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Community

Imperfect environmentalism an understandable reality

By Destiny Seaton Let’s face it, there are many reasons why someone might not be able to live the perfectly sustainable life that many of us who coin ourselves environmentalist […] S…

February 7, 2023

Carla Moliterni Rubio, a student at Marian Central Catholic High School, is spending a year in the U.S. She has attended a homecoming dance, tried basketball, and tasted Chicago deep-pan pizza. (Courtesy photo)

International student adjusts to life in Woodstock, at Marian Central

A student new to Marian Central Catholic High School is making the most of her year in the United States. Carla Moliterni Rubio, a native of Valdepenas, Spain, has immersed […] Subsc…

February 7, 2023

Community Briefs: Firefighter hiring; gun law challenged; Educator of the Year Awards

Firefighter to be hired for fire/rescue district Hiring a full-time firefighter/paramedic will keep the Woodstock Fire/Rescue District staff of full-timers at 40. The Board of Trustees last week direc…

February 2, 2023

For Valentine’s Day: Fisher Outreach Group reaches out to senior facilities with Valentines

Many local seniors will feel very special on Valentine’s Day because of the efforts of volunteers at Fisher Outreach Group Inc. Jacci Richards and her family started the charitable organization [&hell…

January 31, 2023

Arts & Entertainment

Cheri Magrini’s photo of Ryders Woods in Woodstock received first place in TLC’s 2022 photo contest. Ryders Woods is a city of Woodstock park that is maintained by TLC. (Courtesy photo)

Arts Briefs: Creative Living speaker; Nature photography competition

Creative Living speaker weaves fashionable tale Poet and essayist Alison Hawthorne Deming will be the next speaker in the Creative Living series at 10…

February 7, 2023

Emily Steinwehe plants a peach tree in the front yard of one of her customers in Madison, Wisconsin. (Courtesy photo)

Growing by reading: Woodstock native’s book encourages food forest planting

By Lydia LaGue news@thewoodstockindependent.com If you’re hungry for knowledge, Emily Steinwehe has co-written a book that will educate both children …

January 31, 2023

State News

What to know ahead of governor’s budget proposal to lawmakers

Gov. J.B. Pritzker will propose a new budget next week that will benefit from higher-than-anticipated revenue. (Capitol News Illinois photo)

By JERRY NOWICKI Capitol News Illinois  jnowicki@capitolnewsillinois.com SPRINGFIELD – Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s second-term legislative agenda will kick off in earnest next week as he proposes his fifth annual state budget […] Subscribe or Login to continue reading this quality article by The Woodstock Independant …

February 7, 2023

Illinois House, Senate agree on ban of assault weapons

By PETER HANCOCKCapitol News Illinoisphancock@capitolnewsillinois.com SPRINGFIELD – Negotiators in the Illinois House and Senate have reached agreement on a bill to ban the purchase, sale, and manufacture of semi-automatic assault […] Subscribe or Login to continue reading this quality article by The Woodstock Independant …

January 10, 2023

Public Safety Logs

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Edition of Jan. 11-17

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Edition of Dec. 28-Jan. 3

Edition of Dec. 14-20

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Edition of Nov. 16-22

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Business

Bruce Farris and his son Wally practice dentistry together in Woodstock. “We get on each other sometimes,” Wally Farris said, “but it’s a comedy act.” (Independent photo by Eileen Millard)

Family business: Woodstock dental dynasty built from the ground up

By Eileen Millard news@thewoodstockindependent.com In 2019, Bruce Farris needed to change the lettering on the door of his dental practice at 301 E. Calhoun St. from Dr. Bruce Farris, DDS, […] …

February 7, 2023

Kathryn Loprino of Public House of Woodstock is given a Chamber Champion award for her years of service to the Woodstock Area Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Outgoing board Chairman Darrin Flynn made the presentation during last week's annual meeting of the board. (Courtesy photo)

Woodstock Chamber Board names new members, officers

Staff Report news@thewoodstockindependent.com Four new directors have been named to three-year terms on the board of the Woodstock Area Chamber of Commerce and Industry. According to a news release, …

February 6, 2023

Among the empty storefronts on the Square is the former Chilly Willie’s frozen yogurt store on Cass Street. (Independent photo by Ken Farver)

Filling the Square: Slowly but steadily, vacant shops downtown attract tenants

By Ruth Rubertas news@thewoodstockindependent.com Ashley Marulli, owner of Betty & Beau Boutique bridal shop, was born and raised in Woodstock. She has fond memories of shopping on the Square as […

January 31, 2023