theater this weekend, Woodstock North High [&h…
By Tricia Carzoli news@thewoodstockindependent.com With the dust of Groundhog Days having settled, the memories are fresh. One highlight of the festival was Woodstock Mayor Mike Turner handing over th…
(c) Tricia Carzoli TLCPHOTOGRAPHYAND
Staff Report news@thewoodstockindependent.com The city of Woodstock will officially kick off the holiday season in its historic downtown on Friday, No…
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Business

Independent file photo.
Napoli Pizza took over Dusty’s Pizza in Wonder Lake in May 2022. Last week, Shawn and Brigitte Baker nnounced thet would close the Wonder Lake location.
All that’s new in openings, closings, moves, and ownership changesBy Susan W. Murray news@thewoodstockindependent.com In Wonder Lake restaurant news, Napoli Pizza announced on Facebook on Jan. 26 that…
Independent photo by Susan W. Murray.
While modestly priced by Woodstock standards, this home northwest of the Square was listed for 77 percent over the price that it sold for in 2020, reflecting fast-rising prices that have been the norm for five years.
Average price for a single-family, detached home hits $410,359 By Susan W. Murray news@thewoodstockindependent.com For the first time, the average price for a detached, single-family home in the 60098…
Independent photo by Susan W. Murray.
A shuttered Dairy Queen used to be a sure sign of the approaching winter in Woodstock, but this year, owner Rafael Castaneda is experimenting with remaining open during the winter months, with the exception of a 10-day break between Christmas and New Year’s.
In the spirit of the season of leftovers . . .By Susan W. Murray news@thewoodstockindependent.com Always, when The Woodstock Independent runs a Business Buzz, a few stray items straggle into [……

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Independent photo by Eileen Millard.
Tyler Carlson, currently vice principal at Woodstock North High School, attended last week's Board of Education meeting with his wife, Liz, and was congratulated by the board on his upcoming promotion to WNHS principal starting in the 2026-2027 school year.
By Kevin Lyonsnews@thewoodstockindependent.com An experienced District 200 administrator said he’s excited to lead Woodstock North High School beginning this summer. Tyler Carlson, 40, is curren…
Boys Basketball  Feb. 9 – Marian (4-25) fell to Highland Park (6-21) 64-27.   Feb. 10 – Woodstock North (4-21) defeated Richmond-Burton (19-8) 57-52.   Feb. 10 – Woodstock (18-9) beat Sandwich [&helli…
Independent photo by Andrew Rousey.
Nate Shirley competes in the 100-yard butterfly at the Fox Valley Conference swim meet at the Woodstock North High School pool, earning a personal best time in this race. (Below) Geo Kopolous swims the 200 free.
By Steve Peterson news@thewoodstockindependent.com The Woodstock co-op swim team hosted the Fox Valley Conference Invite Feb. 14 at Woodstock North High School, and coach Maggie Sullivan was happy wit…
2/18/26 Student of the Week – Carie Zhang
Carie Zhang, a senior at Woodstock High School, is the daughter of Shaona Zhang and Hongcai Zhang. Her teacher said, “Carie is a standout student who …

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