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District 200 photo. Members of Thunder Choir hold their new instruments.

Thunder Choir makes joyful musical noise

By Janet Dovidio news@thewoodstockindependent.com The District 200 Education Foundation has awarded funds to one choir needing specialized instruments. Megan Kim, music teacher and choir director at Woodstock North High School, […] Subscribe or Login to continue reading this quality article by The Woodstock Independent …
June 17, 2026
Independent photo by Eileen Millard. Art Vallicelli stands on the steps of Woodstock High School last month.

‘It has been the honor of my professional life up to now’

WHS Principal Art Vallicelli moves on after 21 years in District 200By Eileen Millard news@thewoodstockindependent.com The end of the 2025-26 school year was also the end of 21 years at […] Subscribe or Login to continue reading this quality article by The Woodstock Independent …
June 17, 2026

A new downtown ‘entity’?

Take some time to look over the 140-page draft of a new Downtown Development Plan and you will see the consultants with The Lakota Group got to know the city […] Subscribe or Login to continue reading this quality article by The Woodstock Independent …
June 17, 2026

Encampment for homeless evacuated by city

By Larry Loughlarry@thewoodstockindependent.com Woodstock’s most prominent “tent city” for homeless residents has been evacuated at the request of the property owner in a hurried process marked by what was described […] Subscribe or Login to continue reading this quality article by The Woodstock Independent …
June 17, 2026

Community

Miss Woodstock 2026

Miss Woodstock 2026

Kendra Heidtke is crowned as Miss Woodstock 2026. Subscribe or Login to continue reading this quality article by The Woodstock Independent …
June 11, 2026
The Woodstock Public Library offers more than bound volumes. Audiobooks can be a good option for summer travelers, who can listen to a book while driving. Independent photo by McKenna Sweet.

‘Choose your own adventure’

Making the most out of the Woodstock Public Library this summer  By McKenna Sweet news@thewoodstockindependent.com Four-year-old Revy Cardenas and his mom came to the Woodstock Public Library to check…
June 10, 2026

A ‘never ending debt of gratitude for our freedom’

By Tricia Carzoli news@thewoodstockindependent.com Every year, the Woodstock community and surrounding areas gather on the Square to remember those who have paid the ultimate price for their country. …
June 3, 2026

Steve Gavers never asked for this fight …

but he turned it into something far more powerful than himself Gavers Cancer Foundation What do you do with a shattering cancer diagnosis? One that strikes hard, hits fast, and […] …
May 29, 2026

Arts & Entertainment

Independent photo by Tricia Carzoli. Director Andrew Ossler (left in yellow) gathers on stage with the students in Summer Theater Camp at Marian Central Catholic High School. The two assistant directors — Colin Zecchin ’25 and Maddie Noon ’24 – are behind the bar.

Summer Theater Camp IS a thing!

By Tricia Carzoli news@thewoodstockindependent.com After many years of student interest peaking and waning, Marian Central Catholic High School is hos…
June 10, 2026
Jim Stockwell

Fall in love with ‘Calendar Girls’

Local theater companies collaborate to stage adult comedy at MCC By Jim Stockwell Review Did you hear about the two thieves who stole a calendar from …
May 14, 2026
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Business

Independent photo by Susan W. Murray. Jill Tinelli Ferrarini stands outside the new location for Gracie Lou’s Boutique at 100 Cass St. Ferrarini will move her merchandise to the northwest corner of Cass and Benton streets at the end of the month when The Thoughtfulness Shop closes. The store will be known as Gracie Lou’s Boutique Features Jeans and Jesus and will carry an expanded section of denim and religious goods.

Changes coming to Cass Street businesses

Thoughtfulness Shop, My Little Bow Peeps to close; Gracie Lou’s on the move By Susan W. Murray news@thewoodstockindependent.com More than six years ago, when Ken and Ceal Schroeder were preparing [&he…
June 11, 2026
Independent photo by Susan W. Murray. David Morphew of Woodstock takes his bagel from Jake Anderson, market manager at the Mill Creek Bagel Co.

New faces of Farmers Market

By Susan W. Murray news@thewoodstockindependent.com The May 2 return of the Farmers Market to the Woodstock Square brought with it some new vendors. The Woodstock Independent is periodically profiling…
June 11, 2026
Independent photo by Tricia Carzoli. (From left) Roland Kuehtreiber, plant director; Olga Ortiz, HR manager; and Andy Ahonen, AFA’s executive vice president of the Americas, stand in AFA Dispensing’s factory at 610 E. Judd St. When fully operational next year, the facility will employ 75 people and manufacture two of the four types of sprayers that the company makes.

Finding a home in Woodstock

Netherlands-based AFA Dispensing opens its first North American factoryBy Susan W. Murray news@thewoodstockindependent.com Woodstock residents driving south on Route 47 can’t help but notice the funky…
June 3, 2026

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Schools

District 200 photo. Members of Thunder Choir hold their new instruments.

Thunder Choir makes joyful musical noise

By Janet Dovidio news@thewoodstockindependent.com The District 200 Education Foundation has awarded funds to one choir needing specialized instruments. Megan Kim, music teacher and choir dire…
June 17, 2026

Sports

Courtesy photo. Woodstock North baseball team poses for a final team photo after a 6-3 loss to Crystal Lake Central.

Senior-led Thunder baseball team battles to the end

By Steve Peterson news@thewoodstockindependent.com For 30 games this season, a group of 13 seniors led the charge for Woodstock North’s baseball team.  The Class of 2026 members did so from […]…
June 10, 2026
Independent photo by Steve Peterson. Woodstock distance runner Ellery Shutt (third from the left) is joined by his family at the school's college signing day. His mom, MacKenzie and younger sister Hollis are on the left. His brother Bresden and dad Judd are to the right. Not pictured: older brother Cohen.

Shutt to take running talents to big stage

By Steve Peterson news@thewoodstockindependent.com Woodstock senior Ellery Shutt concluded his Blue Streaks career running with the best at the IHSA Class 2A State Track-and-Field finals. He finished …
June 10, 2026

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