The current winter season has been far less demanding on Woodstock’s road salt supply, but a hike in salt prices has the city spending considerably more money to combat slick and icy roads this year. As of Jan. 8, city road crews had spread slightly more than 740 tons of salt on Woodstock’s streets during […]
Every time the Bauman family looks out in their backyard, they are faced with a sobering reminder of tragedy. A chain link fence surrounds the charred remains of the stables and indoor riding arena at Valley View Acres where a fire Nov. 22 destroyed the buildings and killed 32 horses. On Jan. 8, Amber Bauman, […]
Years of water damage and exposure to the elements at the Old Courthouse has racked up unforeseen costs for the city, pushing the $775,000 roofing project over the $1 million mark. At the Dec. 2 meeting, City Council approved a 12th change order for the roof project that totals more than $91,000 for decorative crown […]
In just two days, a Verda Dierzen kindergarten class raised more than $380 for Christmas Clearing House … $388.75, to be exact. Amy Mock’s Ladybug class of 23 students and some parent volunteers took shifts manning a hot cocoa and cookie stand, selling their products for 50 cents each at school Dec. 1 and 2. […]
Jamming to Jingle Bells and strumming out Christmas melodies, prospective guitar stars performed a holiday concert Dec. 7 at the Woodstock Public Library. Many of the performers, all students enrolled in the area nonprofit Free Guitars for Future Stars, first picked up a guitar in October. “I just started playing about a month ago,” said […]
A new restaurant will spice up the downtown restaurant scene. Formerly Calogeros Italian Restaurant, Tequilaville will make its debut by January as a Mexican-American sports bar and grill. Woodstock High School friends Afrim “Alex” Banushi and Guillermo “Memo” Zamorano, 1997 graduates, are planning to serve up tequila-infused dishes and drinks along with authentic Mexican food […]
Marianne Ricciardi’s son, Pasquale “Patsy,” was a muscular, athletic young man when he was diagnosed with Ewing’s sarcoma – a rare form of pediatric bone cancer – two weeks after his 22nd birthday. Before he died, she promised him she would work to help the children he had come to know during his treatment in […]
The city of Woodstock and a local cultural organization are working together to create a new entity intended to promote Woodstock. The partnership between the city and Woodstock Celebrates Inc. — the group of area residents behind last spring’s Orson Welles Todd Theatre Festival 80th Anniversary celebration, among other public events — includes the creation […]
Though it’s not ferris wheel rides and funnel cakes, the McHenry County Fair is putting on a two-day Holiday Faire with a variety of vendors, demonstrations, storytelling, cookie contests, hay rides and more. With a focus on “Homemade for the Holidays,” the inaugural McHenry County Holiday Faire will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. […]
With a bright new look, the Mexican grocery store at 201 E. Church St. fits its name well. “El Sol,” meaning “The Sun,” opened in late October, and an adjoining restaurant opening is in the works. Under new ownership, El Sol replaces the former La Azteca II Groceries and Liquors and Azteca Restaurante. “We’re looking […]
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.
