For Elaine Mainiero, Huntley, a trip to the Woodstock Square the Friday after Thanksgiving is a small homecoming. “This is where I went to school, and, of course, we always came,” said Mainiero, a Woodstock native. “I’ve been coming here all the way back to the 1960s.” Mainiero was one of thousands of people — […]
A local restaurant owner has accused the city of Woodstock of “changing the rules” when it comes to his proposal to rent space in the town’s train depot. Dan Hart, owner of D.C. Cobb’s, 226 Main St., wants to lease the train depot at 90 Church St. in order to open a coffee shop with […]
For Terry Pirro, a Woodstock restaurateur, food is everything. It brings his family together and is the basis of his business, Pirro’s Foods, a pasta and pizza sauce company. But lately, most of his time spent in the kitchen has been experienced through a TV screen, watching Food Network and other cooking specials from his […]
A resale store built on faith, the Clothing Closet for McHenry County is committed to giving away every dime it makes, and then some. Each month, the thrift shop at 221 E. Calhoun St. donates about $1,700 of its proceeds to five local organizations, including Salvation Army, Pioneer Center’s PADS program, Woodstock Area Community Ministry, […]
After a barn fire late at night Nov. 22 left a Woodstock family devastated, the local community rallied in support. Valley View Acres, an award-winning equestrian facility owned by Amber Bauman, lost 32 horses in an extra-alarm fire reported at 10:43 p.m. at 5116 Mount Thabor Road in unincorporated McHenry County. Bauman’s son called 911 […]
When the winter holiday season begins, people traditionally spend time with friends and family, often gathered ’round the table. With so many opportunities to celebrate with feasts, Woodstock wellness coach Joyce Lande is challenging people to begin a new tradition – jump-starting their New Year’s fitness resolution with the Holly Jolly Healthy Holiday Challenge. Lande’s […]
What started out as a youth project packing and sending shoeboxes full of gifts to children in need around the world has snowballed into a community-wide event each Christmas at First Presbyterian Church of Woodstock. For the past 15 years, First Presbyterian has participated in Operation Christmas Child through Samaritan’s Purse. OCC brings “good news […]
A Woodstock High School alumna made Indiana state history Nov. 6 when she was elected state treasurer. The election of Kelly Wood Mitchell, along with Secretary of State Connie Lawson and State Auditor Suzanne Crouch, marks the first time three women sat atop the Indiana ballot and were elected. Mitchell, a 1985 graduate ,grew up […]
Crowded around the TV Oct. 15, Brian Harlan and his family anxiously watched the new episode of “Chicago PD,” season 2, episode 4, on NBC. Though the show was an hour long, their focus was on a 2-minute clip at the peak of the action. While police are tracking down a pair of kidnappers, a […]
Republicans dominated the polls in McHenry County Nov. 4, a midterm election result that reflected national trends that saw the GOP take governor’s mansions and congressional seats throughout the country. Lake in the Hills Democrat Paula Yensen was ousted as representative of the County Board’s fifth district, which includes Dorr and parts of Greenwood townships. […]
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.
