Woodstock Independent 1/17/24

The

Woodstock

I NDEPENDENT

Jan. 17-23, 2024

Published every Wednesday | Est. 1987 | Serving Woodstock, Wonder Lake and Bull Valley, Ill. | www.thewoodstockindependent.com | $1.50

Groundhog Days are here again 2024 festival a mix of the usual, a retiring Tom Skilling, and some new sites

By Tricia Carzoli

NEWS@THE WOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

With Groundhog Day falling on a Friday this year, the Groundhog Days Committee is gearing up for a busy weekend of Groundhog festivities from Feb. 1 through the 4th.

“I am once again excited for the upcoming events,” Groundhog Days

BUSINESS

For the record, local retailers report they had good holiday PAGE 13

A&E

Committee Chairman Rick Bellairs said. “Every year it is exciting for me to look out of the grandstand and see the smiling faces and the excitement. I love to see the hats and the signs – and it is always fun to see where everyone traveled from. This year, I’m looking forward to a great lineup of events, welcoming Tom Skilling, and celebrating a happy Groundhog Day in our

community.”

Skilling is a TV weatherman in Chicago who will retire at the end of February.

New locations this year

With the mid-summer opening of the Old Courthouse Center comes the ability to host a variety of events

See GROUNDHOG, Page 2

WINTER IS HERE

As Opera House renovation delayed, programs scrambled

PAGE 11

COMMUNITY

Library’s latest public project is going to be a real puzzler

PAGE 23

INDEX Opinion

4

Opinion

6

Schools

9

A&E

11

Business

13

Community

17

Calendar

24

Service Directory 26 Public Notices

28

Puzzles

30

Sports

31

The Woodstock Independent

671 E. Calhoun St., Woodstock, IL 60098 Phone: 815-338-8040 Fax: 815-338-8177 Thewoodstock independent.com

INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY KEN FARVER

More than just a little snow was not going to stop her Friday morning as she was headed toward town.

School solar farm project hits snag

By Larry Lough

LARRY@THE WOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

With an offer more than $700,000 lower that the only other bidder, GRNE Solar of Palatine won a contract in July to build a solar array of 3,400 panels to serve the energy needs of Woodstock North High School.

Now, the Board of Education of

Woodstock School District 200 is preparing to rescind that agreement because of what administrators call “a substantial increase” in the company’s price for the project.

That reversal of a contract that had been revised just a month before was scheduled for last week’s board meeting, which was canceled because of the winter storm Jan. 9. Kevin Lyons,

director of communications for District 200, said the meeting would not be rescheduled but items on the agenda would be postponed until the board meets Jan. 23.

GRNE, which is now GRNE/Nelnet Renewable Energy, had earlier sought a change in the terms of its contract, which the board originally approved See SOLAR, Page 3

GROUNDHOG

2

NEWS

Jan. 17-23, 2024

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

Continued from Page 1

SUBSCRIBING made easy

n Sca e: her

indoors.

DIY crafts store Makity Make, on the first floor, will host the Woodstock Public Library’s story time at 5:15 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 1.

“We collaborated with Makity Make for Witches and Wizards, and [owner] Julie [Callahan] has been amazing,” said Kate Tripp, the library’s head of Youth Services.

“We are excited to work with Makity Make again.”

Callahan is eager to be a part of the Groundhog Days festivities.

“Working with the library is fantastic,” she said. “Who doesn’t love the library? We are looking forward to welcoming community members to our studio! We also have Groundhog Day projects in our studio available for walk-ins and a Groundhog Day wine-glass workshop as well as a canvas painting workshop available by registration on our website [makitymake.com].”

The Welcoming of the Groundhog will take place in the second floor Courthouse Square, where Ethereal will have a bar with refreshments and drinks available for purchase.

Woodstock Willie will make a grand appearance, and the Woodstock Community Choir, directed by Cassandra Vos-Demann and assistant director Jessica Heihengen, will lead the community in Groundhog Daythemed songs.

“We wanted to be able to utilize the newly opened [Old] Courthouse Center as much as possible,” Bellairs said.

“We are happy to be able to bring some of our events here. We also want to remind the community that there is an elevator at the back of the building for those who may need it.”

Groundhog Day Trivia, hosted

by Craig Krandel and attended by “Groundhog Day” locations director Bob Hudgins, will follow in the Courthouse Square.

On Groundhog Day

or call Rebecca at 815-338-8040

The Prognostication, Woodstock Willie’s annual weather forecast, will take place at 7 a.m. Friday, Feb. 2, at the Park in the Square. Appropriately, Skilling will play a part in the forecasting.

“We are excited to welcome Tom Skilling, WGN meteorologist, to our Prognostication,” Bellairs said. “With Groundhog Day being weatherrelated and this being his final tour, we thought this would be perfect.”

Afterward, Public House restaurant will be open for its annual Drink to World Peace. Tickets for the Official Groundhog Day Breakfast are already sold out, but many

INDEPENDENT FILE PHOTO BY KEN FARVER

“Groundhog Day” screenwriter Danny Rubin loudly proclaims six more weeks of winter after Woodstock Willie saw his shadow during the 2023 Prognostication. restaurants around the Square will be open for business.

MobCraft Beer will open its doors at 7 a.m. to host “beer poking” on its patio.

“Beer poking is when you use a hot iron rod to stab the foamy head of the beer,” microbrewery owner Henry Schwartz explained. “The head then gets caramelized and tastes like a warm marshmallow while the beer itself remains cold. … This is a German tradition usually used with stouts, but we found that we like the caramelized marshmallow flavor we get by using a porter or marzen beer.”

Schwartz is proud MobCraft is a sponsor of Groundhog Days this year as well as a stop on Saturday’s Pub Crawl.

“We are featuring a Ryerfashioned drink this Groundhog Day,” he said, “which is an old-fashioned using Rush Creek Distillery rye whiskey.”

Events through the weekend

The library will again host an open house, with former Director Maggie Crane showcasing special memorabilia from 3 until 5 p.m. on Feb. 2, and the Moose Lodge will host its Dinner Dance Friday evening on the floor where the bachelor auction was filmed for the 1993 movie “Groundhog Day.” Friends of the Opera House will sponsor a cocktail event from 7:30 until 9 p.m. at Stage Left Café on Feb. 2.

Throughout the weekend, local merchants will sell unique-to-them Groundhog Day-themed apparel, decorations, and items.

“I think it is nice that the different shops offer such a variety,” Bellairs said. “It makes going into every store important because you never know what you will find.”

Stay up to date with all Groundhog Days activities by visiting woodstockgroundhog.org.

Continued from Page 1

at $3.676 million in July. The board agreed to the company’s changes, at the same contract price, in December, “even though the terms and conditions of the proposed agreement were contained in the original bid document,” according to a school staff report.

That was then

INDEPENDENT FILE PHOTO

Woodstock School District 200 plans to use 10 acres of districtowned farmland to build a solar farm to provide the energy needs of Woodstock North High School.

Savings projected

The project was expected to be a “break even” proposition. About $3.4 million in state and federal tax credits for renewable energy systems, along with a $464,000 rebate from

Presentations to explain and promote the county’s Senior Real Estate Tax Deferral Program for qualified senior citizens will begin with a session at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 24, at the main meeting room of Woodstock Public Library, 414 W. Judd St. County Treasurer Donna Kurtz will review the program and answer questions about appying for what is essentially a loan of up to $7,500 in state funds to pay a senior’s property tax bill.

A lien for the deferred amount will be filed on the qualifying property.

Deferred amounts are repaid upon the sale or transfer of the property, or within one year of the owner’s death.

To be eligible, an applicant must be at least 65 years old by June 1 and have a household income less than $65,000, among other requirements.

Forms can be found by visiting the treasurer’s website at treasurer.mchenrycountyil.gov, clicking “Senior Deferral,” and then clicking on the application link.

Attendees are encouraged to register for the Jan. 24 session through the calendar on the library’s website at woodstockpubliclibrary.org.

If questions, call 815-334-4260.

3

NEWS

future if the Board of Education still supports the solar project.”

IN BRIEF Session in Woodstock to cover senior tax deferral

Jan. 17-23, 2024

Since then, GRNE/Nelnet has said the price would have to increase.

“We don’t have any documents related to the increase,” Lyons said in an email. “It was a verbal conversation that they would not be able to fulfill the terms of the contract.”

When bids for the project were opened June 1, the only other bidder was a Woodstock company, Associated Electrical Contractors. Its base bid was $688,000 more than GRNE/Nelnet, and its alternate 10-year service plan was nearly twice the $152,000 bid by GRNE/Nelnet.

Lyons said D-200 officials still want to build the solar farm.

“In light of the recent contract issue, District officials would like to continue pursuing the plans at Woodstock North High School,” he said in the email. “The administration will recommend another bid proposal in the near

electricity provider ComEd, would cover the expected costs. Having to rebid the project will delay the timetable for construction, which had been forecast for 2025.

“Timing does matter,” Lyons’ email said, “because one of the larger federal grant amount does decrease over time, but district officials are working with experts to ensure that all grant funding options are pursued to get the best value possible.”

In December, the board hired Baker Tilley, a consulting firm from Chicago, for $75,000 to handle the application for the federal renewable energy tax credits.

The solar array is proposed for 10 acres of district-owned farmland north of the high school. Superintendent Mike Moan said last month that actual installation of the solar energy system was expected to begin in about 18 months. Officials believe the project will save the district about $2.7 million in energy costs over 20 years.

“It’s still a short- and long-term financial win for taxpayers,” Lyons said, “along with the environmental benefits of using sustainable energy.”

The board’s agenda for last week also included a new schedule that would increase registration fees at all grade levels and raise the cost of tuition for preschool students.

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

SOLAR

O

NEWS

Jan. 17-23, 2024

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

4

NEGATIVE NUMBERS

OBITUARIES Charla Johansen-Pierce, 83

Charla Vae Johansen-Pierce, 83, of Woodstock (Marengo), passed away, Monday, Jan. 1, 2024.

She was born on Aug. 11, 1940, in Woodstock, the daughter of the late Charles F. and Evalyn I. (Peterson) Johansen.

On June 19, 1965, Charla married Clifford F. Pierce at the First United Methodist Church Charla Vae in Woodstock.

Charla attended Johansen-Pierce Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington on a piano scholarship and graduated with a Bachelor of Music degree in piano performance in 1962. She was a member of the music fraternity of Delta Omicron, serving as president of the Sigma Chapter during her senior year at Illinois Wesleyan. She then attended the American Conservatory of Music in Chicago, graduating in 1964 with a Master of Music degree in piano performance, studying with William J. Browning.

Following her graduation, Charla taught on the piano faculty at the world famous Interlochen Arts Academy in Interlochen, Mich., where she met her future husband in Charlevoix, Mich. After her marriage, Charla taught music for one year at Clay Street School within the Woodstock school district before starting her family.

She then opened a private music studio focusing primarily on piano education, ranging from pre-school through adults, which became her life’s joy! She enriched countless students’ lives through music for over 40 years!

Charla maintained her professional Email obituaries to pr@thewoodstockindependent.com. You may also mail them or drop them off at or office, 671 E. Calhoun St., Woodstock, IL 60098.

Obituaries are published online when received and in the next print issue.

If questions, call 815-338-8040.

development by maintaining a membership of the Fox Hill Music Teacher Association. She was a member of the prestigious Piano Guild and was a sought-after judge in many local music contests.

Charla was the church organist/accompanist for over 20 years at the First United Methodist Church in Woodstock.

Charla, following in her mother’s and grandmother’s footsteps, was a member of the 169-year old Seneca Ladies Literary Society (SLLS) until her passing.

Charla was a lifelong member of First United Methodist Church in Woodstock.

Charla is survived by her husband, Clifford; her children, Shawn C. (Curtis) Anderson, Charla L. Pierce, Alyssa R Whiting, and Barry C.C. (Jamie Galler) Pierce; grandchildren, Sydney R. Anderson, Madalyn E. Anderson, Myranda L. Anderson, Donovan F. Amos, Devin C. Whiting, Lauren A. (Sean) Herron, Elijah J. Pierce, Benjamin C.C. Pierce, and Hailey Alexandra Galler; great-granddaughter, Isla Joan; dear friend, Tom McTague Jr. and his children, Thomas J. McTague and Rebecca L. McTague.

She was preceded in death by her beloved parents and two brothers, Charles and Cole Johansen.

Charla’s celebration of life will be held on Jan. 20, 2024, at First United Methodist Church in Woodstock. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. with the celebration of life at 11 a.m., officiated by Pastor Hyujae Lee. A luncheon will follow in the Fellowship Hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the First United Methodist Church in Woodstock or the Interlochen Center for the Arts at interlochen. org.

For information contact the Schneider, Leucht, Merwin & Cooney Funeral Home at 815-338-1710 or visit slmcfh.com.

PUBLIC SAFETY LOG

Woodstock Police Department ■ No arrests reported

McHenry County Sheriff’s Office ■ No arrests reported

Woodstock Fire/Rescue District

Ambulance runs Jan. 4-10: 95 Fire runs Structure fire: 1 Combustible spills/leaks: 1 Smoke/odor problem: 1 Public service assistance: 17 Cover assignment/standby: 3 Dispatched/canceled en route: 2 Wrong location/no emergency found: 1 System/detector malfunction: 3 Unintentional system/detector: 5 Total: 129

INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY KEN FARVER

At 7 a.m. Monday (pay no attention to that clock), downtown Woodstock showed the effects of early January snow and cold.

That was a lot of snow, then some severe cold Staff Report

NEWS@THE WOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

Heavy snow and bitter cold have interrupted life in Woodstock over the past week as winter has arrived with a vengeance.

Classes were called off last week on Tuesday and Friday in School District 200 as snowfall totaled at least 15 inches over those two days and into Saturday. Any further school “emergency days” caused by weather will continue with classes via remote learning, a practice used extensively in 2020-21 during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Snow was followed by sub-zero cold this week, with high temperatures forecast in the single digits – some below zero. Overnight lows were expected to be as low as -20 with dangerous windchills.

To create a warming shelter, MBI unlocked the Woodstock train station’s south side public space indefinitely for 24/7 access with lights on.

MBI leases the depot from the city.

The lobby of the Woodstock Police Station also is a warming shelter for emergencies. It was the only

Woodstock site listed as a warming center in a countywide listing for McHenry County.

Friday’s heavy snow canceled trash pickup throughout Woodstock after the landfill where hauler MDC takes refuse was closed. Residents on the Friday route will have to wait a week because of labor law limitations that MDC drivers cannot work six consecutive days to facilitate a special pickup at the beginning of next week. The next pickup on Friday, Jan. 19, will allow residents with tote service to place out extra bags that should be placed next to the tote.

In the Tuesday snow storm, the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office enacted an emergency snow plan that continued through the week. On Saturday morning, after the snow finally stopped, people were still advised to avoid driving if possible because of heavy winds, snow drifts covering roadways, and freezing temperatures/wind chill factors.

Any minor traffic crashes – those that result in no injuries and do not require a tow truck – were to be reported at a later date.

SCHOOL’S OUT!

5 THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT Jan. 17-23, 2024

NEWS INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY KEN FARVER

Shoveling snow is a fun family affair during Friday’s heavy snowfall in Woodstock. Katie Czerkies was joined by children Samantha, 11; Isabelle, 8; Joseph, 3; and Gianna, 2; along with friend Gatlin Hunt, 6.

Henry Mahlebashian, 8, and brother Stephen, 3, have their shovels to take on Friday morning’s snow.

But it wasn’t much fun if you wanted to play, as 3-year-old Graham Hunt (right) trudges through the snow storm in Woodstock on Friday.

“The Woodstock Independent is my go-to source of information. I live here and own a business here, why would I look anywhere else for my local news?”

-Arlene Lynes

Owner, Read Between the Lynes

The

Woodstock

I NDEPENDENT

671 Calhoun St., Woodstock, IL, 60098 • 815-338-8040

Tell us why you are an Independent person! Email c.wormley@thewoodstockindependent.com

OPINION

Jan. 17-23, 2024

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

6

Opinion

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT Woodstock, IL • 1987

THE EDITORIAL BOARD

Rebecca McDaniel Larry Lough Sandy Kucharski Ken Farver

‘Reimagining’ challenges the status quo

During a Community Creative Workshop in City Hall last April, about 30 local citizens offered suggestions about “branding” Woodstock to promote it as a good place to live and do business.

Consensus of the group was that the city’s greatest asset was – no surprise – the Square.

So, we can understand the skepticism of some residents to ideas suggested during a recent focus group to “reimagine” the Park in Square.

Those ideas included such dramatic changes as moving the bandstand, the Spring House, and even the Civil War memorial.

How – and whether – Woodstock should restore, rehabilitate, and/or reimagine the park will be part of an overall parks master plan the city is developing to guide the future of our 23 parks and nature areas.

Creating a plan for the Square is a priority because some of the work would be funded by a nearly $3 million state grant that must be spent by the end of this year. Extensive work to the Opera House also will be funded with that grant and $1.6 million from the city budget.

Writer Eileen Millard recently

reported in The Independent about the focus group that sought to “reimagine” what the Park in the Square could be, which included some admittedly “out of the box” thinking. That’s what we should expect from conceptual thoughts about reimagining the downtown park – ideas that might be tossed out there for discussion without limiting ourselves to what the

park is or was.

Not everyone was thrilled with the ideas, and several readers told us so on The Independent’s Facebook page.

“Don’t mess with the Square,” Jen wrote. “It’s charming and iconic.”

Julie agreed.

“Dear Lord, do not ‘modernize’ our Square!” her post said. “It’s lovely now!”

subsequent residents?

The Woodstock Plan Commission has already viewed information, heard testimonies, and voted no to altering zoning laws – a crucial victory for our motherland.

The initial blow of defeat to Lennar will only increase the pressure on the City Council. The loud voices from the outsiders will lean on the idea of improving Woodstock through the attraction of new residents and potential businesses. The thought is that more rooftops “floating” anywhere will accomplish the mission.

Thankfully, T-Mobile’s Smart Growth America comprehensive study showed that new subdivisions in areas like Lucas Road are a net negative to community revenues. New residents would more likely travel to Crystal Lake and Huntley, leaving Woodstock taxpayers with the school, roads, safety, and resource burden and little-to-no return. The study detailed how building closer to the Square (Heart of Woodstock) has the most

beneficial impact.

The proposed site brings nature and life-altering challenges. The area’s soil type will cause water and home structural issues, the probability of local well contamination, and the deterioration of the Kishwaukee River. Not to mention, 200-year-old oak trees will be mowed down to make way for a false perception of improvement. All in the name of “growth.”

These troubling issues will severely hurt residents’ property values and quality of life.

To our City Council elected body: Decision-making is easy when your values are clear, and every decision you make reflects the evaluation of who you are.

Life is about choices. Some we regret.

Some we’re proud of. Some will haunt us forever.

» YOUR VIEW

Housing development would be net negative

Plato once said, “A good decision is based on knowledge and not on numbers.” One gains knowledge from the sum of what is known: the body of truth, information, and principles acquired.

The multibillion-dollar behemoth Lennar is pushing to build an over-crowded, environmentally destructive, and community-devaluing subdivision called Riverwoods off Lucas Road in the name of the almighty dollar.

Growth for the sake of growth is not a victory. The choices we make have consequences. Our cherished family-rich community is asking Woodstock City Council to see why the Plan Commission made the right decision. Will a perceived increase in tax dollars and revenue rule the day? Or will authenticity about the future fallout cause our elected leaders to stand tall and protect current and

Jeff Tipps Woodstock

“Nonsensical to do this to the beautiful Square that’s a great downtown already,” Alex wrote.

Added Rachel: “Clean up the parks.

There’s so much more to Woodstock than the Square!”

For those several readers who suggested more attention needs to be given to maintaining and improving Emricson Park, that is a focus for city officials and will undoubtedly be a major part of the overall parks master plan.

Restoration of the downtown park could include restoring historic structures, including the bandstand and Spring House, which likely need to be torn down and rebuilt.

Rehabilitation could mean additional features, possibly permanent seating, concession structures, or even redesign of nearby streets to create a better connection to the Square from the train station and whatever housing/retail development we see on the former Die Cast factory site.

More opportunities for community input through public meetings and surveys are promised. Keep an eye on the city’s soon-to-be-redesigned (we’re told) website, woodstockil.org.

Plan to share your ideas.

McHenry County provides help for people struggling Admit it. We have all struggled or been in situations where we needed assistance to some degree. At the very least, we know of – or are caring for someone – experiencing stressors or hardships.

Individuals, couples, and families facing adversity are in need of goods, services, guidance or connections to others to help manage or overcome resource issues and battles in their lives.

McHenry County is filled with wonderful resources and professionals dedicated to improving lives. However, according to our McHenry County Public Health Community Health Needs Assessment, about one-third of McHenry County residents don’t know where to turn.

The McHenry County Mental Health Board is committed to increasing community awareness and visibility of our mental

Continued on Next page

numerous other duties important to publishing The Independent.

And we have a great (but small) staff of contributors, writers and photographers, who work hard every week to bring you the news and information about the Woodstock area that you have told us you want and need. We also have a dedicated “Tuesday Crew” that is responsible for getting your papers out to you each week.

I don’t expect a lot of changes because readers are happy with the newspaper they get in their mailboxes each week. They told us that when they said, in city surveys the past two years, The Independent is their No. 1 source of news and information about Woodstock. We are proud of that.

But we realize there could be improvements in what we do and how we do it. We would love to hear your suggestions.

Feel free to write or call. Check the masthead to the right for phone numbers, emails, and other contact information.

We look forward to hearing from you.

And thanks for reading The Independent.

Rebecca McDaniel is publisher of The Independent. Her email is rebecca@ thewoodstockindependent.com.

Continued from Previous page

» LOCAL CONTACT INFO FOR PUBLIC OFFICIALS

health, substance use disorder, and intellectual/developmental disability services that we fund.

Our free annual People In Need (PIN) forum will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 27, at McHenry County College. We urge you to come and learn more about the agencies we work with, attend an educational session, receive fun giveaways, and discover how to volunteer or join the board. To learn more, visit mchenry.edu/pin.

Whether it’s help with financial hardships, housing, or food insecurity, there are resources here in McHenry County that can help.

For a full database of comprehensive services, visit mc708.org or download our free mobile McHelp App, mc708.org/ mchelp-app/, which has a text and chat feature.

U.S. Rep. Bill Foster 11th District Office 2000 W. Galena Blvd., Suite 303 Aurora, IL 60506 630-585-7672

Leonetta Rizzi Executive Director McHenry County Mental Health Board

State Rep. Steve Reick District Office 1072 Lake Ave. Woodstock, IL 60098 815-880-5340 State Sen. Craig Wilcox District Office 5400 W. Elm St., Suite 103 McHenry, IL 60050 815-455-6330

» FIRST AMENDMENT

McHenry County Board Chairman Michael Buehler 1630 Quail Way Crystal Lake, IL 60014 815-334-4224 (work) mjbuehler@co.mchenry.il.us Woodstock Mayor Mike Turner 121 W. Calhoun St. Woodstock, IL 60098 815-338-4302 mayor@woodstockil.gov Dorr Township Supervisor Susan Brokaw 1039 Lake Ave. Woodstock, IL 60098 815-338-0125 supervisor@dorrtownship.com

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof, or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

Subscription rates/year $75 in Woodstock, Bull Valley and Wonder Lake. $77 in McHenry County. $82 for snowbirds and $90 outside McHenry County.

Corrections

We strive for accuracy. To suggest corrections or clarifications, email news@ thewoodstockindependent.com.

Staff

Cheryl Wormley

PUBLISHER EMERITA

c.wormley@thewoodstockindependent.com

PUBLISHER

Rebecca McDaniel

subs@thewoodstockindependent.com

EDITOR

Larry Lough

larry@thewoodstockindependent.com

Jill Flores

ADVERTISING

jill@thewoodstockindependent.com

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Sandy Kucharski

sandy@thewoodstockindependent.com

PHOTOGRAPHER

Ken Farver

ken@thewoodstockindependent.com

COLUMNISTS

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

Vicky Long

CORRESPONDENTS

Tricia Carzoli, Janet Dovidio, Susan W. Murray, Megan Ivers, Lydia LaGue, Eileen Millard, Ruth Raubertas, Juel Mecklenberg, Seth Rowe EDITORIAL CARTOONIST

Jim Mansfield PROOFREADER

Don Humbertson CIRCULATION

Beverly Meuch, Dennis Micheletti, Bill Schwerdtfeger, John Wickham

Deadlines & contacts NOON WEDNESDAY

Press releases and photos

pr@thewoodstockindependent.com

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

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OPINION

be available for advice and guidance. She has graciously agreed to continue to write her Declarations column once a month, rather than weekly, and will Rebecca continue to write McDaniel Flashbacks, our Declarations popular feature that looks back at notable Woodstock events and people since The Independent started publishing.

I am fully aware that I can never replace Cheryl. She is the guiding light of The Woodstock Independent.

I can, however, work hard alongside our staff to continue to produce a newspaper that Cheryl will be proud of.

Larry Lough will continue in the job of editor, which he’s had here for six years. As a reporter and editor for more than five decades (and a former college journalism instructor), Larry is the most experienced working journalist in this region – and beyond.

Jill Flores will continue to sell advertising; you will still see photographer Ken Farver out and about in the community; and Sandy Kucharski will still be designing ads, doing page layouts, and performing

671 E. Calhoun St. • Woodstock, IL 60098 Phone: 815-338-8040 www.thewoodstockindependent.com

7

Jan. 17-23, 2024

Hello, Woodstock.

My name is Rebecca McDaniel.

As you might have read last week, I’m the new owner and publisher of The Woodstock Independent. I know many of you, and have interacted with many others in my role as administrator of the newspaper for the past nine years.

If you’re a subscriber, I’ve handled your account. If you’ve come into the office, I probably dealt with your question or concern.

I normally open the office at 8 a.m.

Monday through Friday, so feel free to email me, call, or drop by to say hi.

Although I have never been a publisher, I have had numerous responsibilities at The Independent – my primary role is handling all accounting functions, but as in any small company, I along with others have taken on whatever tasks necessary to get the job done.

You didn’t notice anything different in your newspaper this week because the only changes we’ve made are minor. Those are in what we call the masthead of the newspaper, on the right side of this page, where staff members are listed.

Cheryl Wormley, co-founder of this newspaper in 1987 and publisher since then, is now listed as publisher emerita, a well-earned step back from the responsibilities she’s had here for 37 years. Cheryl will still

Woodstock

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

New publisher; same commitment

The

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Student

Woodstock District 200 Woodstock Education Education Foundation Foundation Presents: Presents

2023 Groundhog 2024 Groundhog Silent Auction/ Silent Auction/ Reverse Raffle Reverse Raffle

The Woodstock Education Foundation proudly presents The Woodstock District 200 Education Foundation proudly presents the the 2024 Annual Groundhog Day Silent Auction / Reverse Raffle Fundraiser as 2023 Annual Groundhog Silent Auction / Reverse Raffle a Virtual Event.

Fundraiser as a Virtual Event.

A wide variety of certificates for local businesses and restaurants, novelty Abaskets, wide variety of certificates localunique businesses anditems sporting and cultural events for and other arts and craft will be availablenovelty for viewingbaskets, and biddingsporting from the convenience of your restaurants, and cultural events home. Silent Auction participants are encouraged to preregister for the and other unique items will be available for viewing and event utilizing the information cited below. bidding from the convenience of your home.

There Auction are NO registration feesare required to participate.

Silent participants encouraged to pre-register.

There are NO registration fees to participate.

SILENT AUCTION Silent Auction Website Access URL: https://groundhog2024.givesmart.com Keyword Access: groundhog2024 Campaign Text Number: 76278 Silent Website Access URL: https://groundhog2023.givesmart.com SilentAuction Auction Bidding Access Begins: Sunday, January 28, 2024 @ 6:00 p.m.

Keyword Access: groundhog2023 Silent Auction Bidding Closes: Sunday, February 4, 2024 @ 3:00 p.m.

SILENT AUCTION

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Visit our D200 Education FoundationSilent Auction Website at: Silent Auction Bidding Closes: at 3 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 5, 2023.

4. Click Create My GiveSmart Account to finalize the process.

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Successful bidders email regarding the procedures Reverse Raffle ticketswill willbe be notified available by for purchase after January 1, 2024, fromfor any Foundation Board that member District Administrative staff.

Reverse accessing the items theyand were the 200 highest bidder for during the Silent Raffle Tickets are $100 with only 100 tickets being sold.

Auction. Notifications will be sent after the Silent Auction closes at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 5, 2023.

Grand Prize: $3,000 2nd Prize: $300 3rd Prize: $250 4th Prize: $200 3 Prize Winners: $150 8 Prize Winners: $100 8 Prize Winners: $50

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The Reverse Raffle drawing at 3 p.m February 2024, at Reverse Raffle tickets willwill be occur available forSunday, purchase from 4, any Foundation the conclusion of the Virtual Silent Auction.

Prize winners will receive payouts Board member and District 200 Administrative staff. Tickets are $100bywith check via U.S. Postal Service within 7-10 business days from the drawing. only 100 tickets being sold.

Grandjoin Prize: 2nd Prize: $300 Prize: $250special 4th Prize: $200 Please us in$3,000 our fundraising efforts to 3rd support unique projects 3 Prizeand Winners: 8 PrizetheWinners: $100 8 PrizeforWinners: $50 activities$150 to enhance educational programs our Woodstock Community Unit School District 200 students.

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Taylor Nickrand Taylor Nickrand, a Woodstock North High School senior, is the daughter of Kim and Westly Nickrand, Woodstock.

The teacher who nominated Taylor said she is an extremely funny, caring, and hard working student. “It is a pleasure to work with Taylor and see her excitement when talking about all of her out-of-school activities,” her teacher said.

Taylor is a member of Best Buddies at school and she hopes to volunteer with animals in the future.

“My Nana and Auntie Sara inspire and motivate me,” Taylor said. “They always want me to do my best.”

She feels successful as she is becoming more independent and confident in skills like completing a form and shopping.

Creating Smiles For Generations 666 West Jackson Street, Woodstock IL woodstockdental.com 815-338-1138

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SCHOOLS

Jan. 17-23, 2024

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

8

COURTESY PHOTO

District 200 teachers Lisa and Logan Kunzie and their sons, Lincoln and Landry, visit Papago Park, Phoenix, Arizona, over winter break.

Take The Independent on your next vacation, take a photo, and send it to pr@thewoodstockindependent.com to be featured.

Schools

9

Locals on president’s list of Southern New Hampshire

Three local students have been named to the fall 2023 president’s list at Southern New Hampshire University.

They are Makayla Hilgendorf of Wonder Lake and Grace Peters and Kenneth Thompson, both of Woodstock.

Full-time undergraduate students who have earned a minimum GPA of 3.7 are named to the president’s list.

SCHOOLS

Holly Maye on dean’s list at Ohio Wesleyan University Holly Maye of Wonder Lake has been named to the 2023 fall semester dean’s list at Ohio Wesleyan University in Delaware, Ohio, which requires a GPA of 3.5 or better on a 4.0 scale in all applicable classes.

UW-Stevens Point honors local undergrad students Four local undergraduate students are among more than 2,500 undergraduate students honored for attaining high GPAs during the fall semester at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.

Michael Rank of Woodstock earned highest honors with a GPA of at least 3.9. High honors went to Abagail Geis of Wonder Lake and Aidan Schleutermann of Woodstock for GPAs of 3.75 to 3.89.

Four locals on dean’s list at St. Norbert College Four Woodstock students have been named to the fall semester dean’s list at St. Norbert College in DePere, Wis., for earning a minimum 3.5 GPA. They are Isabelle Halsall, Nathan Hastings, Jordyn Kratochvil, and Aila Reuter.

UW-Madison names Lauryn Hahn to dean’s list Lauryn Hahn of Woodstock has been named to the fall semester dean’s list at the University of Wisconsin-Madison She is a student in the College of Letters and Science.

Jan. 17-23, 2024

Nora Finnegan (front) and Amanda Burr were cutting up at school while making decorations.

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

COLLEGE CURRENTS

COURTESY PHOTOS

Having fun doing good Marian Central Key Club holiday projects face challenges

By Janet Dovidio

NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

Members of Key Club at Marian Central Catholic High School carried out a variety of outreach efforts during the recent holidays, initiating some of those activities and responding when called on to assist with others.

Students, teachers, and administrators donated to a Thanksgiving food drive, which netted 189.9 pounds of food for the Woodstock Food Pantry. In December, St. Mary Catholic Church reached out to the club for help with serving and assisting at an Advent Mass and brunch on Dec. 3.

During their last two 2023 meetings, students created door decorations for residents of Valley Hi Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Woodstock.

“We planned to go caroling and decorating at Valley Hi,” said Carolyn Bolman, science teacher and

Marian Central Key Club member Max Malinski shows off his holiday handiwork.

Key Club adviser, “but it was canceled because some of the residents were sick. We used the decorations instead to decorate the halls of Marian along with the school’s Green Club during the weeks before

Christmas.”

Key Club members will host a Noonday celebration on Jan. 31 at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Cary. The word “noonday,” which is found in the Bible, means the light, splendor, and brightness of the brightest part of the day, which is at noon. The event allows for little ones to celebrate the New Year. Club members will host the party by setting up, cleaning up, face painting, crafting, cookie decorating, and balloon dropping. On different days, the Key Clubbers provide childcare during religious education classes at the same parish.

During the next few months members plan a coat drive and a floor hockey competition.

“We average about 40 to 50 members attending our twice-a-month meetings,” Bolman said. “They are always smiling and laughing at the meetings. It is so great to see them having so much fun as they do things for others.”

SCHOOLS

Jan. 17-23, 2024

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

10

WHS,WNHS boasts 56 Illinois State Scholars DISTRICT 200

A total of 56 seniors at Woodstock and Woodstock North high schools have been designated as Illinois State Scholars for the 2023-24 school year.

The Illinois Student Assistance Commission, the state’s college access and financial aid agency, recognizes academic achievement by exceptional Illinois high school students each year.

“Congratulations to these students who’ve taken full advantage of the academic opportunities we’re able to provide thanks to our outstanding teachers from kindergarten through high school,” District 200 Superintendent Mike Moan said. “We look forward to seeing their

COLLEGE CURRENTS Locals students named to Northern Illinois dean’s list Several local students were named by Northern Illinois University to its fall 2023 dean’s list.

They and their areas of study are: Wonder Lake – Edgar Carbajal, computational software; Anna Knecht, music education; Tyler Salcedo, fashion merchandising; Julia VanAcker, psychology;

bright futures unfold over the coming years.”

Illinois State Scholars are determined by a combination of high school grades and SAT scores. Those designated as Illinois State Scholars are generally among the top 10 percent of high school seniors in the state.

Woodstock High School

Maggie Adams, Charles Baker, Veronica Baker, Zacahary Canaday, Anna Crenshaw, Keila Cruz, Madelyn Flannery, Emma Gehl-Pagan, Jonathan Gomez Vazquez, Liam Hanson, Caleb Jackson, Matthew Jerz, Hunter Johanson, Kamila Kay, Natalie Morrow, Sofia Nilsson, Allison O’Brien, Hannah Pacini, Cooper Pajich, Maricarmen Paredes-Lopez, Aryan Patel, Jayden Peterson,

and Meaghan Walsh, operations and info management.

Woodstock – Amber Acevedo, medical laboratory sciences; Hadeon Berezowski, finance; Lucas Busse, finance; Brian Carlton, sociology: criminology; Angel Cortes Garcia, electrical engineering technology; Jess Filler, English; Brianna Flores, child development; James Gawronski, advocacy/public communications; Mac Heelein, music; Elizabeth Hurdle, family

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Woodstock North High School

Cade Blaksley, Rafaella Burkhart, Kirsten Carroll, Brayden Dulin, Kevin Eismueller, Victoria Falade, Josue Figueroa, Joseph Gerloff, Robert Gerloff, Madeline Hunt, Daniel Jansen, Teagan Kirk, Madeline Manke, Erin McCann, Hannah Meyers, Claire Miranda, Addison Olson, Emerich Parpart, Malaika Parpart, Maxwell Parrish, Addison Salazar, Nicholas Schiavone, Georgia Sedlack, Jazmin Thompson, Alexander Treadway, Jacob Vanacker

relations, prevention and wellness; Jaedyn Kentgen, health sciences-general; Sara Kranenburg, special education; Juel Mecklenburg, physical education; Kelly Miller Elliott, health sciences; Kari Mongold, psychology; Vanessa Olandese, accountancy; Jacqueline Ramirez, elementary education; Alexis Rogganbuck, psychology; Abigail Shirley, nursing; Maya Snow, health sciences-general; Hamzah Subhani, art studio-design and media

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arts; Reagan Ungaro, special education; and Jonathan Woodcock, undecided.

Makenzie Buss earns 4.0 at Morningside University Makenzie Buss of Wonder Lake was among 432 students named to the dean’s list for the fall semester at Morningside University in Sioux City, Iowa. She received the honor with a 4.0 GPA.

A&E

11

By Eileen Millard

NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

Programming at the Woodstock Opera House is still being added to take advantage of the open dates that were created when scheduled renovation of the auditorium was pushed back.

Daniel Campbell, director of the Opera House, said construction is now anticipated to start in June for projects outside the auditorium and in July for work being done inside the auditorium in the historic building.

(Note to readers: Information in an earlier article listed a construction start date as mid-March 2024, with target end date as spring/summer of 2024. Those dates were actually for the completion of architectural design and acquisition of building permits.)

The altered schedule was needed when the design study took longer than expected.

“We had to push the project timeline back three months,” Campbell said.

“We [had] architects in, in the fall, [and] a site visit in December. They are putting the design together; there may be another site visit.”

Much as expected Campbell said no surprises were involved in the need for additional design time in the 19th century building.

“We only wanted to make sure we do a full analysis of the facility,” he said. “Not just historical maintenance, but going forward, to enhance operation … expand the business, make changes for the building, traffic flow, meeting customer needs and patron needs.”

The original renovation schedule was set up a year and a half ago, Campbell said.

“We had to start making construction decisions, [so] we blanked out our calendar for what we might be able to achieve” he explained. “When construction got pushed back in October [and] we made the decisions on the timeline, we went to start booking acts again … in a short period of time.”

The total budget for Opera House renovations is $4.56 million, covered by a grant of $2.96 million from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity program and matching city funds of $1.6 million.

That also will pay for upgrades

(lighting, sound, etc.) on the Square.

The timetable

“[The goal is] to complete [interim] programming in June, get the construction done, and be back up and running for fall,” Campbell said.

• End of March, early April: complete architectural design • End of April, early May: obtain building permits and award construction contracts • Beginning of June: some construction projects start outside of auditorium • July to September: auditorium closed for construction • October: return to normal scheduling “Because we started in October, when we were four months out, that was a viable window [to book] a lot of acts,” Campbell said.

“We had a Plan B in mind. We talk to agents about who is touring, pickup dates, local acts from Chicago … so it’s a mixed bag.

“There are some tribute artists, also people who have been made famous from TV competitions, [and] also [plays from] resident theater groups, such as ‘Steel

Magnolias’ with the Theatre 121 in April, and [Sweeney Todd’] in June.

The Woodstock Fine Arts Association will add another Creative Living Series program, and there are one or two more things. There may be a film event. Right now, every weekend between now and the end of June has programming.”

Outdoor events, Stage Left

Opera House staff is ramping up outdoor entertainment in the Park in the Square, as well as in Stage Left Café while the auditorium is dark, Campbell said.

“We will have our [annual] summer band concert series, and movies in the park, and probably a few outdoor concerts in the park as well,” he added. “We are also in discussion with a local group in Chicago for a Shakespeare in the Park event in July.

We have not done that before.”

The renovation projects will benefit the customer experience on “both sides of the stage,” Campbell said, referring to both the audience members and the performers who use the Opera House. “Both sides of the stage got some attention.”

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

After renovation delayed, Opera House scrambles to schedule programming

Jan. 17-23, 2024

‘A mixed bag’

COURTESY PHOTO

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

Repair and replacement of auditorium seating as part of the Opera House renovations might not be done in the first phase of the project, Director Daniel Campbell said, and could end up being supported by a public fundraising campaign. Upgrades to Stage Left Café also are likely to be part of later renovation.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Jan. 17-23, 2024

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

12

Getting to Know

IN BRIEF

Brendan Parker Fire Chief Where did you grow up?

Woodstock First job for a paycheck?

I delivered tools and materials to the workers who installed and removed gymnasium floors for Floors Inc. How long have you called Woodstock home?

My entire life What do you like best about living in Woodstock?

I enjoy the small town feel and being able to work in the community I live in.

What is your favorite event in the Woodstock area?

My family and I enjoy the Christmas Clearing House deliveries.

If you could change one thing about Woodstock, what would it be?

I have embraced the small town feel of Woodstock but see the need for the community to continue to grow.

Favorite spectator event (live or on TV)?

Basketball games live.

When you want to eat at a local restaurant, where do you go, and what are you most likely to order?

There are three restaurants I enjoy – El Niagara (burrito deluxe), Public House (loaded baked potato soup), and Rosati’s (sausage and pepperoni pizza).

What item do you keep in your home for a quick snack?

Anything sweet, especially cookies What did you learn from the COVID-19 pandemic?

The importance of human connection – not gathering for the holidays made a big impact on my family and me.

What personal interest are you most passionate about?

The Woodstock Fire/Rescue District. – my upbringing created a love for the fire service and serving my hometown.

Last movie you watched (at home or in a theater)? How do you rate it, 1 to 10?

My wife and I watched “The Blind” at the movie theater. I would rate it at an 8.

What kind of content in The Independent interests you most?

I enjoy the Flashback section. I like reading about the past events and accomplishments that occurred in the community. The pictures are always fun to look at as well. ke about people’s stories

MCC PHOTO

Nancy Maio (left) and Pat Gaughan will present “A History of Blues Culture” at 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 18, in Luecht Auditorium at McHenry County College.

Speaker series will explore ‘History of Blues Culture’

Spirituals, work songs, and slave songs that evolved into the blues will be explored during a lecture/live music presentation at McHenry County College’s next Experts and Insights speaker series.

“A History of Blues Culture” will be presented by music instructor Pat Gaughan and violin teacher Nancy Maio at 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 18, in MCC’s Luecht Auditorium. The session is free and open to the public. Registration is requested but walk-ins are welcome.

The session will explore the role that oppression played in the development of the blues, from slavery to Jim Crow laws and civil rights struggles. It will also cover the Delta blues style, the migration North, and the development into the classic blues.

Gaughan teaches world music and guitar at MCC as an adjunct faculty member. Maio is a violin teacher and performs with several local orchestras.

The next Experts and Insights session will be “Bad Boys: Why We Love (and Need) the Movie Villain” at 6 p.m.

Feb. 15.

Bookstore will welcome author of book on yoga

Read Between The Lynes, 111 E. Van Buren St., will host a visit with author and yogi Molly Chanson at 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 20.

Chanson will discuss the power of creativity during challenging times and lead a guided practice with breath and body. The public is welcome, and no yoga experience or special equipment necessary. Chanson will also sign copies of “Yoga Wise: 365 Days of YogaInspired Teachings to Transform Your Life,” released last May. Orders will be available for pick up, and additional copies will be available at the event.

Free outdoor family event Friday night in Woodstock

Winter Night’s Family Fun is scheduled for 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 19, at Hennen Conservation Area, 4622 Dean St., Woodstock.

The Land Conservancy of McHenry County offers the program free to the public. The event will feature guided night hikes, a bonfire, and a sheltered area with hot cocoa. Participants are encouraged to bring the entire family and dress for cold weather.

To register, visit conservemc.org/ winter-nights-family-fun-at-hennenconservation-area-jan-19/ Hennen Conservation Area is a 25-acre park that has been transformed from farmland into a wild and natural place with trails that lead through groves of trees, as well as wildflowers in the spring and summer.

The Land Conservancy of McHenry County is a member-based private nonprofit dedicated to preserving natural, scenic and agricultural land.

Business

13

Transactions filed in the McHenry County Recorder’s Office Dec. 20 to 28 .

Parking, increased hours, signage, marketing, special events on Santa’s 2024 list

By Susan W. Murray

NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

“People came in and they bought stuff” is how Jennifer Jorgensen, manager of operations at Studio D, summarized the holiday-buying season.

Most retailers on the Woodstock Square who spoke to The Woodstock Independent reported that sales for the period from Black Friday through Christmas Eve were up from 2022, or better than what they had expected as a new retailer.

“Sales were above and beyond what we had dreamed of, and it continued after the holiday,” said Kelly Kempf, owner of The Records Department, which occupies one of the incubator spaces in the Old Courthouse Square.

And in the southeast corner of the Square, Santa’s Hut “brought

The Records Department owner Kelly Kempf holds a favorite album. While there are several record stores in the county, Kempf said, most specialize in vintage platters. The Records Department is unique in its large inventory of new albums. in a ton of traffic,” said Noah Degeorge, supervisor at Rocket

Fizz.

When the city decided to move the hut from the park in the Square to the corner of Van Buren and Benton streets, “I was a little leery,” Material Things owner Ken West said, “but it was more of a positive than a negative.”

Both Read Between the Lynes and Blue Thistle stayed open until 7:30 p.m. on the nights when the Right Jolly Old Elf was in his hut.

“People who didn’t know that Blue Thistle was there,” said owner Nancy Leonard, “now know where we are.”

Leonard feels that the benefit extended beyond her corner.

When Santa’s Hut was in the park, people usually headed home after their children had seen Santa.

“Now, they’re more likely to walk around the Square,” she said.

See XMAS SALES Page 14

LOVE WHERE YOU LIVE. Kim Keefe

REALTOR® 815.790.4852 (call or text) LoveWhereYouLive.World 111 West South Street, Woodstock, IL 60098 Team Open Doors is a team of real estate agents affiliated with Compass, a licensed real estate broker and abides by federal, state and local Equal Housing Opportunity laws.

BUSINESS

Mostly holly, jolly holiday sales

Jan. 17-23, 2024

INDEPENDENT PHOTOS BY KEN FARVER

In Astri Aura’s first Christmas season on Benton Street, owner Tasha Martinez said customers bought crystals, jewelry, and “many moon shelves.”

■ Residence at 4716 Redbud Court, Wonder Lake, was sold by CalAtlantic Group LLC, Schaumburg, to Heather Lynn Geis, Wonder Lake, for $235,900.

■ Residence at 4711 Redbud Court, Wonder Lake, was sold by CalAtlantic Group LLC, Schaumburg, to Marco A. Hernandez-Romero, Wonder Lake, for $239,900.

■ Residence at 2055 Woodside Drive, Woodstock, was sold by Emily R. Randazzo, Woodstock, to Laura Dominguez, Woodstock, for $209,000.

■ Residence at 1534 Hickory Road, Unit 24C, Woodstock, was sold by Anthony M.Blezien, Lake In The Hills, to Kip W. Baxter, Woodstock, for $155,000.

■ Residence at 1251 Wood Drive, Woodstock, was sold by Jessica Vande Logt, Woodstock, to Mary-Kate Arnold, Chicago, for $331,500.

■ Residence at 8611 White Oaks Court, Wonder Lake, was sold by CalAtlantic Group LLC, Schaumburg, to Lisa Jensen, Ringwood, for $299,900.

■ Residence at 8530 Stillwater Road, Wonder Lake, was sold by CalAtlantic Group LLC, Schaumburg, to Thomas R. Sengenberger, Wonder Lake, for $249,900.

■ Residence at 8526 Stillwater Road, Wonder Lake, was sold by CalAtlantic Group LLC, Schaumburg, to Manison Investments LLC, Medinah, for $219,900.

■ Residence at 8422 White Oaks Court, Wonder Lake, was sold by CalAtlantic Group LLC, Schaumburg, to Theresa M. Martinez, Wonder Lake, for $354,900.

■ Residence at 3619 Beresford Drive, Woodstock, was sold by Darren Rivchin, Crystal Lake, to Jacob Tucker, Woodstock, for $680,000.

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

BUSINESS

Jan. 17-23, 2024

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

14

XMAS SALES

Continued from Page 13

Special events get shoppers In the week after Thanksgiving, special events draw people to the Square – the Lighting of the Square on Black Friday evening, Small Business Saturday the next day, and Ladies Night Out on the Thursday after Thanksgiving.

“All of the special events brought people out,” Backdrop co-owner Lisa Hanson said.

The Lighting of the Square meant big business for Rocket Fizz, Read Between the Lynes, Seleta Scents, Artisans on Main, and the Thoughtfulness Shop/My Little Bow Peep’s, according to their owners.

“We were packed to the brim on the night of the Lighting of the Square,” Degeorge said of the candy store’s first year in Woodstock.

“We’re still recovering.”

Small Business Saturday drew shoppers to Material Things, Hattie & Myrt, Blue Thistle, Curated by D &A, and Astria Aura.

Retailers reported more of a mixed bag for Ladies Night Out. Down 2 Earth owner Nina Huffman and Apple Creek Flowers coowner Wendy Legare pointed to the evening as being the high-water mark of their stores’ Christmas seasons.

In the first Christmas shopping season for Grove House Market on East Judd Street, owner Rachel Hird noted that shoppers came from Rockford, Lake Geneva, and Elgin, estimating that 25 percent of those who spent money in her store that evening were from out of town.

But just around the corner at Studio D, “Ladies Night Out was kind of a dud,” Jorgenen said. “I can’t think of a good explanation why.”

What was in Santa’s sack?

The retailers’ lists of what was popular among buyers this past Christmas reflects the wide assortment of merchandise sold on the Square.

Shoppers, observed Clayworkers’ Guild President Anne Marie Whitmore Lenzini, went into Artisans on Main for stocking stuffers, including the store’s No. 1 seller – coffee mugs.

At Apple Creek, foot-high Christmas globes “flew out the door,” Legare said.

“People were buying Christmas items at Blue Thistle,” Leonard said, “and sweaters always do well at Hattie & Myrt.”

While Rocket Fizz sold plenty of seasonal candies, “we sold more of our ‘gross’ stuff, such as odd flavors

INDEPENDENT PHOTOS BY KEN FARVER

Christmas items drew shoppers into Blue Thistle, said two of the store’s co-owners, Shannon Bailey and Nancy Leonard. The presence of Santa’s Hut just outside garnered new customers and benefited the Square’s merchants as a whole, Leonard said. of soda and novelties,” Degeorge said.

Lab-grown diamond fashion jewelry proved popular at Studio D, and the Backdrop sold “an awful lot of socks,” Hanson said.

In addition to buying books, shoppers snapped up puzzles and food items at Read Between the Lynes, owner Arlene Lynes said.

Personalized items were a hit at Grove House Market, including signs and ornaments imprinted with the Woodstock ZIP code.

At Anime, owner Janet Potter said people were buying Funko Pop Vinyl figures and candy imported from Japan.

“People want the real deal that their Anime characters eat,” Potter said.

And in what can only be called a retro news flash, Kempf said her store drew high school students buying new albums who had written “a record player” on their Christmas lists.

On next year’s list

The Square’s retailers will meet soon to discuss plans for the next Christmas season, and some shared what’s already on their wish lists.

With eight movies playing at Classic Cinemas, a packed schedule at the Opera House, and Old Courthouse Square fully open, “the city needs to think about parking,” Hanson said.

At the Backdrop, “customers

mentioned parking as more of an issue than they had in years past,” she said.

The hours that retailers keep has been a perennial – and sometimes touchy – issue.

“Woodstock is marketed as a destination,” the Thoughtfulness Shop’s Craig Wilcox said. “I’d like to encourage more stores to be open on Sundays.”

At Studio D, manager of sales Mateusz Wielomek said all stores would benefit if their days and hours were more consistent.

“Some customers,” he said, “mentioned that they had to make several trips to the Square to hit all the stores [when they were open].”

Kempf believes that owners would be surprised by the amount of business they could do on what are now considered “off-times” for the Square.

On Jan. 9, when a snowstorm hit Woodstock, sales at The Records Department were up 71 percent over a normal Tuesday, she said.

Looking for signs

Particularly for those whose businesses lie off the Square, signage top their wish lists – and the sooner, the better.

“We need the signage and branding for Woodstock and signs that point to the off-Square businesses,” Lenzini said.

“I would like to be able to put our Apple Creek sign on the

Square,” Legare said. “It’s a very slow-going decision to do that.”

With her location on East Judd Street, Hird agreed for the need for signs, adding that the city could create fliers for visitors listing businesses that are within walking distance of the Square. This year, Hird made her own fliers to distribute to customers.

At Astri Aura, owner Tasha Martinez encouraged the city to look beyond the Square to Woodstock as a whole.

“There are other good businesses and restaurants that aren’t on the Square,” she said.

Some retailers expressed appreciation for the Shop, Dine, Save & Win promotion in which shoppers who turn in $200 in receipts from qualifying businesses at the Woodstock Area Chamber’s office receive $20 and a chance to win one of three cash prizes.

“The program needs to be promoted earlier and more,” Curated’s Alberto Perez said.

Finally, knowing that special events bring in customers, “the retailers are considering expanding on some of the activities during the Christmas season,” Lynes said.

One idea floated to The Woodstock Independent: Having a Christkindlmarket on the Square one weekend during the Christmas season.

Santa, you’d better get busy.

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BUSINESS

books café & more

ON THE HISTORIC WOODSTOCK SQUARE

111 E. VAN BUREN STREET, WOODSTOCK READBETWEENTHELYNES.COM

We are now a Janome Outlet store!

Come see our special pricing on select machines STORE HOURS M-F 10 AM - 5:30 PM | SA 9 AM - 4 PM | Closed Sunday

16 THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

WOODSTOCK COUNTRY CLUB

THE

BUSINESS

Jan. 17-23, 2024

GREAT SEED EVENT

Dine With Us

During February, March and April our dining room is open to the public for dinner.

Join us and discover the best food in Woodstock.

Saturday, February 3 | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. | McHenry County College

Interested in growing your own food?

Want to expand your home gardening skills?

McHenry County College and the University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners have teamed up to bring the first ever Great Seed Event to McHenry County!

Reservations Required

Open at 4 p.m. Thursday, Friday & Saturday

10310 Country Club Road, Woodstock 815.338.2191 wccclub@wccbv.com

“It’s so beautiful. Let’s live here.”

(From the movie Groundhog Day)

• Pick up native plant, vegetable, herb, and flower seeds (for free!)

• Attend seed-related demonstrations • Participate in a seed swap • Meet with various seed and supply vendors • Learn about garden and hydroponic resources No gardening experience required. Free to attend.

Register and learn more

Presented by:

Rick Bellairs 815-382-8400 Rick@RickBellairs.com www.RickBellairs.com

Community

17

Volunteers at SCVN offer meal delivery, medical equipment, transporation

Jan. 17-23, 2024

By Janet Dovidio

NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

BUSINESS

Empowering Seniors/Enriching Lives is the mission of the Senior Care Volunteer Network, a group of volunteers whose backbone is this outreach that transforms lives of local seniors.

“We provide services that lend to senior independence,” Executive Director Sarah Schrempf said, “and our volunteers are rewarded by giving a fulfilling purpose to others. Many of our volunteers are seniors themselves who are looking to give back in a way that is meaningful.”

SCVN services to seniors include delivery of meals in partnership with the Crystal Lake Food Pantry; a medical equipment Lending Closet that provides essential medical equipment for free; and transportation to medical visits, grocery shopping, and socializing opportunities.

The 2023 program numbers tell the SCVN story. Volunteers served 2,187 McHenry County area seniors by giving 14,616 hours of service while completing 20,569 different services. They delivered more than 827 food or grocery deliveries that equates to 11,578 meals. Volunteer drivers drove 141,333 miles, which included 7,185 rides all over the county to fulfill senior requests.

“Every one of those services also includes a friendly visit from a caring volunteer from the community,” Schrempf said. “Some things we take for granted that might be the one thing we all need a little help with one day. One hour of time can make a big difference.”

Volunteer Roxie Kaminski first connected with SCVN as a patient in need of a walker for her recovery from knee surgery. She was so appreciative of the program that she has now been a volunteer for nearly three years. Her commitments include driving at times that are convenient for her schedule. She often accompanies a senior for grocery shopping and

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

Serving senior independence

COURTESY PHOTOS

After a diagnosis halted volunteer Edie C.’s driving (above), another SCVN volunteer drove her to Sparrow’s Nest to continue helping as before.

With the help of a new walker provided by SCVN, 103-year-old Frank D. gets around. has completed “intake” visits to seniors who ask for help in gathering details about their needs and restrictions.

“This SCVN volunteering is so rewarding for me,” Kaminski said, “and I know I may need this help some day, so for now I enjoy paying it forward.”

Volunteer Kathy Hahn has been a driver for SCVN for 13 years. She began in 2011, before she retired in 2012, to determine whether this was a commitment she would enjoy during her retirement years.

The program easily accommodated any schedule she chose. She has helped to organize SCVN fundraising efforts in addition to driving once or twice a week.

“I have driven many seniors to dialysis treatment, delivered food and incontinence products, and even gone out to lunch with them after their appointments, Hahn said. “I drive women from Harvard to a weight-loss program at Dorr Township. I enjoy getting to know the seniors I drive, and I am pleased to help seniors live independently as long as possible.”

Schrempf expects the program to grow by 20 percent in 2024 to provide services for an additional 400 seniors in need of a little help to continue aging in place while maintaining their independence.

“Our volunteers continue to make a difference by ensuring that every senior in our community

receives the care, respect. and dignity they deserve,” Schrempf said For information about volunteering with SCVN, email volunteer program Coordinator Kerri Sutter at kerri@scvnmchenrycounty.org or visit the website at scvnmchenrycounty.org.

Jan. 17-23, 2024

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

18

19

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT Jan. 17-23, 2024

COMMUNITY

Jan. 17-23, 2024

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

20

Woodstock - A home to love and dream “A house is made of walls and beams; a home is built with love and dreams.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson On the third Wednesday of each month, The Woodstock Independent issues a “total market” edition, giving nonsubscribers the chance to see what they’re missing by not getting the paper every week. This monthly column, which has previPaul ously appeared Lockwood on the fourth Wednesday, may A Musing be new to many of you. If that’s the case, I’ll give you a brief idea of who I am and what kinds of topics you may read about here. If you’re a subscriber, consider this a brief refresher.

I’m Paul Lockwood. I’ve been married for over three dozen years. We have no children. We have a sweet three-year-old orange cat named Lucy. I’ve lived in Woodstock since

early 2001, working in Chicago or from home for a credit reporting company and then a wellness company until early last June. When I’m not using my communication skills in a full-time job, I enjoy acting in community theater shows, reviewing plays and musicals in the Chicago area, improving my speaking skills through Toastmasters, singing, and being an active member in our local church.

As for my involvement with The Woodstock Independent: After writing columns in July and December of 2011, I began this monthly column in the summer of 2012. I call it “A Musing” because its subject matter varies widely – from serious (a musing, two words) to funny (amusing, one word). Past columns have: lauded “The Muppet Show,” compared the unity of our country in the days after 9/11 to the divisiveness that’s readily apparent now, praised diversity using the dozens of ties in my closet as a metaphor, given an example of how my own obituary could include humor, talked about forgiveness after visiting a Charleston, S.C., church where nine members were

shot and killed a few months earlier, and provided insight into the life of a Woodstock police officer via a Q&A during a ride-along. That’s just a sampling.

This month, the idea of home, well, hit home. On Saturday, Dec. 30, the Woodstock train depot became the latest unexpected drop-off spot for a busload of migrants sent from Texas. Dozens of people from Venezuela were here, largely women and children. With less than an hour before a Chicago-bound Metra train would arrive, Councilwoman Melissa McMahon, her daughter, Warp Corps’ Rob Mutert, MBI CEO Tom Wilson, and others showed the kind of compassion we like to think Woodstock is known for. That included clothing to keep our visitors warm, food and water to provide some sustenance, and shelter from the cold until the migrants could board the train to a city better able to give long-term assistance.

At a special Woodstock City Council meeting a few days later that focused on a proposed ordinance to ban unscheduled bus drop-offs, I spoke in support of what McMahon,

Mutert, Wilson, and others did to help and against those who – as the “migrant dumping” was occurring – provided negative thoughts or misinformation on social media. I encourage anyone who suggests that we “send them back to where they came from” to do a little research on what life in Venezuela is like in 2024.

According to a New York Times article, Venezuela’s economy crashed in the mid-2010s, and “for years, Venezuelans have been scraping by, trying to feed their children on meager salaries, watching family members die of preventable diseases, waiting for hours in line for gasoline so they can take a trip to the hospital or the market.” That’s not an environment where anyone can build the kind of “love and dreams” Emerson talked about in the opening quote above.

A Schaumburg couple recently posted in a “What’s Happening in Woodstock, IL” group on Facebook that they were considering moving to Woodstock or McHenry – which was better? Those speaking on behalf of our city had a variety of reasons on why the couple might Continued on NEXT page

Continued from PREVIOUS page

Jan. 17-23, 2024

Photo Detective begins a new year by returning to an old format. The family of longtime Woodstock photojournalist Don Peasley donated his photos and office files – three file cabinets, Don’s desk and calendar – to the McHenry County Historical Society. Intrepid Photo Detective Maggie Crane has been organizing this collection at the museum since 2018 and is currently working on Peasley’s “Inde Pics” folders.

Most of the people in the photos are identified on the backs of the pictures, but occasionally the information is missing. These three girls are the 2009 Patriot Pen essay winners for Northwood Middle School in the Woodstock VFW-sponsored contest. We are hoping that Inde readers can provide their names and grade level. If you have information about these young ladies, please contact Maggie Crane via email at MaggieC@woodstockil.inf – Susan W. Murray

g o h d n u o Gr Days

FEBRUARY 1-4

Schedule of Events February 1 - Thursday Groundhog Storytime Welcoming of the Groundhog Groundhog Trivia February 2 - Friday Prognostication ‘Drink to World Peace’ Toast Guided Walking Tour of Film Sites Movie Memorabilia Open House Groundhog Day Dinner Dance Cocktails with Willie February 3 - Saturday Bags Tournament Guided Walking Tour of Film Sites Groundhog Day Bingo Groundhog Day Pub Crawl February 4 - Sunday Guided Walking Tour of Film Sites

.com Photo by K-Adams Foto

Movie Showings All Weekend at Classic Cinemas

COMMUNITY

Paul Lockwood is an enthusiastic storyteller, singer, constant punster, occasional local theater actor (e.g., McHenry County College’s March 2024 production of Noel Coward’s “Present Laughter”), active Grace Lutheran Church and Toastmasters member, theater reviewer, and more. Paul has lived in Woodstock for over 23 years with his wife, Diane.

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

want to live in our county seat, including: “The Square is beautiful and there’s always something going on in the summer.” “Woodstock is a wonderfully diverse community of kind, compassionate people.” “Woodstock is a beautiful, warm, welcoming community. Very safe.” “This city has a strong sense of community. It’s got the small-town feel and everyone is generally personable and cares about each other.”

I agree with all of those thoughts. But why do my wife and I continue to live here? Maybe it’s the fact that we’re in a community with people like Melissa McMahon, who said in a video on Facebook after the Venezuelans’ train departure: “Humans need to take care of humans. … I don’t care what your politics are – you take care of people.” Yes, you do. This IS a caring community. My wife and I love it when: a neighbor brings our emptied garbage can up to our garage door; friends at church show a genuine interest in my wife’s health and my job search; a Pride parade elicits the support of every demographic; the Opera House and other entertainment venues have appreciative audiences. You have other examples, I’m sure. The people in Woodstock – and Wonder Lake, too – have a hometown built with love and dreams.

21

PHOTO DETECTIVE

Jan. 17-23, 2024

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

22 IN BRIEF

Children will take over ‘Treasure Island’ play

“Treasure Island,” a participation play for children ages 5 to 11, will be staged at 1 and 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 27 and 28, at the Opera House.

The play, sponsored by Friends of the Opera House, is directed again by Kathie Comella and features local actors.

This version of “Treasure Island” started

in 2011 as a small play at Stage Left Café.

Over the next 12 years, it grew so popular that it has moved to the Opera House main stage. Children in the audience become members of Long John Silver’s treacherous pirate gang, while others join Captain Smollet’s crew. Volunteers will also help with sound effect machines for the play.

Tickets for all seats cost $7 and are available at woodstockoperahouse.com.

CELEBRATION

JANUARY THRU APRIL HOURS: SUNDAY, WEDNESDAY, & THURSDAY, 11 AM TO 5 PM FRIDAY & SATURDAY - 11 AM TO 7 PM CLOSED MONDAY & TUESDAY

”

NS ON M AIN TISA R “A

COMMUNITY

Fossum and Cross wed

220 MAIN STREET WOODSTOCK, IL

Joshua Fossum and Catherine Cross are pleased to announce their joyful matrimony. The couple exchanged their vows Nov. 18, 2023, in Conrad, Iowa, surrounded by family and friends.

Joshua is the son of Jeffrey and June Fossum, Canton, S.D. Catherine – a 2012 graduate of Woodstock High School – is the daughter of Mary Hoyt, Woodstock, and Scott Cross, Bangor, Maine. She was escorted down the aisle by her stepfather, Michael Hoyt.

The newlyweds currently reside in Peoria, where they are pursuing careers in engineering and computer science at Caterpillar Inc.

LIKE/FOLLOW US AT CLAYWORKERSGUILDOFILLINOIS

When you love Woodstock as much as we do, Advertise with

Contact Jill@thewoodstockindependent.com

23 THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT Jan. 17-23, 2024 INDEPENDENT PHOTOS BY TRICIA CARZOLI

Piece by piece

Community, collaboration key to approaching the Giant Puzzle Challenge

By Tricia Carzoli

NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

When former Northwood Middle School Principal Peter Anderson found himself with an 18,000-piece puzzle without a home, he mentioned it to Cheryl Wormley, The Woodstock Independent’s publisher emerita, who suggested he donate it to the Woodstock Public Library.

“I consulted with [library Director] Nick Weber,” Wormley said. “And Peter sent the puzzle to me, and I brought it to the library.”

The puzzle is large – 9 feet by 6 feet – and full of detail. But the most unique aspect is the number of pieces.

The design is titled “Magical Bookshelf,” and adult services librarian Austin Nord said it resembles an “I Spy” book with a variety of hidden items strategically placed throughout the shelves.

“Before we could set this out,” Nord explained, “we had to put a plan in place. Both the size and the number of pieces made this a challenging project. I consulted several libraries to learn how they organized large puzzles.”

Learning from others

While Nord studied the methodology of other libraries, he began to formulate his own plan, and the challenge began to come to fruition.

“We looked at what worked,” he said. “And we decided to split the puzzle into four sections.”

Last week, the first puzzle quadrant was laid out on a table on the second floor of the library.

“Coming out of a pandemic, where there was

so much isolation,” Nord said, “I think people are longing to be a part of something bigger and be with others. We want to bring the community together in a unique way.”

When Nord set out the first quadrant – 4,500 pieces – he also added a technique for sorting.

“We have baskets to sort by edge pieces as well as by color – blue, green, red, purple, pink, and blue,” he explained. “This will allow patrons to work together in stages and not become overwhelmed.”

Asking public to help

The Giant Puzzle Challenge has already brought the community together. Nord said he was excited to see a group of three patrons, who had come separately, sitting around the table, sorting, placing pieces, and collaborating.

“That embodied exactly what we wanted this challenge to be,” Nord said. “We wanted to bring the community together from all walks of life and allow them to work collaboratively and to be a part of something bigger than themselves.”

He also wanted the experience to be fun.

“It is a no-pressure challenge,” Nord said.

“Patrons can come and sort a few pieces, lay several pieces, or put down just one. There is no commitment, no specific time they have to be here each week. There is one common goal, and everyone who participates will help us achieve that goal – that is really the essence of the library.”

When the library announced The Giant Puzzle Challenge with a photo on social media, Nord said, the post received more than 100 likes or

Baskets are used to sort puzzle pieces by edge pieces as well as by color – blue, green, yellow, red, purple and pink – to allow assembly in stages. Completion is targeted for March 31. reactions – which he said was well above average for the library.

He also said the WPL plans to make the puzzle a focal point on the Library Lovers Expedition, which runs February through March.

Nord said the puzzle has a hard completion date of March 31, when it will be put on display until the library’s Mini Links event held in April.

Puzzle participants will receive a raffle ticket to attempt to win the large-scale puzzle – a product of community collaboration.

For more information and to view the raffle rules, visit the library’s second floor.

COMMUNITY

Everyone is welcome to pitch in to help in putting together the 18,000piece puzzle being assembled at the Woodstock Public Library.

Jan. 17-23, 2024

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

24

Happenings

calendar 18 THURSDAY

SLC TRIVIA NIGHT - PUB TRIVIA USA Stage Left Café 125 W. Van Buren St. 7 p.m. woodstockoperahouse.com

COMMUNITY

19 FRIDAY

WINTER NIGHT’S FUN AT HENNEN CONSERVATION AREA

4622 Dean St. 6 to 8 p.m.

Free, register at conservemc.org

20 SATURDAY

INDOOR WOODSTOCK FARMERS MARKET

McHenry County Fairgrounds 11900 Country Club Road 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. woodstockfarmersmarket.org

YOGI MOLLY CHANSON

Woodstock High School 501 W. South St. 7 p.m. woodstockschools.org

WOODSTOCK FIRE/RESCUE BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2900 Raffel Road 7 p.m.

WELCOMING OF THE GROUNDHOG

26 FRIDAY

ALL-ORIGINAL OPEN MIC NIGHT Stage Left Café 125 W. Van Buren St. 7 p.m. offsquaremusic.org

27 SATURDAY

‘TREASURE ISLAND’

28 SUNDAY

DISTRICT 200 BOARD OF EDUCATION

GROUNDHOG STORYTIME

Stage Left Café 125 W. Van Buren St. 7 p.m. woodstockoperahouse.com

SLC TRIVIA NIGHT - PUB TRIVIA USA

21 SUNDAY

23 TUESDAY

1 THURSDAY

25 THURSDAY

Read Between the Lynes 111 E. Van Buren St. 3 p.m.

815-206-5967

Woodstock Opera House 121 W. Van Buren St. 3 p.m. $25 A seats, $20 B seats woodstockoperahouse.com

FEBRUARY

Courthouse Center on the Square 101 N. Johnson St. 5:15 p.m. woodstockgroundhog.org

Woodstock Opera House 121 W. Van Buren St. 1 and 4 p.m. $7 woodstockoperahouse.com

AVALON STRING QUARTET

1 to 2:30 p.m. $25 per person Register at conservemc.org

‘TREASURE ISLAND’

Woodstock Opera House 121 W. Van Buren St. 1 and 4 p.m. $7 woodstockoperahouse.com

FOREST BATHING WALK AT HENNEN CONSERVATION AREA 4622 Dean St.

Courthouse Center on the Square 101 N. Johnson St. 6 p.m. woodstockgroundhog.org

GROUNDHOG TRIVIA

Courthouse Center on the Square 101 N. Johnson St. 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

‘GROUNDHOG DAY’ THE MOVIE

Classic Cinemas Woodstock Theatre 209 Main St. 7 p.m. $9 adults, $7 children and seniors woodstockgroundhog.org

SLC TRIVIA NIGHT - PUB TRIVIA USA Stage Left Café 125 W. Van Buren St. 7 p.m. woodstockoperahouse.com

PARANORMAL ADVENTURE AT THE OPERA HOUSE Woodstock Opera House 121 W. Van Buren 7 and 8:30 p.m. $100 woodstockoperahouse.com

To submit calendar items, email pr@thewoodstockindependent.com

2 FRIDAY

GROUNDHOG DAYS PROGNOSTICATION

Woodstock Square 7 to 7:30 a.m. woodstockgroundhog.org

DRINK TO WORLD PEACE Public House of Woodstock 101 N. Johnson St. 7:30 a.m. woodstockgroundhog.org

OFFICIAL GROUNDHOG DAYS BREAKFAST Woodstock Moose Lodge 406 Clay St. 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. $20 woodstockgroundhog.org

WALKING TOUR OF FILMING SITES Woodstock Opera House 121 W. Van Buren 10 a.m. woodstockgroundhog.org

‘GROUNDHOG DAY’ THE MOVIE

Classic Cinemas Woodstock Theatre 209 Main St. Noon and 7 p.m. $7 woodstockgroundhog.org

‘GROUNDHOG DAY’ THE MOVIE MEMORABILIA & MEMORIES Woodstock Public Library 414 W. Judd St. 3 p.m. woodstockgroundhog.org

GROUNDHOG DAY DINNER DANCE Woodstock Moose Lodge 406 Clay St.

Resurrection Catholic Church

6 p.m. $25 woodstockgroundhog.org

WINE WITH WILLIE

Stage Left Café 125 W. Van Buren St. 7:30 to 9 p.m. $35 woodstockgroundhog.org

3 SATURDAY

INDOOR WOODSTOCK FARMERS MARKET

McHenry County Fairgrounds 11900 Country Club Road 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. woodstockfarmersmarket.org

GENEALOGY RESEARCH ASSISTANCE

Woodstock Public Library 414 W. Judd St. 10 a.m.

Kishwaukee Trail Chapter DAR 815-245-6944

GROUNDHOG CELEBRATION CRAFT AND VENDOR FAIR Our Happy Space 110 S. Johnson St. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

‘GROUNDHOG DAY’ THE MOVIE

Classic Cinemas Woodstock Theatre 209 Main St. 10 a.m. $7 woodstockgroundhog.org

GROUNDHOG TALES: STORYTELLING WITH JIM MAY Home State Bank 124 S. Jackson St. 10 a.m. woodstockgroundhog.org

2918 South Country Club Road Woodstock, IL 60098

We welcome all to join Woodstock, us at our Mass times: Saturday at 5:00 & Sunday at 8:00 10:30 a.m.

The Sunday a.m.9:30 Mass is mass livestreamed We welcome all top.m. join us at our Mass times:a.m.

Sat.and 5 p.m. & Sun. 9:30 a.m.

The8:00 Sunday a.m. is livestreamed.

2918 South Country Club Road, IL 60098

We, the members of the Resurrection Catholic Church, are a prayerful, loving community formed by the Holy Spirit, striving to be a sign of the Gospel values of Jesus Christ: justice, truth and love.

FLASHBACKS

25 THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

35 years ago – 1988

■ The Woodstock School District 200 Board of Education approved the addition of an Advanced Placement component to the honors American history class.

■ Jeff Kersten, an eighth-grader at Northwood Junior High School, exhibited his selection of Woodstock memorabilia, including a copy of The Woodstock Daily Sentinel from 1945.

Jan. 17-23, 2024

30 years ago – 1994

■ Construction of Memorial Hospital’s $23 million all-new facility on Doty Road south of Woodstock was ahead of schedule. Jim Redding, chief executive officer, said he expected occupancy in August.

■ Alfonso Herrera was translating articles from English to Spanish for The Independent’s La Voz Latina page that was part of each week’s paper.

■ The Woodstock City Council approved the final plat of planned development for the Villas of Bull Valley subdivision.

■ The City Council spent more than an hour in a tense, often heated debate on whether a proposed $3.9 million library expansion referendum should be placed on the ballot for the April general election.

20 years ago – 2004

■ Wisted’s Super Market opened its Woodstock store in the former location of Eagle Country Market at Route 47 and Irving Avenue.

■ The second annual Woodstock International Film Festival featured the Finnish drama “The Man Without a Past” and the Mexican drama “El Crimen del Padre Amaro,” among other films.

15 years ago – 2009

■ Jenny Haberstock won the 2009 Groundhog Days button contest. Her winning entry showed Woodstock Willie debating between spring and winter depicted in thought bubbles ■ Craig Krandel was awarded the Harold Buschkopf Community Service Award at the Woodstock Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s annual dinner. He was recognized for organizing the Chamber’s annual golf outing, coaching boys and girls basketball teams, co-chairing Groundhog Days,

INDEPENDENT FILE PHOTO BY CHERYL WORMLEY

JAN. 19, 1994 – Shirley Mecklenburg, co-owner of Vaughn’s Family Restaurant, enjoys one of the restaurant’s good cups of coffee. Vaughn’s, open 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week, served breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and featured broasted chicken. and serving on the city’s economic development commission.

■ District 200 announced it would expand its full-day kindergarten offering from five classes to seven for the 2009-10 school year. Both English and dual-language classes were being offered in the full-day kindergarten program.

10 years ago – 2014

■ In a Woodstock Independent news story about real estate sales in Woodstock, Rick Bellairs, agent at Stark Real Estate, said: “That we’re up a couple thousand dollars, to me, is huge. I would have taken flatlining.” The average home in the 60098 ZIP code was selling for $170,440, up from $165,699.

The previous five years had seen 8 percent drops in prices.

■ Three District 200 students were chosen as All-State Honor Musicians: Evan Berg, tenor I, All-State Choir; Erica Finke, soprano I, All-State Choir; and Natalie Zoia, piccolo, All-State Orchestra. They were chosen from more than 25,000 music students from throughout the state.

■ Woodstock North High School senior Tyler Busch became the first

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Woodstock co-op bowler, boys or girls, to bowl a perfect 300 game. He also became the first bowler in the program to bowl a 700 series with a three-game total of 716. The records were set when the team bowled Glenbrook North at Deerfield’s Brunswick Zone.

team defeated Harlem 98-86. Nick Phillips won the diving competition and 100-yard backstroke. Quinton Cynor won the 200 and 500 freestyle races, Logan Lorr won the 100 freestyle, and Dunner Dunnett won the 100 backstroke.

5 years ago – 2019

1 year ago – 2023

■ The Woodstock Opera House signed Charles Troy to do five of his “Creation of” shows between May and September: “Guys and Dolls,” “Cabaret,” “Showboat,” “Chicago,” and “Wicked.”

Troy was invited back because of his popularity with the 1,600 patrons who enjoyed his seven presentations in 2018. Bruce Weiss had brought Troy to Woodstock to entertain and raise funds for Musical Theater Charities of Woodstock.

■ Woodstock resident Sue Habbley retired after 50 years as a hygienist at Kopp and Bloom General Dentistry in Crystal Lake. Though she thought she wanted to be a teacher when she graduated from Woodstock Community High School in 1966, a summer- job offer from her family dentist changed her career path.

■ The Woodstock co-op boys swim

■ 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 chiefs; 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 director, Christina Betz, had been named the city’s new executive director of operations in May. ■ Despite rising interest rates, home prices in the Woodstock area continued to increase 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.

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Woodstock

I NDEPENDENT

Call 815-338-8040 today. thewoodstockindependent.com

Join us for worship at 9:30 on Sundays -in person or online!

2018 N Il Route 47 · Woodstock, Illinois · fpcwoodstock.org

services are live-streamed at fpcwoodstock.org/worship

Facebook: fb.com/fpcwoodstock 815-338-2627

COMMUNITY

25 years ago – 1999

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

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PHYSICAL THERAPY OVERHEAD ANCHOR CONSTRUCTION ANCHOR Trinity’s 10th Annual CraftCONSTRUCTION Show ASPHALT SERVICES CONSTRUCTION INVESTMENTS FRITZ'S 23 Years Experience Are you earning enough Are you earning enough FRITZ'S SINCE 1977 SINCE 1977 MENTION THIS AD FOR 10% OFF SERVICE CALL GARAGE DOORS & OPENERS GARAGE DOORS & OPENERS Free Estimates DOORS & OPENERS FreeMilk Estimates OORS Harvard &GARAGE OPENERS This size ad Days ™ is seeking a qualified individual for a OVERHEAD This size ad OVERHEAD 23 Years Experience FOUNDATIONS FOUNDATIONS Free Estimates ANCHOR CONSTRUCTION Service upgrades on your savings? on your savings?

22,GARAGE 2016 part-time OfficeOctober Administrator position.

Salary commensu-GARAGE Are you earning enough Since SERVICE & INSTALLATION SLABS/ DRIVEWAYS SERVICE & INSTALLATION SERVICE & INSTALLATION SLABS/ DRIVEWAYS & INSTALLATION $40 SINCE 1977 classified ads section! $40 - Repairs GARAGE DOORS & OPENERS FreeWALKS/ Estimates GARAGE DOORS &PATIOS/ OPENERS 1986 PATIOS/ WALKS/ STOOPS STOOPS CLASSIFIED

rate with experience. Resumes should be mailed to Harvard FOUNDATIONS - Maintenance for four weeks for four weeks on your savings?

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Delaware Electric Co. 815-482-9542 (M cHenry ) 815-482-9542 (M cHenry) REPLACEMENTS 815-338-8040 847-875-6739 847-875-6739 815-338-8040 free estiMates Resume deadline is IL December 2016. stiMates free ea16, HELP WANTED HELPCall WANTED Carolyn 815-943-5072 leave message Harvard, Harvard, IL Contact us today to ensure your family’s comfort.

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815-482-9542 (McHenry) 815-338-3139 americancomfortcentral.com CLEANING CLEANING Harvard Milk Days Office Administrator d Milk Days Office Administrator PHYSICAL THERAPY stiMates free eCONTRACTOR PHYSICAL THERAPY ELECTRIC ELECTRIC CONTRACTOR HELP WANTED CLEANING CLEANING CRAFTERS NEEDED Trinity’s 10th Annual Craft Show 0th Annual Craft Show CONSTRUCTION BURIAL SHARPENING THERAPUETIC SERVICES CLEANING CLEANING MENTION THIS AD FOR 10% OFF SERVICE CALL MENTION THIS AD FOR 10% OFF SERVICE CALL Harvard Milk Days Office Administrator HANDYMAN PHYSICAL THERAPY TECHNOLOGY ELECTRIC CONTRACTOR Harvard DaysAnnual ™ isforseeking a qualified ays ™ is seeking aTrinity’s qualifiedMilk individual a Craft CLEANING Ninetta Keenan, aobta-cp Practitioner of Classic Asian Medicine 10th Showindividual for -aService upgrades Service upgrades 22, 2016 ctober 22, 2016 DOORS part-timeGARAGE OfficeOctober Administrator position. Salary commensuAdministrator position.

Salary commensuSince Since THIS AD FOR 10% OFF SERVICE CALL - Repairs Harvard Milk Days ™ is seeking ashould qualified individual for MENTION a- Repairs 1986 rate with experience.

Resumes be mailed to Harvard nce. Resumes should be mailed to Harvard Service upgrades 1986 October 22,- Maintenance 2016 HOUSEOffice CLEANING part-time Administrator position. Salary commensu-- Maintenance Since FRITZ'S - Repairs Milk Days, PO Box 325,the IL 60033 or contact the 9am toHarvard, 3pm Box 325,toHarvard, IL 60033 or contact 9am 3pm Residential - Commercial Residential - Commercial irenescleaning.com 1986 www.PeacefulHealingPlace.com rate with experience.

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Irene 815-451-5162 Carolyn 815-943-5072 leave a16, message 15-943-5072 leave a message Fully Licensed Licensed 1700 E. Algonquin Rd., Ste. 218 tional therapeutic services of shiatsu (Japanese-style Harvard Milk Days office for additional information.

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27

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thewoodstockindependent.com

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IT SNOWED!

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SERVICE DIRECTORY

CLASSIFIED

CLASSIFIED ADS

Jan. 17-23, 2024

Get your business information in front of local residents CALL 815-338-8040

Deadline: NOON Thursday for next week’s issue

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

SERVICE DIRECTORY

PUBLIC NOTICES

Jan.17-23, 2024

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

28

PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICE

ASSUMED NAME Public Notice is hereby given that on DECEMBER 20, 2023, 2023 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 GRACEFUL CLEANING located at 17508 JEFFERSON ST. UNION, IL 60180. Owner Name & Address: GRACE GAJEWSKI 17508 JEFFERSON ST. UNION IL 60180.

Dated: DECEMBER 20, 2023 /s/ JOSEPH J. TIRIO (McHenry County Clerk) (Published in The Woodstock Independent January 3, 2024, January 10, 2024, January 17, 2024)L11721

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE OF CHANGE TO DBA CHANGE OF BUSINESS/OWNER(S) ADDRESS Public Notice is hereby given that on January 4, A.D. 2024, a Certificate was filed in the Office of the County Clerk of McHenry County IL concerning the business known as FURST CONCRETE SOLUTIONS located at 9309 SHADOW LN. WONDER LAKE, IL 60097 which certificate sets forth the following BUSINESS/OWNER ADDRESS change in the DBA thereof: ADDRESS CHANGE FROM 9309 SHADOW LN. WONDER LAKE, IL 60097 to 15815 RT. 14 WOODSTOCK, IL 60098.

Dated this 4th day of JANUARY, A.D., 2024 /s/ JOSEPH J. TIRIO (McHenry County Clerk) (Published in The Woodstock Independent January 10, 2024, January 17, 2024)L11722

PUBLIC NOTICE

TO: Andrew J. Fox; Darrell D. Fox; Indian Ridge Improvement Association, Incorporated; McHenry Township Road District; Occupants or persons in actual possession of real estate herein described; County Clerk of McHenry County, Illinois; and unknown Owners and Parties interested in said real estate.

Tax Deed No. 2024TX000002 Filed: January 9, 2024 TAKE NOTICE County of McHenry Date Premises Sold: November 1, 2021 Certificate No.: 2020-00274 Sold for General Taxes of (Year): 2020 Sold for Special Assessments of [Municipality & Special Assessments No.: (N/A), Warrant No.: (N/A), Installment No.: (N/A)] THIS PROPERTY HAS BEEN SOLD FOR DELINQUENT TAXES Property Located At: Garage/Sideyard for 4520 E. Wonder Lake Drive, Wonder Lake, IL Legal Description or Property Permanent Index No.: 09-07-261-002 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: June 13, 2024 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 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: June 13, 2024 This matter is set for hearing in the Circuit Court of McHenry County, Illinois, in the McHenry County Government Center, 2200 N Seminary Ave, Woodstock, Illinois 60098 on: July 8, 2024 at 11:00 A.M. in Room 202.

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 June 13, 2024 by applying to the County Clerk of McHenry County, 667 Ware Rd, Woodstock, Illinois.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT THE MCHENRY COUNTY CLERK AT (815) 334-4242 SITE ADDRESS: Room 107, Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock, IL MAILING ADDRESS: 2200 N. Seminary Avenue, Woodstock, IL 60098 TELEPHONE: 815-334-4242 EMAIL: countyclerk@mchenrycountyil.gov West Town Buyers Group, LLC Purchaser or Assignee Dated: January 9, 2024 (Published in The Woodstock Independent January 17, 2024)L11723

PUBLIC NOTICE

TO: Jeffrey L. Meager; Patricia M. Meager; Occupants or persons in actual possession of real estate herein described; County Clerk of McHenry County, Illinois; and unknown Owners and Parties interested in said real estate.

Tax Deed No. 2024TX000003 Filed: January 9, 2024 TAKE NOTICE County of McHenry Date Premises Sold: November 1, 2021 Certificate No.: 2020-00464 Sold for General Taxes of (Year): 2020 Sold for Special Assessments of [Municipality & Special Assessments No.: (N/A), Warrant No.: (N/A), Installment No.: (N/A)] THIS PROPERTY HAS BEEN SOLD FOR DELINQUENT TAXES Property Located At: 3002 Northside Avenue, McHenry, IL Legal Description or Property Permanent Index No.: 09-36-104-013 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: June 13, 2024 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 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: June 13, 2024 This matter is set for hearing in the Circuit Court of McHenry County, Illinois, in the McHenry County Government Center, 2200 N Seminary Ave, Woodstock, Illinois 60098 on: July 8, 2024 at 11:00 A.M. in Room 202.

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 June 13, 2024 by applying to the County Clerk of McHenry County, 667 Ware Rd, Woodstock, Illinois.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT THE MCHENRY COUNTY CLERK AT (815) 334-4242 SITE ADDRESS: Room 107, Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock, IL MAILING ADDRESS: 2200 N. Seminary Avenue, Woodstock, IL 60098 TELEPHONE: 815-334-4242 EMAIL: countyclerk@mchenrycountyil.gov West Town Buyers Group, LLC Purchaser or Assignee Dated: January 9, 2024 (Published in The Woodstock Independent January 17, 2024)L11724

PUBLIC NOTICE

TO: GGR Real Estate, LLC; Daniel R. Meyers; James Meyers; Enterprise Bank & Trust, successor to Seacoast Commerce Bank; Big Shoulders Capital IV, LLC; Gregory J. Jordan; Mark Zito; Robert P. Handler; Patrick S. Layng; Illinois Department of Revenue; U.S. Internal Revenue Service; U.S. Department of the Treasury; Occupants or persons in actual possession of real estate herein described; County Clerk of McHenry County, Illinois; and unknown Owners and Parties interested in said real estate.

Tax Deed No. 2024TX000005 Filed: January 9, 2024 TAKE NOTICE County of McHenry Date Premises Sold: November 1, 2021 Certificate No.: 2020-01175 Sold for General Taxes of (Year): 2020 Sold for Special Assessments of [Municipality & Special Assessments No.: (N/A), Warrant No.: (N/A), Installment No.: (N/A)] THIS PROPERTY HAS BEEN SOLD FOR DELINQUENT TAXES Property Located At: 1035 W. Algonquin Road, Algonquin, IL Legal Description or Property Permanent Index No.: 19-28-404-012 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: June 13, 2024 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 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: June 13, 2024 This matter is set for hearing in the Circuit Court of McHenry County, Illinois, in the McHenry County Government Center, 2200 N Seminary Ave, Woodstock, Illinois 60098 on: July 8, 2024 at 11:00 A.M. in Room 202.

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 June 13, 2024 by applying to the County Clerk of McHenry County, 667 Ware Rd, Woodstock, Illinois.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT THE MCHENRY COUNTY CLERK AT (815) 334-4242 SITE ADDRESS: Room 107, Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock, IL MAILING ADDRESS: 2200 N. Seminary Avenue, Woodstock, IL 60098 TELEPHONE: 815-334-4242 EMAIL: countyclerk@mchenrycountyil.gov West Town Buyers Group, LLC Purchaser or Assignee Dated: January 9, 2024 (Published in The Woodstock Independent January 17, 2024)L11726

PUBLIC NOTICE

CASE NO. 2023TX000101 FILED December 4, 2023 TAKE NOTICE

TO: ANNA MARIE HUNTER AS CO-TRUSTEE UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF A DECLARATION OF TRUST DATED 9/21/2007 AND KNOWN AS THE HUNTER FAMILY LIVING TRUST, SUCCESSOR TRUSTEE UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF A DECLARATION OF TRUST DATED 9/21/2007 AND KNOWN AS THE HUNTER FAMILY LIVING TRUST, EVELYN HUNTER GRANAT, ANN HUNTER, MCHNERY COUNTY TREASURER, MCHENRY COUNTY CLERK; OCCUPANTS, PARTIES IN OCCUPANCY OR ACTUAL POSSESSION OF SAID PROPERTY; AND UNKNOWN OWNERS or PARTIES INTERESTED IN SAID LAND OR LOTS AND UNKNOWN OCCUPANTS This is NOTICE of the filing of the petition for Tax Deed on the following described property: Property located at: 15318 SAINT PATRICK RD, WOODSTOCK, ILLINOIS Property Index Number: 07-14-200-002 On June 24, 2024 at 11:00 AM, in the Circuit Court of McHenry County, McHenry County Courthouse, 2200 N. Seminary Avenue, Courtroom 202, Woodstock, Illinois, the Petitioner intends to make an application for an order on the petition that a Tax Deed be issued.

The real estate was sold on November 1, 2021, for delinquent real estate taxes and/or special assessments for the year 2020. Certificate No. 2020-00192. The period of redemption will expire on May 29, 2024.

PRAIRIE LOCK, LLC PETITIONER 9877-93873 (Published in The Woodstock

Independent January 17, 2024)L11727

PUBLIC NOTICE

CASE NO. 2023TX000107 FILED December 4, 2023 TAKE NOTICE

TO: ROBERT STAKES JR, , BETH STAKES, COLLEEN G THOMAS, KENNETH OLSON, ILLINOIS ATTORNEY GENERAL KWAME RAOUL, ILLINOIS DEPT OF REVENUE C/O DIRECTOR DAVID HARRIS, MCHENRY COUNTY CLERK; OCCUPANTS, PARTIES IN OCCUPANCY OR ACTUAL POSSESSION OF SAID PROPERTY; AND UNKNOWN OWNERS or PARTIES INTERESTED IN SAID LAND OR LOTS AND UNKNOWN OCCUPANTS This is NOTICE of the filing of the petition for Tax Deed on the following described property: Property located at: 16108 GARDEN VALLEY RD, WOODSTOCK, ILLINOIS Property Index Number: 12-22-200-005 On June 24, 2024 at 11:00 AM, in the Circuit Court of McHenry County, McHenry County Courthouse, 2200 N. Seminary Avenue, Courtroom 202, Woodstock, Illinois, the Petitioner intends to make an application for an order on the petition that a Tax Deed be issued.

The real estate was sold on November 1, 2021, for delinquent real estate taxes and/or special assessments for the year 2020. Certificate No. 2020-00562. The period of redemption will expire on May 29, 2024.

PRAIRIE LOCK, LLC PETITIONER 9877-938732 (Published in The Woodstock Independent January 17, 2024)L11728

PUBLIC NOTICE

CASE NO. 2023TX000108 FILED December 4, 2023 TAKE NOTICE

TO: GOLDMINE INVESTMENTS LLC, GOLDMINE INVESTMENTS LLC C/O REG AGENT KEITH MOLL, JOHN ZAJICEK, MCHENRY COUNTY CLERK; OCCUPANTS, PARTIES IN OCCUPANCY OR ACTUAL POSSESSION OF SAID PROPERTY; AND UNKNOWN OWNERS or PARTIES INTERESTED IN SAID LAND OR LOTS AND UNKNOWN OCCUPANTS This is NOTICE of the filing of the petition for Tax Deed on the following described property: Property located at: 1322 BULL VALLEY DR, WOODSTOCK, ILLINOIS Property Index Number: 13-10-176-016 On June 24, 2024 at 11:00 AM, in the Circuit Court of McHenry County, McHenry County Courthouse, 2200 N. Seminary Avenue, Courtroom 202, Woodstock, Illinois, the Petitioner intends to make an application for an order on the petition that a Tax Deed be issued.

The real estate was sold on November 1, 2021, for delinquent real estate taxes and/or special assessments for the year 2020. Certificate No. 2020-00607. The period of redemption will expire on May 29, 2024.

PRAIRIE LOCK, LLC PETITIONER 9877-938733 (Published in The Woodstock Independent January 17, 2024)L11729

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

Let it be known that the horse Ben Quick, aka Ben, described as a 3 year old Oldenburg gelding owned

by Emilee Brennan, will be available for private sale from Entropy Farm, 4316 N Queen Anne rd., Woodstock, IL 60098 20 days after the publication of this notice to enforce an Innkeeper’s lien and private boarding agreement contract under the laws of the State of Illinois for monies owed to Entropy Farm LLC for the care and housing of said horse.

Emilee Brennan’s last known address is 1416 W. Diversey Pkwy., Chicago, IL 60614. Emilee Brennan

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE OF CHANGE TO DBA CLOSING THE BUSINESS File #20540 Public Notice is hereby given that on JANUARY 11, A.D. 2024, a Certificate was filed in the Office of the County Clerk of McHenry County IL concerning the business known as GREAT CHINA located at 3722 W. ELM ST. MCHENRY, IL 60050 which certificate sets forth the following change: CLOSING THE BUSINESS in the DBA thereof: MEI ZHEN YANG CLOSING BUSINESS GREAT CHINA LOCATED AT 3722 W. ELM ST. MCHENRY, IL 60050.

Dated this 11th day of JANUARY. A.D., 2024 /s/ JOSEPH J. TIRIO (McHenry County Clerk) (Published in The Woodstock Independent January 17, 2024)L11734

Broker 245 McHenry Ave. Woodstock, IL 60098

PICTURE THIS

This photo of the Woodstock Square was taken from the State Bank of Woodstock along Benton Street in 1952. Notice the view of the Old Courthouse is obstructed by the Dutch elm trees that populated the Square through the 1960s before they were devastated by Dutch elm disease.

Don Peasley Photo Collection, McHenry County Historical Society

January’s featured art exhibit at the Woodstock Opera House showcases a collection of nine historic quilts dating from the 1880s to the 1940s on loan from the McHenry County Historical Society & Museum. The quilt display is free for public viewing in the Community Room Jan. 5-31, 2024, during box office hours at the Woodstock Opera House: Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.; Sunday 12 p.m. 4 p.m. For more information, call 815-923-2267 or visit GotHistory.org.

Kitchens • Baths • Windows • Millwork • Lumber • Doors 815-338-0075 • 1101 Lake Ave., Woodstock • www.woodstocklumber.com

PUBLIC NOTICES

ASSUMED NAME Public Notice is hereby given that on JANUARY 10, 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 KPMEDIA located at 1311 NORTH RICHMOND RD. MCHENRY, IL 60050.

Owner Name & Address: NATHAN FRANK 1311 NORTH RICHMOND RD. MCHENRY, IL 60050.

Dated: JANUARY 10, 2024 /s/ JOSEPH J. TIRIO (McHenry County Clerk) (Published in The Woodstock Independent January 17, 2024)L11731

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE OF CHANGE TO DBA CLOSING THE BUSINESS File #21070 Public Notice is hereby given that on JANUARY 11 A.D. 2024, a Certificate was filed in the Office of the County Clerk of McHenry County IL concerning the business known as NEW CHINA located at 3722 W. ELM ST. MCHENRY, IL 60050 which certificate sets forth the following change: CLOSING THE BUSINESS in the DBA thereof: MEI ZHEN YANG CLOSING BUSINESS NEW CHINA LOCATED AT 3722 W. ELM ST. MCHENRY, IL 60050.

Dated this 11th day of JANUARY, A.D., 2024 /s/ JOSEPH J. TIRIO (McHenry County Clerk) (Published in The Woodstock Independent January 17, 2024)L11733

Jan. 17-23, 2024

PUBLIC NOTICE

29

may redeem said lien in the amount of $19,616.00 within the 20 days post publication. If the lien is not satisfied within the above timeline the horse Ben Quick will be considered abandoned and the sale will proceed.

(Published in The Woodstock Independent January 17, 2024)L11732

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

ASSUMED NAME Public Notice is hereby given that on JANUARY 10, 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 kathymcgrath.art located at 3008 Oak Ridge Rd., Crystal Lake, IL 60012. Owner Name & Address: Kathy McGrath 3008 Oak Ridge Rd. Crystal Lake, IL 60012.

Dated: JANUARY 10, 2024 /s/ JOSEPH J. TIRIO (McHenry County Clerk) (Published in The Woodstock Independent January 17, 2024)L11730

RUBES By Leigh Rubin

HEATHCLIFF By Peter Gallagher

PUZZLE PAGE

Dec. 27-Jan. 2, 2017

Jan.17-23, 2024

WORD SEARCH

1 THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

30

PUZZLE & GAMES

SUDOKU

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

BUSY

KITCHEN

DESSERT

LOW

SLOW COOKER

POT

STEW

CROCK

DIGITAL

NONSTICK

FONDUE

ROAST

CRYPTO FUN

ENJOY

HOURS

INGREDIENTS

SAVORY

SEASONINGS

WORD SCRAMBLE

The

ENJOY J&J GAMING

1110 N. Seminary Ave., Woodstock • 815-337-8230 Sunday-Thursday, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday & Saturday 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Catering • Homemade Soups • Homemade Desserts

SIMMERING SOUP

TEMPERATURE TIMER

GUESS WHO?

Woodstock

I NDEPENDENT solution

OUR FARM TO TABLE

LADLE

Sports

31 THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

COLLEGE REPORT

Jan. 17-23, 2024

Strong cross-country finish for Walsdorf, on to indoor track

By Dan Chamness

See COLLEGE REPORT, Page 33

SPORTS

Peter Walsdorf’s next goal as far as track and field, after the crosscountry season the Marian Central Catholic grad had, is most likely running consistently under 30 minutes for 10,000-meters on the track.

“I will start my indoor season by the end of the month,” the Kansas junior said. “During outdoor, my focus will most likely be on the 10,000-meter run. The best two races of my cross-country season were definitely those last two races of the year. It gives me good momentum to start the track

INDEPENDENT PHOTOS BY KEN FARVER

Christian Bentancur poses with his pen and Clemson tiger paw hat and shirt Dec. 20 at Marian Central.

Cale McThenia (right) sports Panther Purple as he sits at the signing event with a photo of him in play up front.

Next step for Marian athletes Christian Bentancur and Cale McThenia sign to play D-I football

By Sandy Kucharski

NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

Fans of Marian Central Catholic High School football, or even those who enjoy seeing a local name on the national stage, will have more chances next fall to follow familiar faces.

On Dec. 20, two Hurricane athletes signed national letters of intent with D-I schools. Christian Bentancur signed to play for Clemson University in Clemson, S.C.,, and Cale McThenia signed to play at Northern Iowa University in Cedar Fall, Iowa.

Tiger time

COURTESY PHOTO BY MISSY MINEAR

Peter Walsdorf in action.

About this time last year, Marian’s Christian Bentancur announced he had chosen to play for Clemson University from among 38 offers he had received. Last month, he put pen to paper and officially signed to be a Tiger.

The Hurricane said that committing early made his life much less stressful by eliminating the need to be

recruited.

He’s already begun getting ready for the fall 2024 college season as preparations began as soon as the 2023 season ended.

Bentancur is looking forward to playing tight end for the Tigers in what he describes as “the best position in football.”

His plans are to study finance at the university, where looks forward to meeting new people and building lifelong connections.

Always a Hurricane at heart, Bentacur said one of his best memories will always be the team getting its first win his junior year with his best friends.

Outside of football, he’s looking forward to working on his golf game in the sun of South Carolina.

“I love to golf,” he said, “and I can’t wait until the weather gets better so I can get back to beating all my friends.”

​Panther play

McThenia will also continue to play football in college, signing to play

for the Panthers of Northern Iowa University.

“I chose Northern Iowa because the coaching staff made me feel at home and wanted me to be involved in the offense as early as possible,” McThenia said.

He found the location and school setting, along with the environment and people in general, to be a great fit.

The Cedar Falls Gazette reported that McThenia was long pursued by offensive coordinator Bodie Reeder, and showed his loyalty to UNI to the end. He also had interest from Iowa State, Boston College and Cincinnati.

Aside from football, he said, “I’m excited to be around new people since I’ve been at a small private school for all of high school.”

McThenia will also carry memories of his high school career with him.

“My last season at Marian, we didn’t finish how we wanted to, but I was able to break records, make bonds with my teammates, and showcase what Marian is about.”

Jan.17-23, 2024

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

32

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Continued from Page 31

FOOTBALL Marlon Pomili (Marian Central Catholic) kicked a field goal for Marian University to put the final points on the board in a 24-14

SWIMMING Haley Halsall (Woodstock North), an Indiana State University swimmer, won the 200-yard butterfly in 2:05.85 to help the Lady Sycamores down Eastern Michigan University 204-96. She also took second in the 500-yard freestyle, touching the wall at 5:05.19. She was also instrumental the next day when the Lady Sycamores dumped Lindenwood University 226-43. She won the 1,000-yard freestyle in 10:29.70. She also took fifth in the 100-yard butterfly, finishing the race in :58.91.

TRACK Reagan Kelly (Marian Central Catholic) helped the Butler University 1,600-meter relay team take ninth at the Indiana University-hosted Early Bird, which was held at the Gladstein Fieldhouse in Bloomington, Ind. Kelly anchored the relay, which finished in 4:04.68.

Individually, the senior sprinter took 11th in the 300-meter dash with a time of :42.21. Team scores were not kept.

WRESTLING Elon Rodriguez (Marian Central Catholic) took fourth in the 133pound weight class at the Findlay University Open. He lost a 6-4 decision in the third-place match to his University of Wisconsin-Parkside teammate Matthew Chi. His only other loss was to the eventual champion in the class, West Liberty University’s Vincent Scollo. Scollo defeated Rodriguez 7-3.

Rodriguez won his first three matches of the tournament. He topped Ashland University’s Tyler Masters by major decision, winning 8-0. He also won a major decision over unattached wrestler Donovan Paes (13-5) and a 19-3 tech fall decision over unattached grappler Brady Vogt.

Dan Chamness writes The College Report for The Independent.

To have a college athlete added to the College Report, please email dan62801@aol.com

IN BRIEF

Hall of Fame induction rescheduled to Jan. 19

An unexpected snow day on Jan. 12 canceled the Woodstock High School basketball game that was to include WHS Hall of Fame inductions last week.

The game and induction ceremony has been rescheduled for Friday, Jan. 19.

WHS will induct five graduates into the Blue Streak Athletic Hall of Fame at halftime of the boys basketball game against Sandwich at James Shipley Gymnasium.

They are J.D. Fuller, Craig Kastning, Dale Luckey, Phil Meyer, and Jordan Turner.

Woodstock Willie takes the floor with Windy City Bulls

The Windy City Bulls, NBA G League affiliate of the Chicago Bulls, are hosting “Alternate Identity Night” in partnership with the Woodstock Groundhog Days Committee Jan. 20 at NOW Arena in Hoffman Estates.

For one game only, the team is rebranding itself as the Windy City Willies, in honor of “Groundhog Day,” the movie and the annual Woodstock Groundhog Days Festival.

Players will be wearing customdesigned Willies-themed jerseys that will be auctioned to raise money for the D200 Education Foundation. The volunteerrun foundation selects programs, activities, and makes purchases that enhance and support educational opportunities for students in Woodstock District.

The team and committee are working to create numerous in-arena activities that spotlight Woodstock during the event, including appearances by Woodstock Willie, Creekside Middle School Best Buddies, and the cheer squads from Woodstock and Woodstock North high schools.

The first 1,500 fans in the gate will also receive a limited-edition Benny the Bull & Woodstock Willie bobblehead doll collectible. Doors open at 6 p.m., and the game starts at 7. More information is available at WindyCityBulls.com.

NN SCOREBOARD NN BOYS BASKETBALL ■ Jan. 10 - Woodstock (12-6) defeated Plano (8-10) in a close game 42-39.

■ Jan. 10 - Marian (3-14) fell to Chicago Christian (5-11) 49-35.

■ Jan. 11 - Woodstock North (7-8) fell to Richmond-Burton (9-4) 54-45.

GIRLS BASKETBALL ■ Jan. 8 - Woodstock (8-8) fell to Prairie Ridge (11-6) 39-23.

■ Jan. 8 - Woodstock North (6-9) fell to Stillman Valley (17-4) 69-31.

■ Jan. 10 - Woodstock North (7-9) defeated Sandwich (4-17) 48-32.

■ Jan. 10 - Woodstock (9-8) defeated Johnsburg (9-8) 44-35.

■ Jan. 11 - Marian (17-4) defeated Chicago Hope Academy (10-3) 62-24.

BOYS WRESTLING ■ Jan. 10 - Woodstock fell to Marian 57-15.

■ Jan. 11 - Woodstock fell to Sandwich 38-30.

■ Jan. 11 - Woodstock defeated Plano 42-27.

GIRLS BOWLING ■ Jan. 8 - Woodstock (8-4) defeated Harv ard 2,345-2065. Woodstock North

sophomore Ava Caldwell bowled a 458 series, with Woodstock junior Torin Deacon 13 pins behind Caldwell with a 445 series.

■ Jan 10 - Woodstock (9-4) defeated Grayslake North by 84 pins. Woodstock North sophomore Ava Caldwell rolled a team high 225 with a 621 team high series.

■ Jan. 11 - Woodstock (10-4) defeated McHenry. Woodstock junior Torin Deacon bowled a 279 game three en route to a 603 series.

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33

SPORTS

VOLLEYBALL Kaitlyn Wickersheim (Woodstock North) finished her freshman year at Western Illinois University with 260 digs. The 5-foot-7 defensive specialist/libero also had 35 service aces and 20 assists. She led the team in service aces. Western Illinois finished 9-21 overall and 8-10 in the Ohio Valley Conference.

Isabelle Halsall (Woodstock North) swam to a third-place finish in the 1,000-yard freestyle in a dual meet between her school, St. Norbert College, and the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. The St. Norbert swimmer finished the race in 11:16.85. St. Norbert lost a 171.547.5 battle to the NCAA Division I school.

Jan. 17-23, 2024

season.”

The Woodstock resident, who runs for the University of Kansas, ended the cross-country season by flirting with breaking 24 minutes for the 8,000-meter run, which is the equivalent of 4.97 miles. In the Big 12 Conference Cross Country Championship, the junior dashed to the finish line in 24 minutes, 5 seconds. It was the best time of his career and the final 8,000-meter race on a cross country course.

Overall, Walsdorf finished 37th out of 107 runners. He was the second scoring Kansas Jayhawk to cross the finish line. The race was contested at the Iowa State University Cross Country Course in Ames, Iowa. He helped the Jayhawks finish sixth among 12 teams. They scored 179 points. Oklahoma State University won the team title with 25 points.

“Since the end of the season, I have been putting in miles to build a good base,” Walsdorf said. “I have also been running those miles a little faster than I had in the past.

I am also increasing the lengths of my workouts, making sure I have proper recovery time and proper sleep.”

win over Siena Heights University.

Pomili kicked the 33-yard field goal with 8:28 to play in the contest. It completed a nine-play drive in 3:35 and was the finishing tally. He also kicked off five times for 259 yards and kicked three extra points.

Marian’s season came to an end in the first round of the NAIA-Football Championship Series in a loss to St. Xavier University 31-21. At the time of the game, both teams were ranked nationally, as SXU was ranked 12th in the NAIA while Marian was ranked fifth. Pomili finished with two kickoffs for 107 yards and one extra point.

The Marian Knights finished the year with a 9-2 overall record. They were 6-1 in the Mid-States Football Association-Mideast Division. They and Indiana Wesleyan University finished the year with 6-1 records, but Indiana Wesleyan owned a win over Marian and therefore won the conference title.

Michael Purkey (Woodstock), a Concordia University-Wisconsin football player, completed 10-of22 passes for 103 yards in the final game of his season, a 23-0 loss to Aurora University. He had 23 rushing yards on 10 carries and also punted once for 40 yards, which resulted in a touchback. CU-Wisconsin finished 7-3 overall and 6-2 in the Northern Athletic Collegiate Conference.

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

COLLEGE

Wrestlemania, Woodstock-style

GIRLS ON THE MAT

INDEPENDENT PHOTOS BY KEN FARVER

As the season progresses, our TWI photographer caught up with the brand new Woodstock co-op girls wrestling team (Jan. 6 against McHenry) and Woodstock High School boys wrestling (Jan. 10) against Marian.

STREAKS VS. HURRICANES

SPORTS

Jan.17-23, 2024

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

34

Debbi Reynoso, 115-pound class

(Above) Woodstock’s Landon White vs. Marian’s Vance Williams, 138-pound class (Left) Marian’s Connor Cassels vs. Ayden Dobler (WHS) Eva Hermansson, 105-pound class

Hannah Olson, 125-pound class

Woodstock’s Zach Canaday vs. Marian’s Dan French, 190-pound class

35 THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT INDEPENDENT PHOTOS BY KEN FARVER

Girls co-op bowling rolling toward KRC championship

By Seth Rowe

NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

Dynamic duo

The co-op team is led by a strong

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√ A sports nut √ Detail oriented √ A people person √ A strong writer

Cierra McNamara is back for her second season, averaging 121.

Also averaging 121 is Woodstock North freshman Mary Spinelli.

Goal setting

“We hope to compete for a conference championship this year,” Lee said, “and we’ve put ourselves in a position for that possibility.”

Lee reported that the girls are also looking to make back-to-back IHSA sectional appearances.

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Eva Hermansson - Girls Wrestling

in

YOU ARE:

season with a 129 average, improving to 150 since the halfway mark of the season “She has become a solid contributor in her first season,” Lee said.

Woodstock sophomore DJ Lebron Rosado raised her average from 125 at the beginning of the season to 137.

“She looks to build more consistency in her play,” Lee said.

After jumping into the starting lineup halfway through her freshman year, Woodstock North sophomore

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Woodstock North sophomore Eva Hermansson has been one of the co-op girls team’s leading wrestlers since the beginning of the season. She has a 16-3 record on the year, and she just placed second at the Kaneland Tournament last week.

Eva is currently ranked as honorable mention in the state rankings at her weight class.

She has a lot of momentum heading into the state series at the end of the month.

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SPORTS

The Woodstock girls co-op bowling team is shooting for a conference championship title, and it’s within reach. With a little less than half the season left, the team is second in the Kishwaukee River Conference standings.

pair of bowlers. Woodstock North junior Torin Deacon has a 172 average and is leading the Bowler of the Year scoring. Close on her heels is North sophomore Ava Caldwell with a 168 average. Caldwell is in a good position to earn All-Conference honors.

But the depth doesn’t stop there. A strong lineup of underclassmen are also contributing to the girls’ success.

Head coach Derek Lee referred to first-year bowler Lizzie Pilman as a standout newcomer. Pilman began the

Jan. 17-23, 2024

Torin Deacon (left) and Ava Caldwell lead the Woodstock co-op girls team, pushing toward a conference championship

SPORTS

Jan.17-23, 2024

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

36

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