With zero and even subzero temperatures hitting Woodstock in recent weeks, many area residents would have shuddered at the thought of having to go outside, let alone work in the cold. But for Joel Kooistra, a Woodstock dairy farmer, it was business as usual. With first milking of 250 milking cows starting at 4 a.m. […]
With 20 winter storm events this past December alone, Woodstock Public Works has battled constant low temperatures, snow and sleet – causing icy roads – with 1,900 tons of salt. Public Works Director Paul Ruscko said $190,000 was budgeted this year for purchasing salt, which is used to cover about 250 lane miles of roadway […]
From the cockpit of the Boeing 737, aspiring aviators will soon be able to soar through clouds and over cities, looking down at tiny cars and squares of land all from a stationary simulator at the Challenger Learning Center for Science & Technology, 222 E. Church St. With the help of WavTek, a local information […]
After nearly five decades in business, a Woodstock real estate institution is changing hands. Harding Real Estate, 1710 S. Eastwood Drive, recently was purchased by Prudential Stark Realtors to become Prudential Harding and Starck Real Estate. “I think the world changes, and the real estate industry changes too,” said John Harding, former president of Harding […]
More than 200 new state laws take effect in Illinois Jan. 1, including a cellphone ban, legalized medical marijuana, concealed carry, a strict littering law and voting privileges available to soon-to-be 18-year-olds. Below is just a small selection of the legislation — some widely publicized, some obscure — that goes into effect in 2014: […]
Coming home from a relaxing winter vacation, the last thing anyone wants to deal with is frozen water pipes or a break-in. Area authorities offer suggestions for residents when preparing for a trip away from home during the holidays and winter months. Prepare your home Although you may be packing swimsuits and sunscreen for […]
After 39 years, the families of Angelo’s Restaurant are retiring from the business. The diner at 117 E. Van Buren St. has changed hands and will undergo remodeling once more to become Papa G’s Restaurant. In 1975, brothers-in-law Peter Mourelatos and Dennis Paloumbis opened Angelo’s Restaurant on the Square. Beginning in a space half the […]
As criticism of the handling of an embattled Woodstock police sergeant grows, city officials say they sympathize with angry residents and activists, but contend there is little anyone can do to remove him from his post. The Woodstock City Council called a special executive session Dec. 17 to discuss the future of Sgt. Charles “Chip” […]
A group of residents packed into City Hall Dec. 17 to ream city officials over the handling of an embattled Woodstock police sergeant. About 40 people gathered at a heated and often emotional meeting of the Woodstock City Council, where council members heard a series of charged speeches from residents and their out-of-town allies demanding […]
Although homelessness may not seem apparent in the community, hundreds of people seek assistance and refuge each year through services offered by the McHenry County Public Action to Deliver Shelter program, especially in the winter. A division of Pioneer Center for Human Services, PADS provides homeless people shelter and services at its Day Center year-round […]
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.
