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District 200 photo Woodstock North High School seniors Bianca Ayllon (left) and Cloe Hacker water plants they’ve been tending in Jillian Barry’s AP biology class.

Woodstock, Woodstock North AP scores continueto climb 

By Kevin LyonsDistrict 200The Illinois State Board of Education recently announced a state record in Advanced Placement participation and performance, while Woodstock School District 200’s recent graduates also surpassed the […] Subscribe or Login to continue reading this quality article by The Woodstock Independent …
March 20, 2025
Courtesy Photo Amy Roeder was a reading associate at Westwood Elementary School.

Amy Roeder to be remembered

Westwood Elementary School colleagues dedicate outdoor space to RoederBy Janet Dovidionews@thewoodstockindependent.comWestwood Elementary School tragically lost an associate last October when Amy Roeder, 47, died in an auto accident. Her Westwood […] Subscribe or Login to continue reading this quality article by The Woodstock Ind…
March 19, 2025

25 years of swordplay

Marian Central celebrates silver anniversary of the school’s fencing programBy Tricia Carzolinews@thewoodstockindependent.comA quarter of a century ago, Spanish teacher Paul Morf introduced fencing to Marian Central Catholic High School, and […] Subscribe or Login to continue reading this quality article by The Woodstock Independ…
March 17, 2025

THE COLLEGE REPORT: Landan Creighton excels in heptathlon for St. Thomas U.

Not only did Landan Creighton win the indoor heptathlon title at the Sun Conference meet, the St. Thomas University freshman set a new conference record in the event. The Woodstock North […] Subscribe or Login to continue reading this quality article by The Woodstock Independent …
March 17, 2025

Community

Sony Pictures Television Photographer: Eric McCandless Retired teacher and Woodstock resident Jo Ann Bomkamp competed on “Wheel of Fortune” in an episode that aired on St. Patrick’s Day.

Dreams really do come true

Woodstock woman takes a spin on the Wheel of Fortune, wins $3,700By Tricia Carzolinews@thewoodstockindependent.comSo many people wonder whether dreams really do come true, but Woodstock resident Jo An…
March 26, 2025
District 200 photo Dual-language Spanish teacher Cristina De la Fuente Gonzalez works with first-grade students in her classroom at Prairiewood Elementary School on March 7. De la Fuente was honored with an Award of Recognition from the Illinois State Board of Education.

Dual-language teacher earns state honor

By Kevin Lyonsdistrict 200A bilingual teacher at Prairiewood Elementary School in Woodstock was recently honored by the Illinois State Board of Education for the strong connections she makes with stud…
March 26, 2025

ComEd OKs upgrade for WNHS solar project

By Eileen Millardnews@thewoodstockindependent.comThe D-200 Board of Education last week voted unanimously to approve a $1 million change order to add additional capacity to the solar field project on …
March 26, 2025

School concert flavored with mariachi music

By Janet Dovidionews@thewoodstockindependent.comA group of talented young mariachi musicians performed on March 4 with sixth- through 12th-grade music students from Creekside Middle School and Woodsto…
March 20, 2025

Arts & Entertainment

Sony Pictures Television Photographer: Eric McCandless Retired teacher and Woodstock resident Jo Ann Bomkamp competed on “Wheel of Fortune” in an episode that aired on St. Patrick’s Day.

Dreams really do come true

Woodstock woman takes a spin on the Wheel of Fortune, wins $3,700 By Tricia Carzoli news@thewoodstockindependent.com So many people wonder wh…
March 26, 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,…
March 12, 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

District 200 photo Dual-language Spanish teacher Cristina De la Fuente Gonzalez works with first-grade students in her classroom at Prairiewood Elementary School on March 7. De la Fuente was honored with an Award of Recognition from the Illinois State Board of Education.

Dual-language teacher earns state honor

By Kevin Lyons district 200 A bilingual teacher at Prairiewood Elementary School in Woodstock was recently honored by the Illinois State Board of Education for the strong connections she makes w…
March 26, 2025
Courtesy Photo During staff recognition at the March 18 D-200 School Board meeting, Verda Dierzen Early Learning Center and Olson Elementary School staff members were honored for their exceptional efforts in their jobs. Pictured (from left) are Olson principal Jennifer Malecke, food services manager Colleen Roth, VDELC head custodian Ryan Logsdon, VDELC principal Trica Bogott, VDELC assistant principal Suzanne Evenson, and bus driver Beth Sullivan.

ComEd OKs upgrade for WNHS solar project

By Eileen Millard news@thewoodstockindependent.com The D-200 Board of Education last week voted unanimously to approve a $1 million change order to add additional capacity to the solar field pro…
March 26, 2025

Sports

Emma Malo

Dolphins compete in age group championships at state

StaffReportnews@thewoodstockindependent.comThree members of the Woodstock Dolphins Swim Team qualified for and competed in the Illinois Swimming Inc. 2025 Age Group Championships this month.Emma Malo …
March 17, 2025

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