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Courtesy photo. Dean Street School third-graders Gracelyn B. and Brad C. design their Valentine cards.

‘We talk about how good it feels to get mail’

The art of letter-writing is not lost in Dean Street School’s third grade By Janet Dovidio news@thewoodstockindependent.com The students in Dean Street Elementary School’s third grade have a special community […] Subscribe or Login to continue reading this quality article by The Woodstock Independent …
March 18, 2026
Courtesy photo by Hilario Done. Farmer and chef Antonio Delgado, shown at his farm in Marengo, is one of the storytellers featured in the upcoming documentary “Nuestras Historias” (Our Stories).

Program to spotlight Latino farmworkers

A sneak preview of the documentary ‘Nuestras Historias’ will be shown Staff Report NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM Contributions of Latino farmworkers in McHenry County going back more than a century will be highlighted […] Subscribe or Login to continue reading this quality article by The Woodstock Independent …
March 18, 2026

With something for everyone

McHenry County Library Lovers Expedition marks its fifth anniversaryBy Caryl Dierksennews@thewoodstockindependent.com It’s back, bigger and better than ever, and it’s in progress right now. For the fifth annual McHenry County […] Subscribe or Login to continue reading this quality article by The Woodstock Independent …
March 18, 2026

Business Buzz

All that’s new in openings, closings, moves, and ownership changes By Susan W. Murray news@thewoodstockindependent.com After operating two stores for a little over four years, Shannon Bailey and Nancy Leonard […] Subscribe or Login to continue reading this quality article by The Woodstock Independent …
March 18, 2026

Community

Independent photoby Caryl Dierkson. The Quintanilla family of Cary poses for a photo while visiting the Woodstock Public Library during the Library Lovers Expedition.

With something for everyone

McHenry County Library Lovers Expedition marks its fifth anniversaryBy Caryl Dierksennews@thewoodstockindependent.com It’s back, bigger and better than ever, and it’s in progress right now. For the…
March 18, 2026
A group of women from Woodstock Free Methodist Church recently sponsored a tea party for La Bella Healthcare residents. The tea organizers pictured (from left) are Jan Haggerty, Peggy Grasley, Vicki Peters, Classey Nehrke, Carol Greasley, and Julie Krieger. Courtesy photo

‘This is one way we do God’s work’

Free Methodist Church members bring a cup of joy to La Bella residents By Janet Dovidionews@thewoodstockindepenDEnt.com The congregation at the Woodstock Free Methodist Church hosted an old-fashioned …
March 11, 2026

‘Different adventures around town’

SOAR@Dorr programs boost local businesses By Janet Dovidio news@thewoodstockindependent.com SOAR@Dorr (Serving Older Active Adults) was created in 2021 to establish a center in Dorr Township for activ…
March 11, 2026

‘A very humbling experience’

Family Health Partnership Clinic’s Suzanne Hoban attends State of the Union address By Susan W. Murraynews@thewoodstockindependent.com Suzanne Hoban, founder and executive director of the Family Healt…
March 6, 2026

Arts & Entertainment

Courtesy photo by Hilario Done. Farmer and chef Antonio Delgado, shown at his farm in Marengo, is one of the storytellers featured in the upcoming documentary “Nuestras Historias” (Our Stories).

Program to spotlight Latino farmworkers

A sneak preview of the documentary ‘Nuestras Historias’ will be shown Staff Report NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM Contributions of Latino f…
March 18, 2026
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Business

Courtesy photo. The sign outside Blue Thistle advertises that “Everything, yes Everything” is 70% off while the store clears out its inventory before closing at the end of the month. In April, Wild Buffalo Trading Co. will open in its spot.

Business Buzz

All that’s new in openings, closings, moves, and ownership changes By Susan W. Murray news@thewoodstockindependent.com After operating two stores for a little over four years, Shannon Bailey …
March 18, 2026
Independent file photo. Napoli Pizza took over Dusty’s Pizza in Wonder Lake in May 2022. Last week, Shawn and Brigitte Baker nnounced thet would close the Wonder Lake location.

Business Buzz

All that’s new in openings, closings, moves, and ownership changesBy Susan W. Murray news@thewoodstockindependent.com In Wonder Lake restaurant news, Napoli Pizza announced on Facebook on Jan. 26 that…
February 5, 2026
Independent photo by Susan W. Murray. While modestly priced by Woodstock standards, this home northwest of the Square was listed for 77 percent over the price that it sold for in 2020, reflecting fast-rising prices that have been the norm for five years.

Woodstock home prices rise in 2025

Average price for a single-family, detached home hits $410,359 By Susan W. Murray news@thewoodstockindependent.com For the first time, the average price for a detached, single-family home in the 60098…
January 28, 2026

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Schools

Courtesy photo. Dean Street School third-graders Gracelyn B. and Brad C. design their Valentine cards.

‘We talk about how good it feels to get mail’

The art of letter-writing is not lost in Dean Street School’s third grade By Janet Dovidio news@thewoodstockindependent.com The students in Dean Street Elementary School’s third grade have a …
March 18, 2026
Independent photo by Susan W. Murray. Seventh-grader Emma Strange (above), as Rafiki, holds up baby Simba. “My favorite part is holding up baby Simba because it’s such an important part of the show,” she said.

St. Mary kids work on ‘Hakuna Matata’

School will stage “The Lion King JR.” on March 13, 14 By Susan W. Murray news@thewoodstockindependent.com When “The Lion King” premiered in 1994, its young fans quickly adopted the phrase, […] …
March 11, 2026

Sports

St. Mary Catholic School of Woodstock hosted the Northwest Suburban Christian Conference sixth- and eighth-grade basketball tournaments. The Fighting Irish’s eighth-grade team finished second. Team members (from left) are head coach Patrick Louise, Alison Russel, Gianna Gaytan, Samantha Czerkies, Kaitlyn Lange (holding plaque), Claire Russel, Maddie Biver, Zoe Kranenburg, assistant coach TJ Russel. Courtesy photo

St. Mary girls hoops earn trophies

Northwest Christian Conference action for sixth- and eighth-graders By Steve Peterson news@thewoodstockindependent.com St. Mary Catholic School of Woodstock’s girls basketball teams both added to the …
March 18, 2026
Brianna Crown

Brianna Crown named All-KRC Female Wrestler of the Year

By Steve Peterson news@thewoodstockindependent.com Woodstock co-op senior Brianna Crown was named the Kishwaukee River Conference (KRC) Female Wrestler of the Year as part of the KRC all-league team s…
March 18, 2026

Student of the week

3/18/26 Student of the Week – Elli Voss

3/18/26 Student of the Week – Elli Voss

Elli Voss, a senior at Woodstock North High School, is the daughter of Russell Voss and Cynthia Neff. Her teacher said, “Every day Elli comes into the…
March 18, 2026

Athlete of the week

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