“Retail, restaurant, medical” are the suggested uses on the “Space for Lease” sign in the window of the former Aldi food store in Woodstock. But those are only suggestions. With no immediate commercial prospects, the abandoned grocery store at 410 S. Eastwood Drive could become an elections office for McHenry County government. The city’s Plan […]
This year marks the 20th anniversary of Woodstock Jazzercise, the local franchise of a nationwide fitness franchise, whose name stands for “jazz” and “exercise.” The business was founded in 1969 by Judi Sheppard Missett in Carlsbad, Calif. It combines dance-based cardio exercise and strength training in every class to provide a full-body workout with dance […]
In the two weeks after the conclusion of the outdoor Farmers Market season at the end of October, Seleta Scents’ co-owners Julienne Samuels and Mike Richards pushed themselves to open their store in the recently renovated Old Courthouse Center. Seleta Scents occupies the second incubator spot, 290 square feet overlooking Throop Street. The core of […]
In her job as associate director of business development for the Integrated Bioprocessing Research Laboratory at the University of Illinois, 2006 Woodstock High School alumnus Beth Conerty puts her degrees in chemistry, bioenergy, and energy science and engineering to work with Central Illinois industries. That work received a boost in October when President Biden announced […]
The Association of Resale Professionals reported in 2023 that the number of resale shops in the United States has increased by about 7 percent over each of the past two years. About 16 to 18 percent of Americans will shop at a thrift store during a given year, while 12 to 15 percent will shop […]
When The Woodstock Independent profiled Jessica Cook’s J&G Pastries in July 2022, the baker’s goal was to open a brick-and-mortar location. Less than a year-and-a-half ago, Cook was just starting out. While still working her retail job full time, the Woodstock resident was driving to Schiller Park to use a commercial kitchen to create her […]
Former Woodstock resident starts Oregon newspaper Woodstock native Colleen Strohm is the publisher of The South Wasco Times, a monthly newspaper published in Maupin, Ore., about two hours east of Portland. Strohm reports she launched the paper, which serves southern Wasco County, with a 20-page edition and a press run of 750 copies on Oct. […]
Zac Dolezal, chef and owner at Duke’s Alehouse and Kitchen, said that Woodstock residents have long supported his Crystal Lake eatery. “I’m glad to offer a closer option for them,” Dolezal said. Dolezal opened Duke’s Inferno at 11671 Catalpa Lane – Americano’s former location – on Nov. 1, with a grand opening planned for Nov. […]
Woodstock included in latest local beverage trail Four stops in Woodstock are part of the return of the McHenry County Craft Beverage Trail Challenge. The collaborative effort among local breweries, distilleries, and Naturally McHenry County encourages exploration of handcrafted beverages unique to local communities. Beginning last week and continuing through October 2024, the new trail […]
By Eileen Millard news@thewoodstockindependent.com Home of the Sparrow, founded in 1987, is celebrating its 37th year of service in 2023, providing help for single women, pregnant women, and women with children. The recent opening of a new organizational headquarters in Woodstock, at 1991 Duncan Place, off McConnell Road, means that the organization can now have […]
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.
