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Independent photo by Steve Peterson. Woodstock North returning girls soccer players this season include (from left) Abbey Ward, Serena Banushi, and Brooklyn Fricano.

Woodstock North soccer nets win

By Steve Peterson news@thewoodstockindependent.com The Woodstock North girls soccer team stood at a 1-2-1 record in the early going. The Thunder fell to Rockford Harlem, 3-0, March 31 and then […] Subscribe or Login to continue reading this quality article by The Woodstock Independent …
April 7, 2026
Ellery Shutt Courtesy photo.

Shutt breaks WHS record

Woodstock High School senior Ellery Shutt had a record day at the Illinois Indoor Championship in Chicago March 28, dropping almost 10 seconds from his previous best time to place […] Subscribe or Login to continue reading this quality article by The Woodstock Independent …
April 2, 2026

Nowacki caps freshman season with all-state title

By Steve Peterson news@thewoodstockindependent.com Woodstock freshman girls basketball player Alex Nowacki capped off her first varsity season with an all-state honor. Nowacki, who played in an international tournament over holiday […] Subscribe or Login to continue reading this quality article by The Woodstock Independent …
April 2, 2026

Play ball! High school baseball season underway

By Steve Peterson news@thewoodstockindependent.com It was a little late, but baseball games got started last week for all three Woodstock teams.  Fans bundled up to battle 32-degree temperatures as the […] Subscribe or Login to continue reading this quality article by The Woodstock Independent …
April 2, 2026

Community

The 20 writers who participated in the Local Author Showcase at the Woodstock Public Library on March 21 pose for a group photo. Photo courtesy of Woodstock Public Library

Book lovers have their day

Woodstock Public Library hosts third – and best – Local Authors Showcase By Caryl Dierksennews@thewoodstockindependent.com The Woodstock Public Library hosted its third annual Local Authors Showcase o…
April 1, 2026
WNHS Thunder Interact Service Club adviser Kristy Hinz stands between Rotary members Chris Cantwell and Marlene Frisbie. The three, holding the charter from Rotary, are pictured at a recent breakfast at 3 Brothers Restaurant. Courtesy photo

Thunder Service Club,Woodstock Rotary form partnership

By Janet Dovidio news@thewoodstockindependent.com The Woodstock North High School Thunder Service Club is now chartered by the Woodstock  Rotary Club as of Jan. 1. The group’s new name is the [&hellip…
March 25, 2026

With something for everyone

McHenry County Library Lovers Expedition marks its fifth anniversaryBy Caryl Dierksennews@thewoodstockindependent.com It’s back, bigger and better than ever, and it’s in progress right now. For the fi…
March 18, 2026

‘This is one way we do God’s work’

Free Methodist Church members bring a cup of joy to La Bella residents By Janet Dovidionews@thewoodstockindepenDEnt.com The congregation at the Woodstock Free Methodist Church hosted an old-fashioned …
March 11, 2026

Arts & Entertainment

Courtesy photo by Hilario Done. Farmer and chef Antonio Delgado, shown at his farm in Marengo, is one of the storytellers featured in the upcoming documentary “Nuestras Historias” (Our Stories).

Program to spotlight Latino farmworkers

A sneak preview of the documentary ‘Nuestras Historias’ will be shown Staff Report NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM Contributions of Latino farmworker…
March 18, 2026
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Business

Courtesy photo from Juli Anne Photography. Arlene Lynes accepted the Harold Buschkopf Award from chamber director Amy Humbracht. The evening included a murder mystery experience.

Awards abound at Chamber gala

Local businesses, individuals honored at Chamber’s Annual Awards Gala By Susan W. Murray news@thewoodstockindependent.com Held on March 13, the Woodstock Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry’s annu…
April 2, 2026
Courtesy photo. The sign outside Blue Thistle advertises that “Everything, yes Everything” is 70% off while the store clears out its inventory before closing at the end of the month. In April, Wild Buffalo Trading Co. will open in its spot.

Business Buzz

All that’s new in openings, closings, moves, and ownership changes By Susan W. Murray news@thewoodstockindependent.com After operating two stores for a little over four years, Shannon Bailey and Nancy…
March 18, 2026
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

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Schools

Courtesy photo. Regional Office of Education Superintendent of Schools Diana Hartmann is pictured with St. Mary eighth-grader Vinny Brendel after his win at the regional spelling bee competition.

St. Mary student wins Regional Spelling Bee

By Janet Dovidio news@thewoodstockindependent.com St. Mary Catholic School eighth-grader Vinny Brendel is the champion of the 2026 Spelling Bee sponsored by the McHenry County Regional Office of Educa…
April 1, 2026
Courtesy photo. Dean Street School third-graders Gracelyn B. and Brad C. design their Valentine cards.

‘We talk about how good it feels to get mail’

The art of letter-writing is not lost in Dean Street School’s third grade By Janet Dovidio news@thewoodstockindependent.com The students in Dean Street Elementary School’s third grade have a special c…
March 18, 2026

Sports

Independent photo by Steve Peterson. Woodstock North returning girls soccer players this season include (from left) Abbey Ward, Serena Banushi, and Brooklyn Fricano.

Woodstock North soccer nets win

By Steve Peterson news@thewoodstockindependent.com The Woodstock North girls soccer team stood at a 1-2-1 record in the early going. The Thunder fell to Rockford Harlem, 3-0, March 31 and the…
April 7, 2026

Student of the week

3/25/26 Student of the Week – Finn Prefer

3/25/26 Student of the Week – Finn Prefer

Finn Piefer, a senior at Marian Central Catholic High School, is the son of Colleen and Mark Piefer. His teacher said, “Finn is a highly organized and…
March 25, 2026

Athlete of the week

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