Woodstock needs more affordable housing and diverse housing options, and don’t forget that hotel. Embrace diversity in the city and support the Hispanic community. Develop the former Die Cast factory site north of the train station as a northward expansion of the downtown and a possible catalyst for more development, including transit-oriented development. Support arts […]
Incumbents in Woodstock won re-election Tuesday night, and women filled the two City Council seats that are being vacated by the only two females currently on the council. Three members of the School District 200 Board of Education – Michelle Bidwell, John Headley, and Jerry Miceli – were re-elected to four-year terms on the seven-member […]
After an hour-long discussion, Woodstock City Council members were divided on whether to allow conversion of a former chiropractic office and home into six apartments. In a 5-2 vote, the council approved a special use permit for Brady Coleman of Crystal Lake to convert the building at 1140 Dean St. into six units, including four […]
By Cheryl Wormley This week, my husband, Jim, and I have been talking about the importance of people voting in local elections. He even suggested I write Declarations on the topic, so here we go. First, I’m willing to bet that I am, as is said, preaching to the choir. That is, I believe most […]
Woodstock bars and restaurants that want sections of public sidewalks and parking spaces used for outside seating will now need to get a permit from the city and pay a square-footage fee for the area. Under a new ordinance approved last week by the City Council, businesses may apply to the city starting March 1 […]
With Election Day 2022 just about four weeks away, candidates for the 2023 consolidated election already are getting out petitions to qualify to run for City Council, Board of Education, and several other offices that will be on the April 4 ballot. The Woodstock City Council and District 200 Board of Education will each have […]
Metra riders will see a little of the old Woodstock train station in the newly remodeled southeast end of the depot that was opened last week to morning commuters. Benches that had once provided seating for people waiting inside the station are back after being stored in recent years at the Sheriff’s House. “We sanded […]
To create a comprehensive plan for growth and development in Woodstock for the next 20 years, the community will have to reconcile related but competing issues. Resources will need to target services for the city’s aging population, while efforts must be made to retain and attract younger residents. Infrastructure upgrades must be a high priority […]
Imagine the possibilities. That thought must have driven the vision for what the project underway at the Old Courthouse and Sheriff’s House promises for Woodstock. And as the total expense of restoration and renovation inches toward $18 million, we must hope this confluence of historic preservation and commercial development delivers on that promise. We should […]
Woodstock’s new events facility in the Old Courthouse is now booking weddings, parties, and more – 18 months from now. Final details of construction and renovation work at the Old Courthouse and Sheriff’s House are nearing completion, with the City Council tentatively scheduled to approve different elements of the project at its meeting on Tuesday […]
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.
