Harvard native has been into art for years By Susan W. Murray news@thewoodstockindependent.com “Every child is an artist,” Pablo Picasso said. “The problem is staying an artist when you grow up.” As a student at St. Mary School and Marian Central Catholic High School, Harvard native Gage Finke was known as “the kid who can […]
By Kevin Lyons news@thewoodstockindependent.com Dozens of students from both Woodstock and Woodstock North high schools are bringing all that jazz to the stage for six weekend performances of “Chicago: Teen Edition” first dazzling the stage on Friday, April 11. Each spring, the theater departments from each high school combine efforts for a musical featuring the […]
Musical aspirations lead to a tour … and Carnegie Hall By Lydia LaGue Lopez news@thewoodstockindependent.com Practice makes perfect. It also makes dreams come true. Gavin Kempf-Kutemeier is a Woodstock resident, the son of The Records Department owners Kelly and Michael Sacco, a graduate of Crystal Lake South High School, and currently a sophomore at the […]
Tribune News Service columnist Heidi Stevens to speak at Opera House By Eileen Millard news@thewoodstockindependent.com Heidi Stevens has been a columnist for the Chicago Tribune since 1998, perhaps best known for her popular “Balancing Act” column. She will be talking about the power of storytelling on April 17 at the Woodstock Opera House as part […]
“Alice in Wonderland JR.” is 20th production at St. Mary since 2011 By Susan W. Murray news@thewoodstockindependent.com Cast and crew members from St. Mary School’s 2011 production of “Alice in Wonderland JR.” will each have a ticket awaiting them at the box office when the school stages the show at 7 p.m. Friday, April 11, […]
By Tricia Carzoli news@thewoodstockindependent.com When Marian Central Catholic High School senior Colin Zecchin was in third grade, he stepped onstage for the first time and has never looked back. Zecchin has 20 live theater credits to his name, and he is just 17 years old. “I really enjoy live theater,” he said. “I love musicals […]
By Lydia LaGue Lopez news@thewoodstockindependent.com With so much in the pipeline for 2025, the Arts Commission is making headway on its various projects. Since the commission’s inception, members have worked with Northern Illinois University to develop a master arts plan for Woodstock. The commission recently received a proposal to review and edit before sending a […]
Woodstock woman takes a spin on the Wheel of Fortune, wins $3,700 By Tricia Carzoli news@thewoodstockindependent.com So many people wonder whether dreams really do come true, but Woodstock resident Jo Ann Bomkamp knows for certain that they do. The beloved and newly retired teacher from Crosby Elementary School, Harvard, was selected as a contestant on […]
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 for a book, get a movie deal before you’ve even finished writing it, and then wait 30 years before the movie hits the silver screen? Writer Jay Bonansinga will share his story at […]
Directors praise students’ connections in preparing for four presentations By Tricia Carzoli news@thewoodstockindependent.com A perfect mix of students and directors made “Newsies” an “easy fit” for Marian Central Catholic High School’s spring musical. Kristina Nelson, theology teacher and co-director of “Newsies,” said the production is full of powerful connections – especially among cast members. “Everyone […]
Larry Lough is editor of The Independent and reports local news.
Janet Dovidio has been a freelance correspondent for The Independent for eight years.
Susan W. Murray wrote for The Independent, covering various beats, from 2005 to 2008.
Tricia Carzoli is a freelance writer and photographer that on community news.
