Is Woodstock a sleepy little town, best described as close-knit, comfortable, and down-to-earth? Or is it a hub of exciting activity that people see as vibrant, irreverent, and dynamic? Those were among the dozens of descriptive and conflicting adjectives Woodstock residents suggested to describe their hometown during a series of focus groups conducted last fall […]
“The highest property tax rate increase over the two-year period among the collar counties is the city of Woodstock, which increased by 8.3 percent to 3.51 percent, up from 3.24 percent in 2018.”* It hasn’t improved since then; in 2022, property tax rate in Woodstock is 3.6 percent. These numbers explain Woodstock’s relative property value disintegration […]
How old are you? I ask that question a lot. And it’s always included in questionnaires The Independent sends to candidates for public office. Most candidates answer it. Some don’t. But before this week’s consolidated election, for the first time ever, I got a lecture from a candidate. “This question is not applicable, as my age does […]
Every election is important, but this election on April 4 is one you should really relate to. While campaigns for president and governor get more attention and greater voter turnout, this year’s hyper-local consolidated election has a greater direct impact on your life. In this election, voters will choose three members of the Board of […]
For me, there was an alignment of artificial intelligence stars last week. Before then, I hadn’t thought much about AI. Here’s what happened. First, Larry Lough, our esteemed editor who also has the city beat, covered the City Council’s March 21 meeting. The next morning, when I asked him about the highlights, he told me […]
By Benjamin Barr On April 4, Bull Valley will ask an important question of its residents – should Home Rule authority be enacted? While home rule means a lot of things, it most importantly grants government the authority to raise taxes without a voter referendum. In a state featuring the second-highest property taxes and the […]
Supporting Bryson Calvin for election to City Council I am writing in support of Bryson Calvin for Woodstock City Council. I have known Bryson since he was in my sixth-grade classroom at Olson Middle School. I got to know him better as he was in school with my son, Sean, all the way through high […]
Help patients at Choate; don’t politicize the abuse In Senator [Craig] Wilcox’s recent newsletter. he stated that Governor [J.B.] Pritzker is forcing over 100 residents with developmental disabilities to relocate. This statement relates to Choate Mental Health and Developmental Center, which has had documented cases of abuse going back to 2005 by Equip for Equality […]
By Cheryl Wormley Earlier this month I baked a German chocolate cake. It’s one of my favorites because its flavor is milky chocolate. But even more, I love the caramel, pecan, and coconut frosting that tops it.My husband, Jim, is very inquisitive and an information gatherer. His favorite reads are history, politics, and economics. Since […]
If you missed Sunshine Week, don’t worry; it will return next year, starting again – appropriately – with the onset of daylight saving time. Of course, we should celebrate freedom of information about our government every week. For the past 18 years, Sunshine Week has called attention to public access laws that ensure government meetings […]
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.
