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Columnist Paul Lockwood wins a “ridealong” with a Woodstock Police officer. The second of two parts. (Independent file photo)

Riding in the front seat of a squad car – Part 2

Columnist Paul Lockwood bought a police ride-along in a silent auction. This is the second part of his report on the experience with Officer Lucas Schmidt. With the COVID lockdown […] …

March 28, 2023

Plants used for spices. (Photo from Mediacommons)

‘He who controls the space controls the universe’

By Nancy Shevel Herbs and spices can do more than provide calorie-free natural flavorings. They are an incredible source of antioxidants, help your metabolism, and improve your health at the [……

March 28, 2023

‘Learn CPR’: Five things about medical emergencies that could save your – or someone else’s – life

By Eileen Millard news@thewoodstockindependent.com What steps can people take to help themselves or others in a medical emergency? Firefighter-paramedics at the Woodstock Fire/Rescue District are expe…

March 28, 2023

‘Final stretch’: Girl Scout Ambassador Troop nears end of 13-year journey

Members of a local Girl Scout troop, all seniors in high school, are in their final year together as Girl Scouts. Girl Scout Troop 510 is an Ambassador Troop, the […] Subscribe or Lo…

March 21, 2023

Arts & Entertainment

Woodstock Arts Commission members are interested in a sign code that would provide information on existing art installations, like the Benton Street mural, “Made in Woodstock,” by Chicago artist Mauricio Ramirez. Here, commission Chairwoman Wendy Piersall speaks during the dedication ceremony last summer. (Independent file photo by Ken Farver)

‘Dynamic and diverse’: Woodstock Arts Commission works on community plan, other projects for 2023

By Lydia LaGue news@thewoodstockindependent.com A new year means new initiatives, and the Woodstock Arts Commission is already at work on them. One of…

March 28, 2023

Arts Briefs: ‘Momma Mia,’ WFAA scholarships

WHS, WNHS will perform ‘Mamma Mia’ in six shows Six presentations of “Mamma Mia” are planned as the spring musical of Woodstock North High School Thea…

March 27, 2023

State News

Advocates call on regulators to reject natural gas rate increases, including for Nicor Gas

By ANDREW ADAMSCapitol News Illinoisaadams@capitolnewsillinois.com CHICAGO – Consumer advocates, environmentalists and Chicago residents gathered in front of the Chicago offices of Peoples Gas this week to call on the Illinois Commerce Commission to reject a proposed rate increase from the gas utility. Several advocacy groups, including the Citizen…

March 28, 2023

Republican leaders like governor’s talk about possible tax cuts if state revenues remain strong

Gov. J.B. Pritzker is pictured at a news conference at Lincoln Land Community College in Springfield, where he discussed the higher education investments in his Fiscal Year 2024 budget. At the news conference, he said he and legislative leaders have discussed potential tax cuts in the coming fiscal year if state revenues continue to exceed expectations. (Capitol News Illinois photo by Jerry Nowicki)

By JERRY NOWICKICapitol News Illinoisjnowicki@capitolnewsillinois.com SPRINGFIELD – With two months to go before the Legislature adjourns and current-year revenues continuing to smash expectations, Gov. J.B. Pritzker said he and legislative […] Subscribe or Login to continue reading this quality article by The Woodstock Independan…

March 15, 2023

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Business

Sandra Pierce, president of Phoenix Woodworking, is presented with the Woodstock Woman of the Year award by Kim Keefe of the Woodstock Professional & Business Women. “Women are overachievers,” Pierce says. (Independent photo by Ken Farver)

‘Women can do amazing things’: WPBW honors manufacturer Sandra Pierce as Women of the Year

From the ashes of a fallen business, Woman of the Year Sandra Pierce rose to be a leader in business and in the community, but it was her unwavering commitment […] Subscribe or Login…

March 28, 2023

Fresh fruit and clean restrooms are the announced plan for a new 6,000-square-foot convenience store at Route 47 and County Club Road, where a new BP gas and diesel fuel station is proposed. (Independent file photo)

Hotel part of BP development plan

“Woodstock needs a hotel.” City Plan Commission member Steve Gavers repeated those oft-spoken words last week after a developer laid out very preliminary plans that could bring a hotel to […] …

March 21, 2023

Miss Bella’s Sweets and Treats owner Kim Doran and her husband, Bill, prepare for last week’s ribbon-cutting at her 1950s-era soda shop. She has operated Pixie Dawgs food truck and the former Church Street Café at the Woodstock train station. (Independent photo by Tricia Carzoli)

‘Something people are looking for’: New 1950s soda shop in Hebron seeks to focus on community needs

When Wonder Lake resident Kim Doran, owner of Pixie Dawgs and the former Church Street Café, was looking for another brick-and-mortar site to launch Miss Bella’s Sweets and Eats, she […] …

March 13, 2023

Retail incubator to offer space in Old Courthouse

‘Part of everything here’: New bakery plans to be in the middle of activities in Woodstock

City staff adds new economic development manager

Country store collaboration: ‘We love talking about farming,’ Michelle Aavang says of her retail outlet

‘Coming soon’: Groundbreaking imminent for new Food Shed Co-op grocery store

‘Economic impact was incredible’: Annual February festival not just fun, but boon for Woodstock and its businesses

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Schools

Kindergarten students at Verda Dierzen Early Learning Center pose with their water lilies project. (Courtesy photo)

Honoring Melissa: Project of kindergarten students raising funds for splash pad

A kindergarten class at Verda Dierzen Early Learning Center decided that water lilies were the best choice to paint in honor of a special person. Courtney Fisher’s dual-language kindergarten students …

March 28, 2023

Gretchen Sebastian was the winner of the Young Authors contest in Woodstock School District 200 for her story about a Jewish teenager escaping Germany while trying to rescue her sister. (District 200 photo)

War tale winner in D-200 Young Authors contest

Gretchen Sebastian spent two years carefully crafting “Are You Ready for It?” – the tale of a Jewish teenager escaping Germany while trying to rescue her sister. “No one should […] S…

March 28, 2023

Sports

Hunter Birkhoff, a senior at Marian Central Catholic High School, holds an official NFL football that recognizes him as a Chicago Bears Community High School All-Star. (Independent photo by Ken Farver)

‘He’s exactly what the program was designed for’: Marian’s Hunter Birkhoff recognized by Chicago Bears for community service

When the nomination application for the Chicago Bears Community High School All-Star Award came across the desk of Marian Central Catholic High School head football coach Liam Kirwan, he knew [&hellip…

March 28, 2023

Woodstock High School junior Ishan Patel competes in the 3,200m run at the Illinois Top Times Indoor Championship meet March 25 at Illinois Wesleyan University. Patel secured one of only 15 coveted spots in the prestigious meet with his qualifying time of 9 minutes, 50 seconds at the Nelson-Daniels Classic at UW Whitewater a week before. (Independent photo by Dan Chamness)

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Events

Events

<strong>WINTER FARMERS MARKET AT FAIRGROUNDS</strong>

<strong>SCHOOL DISTRICT 200 BOARD OF EDUCATION</strong>

<strong>THE creation of ‘funny girl’</strong>

<strong>COFFEE WITH THE CHIEF</strong>

<strong>SPOKEN WORD CAFÉ</strong>

<strong>PUPPY PALS – COMEDIC DOG STUNT SHOW</strong>

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