Energy efficiency subject of free session on Nov. 9 The Environmental Defenders of McHenry County will host free, in-person informational sessions on tax credits and rebates available to residents who want to improve the energy efficiency of their homes and switch their appliances and cars to electricity. One session will be held from 6 […]
County Board clears way for several solar farms Solar farms in the Woodstock area have been approved by the McHenry County Board after having previously been recommended by the county Zoning Board of Appeals. Further action will depend on approval from the state and decisions by the developers to pursue the projects. Two of the […]
In its 23rd year, Barndance raises more than $500,000 Gavers Barndance keeps getting bigger and better. Organizer Steve Gavers reported the fundraiser July 15 raised $524,532 to promote cancer awareness, education, treatment, and research. That is nearly $100,00 more than the $455,000 raised at the event five years ago. This year’s total from the event’s 23rd year […]
Annual MCYSA international baseball returns to Woodstock July 15-22 The McHenry County Youth Sports Association will host the 30th Annual Summer International Baseball Tournament July 15-22. Teams from Japan, Puerto Rico, Brazil, and Canada, as well as many out-of-state teams, will participating. The tournament spans 10 days and is played in two sessions on fields […]
Firefighter to be hired for fire/rescue district Hiring a full-time firefighter/paramedic will keep the Woodstock Fire/Rescue District staff of full-timers at 40. The Board of Trustees last week directed the Board of Fire Commissioners to make the hire to fill a vacancy created by promotions after Chief Mike Hill retired Dec. 31. Acting Chief Brendan […]
Contest for D-200 Board of Education, not for WFRD trustees For the first time since 2017, Woodstock School District 200 will have a contested race for the Board of Trustees. Gina Willard filed by the Dec. 19 deadline for one of three board seats on the ballot in the April 4 consolidated election. Incumbents who […]
Local police holiday traffic enforcement already underway Stopping impaired driving is the goal of special traffic enforcement that is underway through Labor Day weekend. The Woodstock Police Department is partnering with the Illinois State Police and law enforcement throughout the state in the high-visibility “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign through the early-morning hours […]
Groundhog Days to sponsor ice cream social at concert Woodstock’s Groundhog Days will sponsor an ice cream social in conjunction with the City Band concert Wednesday, June 8, in the Park in the Square. People are encouraged to bring a blanket or folding chair for the 7 p.m. performance on the bandstand, where Woodstock Willie […]
Tour construction zone inside Old Courthouse Plan to get a little dirty at the Dusty Boots Tour at the Old Courthouse, 101 N. Johnson St., from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 30. The building, along with the Sheriff’s House, is undergoing final stages of an $18 million restoration and renovation that is scheduled […]
Mini Links fundraiser returns April 9 at library After a two-year pandemic hiatus, Mini Links will return to the Woodstock Public Library starting at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 9. Admission costs $5, or $3 for children 12 and younger. Friends of Woodstock Public Library have sponsored the fundraiser for more than a decade, giving local […]
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.
