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At the April 14 board meeting, the D-200 Staff Spotlight shone on Verda Dierzen Early Learning Center kindergarten teacher Stephanie Pimentel and associate Cormack Kranz, both of whom were chosen by their principal for special recognition. Pictured (from left) are Verda Dierzen principal Tricia Bogott, Pimentel, Assistant Principal Suzanne Evenson, and Kranz. D200 photo by Kevin Lyons.

Taking a first step in the process

D-200 board votes to hold off on adjustments to school start/end times until 2027-28 By Caryl Dierksennews@thewoodstockindependent.com At its April 14 meeting, the Woodstock District 200 Board of Education continued […] Subscribe or Login to continue reading this quality article by The Woodstock Independent …
April 23, 2026
Photo courtesy of the Woodstock Fire/Rescue District. Damaged vehicles sit in the parking lot of the Woodstock Culver’s at U.S. 14 and West Lake Shore Drive. Several vehicles were damaged in the accident Saturday afternoon, but no injuries were reported.

‘Flying car’ leaves U.S. 14, damages vehicles in lot

Several vehicles were damaged but no injuries were reported in the Woodstock Culver’s parking lot Saturday afternoon after a car went airborne off U.S.14. The Woodstock Fire/Rescue District and Woodstock […] Subscribe or Login to continue reading this quality article by The Woodstock Independent …
April 23, 2026

Downtown security cameras coming into focus

By Larry Loughlarry@thewoodstockindependent.com Nine years after the City Council saw the need for security cameras in the downtown, Woodstock is just weeks away from having the equipment installed on the […] Subscribe or Login to continue reading this quality article by The Woodstock Independent …
April 23, 2026

4/22/26 Student of the Week – Naiya Patel

Naiya Patel, a senior at Woodstock High School, is the daughter of Kunjai and Dipeexa Patel. One of her teachers said, “Naiya is a student who always is working to […] Subscribe or Login to continue reading this quality article by The Woodstock Independent …
April 22, 2026

Community

Independent photo by Susan W. Murray. Woodstock resident Leela Desantis owns Spruced Up Designs, which offers wedding coordination packages and rents centerpieces, arches, and champagne or doughnut walls for ceremonies and receptions.

Everything except walking down the aisle

Spruced Up Designs has growing wedding coordinator business By Susan W. Murray news@thewoodstockindependent.com Many people pursue a college degree so they can land a good job with a reputable company…
April 20, 2026
Courtesy photo. Monsignor Fuller

Pope bestows Marian grad with new title

The Rev. Michael Fuller, now Chaplain to His Holiness By Tricia Carzolinews@thewoodstockindependent.com Pope Leo XIV has bestowed the designation of “Chaplain to His Holiness” upon the Rev. Michael Fu…
April 16, 2026

Woodstock High School presents ‘Cinderella’

By Janet Dovidio news@thewoodstockindependent.com The Woodstock High School Theatre Department will present an updated version of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Cinderella” during the last two weekends in…
April 16, 2026

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

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

Independent photo by Susan W. Murray. "You don't have to ride horses to find something in here," said Lorie Shinsky, owner of the Wild Buffalo Trading Co., which opened at 106 N. Benton St. on April 10.

Putting the ‘West’ in the Midwest

Wild Buffalo Trading Co. now open on Benton Street BySusanW.Murray news@thewoodstockindependent.com Five minutes after Lorie Shinsky opened the door of her Wild Buffalo Trading Co. at 106 N. Benton St…
April 22, 2026
Independent photo by Susan W. Murray. Woodstock resident Leela Desantis owns Spruced Up Designs, which offers wedding coordination packages and rents centerpieces, arches, and champagne or doughnut walls for ceremonies and receptions.

Everything except walking down the aisle

Spruced Up Designs has growing wedding coordinator business By Susan W. Murray news@thewoodstockindependent.com Many people pursue a college degree so they can land a good job with a reputabl…
April 20, 2026
Courtesy photo. The Woodstock Misfits-Amy Ligman, Jacob Waryck, and Erin Fritz-relax on a sandwich couch during Jimmy John's team competition in Atlanta in February.

Sandwich shop crew ‘the best’

Local Jimmy John’s team makes it to top five in nationwide competition By Tricia Carzoli news@thewoodstockindependent.com Woodstock Jimmy John’s, led by general manager Amy Ligman, has made it all the…
April 8, 2026

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Schools

Courtesy photo by Janet Kay. Senior Lydia Johanson has the role of Cinderella in the WHS musical.

Woodstock High School presents ‘Cinderella’

By Janet Dovidio news@thewoodstockindependent.com The Woodstock High School Theatre Department will present an updated version of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Cinderella” during the last two weeke…
April 16, 2026

Sports

Independent photo by Steve Peterson. Woodstock North pitcher Makayla Nordahl, a senior, readies to deliver a strike against Johnsburg. Kylee Jordan plays shortstop behind her.

Sister combo plays for Thunder softball

By Steve Peterson news@thewoodstockindependent.com Woodstock North’s softball team is aiming for a strong Kishwaukee River Conference season. The sister duo of Makayla and Madalynn Nordahl, while focu…
April 22, 2026
Independent photo by Steve Peterson. Marian Central doubles team of Marc Cheng (right) and Alek Jasovic, celebrate a point won against Crystal Lake Central

Doubles duo enjoys good start for Hurricanes

By Steve Peterson news@thewoodstockindependent.com Marian Central sophomore Alek Jasovic and senior Marc Cheng’sNo. 1 doubles experience has gone well in the early start to the season.  Jasovic first …
April 22, 2026

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