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Woodstock’s Cobblestone Hotel was supposed to open Sept. 1, 2026.

‘Not the outcome we hoped’

Imagine a couple from out of town checks into Woodstock’s downtown hotel in plenty of time to freshen up before dinner on the Square. After dinner, it’s a short walk […] Subscribe or Login to continue reading this quality article by The Woodstock Independent …
July 31, 2026

City Council tends to downtown development matters

By Larry Loughnews@thewoodstockindependent.com Woodstock has a new tax increment financing district that’s intended to breathe life into the former Die Cast factory site, but the city’s downtown hotel project is […] Subscribe or Login to continue reading this quality article by The Woodstock Independent …
July 31, 2026

Pilot Susan Dacy in world’s largest airshow

By Tricia Carzoli news@thewoodstockindependent.com Harvard native Susan Dacy and her 1944 Super Stearman Big Red graced the Oshkosh, Wisconsin skies, Wednesday at the Experimental Aircraft Association’s 2026 AirVenture, embracing the […] Subscribe or Login to continue reading this quality article by The Woodstock Independent …
July 31, 2026

‘People feel comfortable and safe here’

Woodstock Water Works still a cool retreat in its 25th year By R.M. Brands news@thewoodstockindependent.com A particularly hot July has made Woodstock Water Works the place to be this summer. […] Subscribe or Login to continue reading this quality article by The Woodstock Independent …
July 31, 2026

Community

Courtesy photo from Higher Focus Photography. Brody Case teaches a children's swim lesson at Woodstock Water Works.

‘People feel comfortable and safe here’

Woodstock Water Works still a cool retreat in its 25th year By R.M. Brands news@thewoodstockindependent.com A particularly hot July has made Woodstock Water Works the place to be this summer.…
July 31, 2026

Smoke lifts, Barndance celebrates

By Tricia Carzolinews@thewoodstockindependent.com Emricson Park was rocking well into the night on Saturday. The self-proclaimed, “Best Seven Hours of Summer,” better known as Gavers Barndance, celebr…
July 22, 2026

Public invited to join Methodists’ summer fun

By Janet Dovidio news@thewoodstockindependent.com Woodstock’s First United Methodist Church is hosting special activities throughout the summer months. Community members are welcome at all of the even…
July 15, 2026

Arts & Entertainment

Courtesy photo. Woodstock Shakespeare Players (from left) include Angie Kells and Emmarie Wilson with Jake Seelye and Jarrett Passaglia in the background.

Where there’s a Will …

Woodstock Shakespeare Players returns for third season of free shows on the Square Staff Report news@thewoodstockindependent.com Shakespeare is back o…
July 22, 2026
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Business

Independent photo by McKenna Sweet. Woodstock Travel Services opened July 13 on the Square with full-service planning for customers looking to plan anything from trips to destination weddings.

New travel services available on Main Street

Longtime travel agents open Woodstock Travel Services on Square By McKenna Sweet news@thewoodstockindependent.com Dana Prichard and Tori Witt opened the doors to Woodstock Travel Services on July 13 t…
July 31, 2026
Independent photo by Susan W. Murray. Gina Garbis, (left) a co-owner of the Woodstock BratHaus, is pictured with Woodstock BratHaus general Chris Kelley.

‘Everyone wants to try a new restaurant’

Woodstock’s BratHaus serves up ‘Brats, Burgers, Bier’ By Susan W. Murray news@thewoodstockindependent.com On June 22, The BratHaus opened at 101 N. Johnson St., the second of three new restaurants to …
July 9, 2026

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Schools

Forever a teacher: Laura Littner retires from Marian

Forever a teacher: Laura Littner retires from Marian

By Susan W. Murray news@thewoodstockindependent.com “I loved school,” Laura (Martino) Littner said. “I knew I wanted to be a teacher when I was 7 years old.” From 2005 until this […] …
July 22, 2026

Six win Farm Bureau scholarships

By Janet Dovidio news@thewoodstockindependent.com The McHenry County Farm Bureau has awarded scholarships totaling $7,500 to six students. The awards are given during the month of June, which is Natio…
July 16, 2026

Sports

Independent photo by Andrew Rousey. The first day of Woodstock co-op flag football camp had 25 young women in attendance. Flag football is a new offering for athletes from WHS and WNHS.

‘It will be a learning experience for all’

First-ever girls flag football team preps for season with red hot camp By Steve Peterson news@thewoodstockindependent.com Woodstock D-200’s first girls flag football camp took place during a hot week …
July 22, 2026

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