Mayor Mike Turner is in Springfield this week to lobby the Legislature for infrastructure funds that he says would drive economic development in and around Woodstock. Turner and City Manager Roscoe Stelford were scheduled to travel to the state Capitol on Wednesday and return Thursday after meeting with various state officials, including the director of […]
Out with an ice cream shop, in with a brewery. Prospective tenants for the renovated Old Courthouse and Sheriff’s House have changed as the city of Woodstock negotiates space use for the historic buildings leading up to what officials hope is the beginning of interior construction in January. “We’re making good progress,” City Planner Darrell […]
Woodstock streets will get $12 million worth of work next year as the city resumes the aggressive street improvement program that was interrupted this year by the COVID-19 pandemic. And higher property taxes will pay for the work. The project cost will be $58.6 million through 2025, with the property tax increasing by $226.19 on […]
A lumber supplier could receive a tax reimbursement from the city of Woodstock once a sales tax hike goes into effect. At a City Council meeting Dec. 5, officials discussed providing an incentive to Woodstock Lumber which would offset the upcoming 1-point increase to the city’s sales tax rate. The tax in Woodstock will rise […]
IHFSRB will vote on Centegra application A state regulatory board’s vote on cuts to inpatient services at Centegra Hospital-Woodstock will take place this month. At a meeting Tuesday, Nov. 14, the Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board will consider applications from Centegra Health System to eliminate or shift services at its hospitals in Woodstock, […]
City officials say amendment is tied to homelessness issue A new amendment to Woodstock’s City Code could be used to regulate the activities of people who are homeless and others who use public amenities such as benches or picnic tables for extended periods of time. The ordinance, approved by the City Council Oct. 17, applies […]
The city of Woodstock will use grant money to pay for a new bathroom in the Old Firehouse Assistance Center despite worries from officials over bad behavior near the property. The center at 120 W. South St. provides services and assistance to people who are homeless. The building is owned by the city, and services […]
Woodstock’s sales tax rate could rise in 2018 if the City Council approves an increase at a meeting later this month. The council will consider an ordinance Sept. 19 imposing a one-point home-rule sales tax that would raise the rate in Woodstock from 7 to 8 percent, according to City Manager Roscoe Stelford. The city’s […]
Final costs for project total $61,000 A city-funded outdoor dining project ended up costing Woodstock over 20 percent more than estimated. Final expenses for the Benton Street Boardwalk totaled $61,115.52, according to Paul Christensen, Woodstock’s finance director. The estimate for the project was $50,000. “There was some modification to the project once started so that […]
The City Council will hold a public hearing next month on a proposal to increase the sales tax in Woodstock. The hearing will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 1, in the council chambers at Woodstock City Hall, 121 W. Calhoun St. When the proposal first was floated this spring, city officials discussed enacting […]
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.
