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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.

Local woman named a Nexstar ‘remarkable woman’

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 …
February 20, 2026
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.

School ‘hate/kill’ list a topic at D-200 board meeting

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 …
February 20, 2026

North principal vacancy filled from within D-200

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 …
February 20, 2026

City gets $3.15 million in federal funds for Route 47

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 …
February 20, 2026

Community

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.

Local woman named a Nexstar ‘remarkable woman’

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. …
February 20, 2026
Courtesy photo. Cast and crew of "Singing in the Rain"

‘Singin’ in the Rain’ to open at Opera House Feb. 20

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 [&…
February 18, 2026

‘It’s a sweet little murder mystery’

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…
February 12, 2026

And … cut. That wraps up Groundhog Days 2026

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…
February 12, 2026

Arts & Entertainment

(c) Tricia Carzoli TLCPHOTOGRAPHYAND

Time to light up Woodstock for the holidays

Staff Report news@thewoodstockindependent.com The city of Woodstock will officially kick off the holiday season in its historic downtown on Friday, No…
November 26, 2025
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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.

Business Buzz

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…
February 5, 2026
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.

Woodstock home prices rise in 2025

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…
January 28, 2026
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.

Business Buzz

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 [……
December 4, 2025

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Schools

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.

North principal vacancy filled from within D-200

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…
February 20, 2026

Sports

Scoreboard: Results from high school sports in Woodstock

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…
February 20, 2026
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.

Woodstock co-op hosts Fox Valley Conference invite

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…
February 17, 2026

Student of the week

2/18/26 Student of the Week – Carie Zhang

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 …
February 19, 2026

Athlete of the week

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