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Brush fire threatens homes in east Woodstock

Brush fire threatens homes in east Woodstock

Staff Reportnews@thewoodstockindepenent.comHigh winds and dry conditions Thursday afternoon caused a controlled prairie burn to spread out of control ion Woodstock’s far east side south of Country Club Road.The 3:10 p.m. report in the 1300 block of E. Longwood Drive caused no injuries, but flames came within 50 feet of homes’ backdoors in the area …
March 14, 2025
Independent PHOTO by Vicky long The Woodstock Dolphins championship team competed at regionals and sectionals, while three of the athletes advanced to state.

Dolphins assemble championship team

By Sandy KucharskiSandy@thewoodstockindependent.comHard work throughout the winter season has produced exciting results for the Woodstock Dolphins Swim Team. Eleven athletes represent the Dolphins on the championship team, with three individuals […] Subscribe or Login to continue reading this quality article by The Woodstock Inde…
March 12, 2025

‘A teddy bear with a heart of gold’

WHS Coach Jim Patton is remembered for inspiring athletes inside and outBy Sandy Kucharskisandy@thewoodstockindependent.comThe close of the 2024-25 wrestling season is a fitting time to remember and pay tribute to […] Subscribe or Login to continue reading this quality article by The Woodstock Independent …
March 12, 2025

WHS senior Maeve Gross takes on the world

17-year-old will compete in Dublin next month at the Irish Dancing World ChampionshipBy Susan W. Murraynews@thewoodstockindependent.comThe only time that Maeve Gross wanted to quit Irish Dancing was after her first […] Subscribe or Login to continue reading this quality article by The Woodstock Independent …
March 12, 2025

Community

independent photo by andrew rousey The living room artwork behind her expressing the family’s love for Ireland, Maeve Gross explains the reason behind the wigs that Irish Dancers wear.

WHS senior Maeve Gross takes on the world

17-year-old will compete in Dublin next month at the Irish Dancing World Championship By Susan W. Murray news@thewoodstockindependent.com The only time that Maeve Gross wanted to quit Irish D…
March 12, 2025
courtesy photo Author Jay Bonansinga, author of “The Killer’s Game,” will share his book-to-movie saga at the Woodstock Opera House on March 20.

‘A riveting book with a big movie idea’

Author to share his 30-year journey from book to movieBy Eileen Millardnews@thewoodstockindependent.comWhat’s it like to have a great idea for a book, get a movie deal before you’ve even finished [&he…
March 12, 2025

Mr. WNHS

By TRICIA CARZOLIA fun night of entertainment at the packed Woodstock North auditorium saw Bryce Allin, Sean Fiorina, Alex Flores, Sam Foster, Jakob Idle, William Noe, Dominion Okwong, Grant Schnulle,…
March 8, 2025

Kagan joins the ranks of Eagle Scouts

By Janet Dovidionews@thewoodstockindependent.comJacob Kagan is the most recent Boy Scout from Troop 159 to complete the requirements and earn the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest rank in Scouting. To …
March 6, 2025

Arts & Entertainment

Independent Photo by Tricia Carzoli All juniors, Sabrina Noon, Colin Zecchin, and Connor Truckenbrod play, respectively, Katherine Plumber, Jack Kelly, and Davey Jacobs.

Marian musical makes ‘News(ies)’

Directors praise students’ connections in preparing for four presentationsBy Tricia Carzolinews@thewoodstockindependent.comA perfect mix of students a…
March 6, 2025

State News

Consumers likely to pay more each month for utilities’ infrastructure improvements

Illinois Commerce Commission Chair Doug Scott presides over a commission meeting in Chicago in late January. (Capitol News Illinois photo by Andrew Adams)
 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

‘The most comfortable place to go’

‘The most comfortable place to go’

Liquid Blues celebrates 25 years, debuts Kitchen UndergroundBy Susan W. Murraynews@thewoodstockindependent.com“It hasn’t changed in 25 years,” said Jim Bykowski II, owner of Liquid Blues.While that’s …
March 12, 2025
Independent Photo by Andrew Rousey At the beginning of February, Woodstock resident Monica Roman opened Roman Seguros y mas (Roman Insurance and more) at 144 Washington St., offering insurance and financial services. Roman’s office serves both English- and Spanish-speaking clients.

A focus on serving community

Roman Seguros y mas opens on Washington in former Ehrke’s buildingBy Susan W. Murraynews@thewoodstockindependent.comThe reason that Monica Roman opened her own business to offer insurance and financia…
March 6, 2025
Independent photo by Andrew Rousey Houston Crigler took over in January as the owner/operator of the Woodstock Culver’s. “We put a lot of emphasis on the interaction between the team and the guest,” Crigler said. He hopes the restaurant will become more active in the community with additional “Share Nights” with local schools, teams, and organizations.

Business Buzz

New ownership, openings, and expanded services dominate the newsBy Susan W. Murraynews@thewoodstockindependent.comThe Quality Inn, at 1785 S. Eastwood Drive, sold in late December for $2.2 million to …
February 27, 2025

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Schools

courtesy photo Marian Central Catholic High School students attend the Model UN  conference in Chicago. 

Marian students attend Model UN

By Tricia Carzolinews@thewoodstockindependent.comMarian Central Catholic High School Model United Nations club, formally known as the Diplomatic Affairs Delegation, has given hundreds of students a la…
March 12, 2025
D-200 courtesy photo During staff recognition at the Feb. 25 Board of Education meeting, Dean Street Elementary School staff members were honored for their exceptional efforts in their jobs. Pictured (from left) are third-grader Koa Schmarje; third-grade teacher Allison Mueller; principal Marivi Galera; attendance secretary Jane Britton; and first-grader Armando Zamudio.

Track resurfacing project at WHS expanded

Additional competition area is for field eventsBy Eileen Millardnews@the woodstockindependent.comThe D-200 School Board last week approved an $88,000 change order to the existing $886,113.25 contract …
March 10, 2025

Sports

Independent PHOTO by Vicky long The Woodstock Dolphins championship team competed at regionals and sectionals, while three of the athletes advanced to state.

Dolphins assemble championship team

By Sandy Kucharski Sandy@thewoodstockindependent.com Hard work throughout the winter season has produced exciting results for the Woodstock Dolphins Swim Team. Eleven athletes represent the Dolp…
March 12, 2025

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