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How many video gambling outlets are in Woodstock's future now that the City Council has lifted the “artificial cap” of 25 and plans to decide permits on a case-by-case basis? (Independent file photo)

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Community

Woodstock police have new tool to subdue people without lethal force

See a video of the BolaWrap training at the Woodstock Police Department. The Woodstock Police Department will soon adopt a new device designed to safely and painlessly immobilize non-compliant, non-responsive […]

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News Briefs

D-200 board to consider back-to-school protocols ”Progress of the … plan to return to school on Aug. 16” was scheduled for discussion Tuesday night by the Woodstock School District 200 […]

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Problematic preservation: Commission questions process that bypassed historical review of depot work

Three months after the more than $200,000 restoration of the Metra station in Woodstock was dedicated during a ribbon-cutting ceremony, the city’s Historic Preservation Commission voted 5-0 to deny the […]

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Arts & Entertainment

Produce to production: Farmers market vendor adds local atmosphere to Amazon Prime filming

With a little guidance from his Auntie Ellen, Ken Wundrow cornered the market on presentation, and it landed him on the mainstage of the Amazon Prime series, “Lightyears.” “I am […]

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Barndance back, a little smaller: Planning time short, but sledding hill venue received good reviews

With only two months to plan the event, the Gavers Community Cancer Foundation’s 21st annual Barndance saw attendance and income suffer but did not lack for a good time. After […]

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‘Give them space’: After 19 months, city’s Arts Commission still lacks clear objective

A recent strategic planning workshop of the Woodstock City Council revealed numerous complications within the city’s Arts Commission, which is still searching for an identity 19 months after its inception. […]

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‘Hey, we’re back!’: McHenry County’s old-fashioned fair with modern flair set for August

After its cancellation last year during the pandemic, the McHenry County Fair returns this August with grandstand and grounds events, a carnival, and livestock and non-livestock shows. This year’s festival […]

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Built for live performances: Opera House ‘ready for people to return when they are ready to come back out’

After Illinois entered Phase 5, the Woodstock Opera House started gearing up for a fully booked fall season by resuming its summer programming and unveiling a new concession area. Last […]

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Folk Festival planning virtual event to aid COVID-19 recovery

Since 1986, the Woodstock Folk Festival has brought folk music to Northern Illinois. This July, the festival returns in virtual format, followed by a Zoom session where audience members can […]

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Jennifer Hansen awaits the start of the Board of Education meeting Tuesday night with dozens of other parents who oppose mandatory masks in Woodstock School District 200. (Independent photo by Larry Lough)

D-200 delays action on mask policy after latest COVID-19 health guidance from CDC

Whether masks will be required this fall for students and staff in Woodstock School District…

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Wonder of the Wonder Lake market: Average price for homes jumps 17 percent

Council sees ‘concept’ for development with hotel, apartments, restaurants

Hotel part of concept for development on Woodstock’s east side

50-year family connection: Refurbished Chop Suey Hut celebrates anniversary in Woodstock

Plans stall for Route 120 business development

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Fast plant, slow moisture: Farmers’ refrain: We need timely rains amid drought conditions

“Rain makes grain.” Farmer Jay Hansen quotes the adage while surveying the corn growing in his family’s field along Route 47, across from Allendale Road. He gestures to the spot […]

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Upping the grocery store game: Food Shed Co-op, new Aldi on track to open in 2022

At this time next summer, a freestanding Aldi at Lake Avenue and American Way – across from American Community Bank – should be open for business. The Food Shed Co-op […]

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Local lawyer wins honor from bar

For commitment to and participation in local service groups and community events, attorney Jim Campion of Woodstock has received the McHenry County Bar Association’s 2021 Distinguished Service award. The award […]

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Home sales in Wonder Lake are no exception to the boom seen elsewhere. “The biggest bonus of shopping in Wonder Lake,” agent Kim Keefe said, “is that you can typically get more for your money.” (Independent photo by Ken Farver)

Wonder of the Wonder Lake market: Average price for homes jumps 17 percent

In the second half of June, Kim Keefe served as the agent for four home sales in Wonder Lake. The three transactions in which the agent with Keefe Real Estate […]

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School & Sports

Learning the ropes: Cowboy dreams lead teen to trade cleats for spurs

As a sports-minded family, Tim and Cas Creighton have always supported their sons’ interests. “We’ve always encouraged them to try what they want,” Tim Creighton said. With three sons, the […]

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Braelan Creighton dismounts at a full gallop on his way to tie a goat at at the National Little Britches Final Rodeo in Guthrie, Okla.

Bleachers to backstretch: Woodstock teen races at Rockford Speedway

Taking the car out for a spin has a little different connotation for Woodstock resident Seth Rowe than most of his friends and family. The Woodstock High School senior who […]

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Meet Woodstock North’s new athletic director: David Rose

Woodstock North High School will have a familiar face taking over as athletic director after Bobby Mickey’s resignation this spring. A North staff member since 2015, David Rose officially took […]

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Student of the week

The Woodstock Independent’s Student of the Week,…

Griffin Dahm is a senior at Marian Central Catholic High School. He is the son of Shawn and Kevin Dahm, Algonquin. “Griffin has a shining, outgoing personality. He’s excelled in […]

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The Woodstock Independent’s Student of the Week,…

Kyle Krepel is a senior at Woodstock North High School. He is the son of Michelle Krepel Brown and Bennie Brown, Wonder Lake. “I met Kyle when he moved into […]

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Athlete of the week

The Woodstock Independent’s Athlete of the Week,…

Marion Central Catholic High School junior Jack Whalon scored five goals against Notre Dame and three goals against Huntley High School. Jack won 25 of his 29 face-offs last week. […]

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The Woodstock Independent’s Athlete of the Week,…

Woodstock North senior Mackenzie Salazar is a captain on this year’s varsity softball team. Just coming off shoulder surgery and only being able to bat, she hit a grand slam […]

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Real Estate

Wonder of the Wonder Lake market: Average price for homes jumps 17 percent

In the second half of June, Kim Keefe served as the agent for four home sales in Wonder Lake. The three transactions in which the agent with Keefe Real Estate […]

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