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Seventh-graders from St. Thomas the Apostle School in Crystal Lake enjoy meeting Honey, the Courthouse’s service/therapy dog. The students are (from left) Finn MacCarthy, Julian Herrera, Mitchell Schwartz, Anthony Angeles, Lauren Dovidio, Scarlett Verzal, Andrea Alvarado, Theresa Marry, Josie Gardner, Naomi Wozniak, and Bella Petriak.

Independent Photo by Andrew Rousey

Meet Honey the courthouse dog

‘The best idea ever to help people in the courthouse’ By Susan W. Murray news@thewoodstockindependent.com When court administrator Dan Wallis first had the idea pitched to him that what McHen…

April 27, 2025

“Exes of Christmas Past” co-writer/director/producer Jake Jarvi watches Daniel Patrick Sullivan act out his scene on camera on the porch of the Cherry Tree Inn B&B.

Independent Photo by TRICIA CARZOLI

Once again, ‘an idyllic Christmas movie location’

‘Exes of Christmas Past’ films scenes at the Cherry Tree Inn B&B By TRICIA CARZOLI Lori and George Miarecki’s Cherry Tree Inn B&B is featured as a set for First Snow, LLC’s new Christmas…

April 26, 2025

‘God put it on my heart to be a farmer’

Adama Farm focuses on land protection, regenerative produce By Tricia Carzolihome, farm & garden At 18, Jessica Davies left Park Ridge for NYC’s Parson School of Design to study photography,…

April 25, 2025

Setting the stage for spring – or a sale

Local real estate agents offer top tips for spiffing up your home By Susan W. MurrayHome, Farm & garden With temperatures now getting the memo that spring has arrived, homeowners can turn th…

April 25, 2025

Arts & Entertainment

Once again, ‘an idyllic Christmas movie location’

‘Exes of Christmas Past’ films scenes at the Cherry Tree Inn B&B By TRICIA CARZOLI Lori and George Miarecki’s Cherry Tree Inn B&B is fea…

April 26, 2025

Artist Gage Finke stands in front of his work that is on display at The Mug Coffeehouse in Harvard. Inspired by the Pacific Northwest, he found subjects in Mount Baker, Ruby Beach, and Mount Rainier in the state of Washington.

Independent photo by andrew Rousey

Creating something he’s proud of

Harvard native has been into art for yearsBy Susan W. Murraynews@thewoodstockindependent.com“Every child is an artist,” Pablo Picasso said. “The probl…

April 25, 2025

TOTAL MARKET ISSUE

By ANDREW ADAMSCapitol News Illinoisaadams@capitolnewsillinois.comCHICAGO — State regulators are again considering massive electric utility spending plans that would affect the state’s climate goals – and 5.4 million electric customers’ monthly […] Subscribe or Login to continue reading this quality article by The Woodstock Inde…

March 18, 2024

Critics of governor’s budget proposal: Disappointed, insulted, deeply concerned; but comptroller praises ‘targeted approach’ as revenue proposals draw ire of GOP, interest groups

Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza – the state’s chief financial officer – is swarmed by reporters for her reaction to Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s proposed budget moments after leaving the House of Representatives chambers. (Capitol News Illinois photo by Andrew Adams)

By ALEX ABBEDUTO, COLE LONGCOR and JERRY NOWICKICapitol News Illinoisnews@capitolnewsillinois.comSPRINGFIELD – The annual process of negotiating the state budget kicked off Wednesday with Gov. J.B. Pritzker proposing a $52.7 billion […] Subscribe or Login to continue reading this quality article by The Woodstock Independent …

February 22, 2024

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Business

Independent photo by andrew rousey
Full-time staff members at Naturally McHenry County are (from left) Kristine Austin, marketing manager; Sarah Cain, destination engagement and program manager; and Jaki Berggren, president and CEO. Working under the Illinois Department of Tourism, the organization promotes leisure travel to McHenry County.

Attracting visitors to McHenry County

Naturally McHenry County moves into space in Old CourthouseBy Susan W. Murraynews@thewoodstockindependent.comWith its move into the Old Courthouse Center on April 1, Naturally McHenry County landed in…

April 21, 2025

Independent Photo by Andrew Rousey
Members of the family that owns and operates Isabel’s Family Restaurant take a break for a photo. They are (from left) co-owner Mary Witt, daughter Isabel Delgado, daughter Liliana Delgado, and co-owner Antonio Delgado. The restaurant was recently recognized as Retailer of the Year by the Woodstock Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

Newly named Retailer of the Year

Isabel’s Family Restaurant puts the emphasis on ‘family’By Caryl Dierksennews@thewoodstockindependent.com“A beloved dining destination in Woodstock … with a reputation for great food and community giv…

April 13, 2025

Independent file photo
Oney’s Tree Farm sold on March 11 and will be open for Christmas tree sales this December.

Business Buzz

New owners at Oney’s; cannabis store Terrabis opens; people on the moveBy Susan W. Murraynews@thewoodstockindependent.comWhile most weeks The Woodstock Independent concentrates on a single business st…

April 5, 2025