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Independent photo by Susan W. Murray. A shuttered Dairy Queen used to be a sure sign of the approaching winter in Woodstock, but this year, owner Rafael Castaneda is experimenting with remaining open during the winter months, with the exception of a 10-day break between Christmas and New Year’s.

Business Buzz

In the spirit of the season of leftovers . . .By Susan W. Murray news@thewoodstockindependent.com Always, when The Woodstock Independent runs a Business Buzz, a few stray items straggle into […] Subscribe or Login to continue reading this quality article by The Woodstock Independent …
December 4, 2025
DISTRICT200 PHOTO. Prairiewood Elementary School teacher Kimberly O'Brien conducts literacy lessons with her fourth-grade dual-language students on Nov. 21. Woodstock School District 200 students overall have demonstrated the highest reading growth scores in McHenry County, according to 2025 Illinois State Report Card data released in October.

Woodstock D-200 students lead county in academic growth

By Kevin Lyons District 200 Reading and math scores of students in Woodstock School District 200 continue to soar, with the highest growth in McHenry County. Superintendent Mike Moan shared […] Subscribe or Login to continue reading this quality article by The Woodstock Independent …
December 4, 2025

North’s Schefke top KRC player

By Steve Peterson news@thewoodstockindependent.com Gabby Schefke, the senior leader for Woodstock North’s volleyball team, was honored by the Kishwaukee River Conference as its Player of the Year award winner. The […] Subscribe or Login to continue reading this quality article by The Woodstock Independent …
December 4, 2025

Defensive stop finishes 3-0 tourney for Streaks

By Steve Peterson news@thewoodstockindependent.com A nine-point comeback had turned a Wauconda lead to a Woodstock lead at the Woodstock-Woodstock North Hoops for Healing final game.  But there was one more […] Subscribe or Login to continue reading this quality article by The Woodstock Independent …
December 4, 2025

Community

Independent photo by Susan W. Murray. A shuttered Dairy Queen used to be a sure sign of the approaching winter in Woodstock, but this year, owner Rafael Castaneda is experimenting with remaining open during the winter months, with the exception of a 10-day break between Christmas and New Year’s.

Business Buzz

In the spirit of the season of leftovers . . .By Susan W. Murray news@thewoodstockindependent.com Always, when The Woodstock Independent runs a Business Buzz, a few stray items straggle into the…
December 4, 2025
Members of the Sherwood family gathered in Woodstock on Nov. 16 to recognize their great-great-grandfather, Eben Sherwood, who owned Fuller & Sherwood Dry Goods on Cass Street, now home of The Thoughtfulness Shop and My Little Bow Peeps. (From left to right) Aaron Pond, Gary Pond, Madelyn Pond, Jodi Robinson Stromberg, Barbara Nalley, Janene Robinson Littman, Daniel Weiner, and Michelle Weiner. Courtesy photo.

‘We owe it all to Woodstock!’

Sherwood family descendents honor local roots every November By Janet Dovidio news@thewoodstockindependent.com Every Nov. 20, first cousins who are descended from the Sherwood line convene in Woodstoc…
November 26, 2025

Taking ‘a joy ride’

Response to trial runs will determine Metra Café Car’s future By Susan W. Murray news@thewoodstockindependent.com Brothers Al and Blake Johanson and friend David Wilson made an event of their trip [&h…
November 20, 2025

WNHS performs ‘Charlotte’s Web’ this weekend

By Ruth Raubertas news@thewoodstockindependent.com On the weekend of Nov. 14-16, the Woodstock North High School Theatre Department will perform “Charlotte’s Web,” a production based on the beloved ch…
November 13, 2025

Arts & Entertainment

(c) Tricia Carzoli TLCPHOTOGRAPHYAND

Time to light up Woodstock for the holidays

Staff Report news@thewoodstockindependent.com The city of Woodstock will officially kick off the holiday season in its historic downtown on Friday, No…
November 26, 2025
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Business

Independent photo by Susan W. Murray. A shuttered Dairy Queen used to be a sure sign of the approaching winter in Woodstock, but this year, owner Rafael Castaneda is experimenting with remaining open during the winter months, with the exception of a 10-day break between Christmas and New Year’s.

Business Buzz

In the spirit of the season of leftovers . . .By Susan W. Murray news@thewoodstockindependent.com Always, when The Woodstock Independent runs a Business Buzz, a few stray items straggle into the…
December 4, 2025
Danny Room stands with the Harley-Davidson Dyna Street Bob that he was readying for a customer. Reflecting on the difference between biking culture in the U.S. and his native Britain, Room said that open space and sunnier weather make for a longer riding season here. U.S. riders, he said, are more lax about wearing protective gear. “I wear full protective gear all the time,” he said. “I value my skin.”

Meet the meticulous motorcycle man

By Susan W. Murraynews@thewoodstockindependent.com Allied Motorsports offers inspections, repairs, and storage It’s possible, when turning into the driveway at 14910 Kishwaukee Valley Ro…
October 31, 2025
Independent photo by Tricia Carzoli. Family, friends, and guests from the city are in a celebratory mood just before the ribbon was cut to celebrate the 45th anniversary of 3 Brothers Restaurant.

3 Brothers turns 45

An anniversary and a celebration of the American dream By Susan W. Murray news@thewoodstockindependent.com As Kim Alimovski cut the ribbon on Oct. 15 to commemorate 45 years in business for […]…
October 22, 2025

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Schools

Courtesy photo. Senior Savannah Egert holds a bag of broccoli at Hongkik Eco Farm.

Outdoor club broadens experiences

From kayaks to skis to gardening tools, Marian’s Outdoor Club does it all By Janet Dovidio NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM The Outdoor Club at Marian Central Catholic High School has undergone many c…
December 4, 2025

Sports

North’s Schefke top KRC player

By Steve Peterson news@thewoodstockindependent.com Gabby Schefke, the senior leader for Woodstock North’s volleyball team, was honored by the Kishwaukee River Conference as its Player of the Yea…
December 4, 2025
Independent photo by Andrew Rousey. Woodstock sophomore Liam Laidig contributes to the victory over Grayslake North.

Defensive stop finishes 3-0 tourney for Streaks

By Steve Peterson news@thewoodstockindependent.com A nine-point comeback had turned a Wauconda lead to a Woodstock lead at the Woodstock-Woodstock North Hoops for Healing final game.  Bu…
December 4, 2025

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