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Mariachi Las Pumas performs with Creekside Middle School and Woodstock High School orchestra students

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

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Amy Roeder was a reading associate at Westwood Elementary School.

Amy Roeder to be remembered

Westwood Elementary School colleagues dedicate outdoor space to Roeder By Janet Dovidio news@thewoodstockindependent.com Westwood Elementary School tragically lost an associate last October w…

March 19, 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 a…

March 12, 2025

‘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

Arts & Entertainment

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 movie By Eileen Millard news@thewoodstockindependent.com What’s it like to have a great idea…

March 12, 2025

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’

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