The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat watch for counties throughout northeastern Illinois, saying that “dangerous” heat indices could reach 105 to 115 degrees later this week. The watch advises “very hot and humid conditions will arrive Thursday and continue into Friday,” with actual temperatures in the mid-90s. It adds overnight lows in the […]
Eli Holsey and Kevin Zank said they came to the Woodstock Square because of the town’s history. Sort of. Like dozens — maybe hundreds — of other people wandering through the Woodstock Square the evening of July 15, Lake Villa’s Holsey and McHenry’s Zank were capturing imaginary monsters while playing Pokemon Go, the new smartphone […]
The Republican nominee for the 63rd Illinois House District has opened his campaign headquarters in Woodstock. Steve Reick is running for the seat held since 1999 by Democratic State Rep. Jack Franks, who is stepping away from the House to run for chairman of the McHenry County Board. Reick, who recently moved to Woodstock from […]
It’s a tall plant with yellow flowers that has been around for years. But suddenly, wild parsnip is gaining a lot of attention for the blistering rash it can cause. Warnings about wild parsnip, which is in full bloom this time of year, have been circulating the media and social media sites. The plant’s sap […]
The Democratic Party of McHenry County has tapped a lifelong Marengo resident to replace State Rep. Jack Franks as its candidate for the approaching Illinois House of Representatives 63rd District race. County Democrats met at the Woodstock Public Library July 9, and unanimously elected John Bartman, 38, as their replacement candidate to run in the […]
Music, food, a 50/50 raffle, live auction and a few surprises await those attending the 17th annual Gavers Barndance this year. The Gavers Barndance will be held from 5 p.m. to midnight Saturday, July 16, under the big white tent at Emricson Park, 1313 Kishwaukee Valley Road. Ticket sales and sponsorships are ahead of last […]
The city of Woodstock is preparing for the upcoming Summer in the Park festival, which includes a street parade and live entertainment. Callejoneadas Street Parade – Wednesday, July 13 This year’s Summer in the Park will run Wednesday to Sunday, July 13 to 17. The festivities will get started at 6:30 p.m. July 13 with […]
A new tenant could move into Woodstock’s Old Courthouse this summer. The Woodstock City Council authorized City Manager Roscoe Stelford to work out the details of an agreement between the city, a current tenant and Talia Pavia String Academy that would see the latter move into an office in the building. The council opted to […]
A 52-year-old Woodstock man was arrested after he allegedly approached an underage girl on the Square, kissed her hand and later charged at a police officer. Lyle Harvey Schmidt, of the 800 block of Dean Street, was charged July 1 with disorderly conduct, a Class A misdemeanor; aggravated assault of a peace officer, a Class […]
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.
