NOTE: This article has been updated to reflect changes. The original text follows the update. Facing mounting criticism, members of the Woodstock City Council said they would look to enact sanctions “up to and including termination” of Woodstock Police Department sergeant Charles “Chip” Amati. That announcement by Mayor Brian Sager came at the council’s Dec. […]
With the temperature hovering around 14 degrees, eight hearty souls with a common interest in land restoration gathered at Westwood Park Dec. 11 as a work party for The Land Conservancy of McHenry County. The primary goal was to remove invasive species such as buckthorn and honeysuckle in efforts to restore the native oak savannah […]
After seeing the movie “Night at the Museum” – an action comedy about a newly recruited night security guard at the Museum of Natural History who discovers a curse that makes museum exhibits come to life – Mason Parrish gave his dad a great idea. “He said, ‘You know, Dad, I really like this movie, […]
With about 170 Rosati’s Pizza restaurants in the United States, Woodstock’s Michael Rosati wanted his to stand out. While a majority of the chain restaurant’s locations are carryout and delivery only, some are more traditional sit-down eateries, giving guests a taste and view of Italy. But Rosati had a different plan for his. Instead of […]
The punishment for misconduct handed down to a veteran Woodstock police sergeant has some law enforcement watchdog groups crying foul. Sgt. Charles “Chip” Amati, a 24-year member of the Woodstock Police Department, received a 30-day unpaid suspension after an investigation revealed he sent a text message to a 12-year-old girl asking her to send him […]
News of the suspension of Sgt. Charles “Chip” Amati — a Woodstock police officer who was disciplined for purportedly sending an inappropriate text message to a 12-year-old girl and improperly using a police database — has left some area residents rankled. “It seemed like the punishment [Amati] got was very light,” Woodstock’s Joseph Monack told […]
A veteran Woodstock police sergeant has been suspended for 30 days, the result of an investigation into sexually suggestive text messages he allegedly sent to a 12-year-old girl and the misuse of a police database also revealed by the investigation. Sgt. Charles “Chip” Amati, the Woodstock Police Department’s spokesman and a 24-year member of the […]
The ceremonial lighting of the Woodstock Square has become a full-blown production. Through the coordinated efforts of several city departments and organizations, the annual tradition has continued to evolve and excite audiences. “It’s theater,” said John Scharres, managing director of the Opera House. “For us, it’s just another show.” For at least 25 years, Scharres […]
With roof repairs underway, the city of Woodstock is prepping the 156-year-old Old Courthouse on the Square for sale. The City Council approved a Request for Proposals marketing plan for the Old Courthouse and Sheriff’s House as part of the consent agenda at its Nov. 19 meeting. After final evaluation by the Historic Preservation Commission, […]
Each year in late November, Ted Anderson’s back yard turns into a lush evergreen forest overnight; one of Woodstock’s indicators that the holiday season has arrived. For the past 21 years, M.A.C.V. AMVETS Post 269 has been selling fresh cut Christmas trees at Anderson’s home at 12320 Davis Road, just west of the intersection of […]
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.
