Woodstock Independent 1/1/25

LOCAL DEATHS IN 2024

James C. Zbilski

Charla Johansen-Pierce

Janice V. Hoffman

Albert F. Steinwehe, Jr.

Margaret ‘Peg’ Sullivan

Kathleen M. Devinger

Robert ‘Bob’ Koehler

Douglas Keith Kottke

Nancy (Downing) Ryan

David ‘Dave’ Stone

Eugene C. Birkner

Paul Weller

Mark Mindrum

Martin ‘Marty’ E. Metras

Linda Hermanson

Dale L. Bye

Richard J. Cairns

Anna Marie Hunter

Joyce B. Shook

Lucille P. Mackey

Dong-Chin Huh, M.D.

Larry D. Walton

Marilyn Cecilia Hutchison

Ruth Ann Hunt

Sharon Ann (Van Riper) Reyes

Donald C. Mast

Robert ‘Rob’ J. McMahon

David E. Fish

Juanita D. Whiting

Nancy Ludwena Braun

Thomas A. Micek

Dale Allan Austin

Joan Donna Butenschoen

Linda S. Eissing

Jennie E. Williams Swanson Dincecco

Christine M. Laux

Donald George Urban

Jerry Allen JohnsonGennifer Lynn

Johnson

Michael J. Krause

Carol Staiger Ellinghausen

Albert George Ideler

Lawrence A. Macheroux

Maxine R. Heckmon

Gloria J. Ogle

Earl Maynard Clark

Floyd E. McPherson

Maria L. Furthmiller

Kristoffer Jarrett Radke

Alice Marilyn Buchholz

Theodore Eugene Lind

Sondra Emma (Wilke) Flood

Sharon Barger

John Alton Kise Jr.

Kelly R. (Coach) Camp

Bryan Charles Dahm

Harold Wayne Woods

David ‘Bubba’ Andes

Where to send obituaries

You may email obituary information to pr@thewoodstockindependent.com, or mail to or drop it off at our office, 671 E. Calhoun St., Woodstock IL 60098. Obituaries are published online immediately and in the next print edition.

There is a charge for the publication of obituaries and accompanying photographs.

For more information, call The Independent at 815-338-8040.

Loren William Hopper

Margaret E. Hahn

Leonard S. Belmonte

Richard J. ‘Dick’ Menzel

Denver McGowan

Sherry Alice De Volld

Cheryl Ann Klingenberg

Loretta (Laurie) Byrnes

Lt. Kenneth ‘Ken’ Larsen

Jack Alan Nieman

Joseph (Joe) Russell White

Becky Kent Medins

Kenneth Allen Sporleder

Nicholas ‘Nick’ Lester Ledanski

Genevieve Enid Crossman

Amy Michele Roeder

Denver L. Walker

Greggory P. Rokus

Katherine A. ‘Kate’ Brown

Roderick Neil Tinkler

Karen Lee (Benscoter) Kinney

Barbara J. Readel

Alice I. Meyer

Robert ‘Bob’ James Madjak

Gerald Eisenmenger

Ronald “Mike” Daniel O’Leary

Julius ‘Tom’ Velmont

Clifford Laurence ‘Cliff’ Ganschow

PUBLIC SAFETY LOG

Woodstock Police Department

■ Juan Diego Tolentino Mondragon, 23, Harvard, was arrested Nov. 30 at Washington and Wheeler streets on charges of driving while license suspended, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and improper lighting head/tail lights.

Released with notice to appear in court.

Court date Jan. 2.

■ Karl Thomas L. Bromm, 37, Barrington, was arrested Nov. 30 on Woodside Drive on charges of unlawful restraint, assault and disorderly conduct-breach of peace. Released with notice to appear in court.

Court date Jan. 31.

■ Danielle M. Hoske, 34, Genoa, was arrested Dec. 1 at McHenry and

Woodstock Fire/Rescue District

Seminary avenues on charges of possession of a controlled substance, driving under the influence, driving while license suspended, possession of cannabis by driver, and improper lighting head/tail lights. Released with notice to appear in court. Court date Dec. 12.

■ Juan Gabriel Fernandez-Tlapa, 35, Woodstock, was arrested Dec. 1 on Church Street on charges of driving under the influence (two counts), operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and disregarding a stop sign. Released with notice to appear in court. Court date Jan. 2.

■ Israel Perez-Bernal, 23, Woodstock, was arrested Dec. 2 in the 1600 block of Walnut Drive on charges of aggravated

Fire Runs indicates units dispatched and what was found at the scene. Ambulance calls of Woodstock Fire/Rescue District are reported here in number only.

EMS calls for Dec. 19 to 25: 82

Fire runs

Structure fire: 2

Mobile property (vehicle) fire: 1

Excessive heat, scorch burns with no ignition: 1

IN BRIEF

City advises

residents of local detection of bird flu

Reports of waterfowl (geese, ducks, etc.) affected by highly pathogenic bird flu have been confirmed in Woodstock and across the region, city officials announced in a Facebook post Dec. 20. Officials urged citizens to report and safely remove any deceased birds immediately.

If deceased waterfowl are found on city property, that should be reported to the Woodstock Department of Public Works by calling 815-338-6118 or emailing pwdept@ woodstockil.gov, the post advised.

If it’s on private property, report it to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and follow these USDA removal guidelines:

* Do not touch the waterfowl directly.

* Wear disposable gloves and a face mask.

* Place the bird(s) in a garbage bag without expelling air, then dispose of the bag in an outdoor garbage can.

* Wash any clothing that comes into contact with the birds or their feces.

* Disinfect the soles of footwear that come into contact with waterfowl feces.

For more USDA information, visit: aphis. usda.gov/

battery (three counts) and obstructing a police officer. Transported to McHenry County Jail. Court date Jan. 2.

■ Carlton S. Edwards, 59, North Chicago, was arrested Dec. 2 on Davis Road on charges of possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. Released with notice to appear in court. Court date Dec. 9.

■ Timothy R. Negoda, 43, Woodstock, was arrested Dec. 3 on West Willow Avenue on charges of driving under the influence-intoxicating compound and ingesting an intoxicating compound. Released with notice to appear in court. Court date Dec. 19.

Water or ice related rescue: 1

Combustible/fire spills & leaks: 4

Person in distress: 1

Animal problem or rescue: 1

Public service assistance: 12

Cover assignment, standby fire station, move-up: 1

Dispatched and cancelled en route: 1

System or detector malfunction: 2

Unintentional system/detector operation (no fire): 1

Total: 110

Clifford Laurence ‘Cliff’ Ganschow, 89

Clifford Laurence “Cliff” Ganschow, a prolific businessman who saved Woodstock’s Old Courthouse, passed away recently at age 89. He will be remembered for his sharp intellect, great sense of humor, athleticism, perseverance, his love of Woodstock, and his devotion to family and friends.

Born in Princeton, Ill., in 1935, Cliff grew up on the family farm and excelled in academics and athletics at Walnut High School. At Iowa State University, he majored in journalism and agronomy and was first sports editor and then editor-in-chief of the Iowa State Daily. He played baseball for the Iowa State team during the summer. After being named editor of the Daily, the journalism department head later recalled to Cliff that the faculty

vote had been tied until one professor said, “Maybe we should also consider this: ‘Who would you rather have a beer with?’” Cliff won. He then asked the other finalist to be his co-editor, and together they won a national collegiate award for editorial writing.

After school, Cliff declined a minor league contract with the Cleveland Indians and instead chose to work with a renowned agricultural writer and editor, John Strohm, in Woodstock. Together they built the largest farm publishing company by volume in the world, with titles that included Farm Futures and National Wildlife magazines, both of which are still in print today. During this time, Cliff also played shortstop and third base for the Aurora Sealmasters, one of the top fast-pitch softball teams in the country.

In the 1980s, Cliff led the acquisition and served as chairman of Doane Farm Management, at the time the largest farm management company in the U.S.; launched a commodity trading company with Dean Witter; co-founded agriculture’s first digital information service with IBM; and also created

Chicago Sports magazine. In the 1990s he founded an investment management company focused on investing in top farm operations, and in 2000 started a satellite broadband service that connected tens of thousands of farms and ranches to high-speed internet for the first time.

Locally, Cliff was instrumental in preserving Woodstock’s historic Square when he and his wife, Bev, purchased the Old Courthouse in 1972, saving it from demolition so the land could be used for a parking lot. The couple restored and transformed the building into a lively commercial space with boutique shops, an art gallery, and a popular regional restaurant, the Old Courthouse Inn, developed with famed Chicago Chef Louis Szathmary. They then helped lead restoration efforts for the town’s Opera House, as well as several other buildings on the historic Square.

spending time with family and friends, especially while watching a ballgame. He remained best friends with his high school buddies his entire life. His wife,

Bev, was the love of his life, and they were married for 55 years until her passing in 2019. They had three children, John, Tim, and Liz, and Cliff never missed a game, concert, or school play. They also had six grandchildren – Brody, Hudson, Elin, Shelby, Beckett, and Emmy – whom Cliff adored, and who, in turn, were delighted whenever he walked into the room. He loved his parents, treasured his sister, Glenda, and always enjoyed being with his cousins, nieces, and nephews. He will be greatly missed.

County notes rise in reports of respiratory illnesses

The McHenry County Department of across the county, with both influenza and increase in the transmission of this illness

Clifford Laurence ‘Cliff’ Ganschow

Woodstock, IL • 1987

Focus of the new year: attending to old business

2024 is an even number, but it was an odd year.

It arrived a year ago with such promise. It left this week with a lot of unfinished business.

That’s not to say that Woodstock saw no important positives during the year.

For example, the Opera House saw significant progress on much-needed renovations, which will ensure the future of Woodstock’s primary entertainment venue and community center.

And McHenry County College opened its University Center, which – with university partners Aurora, Northern Illinois, Roosevelt, and Southern Illinois – makes attainment of affordable higher education more likely for Woodstock-area residents.

Both the Opera House and University Center are key to a vibrant downtown and community as a whole.

But a year ago, we expected so much more, which is why we label 2024 “A year of disappointments.”

The former Die Cast factory site along Clay Street has been mostly vacant for more than a quarter of a century. That was going to change in 2024, when Chicago Hubs Realty finally negotiated a redevelopment agreement with city officials on the company’s 2-year-old plan for senior housing, primarily among 373 apartments proposed in the first two phases of the development.

The ambitious scope of the plan, along with CHR’s track record of success, had persuaded the City Council in December 2022 to choose the company’s proposal over two others and hand over control of the city-owned 10-acre site. The agreement approved this past February even had a tentative groundbreaking date for the first phase: September 2024.

But the plan proved too ambitious, as CHR could not arrange financing for even the first phase, and in November the council rescinded the 9-month-old agreement it had approved.

Now, the city starts over. The project

should be reviewed when the council this month revisits its 5-year-old Downtown Development Plan, which had designated the Die Cast property as the No. 1 development site. It might still be, but city officials could scale back their expectations for what the site can become.

Disappointment No. 2 would have to be the state’s inability to move on the widening and improvement of Route 47 through Woodstock – the city’s retail uptown as a complement to our commercial downtown Square. It’s not that we’re eager for the disruption that the work will cause for drivers and businesses along the highway for probably two construction seasons – depending on weather and materials availability – but we look forward to the economic shot in the arm the finished project can be for growth in the community.

And if those roundabout intersections at Lake Avenue, McConnell Road, and East Judd Street can ease the frequent traffic tie-ups along the route, so much the better.

The taking of bids and awarding of contracts were teased but never delivered in 2024. The latest best guess is this coming spring, but the Illinois Department of Transportation never responded to our question about timing we sent via email. So, we’ll see.

And our list of disappointments for 2024 has to include the unraveling of tenants in the Old Courthouse Center, which opened in mid-2023 with a full house but closed 2024 with a different lineup and some significant vacancies.

The city’s nearly $23 million investment in restoration and renovation likely saved the historic Old Courthouse and Sheriff’s House & Jail from the wrecking ball, but the reluctance of

the private sector to invest in the project should have been a reality check on our expectations for the complex.

After Public House closed last March, just seven months into its five-year lease, the city was fortunate to replace it just months later with another restaurant, the Squire on the Square. And crafts shop Makity Make’s departure in May has made way for Naturally McHenry County, a tourism nonprofit that should find synergy with Old Courthouse Center neighbor, the Woodstock Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry. But it’s not the kind of sales-tax-producing enterprise envisioned when the 19th-century buildings were renovated for commercial/retail use.

As for the recently vacated microbrewery and taproom of MobCraft Beer, Mayor Mike Turner recently assured the City Council, “Interest in this space is high,” but we wonder what’s next after an ice-cream shop and beer-maker were the early competitors for the space.

Whatever is next, local interest will remain keen in the new year as to how the city manages to fill the empty rooms of the downtown landmark.

If we wish to identify a fourth disappointment of the past year, it would be the frustration of trying to build a solar farm to provide all the power needs of Woodstock North High School. Two plans have unraveled in the past year after the School District 200 Board of Education thought it had found contractors to handle the project. In one case, the contractor realized it couldn’t live up to its bid price; in the other, energy supplier ComEd, whose promised rebate is a key to funding the project, balked at the size of the proposal.

Grants and rebates were supposed to cover costs of the multimillion-dollar project, which will be bid for a third time, likely in 2025.

So, the community has some old business to attend to in this new year. Let’s hope for real progress, not just promises.

Happy New Year!.

EDITORIAL CARTOON BY CHIP HUMBERTSON

Here’s to resolutions, and lists!

I like lists. Grocery lists, to-do lists – give me a list and I’ll endeavor to get things done for the greater good. In fact, writing this article was on my to-do list for today – I can cross that one off.

Eileen Millard

Declarations

But there’s something special about New Year’s resolutions. They carry more weight. They are written as a way to start fresh when we turn the calendar page to January, listing the big-ticket items we want to start doing, keep doing, get better at doing, or stop doing.

We asked a few people who work in areas that affect Woodstock as a whole to give us some of their New Year’s resolutions for Woodstock.

Brendan

Parker, Fire Chief

Woodstock Fire/Rescue

District

“One challenge that we continue to face is the significant delay in receiving new fire apparatus and ambulances. Prior to the pandemic, we could order a fire engine and expect delivery in 12 months. Today’s delivery time for fire apparatus is three years, and ambulances are two years.

“We have created a vehicle replacement program and keep in constant communication with the manufacturers to help us determine when to place an order. This is also challenging with budgeting. Currently, we are awaiting the arrival of a new ladder truck in February 2025 and an ambulance next fall.

“We are also in the process of placing a fifth ambulance in service. As we continue to respond to more requests for emergency medical services, having five ambulances will allow us to deploy four and have a fifth available as a reserve. Currently, we have our oldest (2010) ambulance in rotation in the event that there is a major breakdown or accident involving one of the other ambulances. It is rotated in regularly amongst the three stations (in case) front-line ambulances are out of service for routine maintenance.”

Parker noted that having enough

ambulances available at all three stations can be crucial for response time and also when distance is a factor: “Half of our transports are taken to Northwestern Woodstock; the other half are taken to hospitals in McHenry or Huntley.”

Dr. Michael Moan

Superintendent, Woodstock Community Unit School District 200

“We’ve been working hard on engaging our families to partner with us on charting paths for their students’ future. We have so many programs and initiatives available to help students think about their next steps beyond high school that can help make their goals achievable.

“Creating more awareness for our students and families about how we can help guide those paths in any direction is something we look forward to in the coming year and in future years.”

Brad Ball

President, Woodstock Chamber of Commerce & Industry

“In 2025, we resolve to champion our small businesses by fostering an environment where they can grow and thrive. This includes enhancing local shopping campaigns, working with the city to streamline processes to make it easier for businesses to start and expand, and advocating for policies that address challenges like workforce development and rising costs.

“Additionally, we will prioritize delivering and supporting community events that draw residents and visitors to our city, creating opportunities for Woodstock’s small businesses to connect, engage, and prosper.”

Mayor Mike Turner

“I want to see us continue to serve our residents to the absolute best of our abilities, with as reasonable cost as possible, in core services: public safety, infrastructure, and amenities (parks, recreational facilities). This includes city staff continuing to be innovative with improved processes and automation where possible.

“Beyond these core services, other key items that I want to see happen in 2025:

• Secure a quality partner to develop the Die Cast site.

• Maximize the impact of the final year of our five-year road improvement program and set a direction for maintaining those new roads while working to improve others in the city.

• Complete the renovations at the Opera House and continue to expand programming and attendance.

• See IDOT construction on the Route 47 project begin.

• Keep pushing for progress in the partnership with Metra on a new railyard.

TWI columnist Paul Lockwood

Woodstock Independent columnist Paul Lockwood shared his own list for the city from a resident’s point of view.

Continue:

“Listening to residents about their concerns; caring about areas beyond the Square; welcoming visitors and newcomers; and providing transparency.”

Do better at...

“Attracting businesses, especially for those properties that have been vacant for way too long and giving ample notice of the topics that the City Council will be discussing at a particular meeting so the public doesn’t miss out on the opportunity for timely input.”

Stop...

“Raising fees and taxes - unless it’s a last resort to maintain a critical service for the community.”

Our resolution to our readers

The Woodstock Independent resolves to keep bringing you the in-depth news that affects our city and the lives of all who live here. We hope the New Year will be good for all of us, and we salute everyone who works for a better Woodstock and reaches out to aid those in need in the coming year.

Eileen Millard is a freelance writer for The Woodstock Independent.

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PUBLISHER EMERITA Cheryl Wormley c.wormley@thewoodstockindependent.com

PUBLISHER Rebecca McDaniel rebecca@thewoodstockindependent com

EDITOR Larry Lough larry@thewoodstockindependent com

ADVERTISING Jill Flores jill@thewoodstockindependent com

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Sandy Kucharski sandy@thewoodstockindependent com

COLUMNISTS

Paul Lockwood, Lisa Haderlein, Dan Chamness, Patricia Kraft, Nancy Shevel, Julie Peters

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Andrew Rousey, Vicky Long

CORRESPONDENTS

Tricia Carzoli, Janet Dovidio, Susan W. Murray, Megan Ivers, Lydia LaGue, Eileen Millard, Ruth Raubertas, Caryl Dierksen, Juel Mecklenburg, Seth Rowe, Lisa Kunzie, Jen Nichols

EDITORIAL CARTOONISTS Jim Mansfield, Chip Humbertson

PROOFREADER Don Humbertson CIRCULATION

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2024 Yearbook 2024 The Woodstock Independent presents the 2024 Yearbook

JANUARY

As a new Congress was sworn in, Woodstock found itself in the 11th District, represented by veteran Democratic Congressman Bill Foster. For the previous decade, Woodstock was part of the Eighth District, represented by Republican Randy Hultgren for six years and then Democrat Lauren Underwood for four.

“Unknown circumstances,” the Federal Aviation Administration concluded, were involved in the November 2022 plane crash that took the life of Galt Airport owner Claude Sonday. His aerobatic aircraft had gone down as it was descending about a quarter mile east of the airport runway.

New administrators were in place for the Woodstock Fire/Rescue District after the sudden retirement in December of Chief Mike Hill. Deputy Chief Brendan Parker was named acting chief; Battalion Chief Matt Hedges was promoted to deputy chief; and Lt. Zach Beatty was promoted to battalion chief.

Brent Aymond, the city’s deputy director of Public Works since November, was promoted to director. The previous

INDEPENDENT FILE PHOTO

Winter arrived in a big way with two mid-January storms that dumped at least 15 inches of snow on the Woodstock area before sub-zero cold moved in to firmly establish the arrival of the change of seasons. The city’s effort to clear streets won praise from City Council members.

director, Christina Betz, had been named the city’s new executive director of operations the previous May.

Despite rising interest rates, home prices in the Woodstock area continued to

Retiring Chicago TV weatherman Tom Skilling (far right) was a popular guest as Groundhog Day fell on a Thursday to kick off a long weekend for Woodstock’s Groundhog Days Festival, which drew big crowds to enjoy activities on and around the Square.

rise amid a lack of new construction and a shortage of available houses for sale. The average price for a single-family home was more than $350,000.

As Woodstock’s annual Groundhog Days festival approached, retired art teacher Angela Boe created a new image of the groundhog for use in promotional posters.

FEBRUARY

Not even temperatures in the teens

could discourage thousands of people from gathering on the Square Feb. 2 for the annual weather prognostication of Woodstock Willie. Among the guests was Danny Rubin, screenwriter for the 1993 movie “Groundhog Day,” which was filmed mostly in Woodstock. “You people are nuts!” the Florida resident told the shivering crowd. The festival brought several TV crews to town to record the event, and the event was featured on NBC’s “Today Show.” Willie’s forecast? Six more weeks of winter.

INDEPENDENT FILE PHOTO

MARCH

Woodstock police officer Charles Levy was named officer of the year by the McHenry County Chiefs of Police for his capture of four robbery suspects and the disarming of another suspect downtown.

Two cameras to monitor activity on Main and Benton streets were approved by the City Council. The $85,000 expense involved was part of a Woodstock Police Department effort to improve security around the Square, Chief John Lieb said.

Nearly 11,500 people were served in 2023 by the Woodstock Food Pantry, which reported receiving almost 76,000 pounds of food donations and $95,000 in monetary donations, leading pantry managers to announce they were looking for a larger space than they had at Dorr Township offices to store and process food for distribution.

City officials went online with a public survey seeking citizens’ feedback on a new parks master plan to guide growth and improvements.

Police swarmed the Old Courthouse Center complex after what they said was a false “swatting” prank from a caller who reported he was inside the complex with a bomb and firearm, threatening to shoot customers. Police searched but found no danger.

Dorr Township officials announced plans to demolish its 6,000-square-foot highway garage built before 1970 and replace it with two new all-steel buildings totaling about 10,000 square feet. Highway Commissioner John Fuller said the

INDEPENDENT FILE PHOTO

McHenry County voters chose “yes” in the March 19 primary election to establish a new sales tax to pay for local mental health services, which had been funded by a property tax levy.

2024 Yearbook

Students at Dean Street Elementary School sported protective eyewear when they observed the solar eclipse April 8.

township had saved enough money to pay for the project without affecting the township tax rate.

Rick Bellairs, longtime chairman of Woodstock’s Groundhog Days festival, was honored by the Woodstock Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry with its Harold Buschkopf Award for Community Service during the chamber’s annual gala at the Opera House.

About 50 people attended an open house at the Opera House to learn about the city’s new master plan for growth and development, guided by Houseal Lavigne, an urban planning firm from Chicago.

After just seven months into a new five-year lease, owners of Public House closed their restaurant on the lower level of the newly renovated Old Courthouse Center. By mid-November a new restaurant had moved in: Squire on the Square. A restaurant was considered critical to the success of the restored historic complex.

APRIL

City officials began a series of public meetings to get input for a parks master plan. An online survey also was posted.

In a 7-0 vote, the City Council approved Lennar Homes’ plan for 244 single-family homes and 38 duplexes (76 units) on 135 acres at Doty and Lucas roads, south of Northwestern Medicine Hospital. Neighbors of the development had voiced their

INDEPENDENT FILE PHOTO

The Records Department, a vinyl records business, outgrew its 500-square-foot incubator business space in the Old Courthouse Center and prepared to move into the former Wolf Jewelers store at 216 Main St.

objections at a 4½-hour council meeting and an earlier 4-hour meeting of the Plan Commission, which had voted 4-1 not to recommend council approval.

Food Shed Co-op opened a locally owned and managed grocery store at U.S. 14 and East Lake Shore Drive, specializing in locally-sourced food and beverages. The co-op has more than 2,000 member-owners.

Renovation began at the 1889 Opera House in a $4.5 million project that got a boost from a state grant of nearly $3 million. Work started with restoration of 47 windows and doors, with restoration, rather than replacement, being key to the project.

With the award of a $4.5 million contract, the District 200 Board of Education put Woodstock North High School on the path to become fully powered by solar energy. For that contract, Althoff Industries was slated to install, service, and warranty about 3,500 solar panels in a district-owned farm field north of the school with grants and rebates expected to cover the cost of the project. In December, however, the project was put on hold after ComEd denied the proposed size of the project. School board members directed staff to rebid the project based on the new parameters.

The Greenwood General Store, built in 1894, reopened after eight months of cleaning, updating, and stocking by the new owners, engaged couple Jim Krzyzak and Emily Truscott. The business had closed in November 2021.

MAY

During graduation season, Woodstock North High School graduated 224 seniors, 75 of them with honors; Woodstock High School graduated 252 seniors, 57 with honors; and Marian Central Catholic High School graduated 76 seniors who earned $18.2 million in scholarships to further their education.

At its annual reorganizational meeting, the District 200 Board of Education reelected its officers: president, Carl Gilmore; vice president, Jacob Homuth; and secretary, John Parisi.

Educators in Woodstock School District 200 won top honors in the annual program sponsored by the Regional Office of Education. Shannon Laidig, a math teacher at Creekside Middle School, was named educator of the year for McHenry County; she was chosen from among 27

INDEPENDENT FILE PHOTO

Tonic and his brother Gin arrived at Helping Paws on October 30. Originally a stray, he is very well socialized. He is a happy, spunky, very loving kitty. He is also outgoing, curious, and can’t get enough attention. He has bilateral luxating patellas, which means both of his back kneecaps slip in and out of place, but he gets around just fine. It makes

The McHenry County Historical Society’s Museum is located at 6422 Main St., in Union. Stop by and stir up your passion for history during the “Hot Chocolate and History” event at the museum on Jan. 25 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free, and attendees can warm up to history with a hot chocolate bar, mini tours, a scavenger hunt and activities for kids. Visit mchenrycountyhistory.org for more information.

Dated December 1988, members of the Young Farmers group help distribute food baskets to needy families during the holidays. Pictured, from left: Pat Fritz, Mike Luerssen, Steve Drendel, Greg Cervin. Front and at right: Mr. and Mrs. Mike Justen and family.

nominees countywide. Lyndra Bastian, orchestra teacher, was named high school educator of the year; Georgia Wicker of Dean Street Elementary School was named early career educator of the year; and Christine Princer of Greenwood Elementary School was named preschool educator of the year.

At McHenry County College, 709 diplomas and certificates were awarded during a commencement ceremony May 11. Among the degree recipients were 54 high school seniors in the dual-degree program who received their high school diploma along with an associate degree.

The Records Department outgrew its 500-square-foot incubator business space in the Old Courthouse Center and prepared to move into the former Wolf Jewelers store at 216 Main St. The newly remodeled Old Courthouse Center also had two other vacancies with the departure in March of the Public House restaurant and in May of Makity Make, a do-it-yourself crafts shop, which had 1,700 square feet on the first floor of the historic building. At year’s end, the complex had a new restaurant, Squire on the Square. In December, Naturally McHenry County announced that it would relocate its visitors’ center offices to part of the Makity Make space in April 2025.

Ashley Janczko of Woodstock North High School won the bronze medal in the shot put in the class 2A state track meet.

JUNE

About 50 Members of the Woodstock Illinois National Guard Company D, First Battalion, 178th Infantry Regiment joined about 500 other guardsmen from Northern Illinois for a one-year deployment in the Middle East. While the group was to be headquartered in Jordan, the guardsmen were deployed to 13 different sites in six different countries.

Dave Zinnen retired after more than 27 years as director of the Woodstock Parks and Recreation Department. He was succeeded by Mark Pentecost, who most recently was director of operations for the Kane County Forest Preserve.

2024 Yearbook

Anne Victoria Perez (left), a Woodstock High School senior, was named 2024’s Miss Woodstock in the 75th annual pageant at the Opera House.

A divided City Council approved a settlement with the owners of Public House restaurant, which closed in March after being open only seven months into a fiveyear lease on the ground floor of the newly renovated Old Courthouse Center. The settlement gave the city possession of all equipment and furnishings and the sole right to decide on a new restaurant to go into that space on the ground floor of the 19th-century building.

An estimated 7,000 people filled the Square for Woodstock’s annual two-day Pridefest, which celebrates the LGBTQ+ community. Activities included a Rainbow Run on Saturday and parade on Sunday.

Garrett Anderson, director of the city of Woodstock’s Economic Development Office for the past nine years, resigned to take a similar position in Commerce City, Colo. He had been involved in recruiting and retaining businesses for Woodstock.

The city resumed work on its five-year enhanced streets improvement program with hopes of completing 2024 projects by October. About 30 street segments were to be rebuilt or resurfaced in this year’s program.

Staff members of The Woodstock Independent won 43 awards in the annual Better Newspaper Contest sponsored by the Illinois Press Association. The awards included 13 for first place, including one for General Excellence. The newspaper also won the Harold and Eva White Memorial Trophy, which goes to the newspaper in the nondaily circulation category that wins the most awards.

By the Dozen, a bakery with stores in Machesney Park and Harvard, opened at 110 N. Benton St. in Woodstock at a location where Swiss Maid Bakery did business for 50 years before closing about five years ago.

The Woodstock Fine Arts Association was able to launch this season’s Creative Living Series even as extensive renovations to the Woodstock Opera House continued. Programs were to run October through April.

Lifelong Woodstock resident Mark Piekos was hired to be executive director of the McHenry County Economic Development Corp. He had been manager of the Illinois Small Business Management Center at McHenry County College.

Woodstock High School senior Anne Victoria Perez was named this year’s Miss Woodstock in the 75th annual pageant at the Opera House. Gia Galli was named 2024 Little Miss Woodstock at the diamond anniversary event.

JULY

City officials invited comments at a planned public hearing on a 20-year comprehensive plan for growth and development of Woodstock. The City Council planned to vote on the proposal in August.

Alfredo’s Pizza and Pasta opened at 1019 N Seminary Ave., the former site of Five Stars Pizza. Alfredo’s, which became Woodstock’s ninth restaurant to specialize in pizza, has another restaurant in Lake in the Hills.

Theatre 121 resumed its free weekly karaoke competition modeled after TV’s “American Idol.” The eight-week singing contest, on Wednesday nights at Stage Left Café,

INDEPENDENT FILE PHOTO

2024 Yearbook

The annual Gavers Barn Dance surpassed a total of $10 million raised for the Gavers Cancer Foundation in the 24 years the so-called “best seven hours of summer” have been held, mostly at Emricson Park.

was scheduled to end Aug. 28.

The public was invited to send letters and emails in support of the city’s application for a $3 million grant that would help to pay for $3.5 million in enhancements to the Route 47 project that would widen and improve the state highway through Woodstock. The upgrades would include enhanced lighting and landscaping, as well as stamped concrete at intersections. The work was expected to take one to two construction seasons after contracts were awarded.

Gavers annual Barn Dance surpassed a total of $10 million raised for the Gavers Cancer Foundation in the 24 years the socalled “best seven hours of summer” have been held, mostly at Emricson Park.

After extensive remodeling, the former Best Western motel at 998 Lake Ave. reopened as an AmericInn.

Woodstock City Council amended the local uniform development ordinance to exclude development of solar farms within one-quarter mile of arterial roads

The annual McHenry County Fair in Woodstock opened July 30 and ran through Aug. 4.

AUGUST

The former Aldi Foods store along Route 47 in Woodstock became McHenry County’s new elections center in 2024 to consolidate voting functions of the county clerk’s office that were scattered throughout the county’s Administration Building. The 16,000 square feet had been vacant for two years after Aldi built a new grocery on Lake Avenue.

Woodstock officials announced they were negotiating a new contract with trash collection contractor MDS that would eliminate the bag-and-sticker system for trash effective July 1, 2025. Woodstock residences of four or fewer units will be required to use wheeled toters for trash and recyclables. That will allow for greater automation of collections and safer conditions for MDS employees.

City police announced an agreement with Everbrite that would give city residents an alert about street closures, severe weather, and other emergencies via text, email, or phone call. Residents may sign up for the alerts on the city website, woodstockil.org.

Cobblestone Hotel and Suites announced it would build a 62-room hotel on a city-owned public parking lot in downtown Woodstock, at the northeast corner of Jefferson and Calhoun streets, along with an on-site restaurant. The Wisconsin company has 125 locations in 29 states plus 50 more in development.

County officials prepared the new election center at 410 S. Eastwood Drive, the former Aldi food store building, to get ready for early voting, which would begin Sept. 26 for the Nov. 5 election.

The Woodstock Opera House conducted a “dusty boots tour” to give local residents a peek at the $4.5 million remodeling that was underway. The work was funded mostly by a $3 million grant from the state.

The Village Squire ownership group was chosen from five applicants to operate a new restaurant in the lower level of the Old Courthouse Center. William and Sophia Linardos were named as managing partners of the Squire on the Square. The ownership group owns four Village Squire restaurants and a dozen other eateries in Northern Illinois.

In other business news, Revelry Toys, a neighborhood toy store, opened at 205 N. Throop St., and Pawstock, which specializes in dog and cat nutrition, opened at 665 S. Eastwood Drive.

SEPTEMBER

The city of Woodstock’s nearly $23 million restoration and renovation of the historic Old Courthouse and Sheriff’s House & Jail was honored by Landmarks Illinois. The award for adaptive use – taking an existing building and giving it a new purpose – was formally presented in midOctober in Chicago. The 19th-century buildings lost MobCraft’s taproom and brewery and Makity Make, a D.I.Y. crafts store, both of which closed less than a year after opening. Still occupied were offices of the Woodstock Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry and one of two business incubator spaces.

The Woodstock Art Fair took over the Square Sept. 21 and 22. About 75 juried artists showcased and sold their work, including paintings, jewelry, ceramics, sculptures, photography, and more. Live music and demonstrations also were part of the two-day fair.

Mexican Independence Day was celebrated Sept. 15 with a one-day festival on the Square, featuring authentic music, dance, and food.

Woodstock approved zoning for a second cannabis dispensary even before the first dispensary was open. City Council granted a special use permit to Terrabis

Authentic music, food, and dress marked the annual Mexican Independence Day festval that attracted thousands of people to the Woodstock Square.

INDEPENDENT FILE PHOTO

INDEPENDENT FILE PHOTO

INDEPENDENT FILE PHOTO

to turn the former Burger King restaurant at 601 S. Eastwood Dr., along Route 47, into a dispensary. The council earlier had approved a cannabis permit for the former Golf & Games property farther south on the state highway, but opening of those dispensaries was being held up by the state, which must grant a permit for such a business.

The Square was chosen as the filming location for another full-length feature film. “Beyond Belief,” a faithbased film described by the producer as “Field of Dreams” meets “The Karate Kid.” It will be the third fulllength movie for Intrigue Films.

Pop-a-doodle-doo, a gourmet popcorn and milkshake shop, opened on the lower level of 201 Main St. Owner Dan Annen, a firefighter and paramedic in Schaumburg, is a popcorn lover.

Jessica Erickson was welcomed as the city of Woodstock’s new director of economic development. She most recently had been president and CEO of the Longmont Economic Development Partnership in Longmont, Colo. She succeeded Garrett Anderson, who was Woodstock’s economic development director for nine years before leaving in June to take a similar position in Commerce City, Colo.

Dozens of gravesites at McHenry County Memorial Park in Woodstock were vandalized by thieves who apparently were looking to steal bronze vases. Several vases were stolen during the night of Sept. 2 in the south end of the cemetery. Two arrests were made about a month later.

A major gift by an anonymous donor will build a new entryway for Marian Central Catholic High School. Superintendent Mike Shukis explained that the renovation would unite the school’s entryway with its interior atmosphere.

Local businesses were being urged to sign up under the city’s new business registration ordinance. Those that failed to sign up by the Oct. 1 deadline could face a late fee of $50. New businesses have three months to register from the time they open before the penalty is assessed.

2024 Yearbook

INDEPENDENT FILE PHOTO

The city of Woodstock’s nearly $23 million restoration and renovation of the historic Old Courthouse and Sheriff’s House & Jail was honored by Landmarks Ilinois with an award for adaptive use – taking an existing building and giving it a new purpose.

Home-based businesses are included.

Magdalena Herrera and Melinda (Mindy) Strange were named 2024 Women of Inspiration for St. Mary Catholic Church in Woodstock.

The Groundhog Days committee proposed to the city’s Arts Commission that it would pay for a five- to six-foot-tall groundhog statue to be placed in the Park in the Square to commemorate Woodstock as the principal filming location of the 1993 movie “Groundhog Day.”

Six years after it was proposed and originally approved, it appeared a solar farm would be built on about 7.5 acres of a 12-acre tract at the northwest corner of U.S. 14 and Lily Pond Road on the eastern edge of Woodstock. The City Council approved a special use zoning permit that it had denied a year ago and voted

Happy Holidays

to waive a recently adopted setback of 1,250 feet of any solar farm from an arterial road.

Woodstock was notified it would receive a $2.5 million grant from the state to pay for enhanced landscaping and lighting of the Route 47 improvement project through the city, which will widen and upgrade the 2.3mile stretch of highway. The city will pay almost $1 million as a match toward the enhancements above state standards. Work is expected to begin in 2025.

OCTOBER

Consideration of changes to the Park in the Square will be postponed until 2025 as part of Woodstock’s new parks master plan. Christina Betz, the city’s executive director of operations, said the delay would allow more public comments on changes to the park, which could include moving some of the features, such as the bandstand and the war memorial, an idea that met objections from residents.

Negotiations between the city and waste hauler MCD Environmental Services apparently responded to concerns of residents who thought the plan for a standard 95-gallon trash toter for every household was not appropriate for many homes. Negotiators tentatively planned for MCD to offer a 35-gallon toter as well as the 95-gallon standard model.

Responses to the third annual community survey of citizens were up 72.5% in 2024 over the previous year. Respondents said that city parks were the No. 1 used city facility.

The downtown Square was a magical place again Oct. 20 for the annual Witches and Wizards of Woodstock festival.

City officials announced plans for a new Downtown and Route 47 TIF District No. 3 to provide incentives for developers to consider projects in areas adjacent to Downtown and Route 47 TIF District No. 2.

Amy Reinhard, valedictorian of the Woodstock High School class of 1992 was named the 2024

distinguished alumnus for the school. The former high school sports standout went on to be a star athlete in softball and basketball at Harvard University, where she earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees and was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame. She now is president of advertising for Netflix.

In a four-part series, Susan W. Murray, a writer for The Independent, revisited the Oct. 9, 2023, explosion that destroyed two houses and damaged 18 other buildings within blocks of the blast on Lincoln Avenue. Murray visited with residents who were displaced by the explosion and reported their current situations as well as a lawsuit that two residents filed against the city, the police department, and the fire/rescue district.

Three people died in a violent headon crash Oct. 27 on Davis Road on the south edge of Woodstock. Police said speeding and reckless driving appeared to be involved when a car carrying two Harvard teenagers tried to pass another vehicle on a hill in a no-passing zone. The teens died, along with the driver of the car they slammed into west of Dean Street. That driver’s young daughter also was seriously injured.

Woodstock Mayor Mike Turner was assured re-election to a second fouryear term when no one filed by the Oct. 28 deadline to oppose him in the April 1 city election. Voters will have some decisions to make, however, as six candidates filed for three City Council seats that will be on the ballot.

NOVEMBER

The Woodstock City Council approved a new 10-year contract with waste

2024 Yearbook

hauler MDC Environmental Services that included a mandatory trash toter program but with a choice between a 95-gallon or 35-gallon toter. Although all toter rates will be reduced, seniors will get a special discount, to $10.50 a month, instead of the current rate of more than $27, regardless of toter size.

Republicans again dominated the local election, voting for Donald Trump for president for the third straight presidential election. Locally, Republicans increased their majority on the McHenry County Board by two seats, giving them a 15-3 advantage. Democratic Congressman Bill Foster lost the county but won re-election to an eighth term; Republican Steve Reick won a fifth term in the Illinois House.

In the latest blow to the Old Courthouse Center complex, MobCraft Beer announced Nov. 30 would be its last day of operation in Woodstock if it couldn’t find a buyer for its microbrewery and taproom in the former Sheriff’s House & Jail. MobCraft’s parent company in Milwaukee earlier announced the pending sale of its Walker’s Point neighborhood brewery and taproom as well as the company’s intellectual property. The Squire on the Square opened Nov. 12 in the lower level of the Old Courthouse Center, where Public House restaurant moved out in March. In December, Naturally McHenry County announced that in April it would move its visitors’ center into part of the space abandoned by Makity Make on the first floor.

INDEPENDENT FILE PHOTO

Woodstock High School’s boys cross-country team qualified for the state 2A finals for the fourth straight year, where the Blue Streaks finished 21st, led by junior Ellery Schutt, who placed ninth individually.

One man died and more than 30 people were displaced when a late-night fire swept through an apartment complex on Woodstock’s north side, doing significant damage to half of the 24 apartments before firefighters were able to contain the blaze.

Proposed development of the former Die Cast factory site hit a snag when Chicago Hubs Realty informed the city it could not obtain financing for its threephase plan for a mix of senior housing, retail space, and a parking garage. The City Council rescinded its redevelopment agreement with CHR and planned to seek new proposals in December.

Four incumbents were the only candidates to file for four seats on the Woodstock District 200 Board of Education that will be on the ballot for the April 1 consolidated election. They are Bruce Farris, Carl Gilmore, Jacob Homuth, and John Parisi.

For the fourth straight year, Woodstock High School’s boys cross-country team qualified for the state 2A finals, where the Blue Streaks finished 21st, led by junior Ellery Schutt, who placed ninth individually.

DECEMBER

City Council members signaled a willingness to consider more regulation of mobile food trucks in early 2025 to provide what Mayor Mike Turner called “insulation” for brick-and-mortar restaurants that see an “unfairness” in having to compete with mobile kitchens that are not burdened with similar overhead costs.

Ground was broken in Woodstock for two new four-bedroom homes as shelters for Home of the Sparrow, an agency that assists homeless women and their children.

City officials plan to spend $12 million on road work in 2025, the final year of Woodstock’s five-year, $55 million Enhanced Streets Program. Bidding is expected in April, with contracts awarded in May for street upgrades and related water line and sewer work.

The solar farm project of Woodstock School District 200, which would provide all the power needs of Woodstock North High School, hit another complication when energy supplier ComEd determined the project was too big for its capacity. The Board of Education planned to rebid a smaller project in the spring. Grants and rebates had been expected to cover costs of the project.

– Compiled by Larry Lough

A & E ‘Year after year we’re gaining attendance’

Diverse holiday movie season attracting more people to the movies

By Paul Kranenburg NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

“Movie theaters are back,” declares Classic Cinemas CEO Chris Johnson, and there’s no surer sign of evidence than the last few months of the year. It’s safe to say that one of the busiest times of the year for movie theaters is the holiday season. It’s also safe to say that the holiday season is one of the more diverse times of the year in terms of movie releases. Two bigbudget family films have just been released: “Mufasa: The Lion King” and “Sonic the Hedgehog 3.” Films released on Christmas Day include the Bob Dylan biopic “A Complete Unknown”; erotic thriller and Nicole Kidman vehicle “Babygirl”; and arthouse horror remake “Nosferatu.” These join the juggernaut holdovers from Thanksgiving: “Moana 2” and “Wicked.” With four family-oriented films and three skewed more to adults, there is something for everyone at the Woodstock Theater. This holiday season is arguably more diverse than previous holiday movie seasons. A couple of years back, the “Avatar” and “Puss in Boots” sequels ran in front during the annual Christmas box office race, with other features either doing decently or less than ideal. This Christmas season, the smaller-budget fare not only has a large amount of anticipation from film buffs but attracts a variety of demographics. “Nosferatu” doesn’t just attract horror fans; there is a considerable number of young adults excited for the film as well. Its director, Robert Eggers, has definitely left his mark on up-and-coming film enthusiasts with films like “The Lighthouse.” Seeing Timothee Chalamet’s name on the poster for “A Complete Unknown” could also attract young viewers who aren’t familiar with Bob

A wide variety of family-friendly and adult-oriented films is attracting record numbers of moviegoers to Classic Cinemas Woodstock.

Dylan.

Of course, that’s not even getting into “Wicked” and “Moana 2,” which are still performing admirably despite being out for a while. According to Johnson, “Moana 2” had exceeded its already sky-high expectations to break Thanksgiving records, while “Wicked” and “Gladiator II” were also selling plenty of tickets. While “Wicked” is familyfriendly, one would be remiss to call it a kids’ movie. Its star power, mature themes, and legacy as one of the most iconic shows in Broadway history have made it one of the most successful movie musicals of all time.

Whether or not a movie is a hit

doesn’t always reflect local audience turnout, including in Woodstock. Last month saw the release of “Red One,” a star-studded Christmas action flick with a massive price tag. To say it did not make its money back in theaters would be an understatement, but that obviously doesn’t mean that no one went to see it. The constant marketing and star power of Dwayne Johnson and Chris Evans made sure that some people were there to see it on the big screen.

Chris Johnson says that Classic Cinemas made $18,000 off the movie, which is more than the chain made off the more nationally successful “Gladiator II.” Just because “Red One” failed to reach the studio’s

expectations doesn’t mean that was bad for the movie theater business. While the recent “Lord of the Rings” anime movie posted low numbers at the weekend box office, my theater in Woodstock was far from empty when I went to check it out. This is already being seen in the performance of “Mufasa.” Despite initially opening far below Disney’s expectations, it managed to outgross all other films on Christmas Day. One could even say that this exemplifies why the holiday movie season gives theaters such a diverse and profitable output.

Schools are off for two weeks during the holidays, and while not everyone is having a day or week off, there’s still a high number of people with more time to spend with their loved ones and go see a movie if they want. The diverse selection means there’s much to choose from and, with the extra time, they don’t even have to pick just one. This spells good news for the ever-growing attendance of the Woodstock Theater, which has already gone up by 4.6% since last year. The excellent turnout for “Wicked” and “Moana 2” is now just the tip of the iceberg, thanks to juggernauts like “Sonic 3” and a plethora of intriguing new releases. In fact, there are so many intriguing new releases that one of them couldn’t even fit in the theater’s eight screens. Despite critical acclaim, there’s not enough room yet for inspirational boxing-biopic “The Fire Inside” at Woodstock. Johnson hopes they can have the film play there at some point.

“Year after year, we’re gaining attendance,” Johnson says, with attendance poised to keep going up. With something for everyone right now, everyone is coming to the movies.

INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY ANDREW ROUSEY

Student of the Week

Nick Schmid

Marian Central Catholic High School senior Nick Schmid is the son of Todd and Lynn Schmid.

His teacher said, “Nick has always been extremely dedicated to his studies. He is the type of student you can always count on to share creative and in-depth work. Nick’s abilities in the classroom have flourished since I first met him as a sophmore. I’m excited to see what he does with his talents in the future!”

Nick plays football and is involved in the Lead program. Outside of school, he volunteers to work on food drives and helps with the Pee Wee football camps.

Tracie Muehler Team

815-482-4909

tmuehler starckre com

Greenwood Elementary School 5th Grade

Happenings

Stage Left Café

125 W. Van Buren St.

7 p.m.

woodstockoperahouse.com

10 FRIDAY

1 WEDNESDAY

2 THURSDAY

SLC TRIVIA NIGHT - PUB

4 SATURDAY

WOODSTOCK INDOOR FARMERS MARKET

All Seasons Orchard 14510 Rt. 176

9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

woodstockfarmersmarket.org

7 TUESDAY

DAR GENEALOGY WORKSHOP

Woodstock Public Library

414 W. Judd St. 5:30 p.m.

woodstockpubliclibrary.org

9 THURSDAY

SLC TRIVIA NIGHT - PUB TRIVIA USA

SECOND HAND NEWSFLEETWOOD MAC TRIBUTE

Woodstock Opera House

121 W. Van Buren St.

7:30 p.m.

$30

woodstockoperahouse.com

11 SATURDAY

HOLLOW TREE SPINNERS

Woodstock Public Library

414 W. Judd St. 10 a.m.

woodstockpubliclibrary.org

MUSIC FOR HORNS, PIANO AND STRINGS

Woodstock Opera House

121 W. Van Buren St.

7:30 p.m.

$30 A seats; $25 B seats woodstockoperahouse.com

12 SUNDAY

SPHERES BUBBLE SHOW

Woodstock Opera House

121 W. Van Buren St.

2 p.m.

$30 adult; $25 child woodstockoperahouse.com

13 MONDAY

COFFEE WITH THE CHIEF

Woodstock Police Department 656 Lake Ave.

7 p.m.

815-338-6787

14 TUESDAY

PROPERTY TAX WORKSHOP

Woodstock Public Library

414 W. Judd St.

6 p.m.

woodstockpubliclibrary.org

AS SEEN ON PINTEREST: ADULT CRAFTS: CANVAS MOSAIC SNOWMAN

Woodstock Public Library

414 W. Judd St.

6:30 p.m.

woodstockpubliclibrary.org

D-200 BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING

Woodstock High School

501 W. South

7 p.m.

15 WEDNESDAY

MEMORY MAKERS STORYTELLING GROUP

Woodstock Public Library

414 W. Judd St. (in person)

9:30 a.m. to noon 815-338-0542, ext. 14125

16 THURSDAY

SLC TRIVIA NIGHT - PUB TRIVIA USA

Stage Left Café

125 W. Van Buren St. 7 p.m.

woodstockoperahouse.com

18 SATURDAY

WOODSTOCK INDOOR FARMERS MARKET

All Seasons Orchard 14510 Rt. 176

9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

woodstockfarmersmarket.org ‘TREASURE ISLAND’

Woodstock Opera House

121 W. Van Buren St.

1 and 4 p.m.

$9 alll seats

woodstockoperahouse.com

19 SUNDAY

‘TREASURE ISLAND’

Woodstock Opera House

121 W. Van Buren St. 1 and 4 p.m.

$9 alll seats

woodstockoperahouse.com

21 TUESDAY

WOODSTOCK CITY COUNCIL

Council Chambers, City Hall 121 W. Calhoun St. 7 p.m.

woodstockil.gov

QUILTER’S DISCUSSION FORUM

Woodstock Public Library 414 W. Judd St. 7 p.m.

woodstockpubliclibrary.org

22 WEDNESDAY

THE A, B, C & D’S OF MEDICARE

Woodstock Public Library 414 W. Judd St. 6:30 p.m. woodstockpubliclibrary.org

23 THURSDAY

SLC TRIVIA NIGHT - PUB TRIVIA USA

2900 Raffel Road 7 p.m.

24 FRIDAY

EXTREME STORM CHASING

WOODSTOCK FIRE/RESCUE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Catholic Church

$35

woodstockoperahouse.com 7 p.m.

28 TUESDAY

D-200 BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING Woodstock High School 501 W. South 7 p.m.

30 THURSDAY

CHILDREN’S GROUNDHOG STORYTIME

Courthouse Center on the Square 101 N. Johnson St. 5 p.m.

SLC TRIVIA NIGHT - PUB TRIVIA USA

Stage Left Café

125 W. Van Buren St.

7 p.m.

woodstockoperahouse.com

31 FRIDAY

THEATRE 121’S ‘GROUNDHOG DAY’

Woodstock Opera House

121 W. Van Buren St.

7:30 p.m.

$28 A seats; $20 B seats; $26 seniors A seats, $18 B seats; $18 student A seats, $10 B seats

woodstockoperahouse.com

FLASHBACKS

35 years ago – 1989

■ A new state law required all motorists to have liability insurance on their motor vehicles.

■ Woodstock Mayor Jim Schoemaker presented a signed deed to a parcel of land next to Claussen Pickle to Maj. Gen. Harold Holesinger, adjutant general of the Illinois National Guard. The city donated $100,000 toward the purchase of the property to be used for a new armory.

30 years ago – 1995

■ No. 1 on the City Council’s list of goals for 1995 was the redevelopment of the Woodstock Die Cast site on Clay Street.

■ The Woodstock High School Machines Advisory Committee, with the help of former machine shop instructor Bill Barger, had resurrected the WHS machine shop program, and classes were at full enrollment.

■ The city of Woodstock created Woodstock 2000, a program intended to spark discussions about the future of businesses, services, and residential living in Woodstock.

25 years ago – 2000

■ Area residents, businesses, and government bodies had braced for complications and even technology shutdowns when the year changed from 1999 to 2000. But they, like people around the world, breathed a sigh of relief when there were no major problems from Y2K.

20 years ago – 2005

■ Woodstock band Stockwood, billed as the world’s youngest Beatles cover band, released its first album, “Stockwood Destination.” Three members of the band, Collin Berg, J.D. Fuller, and Dylan McCarten, were sixth-graders at Olson Middle School. John Morefield and Evan Berg were fourth- and second-graders, respectively, at Dean Street Elementary School.

■ David and Andrew Widmer, sons of Mark and Mary Widmer, Woodstock, attained the rank of Eagle Scout. They followed in the footsteps of their older brother, Will; father, Mark; and

JAN. 18, 1995 – Vanessa Anderson, left, and Claudia Gulanelly examine owl “pellets” in Deanne Roy’s fourth-grade class at Dean Street Elementary School. Owls swallow their prey whole and later cough up fur and bones they can’t digest in the form of pellets. Students dug out the bones and tried to determine what the owls had eaten.

maternal grandfather, Dr. John Wacker. All were Eagle Scouts. Their paternal grandfather, William Widmer, was a Boy Scout, too.

15 years ago – 2010

■ Woodstock School District 200’s dual-language program was featured in Chicago Parent Magazine. The article highlighted D-200 as one of a growing number of school districts in Illinois teaching students in two languages

10 years ago – 2015

■ Robert Kristensen, president, and Ken Marunde were the only candidates running for six-year terms on the Woodstock Fire/Rescue Board. Each had served on the board for more than 20 years.

■ A new contract with trash hauler MCD Environmental meant Woodstock residents using an MDC toter could dispose of one large item per week at no additional cost, and residents using garbage stickers could dispose of one bulk item for the cost of a single $2.68 garbage sticker.

■ The Independent featured longtime Woodstock resident Everett Kuhn, who would turn 100 in May 2015. After working for Kraft Foods for 47 years, he retired and focused his energies on restoring supercharged Cord Phaetons. He and his late wife, Frances, were well known in Woodstock. To this day, Frances has the distinction of being Woodstock’s only female mayor.

5 years ago – 2020

■ Deaths from drug overdoses in McHenry County dropped again in 2019. The McHenry County Mental Health Board reported only 27 deaths and five pending a final determination. OD deaths had spiked at 51 in 2017. The increased use of Narcan, which reverses the effects of opioid overdoses, and coordinated efforts by police and local agencies were credited for the decrease.

■ Doug Smith, a former Woodstock High School athletic director, was inducted into the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association Hall of Fame. Smith career included 33 years of high school teaching, coaching, and athletic department administration. Highlights of his 14 years at WHS, 1989 to 2003, included a state football championship, multiple team titles, and many outstanding athletes, including state champion cross-country runner Katie Hartman.

■ During its last meeting of 2019, the City Council voted 7-0 to issue a $10-million bond for street improvements and to enact a 3-cents-a-gallon city fuel tax to help pay it off.

1 year ago – 2024

■ As discussion began on a new parks master plan for Woodstock, changes to the Park in the Square – perhaps moving the bandstand and war memorial – promised to be among the most controversial proposals. By year’s end, consideration of those changes was postponed until 2025 to give the public more time to comment.

■ The Illinois Department of Transportation promised traffic on Route 47 would keep moving and “temporary access to all commercial and residential land uses will be maintained during construction” of a widened and improved highway through Woodstock as construction was anticipated to begin in 2024. But by year’s end, the only visible progress was some demolition of structures to make room for construction of a roundabout intersection at McConnell Road and cutting down of trees along the right-of-way.

INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY DON PEASLEY

Rules: Sudoku puzzles are formatted as 9x9 grids, broken down into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. SOLUTION

PUBLIC NOTICE

ASSUMED NAME

Public Notice is hereby given that on DECEMBER 9, 2024 An Assumed Name Business Certificate was filed in the Office of the County Clerk in McHenry County, IL under the following business name and address, and setting forth the names and addresses of all persons owning, conducting and transacting business known as BARDZ located at 8610 CENTER COURT FOX RIVER GROVE, IL 60021. Owner Name & Address: JILL R. ERICKSON 8610 CENTER COURT FOX RIVER GROVE, IL 60021.

Dated: DECEMBER 9, 2024 /s/ JOSEPH J. TIRIO (McHenry County Clerk)

(Published in The Woodstock Independent December 18, 2024, December 25, 2024, January 1, 2025) L11881

PUBLIC NOTICE

TAX DEED NO.: 2024TX000075 FILED: 12/10/2024 TAKE NOTICE

County of McHenry

Date Premises Sold: November 14, 2022

Certificate No.: 2021-00165

Sold for General Taxes of (Year): 2021 Sold for Special Assessment of (Municipality) and Special Assessment Number: N/A

Warrant No.: N/A Installment No.: N/A THIS PROPERTY HAS BEEN SOLD FOR DELINQUENT TAXES

Property Located at: 1418 Antuna Boulevard, Woodstock, IL 60098 Legal Description or Property Index No.: 07-26-429-003

This notice is to advise you that the above property has been sold for delinquent taxes and that the period of redemption from the sale will expire on May 21, 2025.

The amount to redeem is subject to increase at 6 month intervals from the date of sale and may be further increased if the purchaser at the tax sale or his or her assignee pays any subsequently accruing taxes or special assessments to redeem the property from subsequent forfeitures or tax sales. Check with the County Clerk as to the exact amount you owe before redeeming.

This notice is also to advise you that a petition has been filed for a tax deed which will transfer title and the right to possession of this property if redemption is not made on or before May 21, 2025.

This matter is set for hearing in the Circuit Court of McHenry County in 2200 N. Seminary Ave., Woodstock, IL 60098, Room 202, on July 7, 2025 at 11:00 AM. You may be present at this hearing, but your right to redeem will already have expired at that time. YOU ARE URGED TO REDEEM IMMEDIATELY TO

PREVENT LOSS OF PROPERTY

Redemption can be made at any time on or before May 21, 2025 by applying to the County Clerk of McHenry County, Illinois at the Office of the County Clerk in Woodstock, Illinois.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

CONTACT THE COUNTY CLERK

667 Ware Rd. Suite 107 Woodstock, IL 60098

815-334-4242

Myriad Capital LLC Purchaser or Assignee

December 17, 2024

Keith Schaid Occupant

Mary L Rudder

Kurtis Allen Schaid

Jaqueline K Rebolledo

Cary L Schaid

Yvonna M Moody

Joseph J. Tirio, County Clerk of McHenry County, Illinois

Claimants, Judgment Creditors, and Decree Creditors, if any of the above described as “Unknown Owners” “Unknown owners or parties interested in said land or lots”

(Published in The Woodstock Independent December 25, 2024, January 1, 2025)L11882

PUBLIC NOTICE

TAX DEED NO.: 2024TX000083 FILED: 12/10/2024

TAKE NOTICE

County of McHenry

Date Premises Sold: November 14, 2022

Certificate No.: 2021-00562

Sold for General Taxes of (Year): 2021

Sold for Special Assessment of (Municipality) and Special Assessment Number: N/A

Warrant No.: N/A Installment No.: N/A THIS PROPERTY HAS BEEN SOLD FOR DELINQUENT TAXES

Property Located at: 1006 Clay Street, Woodstock, IL 60098

Legal Description or Property Index No.: 13-05-129-006

This notice is to advise you that the above property has been sold for delinquent taxes and that the period of redemption from the sale will expire on May 21, 2025.

The amount to redeem is subject to increase at 6 month intervals from the date of sale and may be further increased if the purchaser at the tax sale or his or her assignee pays any subsequently accruing taxes or special assessments to redeem the property from subsequent forfeitures or tax sales. Check with the County Clerk as to the exact amount you owe before redeeming.

This notice is also to advise you that a petition has been filed for a tax deed which will transfer title and the right to

possession of this property if redemption is not made on or before May 21, 2025.

This matter is set for hearing in the Circuit Court of McHenry County in 2200 N. Seminary Ave., Woodstock, IL 60098, Room 202, on July 14, 2025 at 11:00 AM.

You may be present at this hearing, but your right to redeem will already have expired at that time. YOU ARE URGED TO REDEEM IMMEDIATELY TO PREVENT LOSS OF PROPERTY

Redemption can be made at any time on or before May 21, 2025 by applying to the County Clerk of McHenry County, Illinois at the Office of the County Clerk in Woodstock, Illinois.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

CONTACT THE COUNTY CLERK

667 Ware Rd. Suite 107

Woodstock, IL 60098

815-334-4242

Myriad Capital LLC Purchaser or Assignee

December 17, 2024

Glynnis Walker Anderson, Trustee under the Glynnis Walker Anderson Living Trust Agreement dated August 7, 2019

Glynnis Walker Anderson

GW Anderson Liv TR

Occupant

Sabrina Anderson

Kimberly Grandinetti Connor Corbett

Illinois Department of Revenue

State of Illinois Department of Revenue Attorney General for State of Illinois Department of Revenue

McHenry County Treasurer

Joseph J. Tirio, County Clerk of McHenry County, Illinois

Claimants, Judgment Creditors, and Decree Creditors, if any of the above described as “Unknown Owners” “Unknown owners or parties interested in said land or lots”

(Published in The Woodstock Independent December 25, 2024, January 1, 2025)L11883

PUBLIC NOTICE

TAX DEED NO.: 2024TX000084

FILED: 12/10/2024

TAKE NOTICE

County of McHenry

Date Premises Sold: November 14, 2022

Certificate No.: 2021-00563

Sold for General Taxes of (Year): 2021

Sold for Special Assessment of (Municipality) and Special Assessment

Number: N/A

Warrant No.: N/A Installment No.: N/A THIS PROPERTY HAS BEEN SOLD FOR DELINQUENT TAXES

Property Located at: 912 Clay Street, Woodstock, IL 60098

Legal Description or Property Index

No.: 13-05-132-007

This notice is to advise you that the above property has been sold for delinquent taxes and that the period of redemption from the sale will expire on May 21, 2025. The amount to redeem is subject to increase at 6 month intervals from the date of sale and may be further increased if the purchaser at the tax sale or his or her assignee pays any subsequently accruing taxes or special assessments to redeem the property from subsequent forfeitures or tax sales. Check with the County Clerk as to the exact amount you owe before redeeming.

This notice is also to advise you that a petition has been filed for a tax deed which will transfer title and the right to possession of this property if redemption is not made on or before May 21, 2025.

This matter is set for hearing in the Circuit Court of McHenry County in 2200 N. Seminary Ave., Woodstock, IL 60098, Room 202, on July 14, 2025 at 11:00 AM. You may be present at this hearing, but your right to redeem will already have expired at that time. YOU ARE URGED TO REDEEM IMMEDIATELY TO PREVENT LOSS OF PROPERTY

Redemption can be made at any time on or before May 21, 2025 by applying to the County Clerk of McHenry County, Illinois at the Office of the County Clerk in Woodstock, Illinois.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT THE COUNTY CLERK

667 Ware Rd. Suite 107 Woodstock, IL 60098

815-334-4242

Myriad Capital LLC Purchaser or Assignee December 17, 2024

Lance Johnson

Lance Johnson

Lance Johnson Occupant

Judith M Johnson

Deborah A Johnson Babzett E Sherfield

Joseph J. Tirio, County Clerk of McHenry County, Illinois

Claimants, Judgment Creditors, and Decree Creditors, if any of the above described as “Unknown Owners” “Unknown owners or parties interested in said land or lots” (Published in The Woodstock Independent December 25, 2024, January 1, 2025)L11884

PUBLIC NOTICE

TAX DEED NO.: 2024TX000080

FILED: 12/10/2024

TAKE NOTICE

County of McHenry

Date Premises Sold: November 14, 2022

Certificate No.: 2021-00405

Sold for General Taxes of (Year): 2021 Sold for Special Assessment of (Municipality) and Special Assessment Number: N/A

Warrant No.: N/A Installment No.: N/A THIS PROPERTY HAS BEEN SOLD FOR DELINQUENT TAXES

Property Located at: 806 North Concord Drive, Woodstock, IL 60098

Legal Description or Property Index No.: 09-31-102-001

This notice is to advise you that the above property has been sold for delinquent taxes and that the period of redemption from the sale will expire on May 21, 2025. The amount to redeem is subject to increase at 6 month intervals from the date of sale and may be further increased if the purchaser at the tax sale or his or her assignee pays any subsequently accruing taxes or special assessments to redeem the property from subsequent forfeitures or tax sales. Check with the County Clerk as to the exact amount you owe before redeeming.

This notice is also to advise you that a petition has been filed for a tax deed which will transfer title and the right to possession of this property if redemption is not made on or before May 21, 2025. This matter is set for hearing in the Circuit Court of McHenry County in 2200 N. Seminary Ave., Woodstock, IL 60098, Room 202, on July 7, 2025 at 11:00 AM.

You may be present at this hearing, but your right to redeem will already have expired at that time. YOU ARE URGED TO REDEEM IMMEDIATELY TO PREVENT LOSS OF PROPERTY

Redemption can be made at any time on or before May 21, 2025 by applying to the County Clerk of McHenry County, Illinois at the Office of the County Clerk in Woodstock, Illinois.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT THE COUNTY CLERK

667 Ware Rd. Suite 107 Woodstock, IL 60098

815-334-4242

Myriad Capital LLC

Purchaser or Assignee

December 17, 2024

Teri V. Martin, as trustee of the Teri V. Martin Revocable Living Trust dated January 16, 2003

Teri V. Martin, Trustee

Occupant

Kristopher L Martin

Joseph J. Tirio, County Clerk of McHenry County, Illinois

Claimants, Judgment Creditors, and Decree Creditors, if any of the above described as “Unknown Owners” “Unknown owners or parties interested in said land or lots”

(Published in The Woodstock Independent December 25, 2024, January 1, 2025)L11885

PUBLIC NOTICE

STATE OF ILLINOIS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE TWENTY-SECOND JUDICIAL CIRCUIT MCHENRY COUNTY, ILLINOIS-IN PROBATE

Case No. 2024PR000297

In the Matter of the Estate of JOAN K. LAMEKA

Deceased CLAIM NOTICE

Notice is given of the death of JOAN K. LAMEKA

Of: WOODSTOCK, IL

Letters of office were issued on: 12/16/2024

To Representative:

ROBERT P. LAMEKA

154 PINE GROVE RD. LAKEMOOR, IL 60051 whose attorney is: FOX LAW 3611 HYDE PARK CT. ELGIN, IL 60124

Claims against the estate may be filed within six months from the date of the first publication. Any claim not filed within six months from the date of first publication or claims not filed within three months from the date of mailing or delivery of Notice to Creditor, whichever is later, shall be barred. Claims may be filed in the office of the Clerk of Circuit Court at the McHenry County Government Center, 2200 North Seminary Avenue, Woodstock, Illinois, 60098, or with the representative, or both. Copies of claims filed with the Clerk must be mailed or delivered to the representative and to his attorney within ten days after it has been filed.

/s/KATHERINE M KEEFE (Clerk of the Circuit Court)

(Published in The Woodstock Independent December 25, 2024, January 1, 2025)L11886

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE OF CHANGE TO DBA CLOSING THE BUSINESS File #21373

Public Notice is hereby given that on JULY 29, A.D. 2021, a Certificate was filed in the Office of the County Clerk of McHenry County IL concerning the business known as RED BARN MILL located at 11110 SEEMAN LRD. HUNTLEY, IL 60142 which certificate sets forth the following change: CLOSING THE BUSINESS in the DBA thereof: PATRICK DOYLE AND NANCY DOYLE CLOSING BUSINESS OF RED BARN MILL LOCATED AT 11110 SEEMAN RD. HUNTLEY, IL 60142.

Dated this 19TH DAY OF DECEMBER, A.D., 2024 /s/ JOSEPH J. TIRIO (McHenry County Clerk)

(Published in The Woodstock Independent December 25, 2024, January 1, 2025)L11887

PUBLIC NOTICE

ASSUMED NAME

Public Notice is hereby given that on DECEMBER 23, 2024 An Assumed Name Business Certificate was filed in the Office of the County Clerk in McHenry County, IL under the following business name and address, and setting forth the names and addresses of all persons owning, conducting and transacting business known as LEO’S LANDSCAPING & TREE SERVICE

located at 614 RIDGELAND AVE. WOODSTOCK, IL 60098. Owner Name & Address: LEON COBOS RIVERA 614 RIDGELAND AVE. WOODSTOCK, IL 60098.

Dated: DECEMBER 23, 2024 /s/ JOSEPH J. TIRIO (McHenry County Clerk)

(Published in The Woodstock Independent January 1, 2025)L11888

PUBLIC NOTICE

The Foreign Fire Tax Board of the Woodstock Fire/Rescue District will be conducting meetings during the year of 2025.

All meetings will occur in the Conference Room at Station 1, located at 435 East Judd Street in Woodstock, IL. All meetings will start at 11:00 A.M.

Foreign Fire Tax Board Meeting Dates

January 13, 2025

March 10, 2025

May 12, 2025

July 14, 2025

September 8, 2025

November 10, 2025

(Published in The Woodstock Independent January 1, 2025) L11889

PUBLIC NOTICE

SECTION 00 11 13 INVITATION TO BID FOR

2025 Woodstock High School Track Replacement Woodstock, Illinois

1. TIME AND PLACE FOR SCHEDULED

OPENING OF BIDS: Sealed bids for the improvements described below will be received at:

Administrative Services Center 2990 Raffel Road Woodstock, Illinois 60098

Until 10:00 a.m., January 10, 2025, at which time bids wil1 be opened and read publicly.

2. AVAILABILITY OFCONTRACTDOCUMENTS: Plans, Specifications,BidFormsandother ContractDocuments may be obtained from

ARC Document Solutions, 640 North La Salle Street, Chicago, Illinois, 312372-8600, on or around September 8, 2023. Additional locations to obtain contract documents listed below. A non-refundable deposit of $30.00 is required for each printed set. There is no cost to download the drawings, however, prospective bidders must provide all requested information when completing the download process in order that they will receive proper updates.

Construction Data Company (ConstructConnect) (800) 652-0008 www.cdcnews.com

Construction Market Data(ConstructConnect) (800) 4243996 www.cmdgroup.com

Dodge Data &Analytics (877) 784-9556 www.construction.com

Greater Peoria Contractors & Suppliers Association (309) 692-5710 www. gpcsa.org iSqFt (ConstructConnect) (800) 3642059 www.isqft.com

Master Builders of Iowa (800) 362-2578 www.mbionline.com Northern Illinois Building ContractorsAssociation (815) 229-5636 www.nibca.build

3. PREQUALIFICATION OF BIDDERS: All bidders will submit a resume of similar projects performed, enumerated as to location, type of work, approximate completion date, and project engineering/ architectural firm. Additionally, all bidders will submit a list of equipment owned by, or available to them, for the efficient pursuance of the project.

4. WAGES OF EMPLOYEES: Not less than the prevailing rate of wages as found by the Department of Labor or determined by a court on review shall be paid to all laborers, workers and mechanics performing work under this contract. Certified payroll requirements will apply.

5. REJECTION OF BIDS: The Owner reserves the right to reject any and all bids and bidders and to waive technicalities.

6. LOCATION OF THE WORK: Woodstock High School 501 West South Street Woodstock, Illinois 60098

7. DESCRIPTION OF WORK: This project includes full depth track replacement including associated site improvements.

8. BID SECURITY: Bid security in the form of a Bid Bond or Certified Check for ten percent (10%) of the base bid made payable to the Woodstock Community Unit School District 200 shall accompany the bid.

9. OWNER: Woodstock Community Unit School District 200, 2990 Raffel Road, Woodstock, Illinois 60098.

10. CONSTRUCTION SCHEDULE: Construction is to begin on or after May 27, 2025; Substantial Completion by August 1, 2025. Substantial Completion is defined as all improvements except punchlist items.

11. PREBID MEETING: A nonmandatory prebid meeting is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. on January 3, 2025 at Woodstock High School, 501 West South Street, Woodstock, Illinois 60098. Contractors are to meet at the main entrance.

(Published in The Woodstock Independent January 1, 2025) L11890

PUBLIC NOTICE

STATE OF ILLINOIS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE TWENTY-SECOND JUDICIAL CIRCUIT MCHENRY COUNTY, ILLINOIS-IN PROBATE Case No. 2024PR000289

In the Matter of the Estate of JAMES A. FORBES

Deceased

CLAIM NOTICE

Notice is given of the death of JAMES A. FORBES

Of: CRYSTAL LAKE, IL

Letters of office were issued on: 11/12/2024

To Representative: LINDA FORBES 1317 BEHAN ROAD

CRYSTAL LAKE, IL 60014 whose attorney is: WAGGONER LAW FIRM 4 N. WALKUP AVE. CRYSTAL LAKE, IL 60014

Claims against the estate may be filed within six months from the date of the first publication. Any claim not filed within six months from the date of first publication or claims not filed within three months from the date of mailing or delivery of Notice to Creditor, whichever is later, shall be barred.

Claims may be filed in the office of the Clerk of Circuit Court at the McHenry County Government Center, 2200 North Seminary Avenue, Woodstock, Illinois, 60098, or with the representative, or both. Copies of claims filed with the Clerk must be mailed or delivered to the representative and to his attorney within ten days after it has been filed.

/s/KATHERINE M KEEFE (Clerk of the Circuit Court)

(Published in The Woodstock Independent January 1, 2025) L11891

PUBLIC NOTICE

ASSUMED NAME

Public Notice is hereby given that on DECEMBER 20, 2024 An Assumed Name Business Certificate was filed in the Office of the County Clerk in McHenry County, IL under the following business name and address, and setting forth the names and addresses of all persons owning, conducting and transacting business known as TIMOTHY’S CREATIVE CONCEPTS located at 4083 AMES RD. CRYSTAL LAKE, IL 60012. Owner Name & Address: TIMOTHY WILLIAMS 4083 AMES RD. CRYSTAL LAKE, IL 60012. Dated: DECEMBER 20, 2024

/s/ JOSEPH J. TIRIO (McHenry County Clerk)

(Published in The Woodstock Independent January 1, 2025)L11892

PUBLIC NOTICE

City of Woodstock Plan Commission Notice is hereby given in compliance with the City of Woodstock Unified Development Ordinance that the City of Woodstock Plan Commission will conduct a public hearing on Thursday, January 16, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers, 2nd Floor at 121 West Calhoun Street, Woodstock, Illinois. The hearing will be in regard to a petition submitted by Cheryl A. Dortch on behalf of CAD Group LLC, owner, for approval of a zoning reclassification from R3

Single-Family Attached Residential District to R4 Multifamily Residential District, and a variation of the minimum lot area requirement for the R4 district from 15,000 sq ft to 12,434 sq ft, at 318 South Tryon Street. The permanent index number of the subject property is 13-08-103-025.

A copy of the petition which is the subject of this public hearing is on file and available for public viewing at Woodstock City Hall. Anyone wishing to comment may attend the meeting and be heard. Written comments may be submitted to the Department of Building & Zoning Department at City Hall up to 5:00 p.m. on the day of the hearing.

/s/ Cody Sheriff, Plan Commission Chairman

(Published in The Woodstock Independent January 1, 2025)L11893

PUBLIC NOTICE

ASSUMED NAME

Public Notice is hereby given that on DECEMBER 19, 2024 An Assumed Name Business Certificate was filed in the Office of the County Clerk in McHenry County, IL under the following business name and address, and setting forth the names and addresses of all persons owning, conducting and transacting business known as BIG HAT RODEO COMPANY located at 16209 GREEN ROAD HARVARD, IL 60033. Owner Name & Address: LENORA CALZAVARA 16209 GREEN ROAD HARVARD, IL 60033.

Dated: DECEMBER 19, 2024 /s/ JOSEPH J. TIRIO (McHenry County Clerk)

(Published in The Woodstock Independent January 1, 2025)L11894

Sports

2024 YEAR IN REVIEW

TWI features local youth, high school, college, and community sports coverage

By Sandy Kucharski

with TWI file and courtesy photos SANDY@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

STATE SPORTS

(as reported in The Independent)

The pinnacle of high school sports is to qualify to compete at the state finals. All three schools were represented in 2024 in various sports by a variety of athletes, with teams and individuals. Some even took the experience to the next level with medals and championships. Those covered by The Independent included:

■ Marian wrestling remained a dominant force among IHSA 1A competition. The ‘Canes sent six athletes to the IHSA Individual State Wrestling finals Feb. 17. Junior Brayden Teunissen won the 120-pound championship, and freshman Jimmy Mastny won the 157-pound division. Vance Williams (132) and Anthony Alanis (113) earned top three medals, while Austin Hagevold (106) and Max Astacio (165) also medaled. )

■ WNHS senior wrestler Kaden Combs (175) placed fifth in IHSA Boys 2A Individual State Finals.

■ The Marian boys wrestling team won the 1A Dual Team State Championship trophy, the first in the school’s history.

■ WHS qualified six girls for the IHSA 2A girls state track meet: Amina Idris (300m hurdles); Hallie Steponaitis (high jump); Sophia Mendoza (400m and long jump); Anna Crehshaw (discus and shot put); 4x400 relay team, Mia Foss, Idris, Mendoza, and Sophie Sarabia. At state: Steponaitis medaled in long jump (4th); and Idris medaled in 300m hurdles (8th).

■ WNHS qualified two girls for the IHSA 2A girls state track meet: Ashley Janeczko (shot put, discus); Lauren Bieszczad (high jump); Bella Borta, (100m hurdles). At state, Janeczko medaled in shot put (3rd).

See YEAR IN REVIEW, Page 24

Marian Central’s state champion wrestling team. WHS 300m hurdles state medalist Amina Idris.

1A state wrestling champion, Marian freshman Jimmy Mastny (157).

WNHS state medalist in shot put, senior Ashley Janeczko.

YEAR IN REVIEW

Continued from Page 23

■ Marian qualified two girls for the IHSA 1A girls state track and field meet: Kaitlyn Remke (300m hurdles); Amelia Reiche (long jump).

■ WHS qualified seven boys for the IHSA 2A boys state track meet: Nolan Van Hoorn (100m); Aryan Patel (800m); Ishan

Patel (1,600m), 4x800 relay (A. Patel, I. Patel, Ellery Shutt, Cohen Shutt); Tyler Moon (shot put); Charlie Gilmore (high jump). At state: the 4x800 team medaled (9th), breaking the school record.

■ WNHS qualified two boys for the IHSA 2A boys state track meet: Landan Creighton (triple jump) and Braelan Creighton (pole vault).

■ WHS boys tennis team qualified three

for the state tournament: Marc Cheng (No. 1 singles); Liam Hanson and Devon Olivera (No. 2 doubles).

■ WHS cross-country team qualified as a team for the IHSA Class 2A State CrossCountry Championships. The seven member team included: Milo McLeer, Josh Roth, Adam Baily, Ellery Shutt, Will Kashmier, Jason Trojan, and Elijah Hedges. At state the Blue Streak team finished 21st.

■ Ellery Schutt, the top runner on the WHS state cross-country team, medaled as an individual, taking 9th overall in the IHSA Class 2A boys race.

■ Northwood Middle School 8th-grader Lou Lou Splendoria qualified for the middle school state cross-country meet Oct. 19 in Bloomington.

■ Marian girls tennis qualified as a team at the IHSA Class 1A state meet. Players included: Sophia Preussner, Abbey Miner, Julia Lukey, Kaitlyn Remke, and Jordan Cheng. The team placed fifth.

WHS 4x800 relay team: Ellery Shutt, Aryan Patel, Cohen Shutt, and Ishan Patel.

WNHS brothers Braelan and Landan Creighton at state.

WHS No. 1 singles state qualifier Marc Cheng.

Tyler Moon, WHS state qualifier, prepares to put the shot. Ellery Shutt (right) runs to a 9th place finish at the IHSA 2A cross-country meet.

The WHS boys cross-country team after qualifying for the IHSA 2A state meet.

The state-bound Marian girls tennis team.

ACHIEVEMENTS EARNED

(as reported in The Independent)

The Independent features spotlight coverage on individual teams and also strives to share and highlights through stories, photos, and scoreboard entries. Following are some of the top achievements we shared.

■ The completion of the winter sports season saw two KRC Players of the Year accolades going to Woodstock athletes. WHS senior Spencer Cullum received the honor for boys basketball; WNHS senior Torin Deacon was player

of the year for girls bowling.

■ Marian girls basketball standout, senior Madison Kenyon, was honored with a plaque for scoring 1,000 points in her high school career.

■ The co-op girls wrestling team competed in their first season as a sport.

■ WHS dance team topped the KRC in the dance championship.

■ Several WHS boys and girls track and field athletes qualified for the Illinois Top Times Indoor Championship in Bloomington. Top finishers were Hallie Steponaitis, 2nd in girls high jump; and Ishan Patel, 6th in boys 1,600m.

■ Four Woodstock girls competed in the U.S.Figure Skating Midwestern

and Pacific Coast Section High School Finals April 13-14. The girls earned a gold medal as part of the Northwest Gold figure skating team. Medalists included: Homeschooled senior Miabella Carzoli, gold, Open Juvenile Women short program; homeschooled junior Reese Connor, gold, solo pattern dance; homeschooled freshman Rain Connor, silver, Preliminary Girls; and WHS freshman Shylah Smith, individual bronze.

■ WHS boys tennis team won the KRC conference meet. WNHS placed second.

■ WHS boys track and field team won the KRC conference.

■ WHS boys cross-country team won their sixth consecutive KRC conference title.

■ WNHS volleyball won a regional title.

■ WNHS Thunder football had an 8-3 season, ending in the second round of playoffs. Records broken included: total scoring in a game, winning over Elmwood Park 69-22; and rushing yards in a single season (1,345), David Randecker; Randecker was also named AllState honorable mention.

■ WNHS senior volleyball standout Devynn Schulze signed to play D-1 volleyball at Illinois State University.

WHS freshman Shylah Smith skates to a medal at the Midwestern and Pacific Coast High School Figure Skating Sectionals.

The WHS conference champion tennis team (above).

Woodstock co-op wrestler Debbi Reynoso (115) in a match during the inaugural season of girls wrestling.

The WNHS Thunder football team made it into the second round of the playoffs this year, finishing 8-3.

A member of the conference champion WHS dance team performs.

WNHS’s Devynn Schulze signed to play D-1 volleyball at Illinois State.

Woodstock High School alumnus Quinn Cynor stands on the pool deck at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis before his debut 200 freestyle swim in the Olympic Trials June 16.

SPORTS AROUND TOWN

(as reported in The Independent)

While members of the sports coverage staff at The Independent occupies most of their time following the current seasons at each of Woodstock’s three high schools, they are always on the lookout for unique sports happenings in Woodstock. In 2024 we included coverage of gems such as:

Harlem Wizard Eric Jones (aka Broadway) toys with WHS English teacher Lisa Kunzie as she attempts to guard him. She is flanked by Verda Dierzen’s Jessie Justice and Creekside principal Ryan Doyle.

■ The family-friendly world of the National Wrestling Alliance “No Love Lost” tour presented by Northland Pro Wrestling

■ The new Illinois High School Association-approved sport of girls flag football

■ A fun fundraiser pitted Woodstock District 200 staff against the

ATHLETE

OF THE WEEK

Finn Pivnicka - Boys Basketball

Finn Pivnicka is a senior at Marian Central Catholic High School. He recently had two careerhigh-scoring games and is also growing into a leader of the boys basketball team, sparking the team to back-to-back wins for the first time this season.

Outside of sports, Finn is a good student in the classroom.

Lady ’Canes get tough in flag football. Although this was a pow- der puff game, girls flag football is now a recognized IHSA sport.

world-famous Harlem Wizards in a basketball game.

■ Former Woodstock Dolphin and Blue Streaks swimmer Quinn Cynor makes a splash at the Olympic Trials.

■ An annual family golf tournament unites the Jackson family for three generations.

■ A follow-up on a 2023 story found Jess, the FastCAT dog owned by Woodstock native Erik Tonge, became the fastest English setter in the history of the AKC FastCAT Invitational Championship.

■ Derek Crabill, Woodstock, was hired as Woodstock North High School athletic director to take over the position that David Rose would be leaving at the end of the school year.

SPOTLIGHT ON YOUTHS

In addition to focused prep sports coverage, The Independent shines a light on youth sports as well through news briefs, articles, and photographs. This year coverage included Woodstock Hoops feeder basketball, the Sarah McCullagh Dance Clinic, Woodstock United Soccer, Crossfire soccer, Marian basketball camp, the McHenry County Youth Sports Association Summer Invitational Tournament held partially in Woodstock, Thunder Youth Football and Cheer, Junior Thunder Basketball, and Woodstock Lightning Girls Feeder Basketball.

Participants in the Sarah McCullagh Memorial Dance Clinic perform during a basketball game at WHS.

COLLEGE REPORT

After following athletes through their high school, we go one level further, with columnist Dan Chamness, who specifically reports on the careers of collegiate athletes. Along with weekly scores and results, we feature career-end spotlights on graduating senior athletes.

Top stories of 2024 included Marian’s Thor Paglialong, who earned three bowl rings during his football career at the U.S. Air Force Academy, and fellow Marian classmate Dominique Thomas, who won the 60m dash in the Horizon League Indoor Championship for the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

Editor’s note:

Covering sports in this town is a daunting task, with three high schools, a wide variety of youth sports, and an athletically active population. We might have some gaps, but we do our best to touch on everything we are aware of at some point. We like to hear from our readers, and if there is something you would like to bring to our attention, please email sandy@thewoodsdtockindependent. com .

I’d also like to extend a big thank you to our staff of contributors this year, including: former staff photographer Ken Farver, current staff photographer Andrew Rousey, and correspondents Seth Rowe, Juel Mecklenburg, Jen Nichols, and Dan Chamness.

NN SCOREBOARD NN

BOYS BASKETBALL

■ Dec. 21 – Woodstock defeated St. Edward 71-60.

■ Dec. 23 – Woodstock fell to Elmwood Park 53-29.

■ Dec. 23 – Woodstock North lost to Rochelle 76-38.

■ Dec. 26 – Woodstock defeated Marian 87-79.

■ Dec. 27 – Woodstock beat St. Edward 68-57.

■ Dec. 27 – Woodstock North fell to

Glenbard South 51-27.

■ Dec. 28 – Woodstock North (1-8) lost to Crystal Lake Central (4-9) 55-36.

■ Dec. 28 – Woodstock defeated Harvest Christian Academy 63-44.

Bittie Ball teammates celebrate the end of their season with post-game snack time. Picture (from left) are William Triplett, Landry Kunzie, and Shay Barry.

Former Marian football standout Thor Paglialong holds the trophy for the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl Dec. 23, 2023.