Newspapers are not always good at explaining why they do what they do. Because a newspaper is unlike any other business in the community, people sometimes don’t understand the decisions we make. Why did you report that story and not this one? How did you decide to put that story on page one rather than […]
Who knew the 15 ballots needed to choose a U.S. House speaker would have an effect on Woodstock? Well, not all of Woodstock, Just the editor of the local newspaper. I had interviewed our now-former member of Congress, 14th District U.S. Rep. Lauren Underwood, the week before the new Congress was scheduled to be seated. And I […]
With readers of The Woodstock Independent as our witness, we hereby resolve, in the year 2023, to … Because journalists believe in transparency, this editor invited each contributor and staff member of The Independent to make one resolution we could share with readers. It might be a fun way to tell the public a little […]
Were you one of the 108,979 McHenry County residents who voted in the Nov. 8 election? Or were you among the 117,730 registered voters who didn’t cast a ballot? For all the tens of millions spent trying to get you to vote in the races for U.S. Senate, U.S. House, Illinois governor, and various other […]
Rest assured, dear readers. The Independent’s editor has maintained his mental faculties … so far. During a recent annual exam, the medical folks decided it was finally time they tested my cognitive abilities. Not sure why. I showed up on time and was fully dressed. But I always enjoyed a pop quiz. The nurse said […]
When we hear from readers with complaints – about anything – we often tell them they should write a letter to the editor. If readers call with compliments – about anything – we might also tell them they should write a letter to the editor. Readers with an event to promote or an idea to […]
Staff Report news@the woodstockindependent.com Staff members of The Woodstock Independent have won more than 30 awards in the annual statewide contest sponsored by the Illinois Press Association. Eleven of the newspaper’s 31 awards announced so far are first-place honors, including for Community Service, Newspaper Design, and Best Editorial Page. Winners of General Excellence and the […]
When you rip up floors and tear out walls of an old building, you find surprises. They usually come in two forms: trouble or treasure. During recent interior demolition of the Old Courthouse and Sheriff’s House, employees of construction manager Bulley & Andrews of Chicago came up with a treasure or two. They found a […]
Several times a week, my daily five-minute commute between home and the office takes me through the intersection of Calhoun and Madison streets. Some days it’s four times – twice eastbound and twice westbound. I go that way so I can drive through the Square, which I do at least once every day just to […]
By Larry Lough With July 4 less than two weeks away, Woodstock faces a dilemma – a true dilemma, in which both outcomes have a downside Do we hope for continued dry weather so the spectacular July 4 fireworks show doesn’t get rained out. Or do we pray for the rain our lawns and gardens […]
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.
