Drawing on her long history as an educator, retired Woodstock teacher Caryl Dierksen recently published her second book, a fictional murder mystery about a young English teacher set in the 1970s. “Teaching Mysteries 201: The Strike” is set in 1972 in Hancock High School, which bears a resemblance to Woodstock High School. Under the threat […]
Crosstown rivals Woodstock and Woodstock North high schools faced off Dec. 12 in a Kishwaukee River Conference game at WNHS. The Streaks, who came into the matchup 1-2 in conference play, came out on top 47-33. The Thunder were 1-1 coming into the game. WNHS senior Sami Long sank two 3-pointers to help her team […]
The Woodstock High School and Woodstock North High School girls co-op bowling team won both of its dual matches last week, improving its record for what has been one of the strongest starts to the season in the team’s history. “We’ve been weathering the field very well,” said Woodstock co-op head coach Ed Zurawski. “We’re […]
As the weather gets colder, things are heating up in the pool at Woodstock North High School where the co-op boys swim team is getting underway with its 2017-18 season. Swimmers from Woodstock High School and WNHS have begun their competitive season, hoping to make some waves in the Fox Valley Conference this year. Following […]
When the Tampa Bay Buccaneers played the Green Bay Packers Dec. 3 at Lambeau Field for a regular-season matchup, the game was anything but ordinary for Mike Liedtke. The 25-year-old Woodstock High School alum was pulled up from the Bucs’ practice squad to the 53-man roster, making Liedtke an official NFL player. “I’ve stepped onto […]
Longtime Woodstock High School teacher, coach and ardent supporter of the Blue Streaks, Bud Swartout, died Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2017, at the age of 90. Following his retirement in 1991, a special recognition award was established in his honor. The Bud Swartout 4 Year/3 Sports Award was first given out in 1993 to senior athletes […]
Best known as one of Woodstock High School’s biggest supporters – a teacher who never stopped teaching – Harlow “Bud” Swartout, died Monday, Nov. 20, at the age of 90. “We’re all Blue Streaks, but Bud was the bluest,” said former WHS athletic director Doug Smith. Several generations of friends, family, co-workers and former students […]
The Woodstock North High School and Woodstock High School boys co-op bowling team started its 2017 season undefeated. Head coach Ed Zurawski is proud of the team’s enthusiasm which has been important as the squad graduated five players from the 2016 season. “It’s a complete team,” said Zurawski. “Everybody works for each other, and they’re […]
All three girls basketball teams have at least five games under their belt this season, each starting out with Thanksgiving weekend tournaments. Marian Central Catholic and Woodstock North high schools traveled to Elgin to compete in the Harvest Christian Academy tournament. Woodstock High School girls played at the Burlington Central High School tournament. Following is […]
Wrestlers throughout the area have been hard at work getting ready for the winter 2017-18 season. Meets will begin this week for wrestlers from Marian Central Catholic High School, Woodstock High School and Woodstock North High School. WNHS is the first to hit the mats at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 22, at Rockford Lutheran for […]
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.
