By Eileen Millard NEWS@THE WOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM
The city of Woodstock conducted its third annual community survey this year, collecting online responses from residents between July 12 and Aug. 15. A total of 2,703 responses were received, up 72.5 percent from
the 2023 total of 1,567. The completion rate was 88 percent, with respondents spending an average of eight minutes to complete the 23 questions posted in English and Spanish.
The city’s marketing department encouraged participation this year with ads, social media posts, a prize raffle, and signage on city properties.
The survey was also shorter this year, responding to feedback that last year’s survey was too long.
Parks and Rec
When respondents were asked what city facilities they used the most in the past year, Parks and Recreation fared
The mild temperatures this fall have extendend the season for T-shirts and walks in the park. Respondents to the annual community survey ranked city parks as the No. 1 city facility they used the most in the past year. The man and child pictured at Emricson Park illustrate that point.
Woodstock Winter Farmers Market to move
Starting
in
November, the winter market will be at All Seasons Orchard
By Tricia Carzoli NEWS@THE WOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM
Change is inevitable.
When Woodstock Farmers Market manager Kelly Sacco found out the
McHenry County Fairgrounds would be unable to accommodate the market this winter, she saw an opportunity.
“We found a space that was in a good location, could handle a lot of people, and had easy access for our vendors,” Sacco said. “We found that, and I’m excited about the future.”
That location turned out to be All Seasons Orchard on Route 176.
Fairground renovations
In November, the Woodstock Farmer’s Market usually moves from an outdoor market on the Woodstock Square to its indoor location at the McHenry County Fairgrounds. Sacco explained that while it worked well for many years, she was told the fairgrounds would be undergoing
INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY ANDREW ROUSEY
OBITUARIES
Loretta (Laurie) Byrnes, 83
Laurie (née Hart) Byrnes, 83, of Salem, S.C., and formerly of Woodstock, died Oct. 4, 2024, surrounded by her family.
Laurie played a significant role in the company’s success, and another sister company she started, for 25+ years until her retirement.
Larsen. A member of the Lake Geneva Fire Department, lieutenant with Huntley Fire Department, and past member of the Woodstock Fire Department.
Lt. Kenneth James Larsen, 56, of the Lake Geneva, Wis., area passed away surrounded by his friends and family on Octo. 9, 2024.
Loretta (Laurie) Byrnes
Laurie was born Dec. 12, 1940, in Evanston, Ill, to Loretta (née Shelby) and Leo Hart; she was their first surviving child. She grew up in Glenview, Ill., and was always an accomplished student. She attended Marywood Academy in Evanston and Alverno College (Milwaukee) upon her graduation from high school.
While still in high school in 1958, Laurie was set up on a blind date with John Byrnes. They dated for nearly two years before marrying on Feb. 27, 1960, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Glenview, Ill. Together they shared a life and marriage that spanned 56 years.
Throughout her life, Laurie was a dedicated and active member of the workforce. She held various positions in a variety of fields including school textbook publishing at Scott Foresman, in the public sector for Evanston Park District, and. after completing her degree in 1977, becoming a public school teacher. That same year, John and Laurie cofounded what became Floors, Inc., a hardwood flooring company in Woodstock that continues to be locally owned and operated today by their son Dave.
Email obituaries to pr@thewoodstockindependent.com. You may also mail them or drop them off at 671 E. Calhoun St., Woodstock, IL 60098. There is a charge for publication of obituaries and photos. For more information, call The Independent at 815-338-8040
Laurie enjoyed traveling with John and their friends. Their adventures took them across the country and around the world including to Hawaii, the Caribbean, and to Ireland, where they made seven memorable visits. One of their final trips together was a cruise along the Danube River, which introduced Laurie to what became one of her favorite cities, Budapest. Above all, Laurie cherished her family. She was a devoted mother to her four children: Dave (Cris) Byrnes of Woodstock, IL; Carol (Dale) Ames of Edgefield, SC; Megan (Mike) Scully of Wilmette, IL; and Katy (Otto) Kaiser of Madison, WI. Her legacy also includes eight grandchildren, Nicole (Corey) Lefebvre, Kyle Ames, Sam Byrnes, Luc Byrnes, Max Scully, Jack Scully, Wyatt Kaiser, and Quinn Kaiser; and her greatgranddaughter, Evelyn Lefebvre.
Laurie is survived by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild; her sister Barbara (David) Kacsmark; her brother Lee Hart; and countless other family, friends, colleagues, and admirers. She is preceded in death by her husband John, her parents Leo and Loretta Hart, and her sister Lillian Hart.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to one of the organizations where Laurie volunteered her time: Habitat for Humanity of Oconee County or Golden Harvest Food Bank (both in Seneca, S.C.).
A memorial service will be held on Friday, Oct. 25, 2024, at 10:30 a.m., at Schneider, Leucht Merwin & Cooney Funeral Hom, 1211 N. Seminary Ave., Woodstock, 60098. Interment will be private.
Lt. Kenneth ‘Ken’ Larsen, 56
It is with a humbled heart to announce the line of duty death of Lt. Kenneth
Lt. Larsen was born on Aug. 25, 1968, to Ralph and Joanne (Berener) Larsen in Woodstock. Lt. Larsen was a member of the graduating class of 1986 from Marian Central High School. On May 5, 2005, at St. Mary’s Church in Woodstock, Lt. Larsen was united into marriage to Karen Hegberg.
When you talk about Lt. Larsen you immediately mention the years of dedication and devotion to the craft that made him who he was, firefighting, but there is so much more. Lt. Larsen was an outdoorsman at heart. Lt. Larsen hiked the Appalachian Trail many times, in fact it was the Appalachian Trail that brought Lt. Larsen and his wife, Karen, together. Lt. Larsen loved biking, kayaking, and woodworking, in fact it was mentioned that if it ended in “ing” and involved the outdoors, Lt. Larsen was into it. Lt. Larsen was passionate about home-brewed beer and started his own brand name, 9 Frogs Brewing. Lt. Larsen was known for his ability to fix anything, his unended open willingness to go above and beyond to help anyone at any time. His attention to detail was above and beyond and if it wasn’t right he would just start over until the finest detail was correct. Lt. Larsen had such a love for the outdoors that he even convinced his mother to join him on part of the Appalachian trail in her 60s. Lt. Larsen’s
true passion and calling in life was the fire service, and from his start at Woodstock Fire to Huntley Fire, then to Lake Geneva, his world revolved around all of it. It was stated many times when he was talked about that it was his calming presence that made everything just work right. Never getting overly excited and always the voice of reason, if Lt. Larsen was there you knew that you were under good leadership and that everyone would be going home.
As it has been stated many times in the fire service world:
Lt. Ken Larsen, your time on this earth is complete. You can rest easy, sir, as we will take it from here. We know that you will be watching and protecting us from above. and we will keep protecting everything down here.
Lt. Larsen is survived by his wife of 19 years, Karen. Lt. Larsen’s parents, Ralph and Joanne, two siblings: Bob (Michelle) Larsen and Michael (Mary Beth) Larsen, along with hundreds of brothers and sisters in the fire service will survive and remember him.
In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, the family has asked that you make a donation in Lt. Larsen’s name to: Appalachian Trail Conservancy, Continental Divide Trail Coalition, Shield 23 Foundation, Fire Dept. Coffee, Lakeland Animal Shelter, or Michaels Memories.
Services for Lt. Larsen will be held on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church in Woodstock. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024, from 4 till 8 p.m. in the main Chapel of Derrick Funeral Home, Lake Geneva. An honorary firefighter walk-through is set for 7: p.m. with a 6:30 p.m. lineup time.
To post an online condolence, please visit derrickfuneralhome.com.
Derrick Funeral Home is honored to be assisting the family of Lt. Ken Larsen.
Arrest made in shooting at home outside Wonder Lake
By Tricia Carzoli NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM
A Wonder Lake woman has been arrested on several felony counts after a shooting near Wonder Lake.
Aneta Marsek, 45, is charged with one count of attempted murder (Class X), one count of aggravated battery with a firearm (Class X), one count of aggravated domestic battery (Class 2), and two counts of obstructing justice
(Class 4).
On Oct. 10, McHenry County Sheriff’s Deputies were sent about 11:05 a.m. to the 8900 block of East Tryon Grove Road outside Wonder Lake for reports of two possible gunshot victims.
Deputies found a male with lifethreatening injuries from a gunshot wound. He was flown to OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center in Rockford in critical condition. Police did not
release his name. Marsek was found with non-life-threatening injuries and flown to Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville.
The Wonder Lake Fire Protection District, Richmond Township Fire Department, Hebron-Alden-Greenwood Fire Protection District, Mercyhealth MD-1, UW MEd Flight, and Superior Air Med responded to the scene.
Lt. Kenneth ‘Ken’ Larsen
MARKET
Continued from Page 1
renovations this winter, leaving the buildings unable to host the winter market.
“They had been dropping hints,” she said, “so when we were told, we were not surprised.”
Sacco set to work searching for a location that would work well.
“Annette [Jenkins] has been wonderful to work with,” Sacco said, “and All Seasons Orchard will be able to provide a larger venue and a more comfortable venue, so it feels like a good fit.”
Jenkins, who along with her husband, Ivan, manages the seasonal orchard for her brother, said she was excited about working more with the community.
“We are a part of the Chamber,” she said. “And we really wanted to be more involved in the community. … This is our second season managing the farm. Last year we had some bumps to work out. We inherited a beautiful space – a truly beautiful space. We had learning to do, but we really want to continue this legacy that the Hongs created
Building on a legacy
Longtime owners James and Sue Hong sold All Seasons Orchard to Jenkins’ brother Brett Herbst and his wife, Nikki.
“James and Sue Hong created a beautiful orchard,” Jenkins said. “We really want to continue to build upon their legacy. … And we want to be more involved with the community and supporting local farmers.”
Hosting the Woodstock Farmers Market throughout the winter allows Jenkins to do that.
“We understand how difficult farming can be,” Jenkins said, “and we want to support our local growers as much as possible. This is an excellent opportunity to help them showcase their products.”
More space
“We are very excited to be able to hold our market here at All Seasons,” Sacco said. “It met all our needs – the location is perfect, there are plentiful bathrooms, zero entry, major roads that will be clear during the winter, and floors we can’t damage.
Lake County Sheriff’s Office makes arrest in theft of urns from McHenry County Memorial Park
By Tricia Carzoli NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office released a statement online that detectives arrested one man and obtained an arrest warrant for another in connection with vases stolen from the McHenry County Memorial Park cemetery and others.
A significant number of bronze vases were taken from the cemetery in late August, leaving many residents feeling victimized, including Brenda Hoffman, whose husband’s vase was taken.
“I feel violated,” she said. “I am angry. Who steals from the dead?”
The McHenry County Sheriff’s Office was also investigating the crime.
The Lake County Sheriff’s Detectives were alerted to stolen vases from a cemetery at Libertyville. The department worked closely with other agencies and developed a lead that led to the identification of two suspects.
Marcos Mendez, 41, of the 3000 block of Route 120, Waukegan, and Fermin
Remaining Outdoor Markets on the Square
8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Oct. 19, 26, and Nov. 2
Indoor Markets at All Seasons Orchard
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Nov. 9,16, 23
Dec. 7,14, 21
Jan 4, 18
Feb 1, 15
March 1,15, 29
April 12, 26
“It is also a larger venue,” she continued, “so we can say ‘yes’ to more vendors. We can also bring back live music.”
The Woodstock Farmers Market will take up three buildings – two connected buildings and another that is a short distance away.
PUBLIC SAFETY LOG
Woodstock Police Department
“It definitely provides flex,” Sacco said. “We can grow or shrink, and the space will work.”
Despite the positives, there was one hurdle.
“Our [apple] season was advertised to go through Nov. 2,” Jenkins said, “so we discussed the options with the Woodstock Farmers Market.”
“We knew this was a big ask,” Sacco explained. “Even though our outdoor markets usually end in October, we didn’t want to impose on All Seasons’ schedule. We decided to stay outside one extra weekend – on Nov. 2 - and move indoors after that.”
Sacco plans for the last outdoor market to be a full market with both summer vendors and winter vendors joining in.
“It might be cozy,” Sacco said, “but the more the merrier!”
The winter market opens Nov. 9 at All Seasons Orchard, 14510 Route 176, and will run for three Saturdays in November and December and then every other Saturday from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.
“We are thrilled that this provided an opportunity for growth,” Sacco said. “Change can be a good thing.”
Tonche-Gallardo, 30, of the 300 block of North Green Bay Road, Waukegan, were identified as suspects.
The two are suspected of stealing the bronze vases – valued between $500 and $800 each – and selling them to scrapyards to be melted down for metal content.
Tonche-Gallardo was arrested Oct. 9, and the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office approved the following charges: Theft (Class 3 felony), and five counts of causing damage to a headstone (Class 3 felonies). More charges are expected.
He appeared on Oct. 10, and he is next due in court on Nov. 7.
An arrest warrant for Mendez also has been issued.
“There is nothing much lower than stealing from those resting in peace,” Lake County Sheriff John D. Idleburg said. “Instead of honoring their loved ones, people were victimized by theft at a sacred place. I’m incredibly proud of the hard work of our team and the collaboration with our law enforcement partners in bringing these suspects to justice.”
■ Arin Tubbs, 35, Crystal Lake, was arrested Oct. 5 on Wheeler Street on charges of an arrest warrant. Transported to McHenry CountyJail. Court date Oct. 18.
■ Luis E. Perez-Hernandex, 33, Woodstock, was arrested Oct. 6 on Courtaulds Drive on charges of no valid driver’s license and speeding. Released with notice to appear. Court date Nov. 7.
■ Abey Abraham, 35, Woodstock, was arrested Oct. 8 on Vivaldi Street on an arrest warrant charging domestic battery. Taken to McHenry County Jail. Court date Nov. 13.
■ Donna M. Weber. 62, Des Plaines, was arrested Oct. 9 on Main Street on charges of retail theft. Released with notice to appear. Court date Nov. 8.
■ Esmeralda Valdez, 19, Capron, was arrested Oct. 10 at U.S. 14 and Washington Street on charges of no valid driver’s license and speeding. Released with notice to appear. Court date Nov. 21.
■ Esteban A. Korber, 41, Waukesha, Wis., was arrested Oct.11 at Route
47 and Ware Road on charges of no valid driver’s license, illegal lane usage and use of electronic communication device. Released with notice to appear. Court date Nov. 21.
Charges are only accusations of crimes, and defendants are presumed innocent until proved guilty.
Follow TWI’s 4-part series, reflecting on the 1-year anniversary of the Woodstock gas explosion
Read part 2 on pages 5-7 this week
SURVEY
well, with city parks rated as the No. 1 spot and walking paths coming in at third place.
The quality of Woodstock parks garnered a 67 percent approval rating, although that was down from 71 percent in 2023. Suggestions to better the Recreation Department and Woodstock Water Works included making memberships and services more affordable, upgrading facilities, and extending pool hours. Also on the list were hosting more community events and more programs for seniors, as well as offering incentives, deals, and reward programs.
What residents want more of
Fast-moving fire sweeps through cornfield off Steig Road
Staff Report NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM
On Oct. 11, the Woodstock Fire/ Rescue District responded within seven minutes to a report of a fastmoving brush fire in the 2200 block of Stieg Road, west of Woodstock
Because of dry conditions and strong winds, the fire had the potential to threaten nearby structures. The incident was upgraded through the Mutual Aid Box Alarm System to ask for additional resources.
Alex Vucha, WFRD Communication Specialist, said that because of the rural location and lack of nearby fire hydrants, additional manpower was needed. Firefighters brought in extra water supply and off-road apparatus.
Firefighters had the scene under control in just over an hour, according to Vucha. Crews did remain onsite to manage hot spots.
Vucha said that 7.5 acres of farmland were affected, but no injuries were reported.
The incident remains under investigation by the WFRD.
Asked to comment on things that would improve residents’ experience of living in Woodstock, responses included roads and infrastructure, affordable housing, lower taxes, supporting local businesses, and modernizing/updating the Recreation Center.
Top new sources
The “What’s Happening in Woodstock” Facebook page was the No 1 place to get city news this year. The Woodstock Independent newspaper was second, followed by the city website; the City Scene printed brochure, mailed three times a year; and the Northwest Herald newspaper. Respondents also indicated that they search for city news two-to-three times a month most of the time.
When it came to receiving notifications of city news, city social media was the preferred method, followed by city emails and city website notifications. When asked how often they’d like to receive city news, the No. 1 answer was weekly.
The approval rating for the city’s level of communication with residents and businesses was 57 percent, down from 2023’s 59 percent.
Resident priorities
The No. 1 priority for residents was quality of life, followed by infrastructure and safety as second and third. Fiscal management and business attraction and retention were tied for fourth place.
Inclusion and services
The number of people who believe Woodstock supports diversity, equity, and inclusion fell to 68 percent, down
In Woodstock’s 2024 community survey, city parks came in first place and walking paths came in third place as locations and activities most used by Woodstock residents. Emricson Park has a 1.8-mile walking path that takes about 35 minutes to finish, a perfect way to enjoy the fall color.
from 2023’s 72 percent.
When residents were asked to rate how strongly they would recommend a list of 11 city services and quality of life/commerce topics, the top three recommendations were the library, visiting Woodstock, and the Opera House, in that order. The bottom three spots were the Old Courthouse Center, the Recreation Center, and opening a business in Woodstock.
Opera House and Stage Left
Suggestions for improving the Opera House and Stage Left included lower ticket prices, more diverse shows, and more well-known performers. Options such as VIP packages, backstage tours, and group discounts were also suggested.
We love our library
In addition to being the No. 1 spot that respondents would recommend to a friend, the library came in as No. 2 in most-used facilities. On a “What can we do better?” question, the library was also the only city facility that earned a response saying the respondent could not think of any improvements needed, stating, “Love the library; overall very happy.”
Old Courthouse Center
There was a suggestion to add a restaurant in the Courthouse in the survey, but the survey was closed before the Squire on the Square restaurant was approved.
Other suggestions included: attracting more businesses to fill the space; considering a senior center; more
community-focused programming; using the space for art exhibits, concerts, and workshops; and introducing attractions to make it worth coming to visit.
The other 364 days
For anyone who missed a chance to take the survey, the City Council and staff are open to feedback the other 364 days of the year. To share ideas, suggestions, and opinions, every City Council meeting has a time for general public comment, as well as a time for comments on specific topics.
City staff and council members can also be contacted online by visiting woodstockil.gov. At the bottom of the homepage on the right side are two links:
“Contact the City”
“Contact the Council”
Full results of the survey are also available in the council packet for the Oct. 1, 2024, meeting. Go to woodstockil. gov and then to Government/Agendas and Minutes/City Council/October 1, 2024/Download/Packet.
The city published the results of the annual Community Survey in the council packet for the Oct.1, 2024, meeting, available online.
INDEPENDENT PHOTOS BY ANDREW ROUSEY
PHOTO COURTESY OF WOODSTOCK FIRE/RESCUE DISTRICT
A tender is used to supply water for a rural fire Oct. 11.
‘I
can still see the look on her face’
After the Oct. 9, 2023, gas explosion – a year of remembrance and recovery – Part 2 of a 4-part series
By Susan W. Murray NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM
On Oct. 9, 2023, a Visu-Sewer crew using a root cutter to clear a sanitary sewer at the corner of Tryon Street and Lincoln Avenue struck a gas line, causing a natural gas leak. Five years before, Nicor Gas had used “directional boring” to install a two-inch gas main directly through the sanitary sewer.
Just over two hours after the gas main was struck, an explosion rocked the neighborhood. The blast destroyed one home, and fire claimed the two-flat next door. Pressure from the blast and leaping flames wreaked havoc on 18 other properties.
In the second of four parts, The Woodstock Independent relates what happened in the hours after the explosion.
Stormy Kies felt the explosion in his home on Woodstock’s north side. Earlier, his daughter Savannah Bosowski had brought her 6-yearold niece, Stormy’s granddaughter, to the house, explaining that the neighborhood around her home at 321 Lincoln Avenue had been blocked off because of a natural gas leak.
Stormy and his family had owned the house for 11 years. Their oldest daughter had lived there for several years, and it had been a rental. Only recently, Savannah and her husband, Ben Bosowski, had moved in and begun fixing it up.
Savannah drove toward home to wait in the Dairy Queen parking lot while Nicor Gas tried to contain the leak. The couple’s two dachshunds, Lucy and Charlie, were still in the house.
After the explosion, Stormy took his son Connor and drove toward Lincoln Avenue. Connor stayed with his sister while Stormy tried to approach the scene to see whether the house was still standing.
Seeing the pile of debris, he turned back.
“She saw my face and knew exactly what happened,” Kies said. “When I close my eyes, I can still see the look on her face.”
A kitchen windowsill at Emery Langmar and Kristin Theerman’s Tryon Street home shows the effects of the natural gas explosion on Oct. 9, 2023. Shards of glass drape the everyday items – kitchen utensils, an aloe plant, a pair of sunglasses, and a prescription bottle.
Added to the total loss of the home was the assumption that the dogs had not survived the explosion.
Everyone to the scene
The explosion set off a flurry of activity for emergency personnel. Setting up a command post at St.
Mary School, the fire department asked all utility companies to come to the scene, ordered an excavator and a board-up of broken windows, and called the Red Cross. The relief agency set up operations inside St. Mary School to receive displaced residents, while the Salvation Army
provided food and a rest area for firefighters.
Woodstock’s Water & Sewer Department increased the water pressure to fight the fire, and Commonwealth Edison shut off power down Lincoln Avenue, disconnecting the lines going into 321 and the burning two-flat next door at 327.
Woodstock Police Department officers evacuated people from homes within a 300-foot radius of the explosion.
In the meantime, fire trucks and ambulances rushed to Woodstock from 15 different agencies, from Algonquin to Spring Grove and from Boone County to Twin Lakes, Wis.
Heading to safety
Two houses away from the explosion, at 335 Lincoln Ave., Antoinette Naber grasped what was happening and wondered whether her house was next. She had been standing next to her east-facing bay window, working on a Halloween costume draped over a mannequin for one of her daughters. The explosion had knocked her to the floor, the window’s shattering glass showering down on her.
Conscious of cuts on her legs, she grabbed 6-year-old Dylin and the family’s 11-year-old pitbull, Lucy. With 10-year-old Ava running beside her, Naber hurried through the kitchen and out the back door. As they were leaving, the kitchen ceiling fell in.
Naber could see that the two-flat next door was on fire and “everything” was falling out of the sky.
As she ran through her back yard, she met a police officer who shouted, “You’ve got to keep running!”
She and the girls ran to the Woodstock Public Library on Judd Street, which had sustained minor damage. A section of ceiling tiles had fallen, and the main entry sliding door had fallen off its track.
The library’s assistant director, Martha Hansen, met Naber and the girls as they rushed inside. Naber told Hansen that she needed to see
See EXPLOSION, Page 6
COURTESY PHOTO
whether her house was OK. Hansen assured her that she would take care of the children. While Naber cautiously made her way through Judd Street back yards to get a view of her house, Hansen found a leash for Lucy, wrapped the girls in jackets from the library’s donation area, and then took them to the basement and gave them snacks while they waited.
On the Columbus Day holiday, St. Mary’s IT tech Mark Peliquin was the only person on campus. Thinking a truck had hit the parish office building, the Conway Center, he headed for the front door. Feeling the heat from the fire across the street, he turned and exited through the Conway Center’s back door that connected to the church. From the church, he made his way up Tryon Street to the Dairy Queen parking lot, where he called his wife and asked her to pick him up.
A police officer came to the door of 233 N. Tryon, telling James and Suzanne Campbell to leave their
COURTESY PHOTO
The floor of Antoinette Naber’s kitchen was covered in broken glass and chunks of plaster. The kitchen ceiling fell as Naber, her two daughters, and their dog, Lucy, ran from the house after the explosion.
,house. Twelve of their windows had imploded, and their cat, Stripey, had disappeared after she was jolted from her pillow near a window that faced the blast site.
With their collie, Rook, the Campbells walked up Tryon Street to West Judd, where they joined a group of onlookers. Still in shock after the explosion, James had forgotten to grab a jacket and to take his cellphone. He wanted to call the couple’s son, Christopher, in Chicago to assure him that they were OK, but he couldn’t remember Christopher’s phone number.
“It was an eerie atmosphere,” Suzanne said.
She described people as “chatty.” Rumors spread that people had died in the explosion, but the No. 1 topic was what had happened to the dogs that lived in 321. James remembered there had been a car in the driveway of 321 around noon. Had their neighbor gotten out of the house in time?
Monica and Edwing Diaz and their four girls had arrived back in town after a weekend away, only to learn that crews were working to fix a gas leak in front of their home at 239 N. Tryon. They told their oldest daughter that they wouldn’t be able to retrieve her rollerblades from the garage as promised, before driving her to her friend’s house near Emricson Park, just far enough away that they did not hear the explosion.
When the couple and the three other girls went to Monica’s parents’ house on West Judd Street to wait for the gas leak to be mitigated, they heard helicopters and began receiving texts from friends. Leaving the girls with their grandparents, the couple walked toward Tryon Street, not knowing whether their house was still standing. Unable to see through the police blockade, they turned back. At Monica’s parents’ house, they saw television footage of firefighters putting out the fires at 321 and 327 Lincoln.
Emery Langmar had heard about the explosion from a co-worker at the Woodstock Post Office; his wife, Kristin, was out of town and had taken the couple’s two dogs with her.
With his car at the mechanic’s for an oil change that day, Langmar “frantically” pedaled his bike toward his house at 229 N. Tryon St., joining
The smoking ruin of the two-flat at 327 Lincoln Ave. remains next to the debris pile from the destroyed home at 321 Lincoln Ave. When the explosion occurred, the residents of 321 were not at home. Lucy and Charlie, two dachshunds, were in the house. Although they suffered serious injuries, both survived.
A couple who lived at 327 were in their car in the driveway, about to leave for work, when the blast happened. They managed to exit their car and ran across the street to St. Mary School.
the group of people at Tryon and Judd.
“Everyone assured me that the garage was burning down, and our windows were blown out,” he said.
Battling the blaze
Firefighters were occupied with battling the blazes at 321 and 327, while trying to keep 335, Antoinette Naber’s home, from catching on fire.
“We were changing position frequently to hit 327, the car in the driveway, the pile that was 321, and cooling the Delta exposure (335 Lincoln) home,” the WFRD’s report reads.
One of Naber’s calls was to her brother, Karl Natschke, who lives in Hebron. Fifteen minutes later, Natschke joined her on Judd Street.
The siblings watched as firefighters trained water on Naber’s house. Later, they would find that the heat from the fire left them sunburned.
“The fire department saved my house,” Naber said.
Damage to a wide area
The force of the explosion traveled down Lincoln Avenue, through the
Metra parking lot, striking Napoli Pizza and Fred’s Upholstery.
At Napoli, the force of the blast blew out the wooden window frames on the restaurant’s party room. Inside, the bottles of alcohol behind the bar fell and shattered.
Craig Strang, and his father, Fred, at Fred’s Upholstery on Throop Street. couldn’t tell whether the sound they heard was Craig’s wife, Tina, falling down on their building’s second floor or whether a semitruck had hit the structure.
They quickly realized that no one had been hurt, but the building’s second-floor windows and doors had been damaged.
At least wo other businesses reported damage: Doreen Paluch’s law firm at 130 Cass St. and Thompson’s Appliance at 318 Clay St.
An accidental event
The Woodstock Fire Department would label the cause of the explosion at 321 Lincoln as accidental, based on evidence found at the scene and witness interviews.
“The cause has been identified as a gas leak into the sanitary sewer,
Continued on Next page
TWI FILE PHOTO BY KEN FARVER
which then entered the home through a drain in the unventilated basement, at which time either the water heater or furnace ignited the leaked gas when the fuel-to-air ratio had reached an explosive concentration,” according to the investigation remarks in the WFRD’s incident report.
Firefighters remained on the scene for more than 21 hours, battling the blazes at 321 and 327, as well as in nearby garages that caught fire.
Two firefighters had to be transported to the hospital. Part-time firefighter Pierce, who had been standing on Lincoln Avenue to secure the area while Nicor tried to fix the gas leak, suffered head trauma from the explosion. His injury was determined to be moderate, and he is now a fulltime firefighter in another department.
Firefighter/paramedic Michael Klus suffered breathing difficulties and shortness of breath that affected his trachea and lungs while fighting the fire. His injury was also deemed moderate, and he returned to his job with WFRD.
Picking up the pieces
Around 3:30 p.m., the gas leak was contained and Nicor shut off gas to the area.
The Conway Center at St. Mary suffered multiple shattered windows, and several of the church’s century-old stained glass windows were seriously
damaged in the explosion. For the next two weekends, the congregation would worship in gymnasiums, first at Marian Central Catholic High School and then in its own gym.
St. Mary School students had remote learning for the four remaining days that week, returning to school on Monday, Oct. 16, when its two buildings had been deemed safe for occupancy.
With their home at 321 Lincoln destroyed, the Bosowskis spent the night at Ben’s parents’ house. Miraculously, their two dachshunds survived the explosion. A neighbor found Lucy cowering in a garage around lunchtime the next day. Another neighbor discovered Charlie an hour or so later.
Both would spend a little over a month in a veterinary burn unit, followed by two more months of treatment.
The Campbells returned to their house at 5:25 p.m. and cleaned up broken glass until 2 a.m. Around midnight, Stripey crawled out from under the living room settle where she had been hiding since the explosion.
The Diazes’ home suffered shattered windows, cracked walls, and mangled doors and frames, making it unsafe to inhabit. Late that afternoon, Lt. Mike Brinkman escorted Edwing and Monica through the house so they could grab the essentials – clothing and some of the children’s toys –before going back to Monica’s parents’ house to
spend the night.
Emery Langmar had been texting his wife, Kristin, from the moment he got back to the neighborhood and saw their damaged, but still standing, house. At 5:30 p.m., he was able to go home. Nicor Gas checked on the gas, and a crew came to put plywood over the broken windows.
The locked door to the back porch had split in the explosion, so Langmar went to his basement to get glue, clamps, and screws so the door would close.
He spent the rest of his evening cleaning up broken glass and the remains of the decorative glass and candles that had been perched on the kitchen windowsills. Still, he counted himself among the fortunate ones.
“I was able to sleep in my own bed that night,” he said.
Antoinette Naber, her husband, Chance, and her brother, Karl, went back to the house in a pickup truck to gather some belongings. Antoinette had to get Dylin’s stuffed animal, “Pup-pup,” or she knew Dylin would not be able to sleep.
“You’re trying to find everything in the dark with a firefighter holding a flashlight,” Antoinette said.
The family spent the night with her dad in Hebron, where at 4 a.m., Antoinette finally broke down and cried.
Illinois is a one-party state. Both houses of the legislature, as well as all statewide elected offices are held by Democrats. Their hold on the House and Senate are by majorities that guarantee that any bill passed and signed by the Governor is immune from veto.
More than ever, it's necessary for there to be voices in the legislature who are not afraid to stand up and speak against the many excesses that come about when one party holds such a firm grip on power.
Since 2017, I've been one of those voices. I've not been afraid to stand up and speak out against bills that are passed without consideration of the negative impact those bills would have on the people who are expected to pay for them. You need look no further than our $140 billion in unpaid pension debt to see that too much legislation has been passed without giving thought to a bill’s unintended consequences or which make promises that everyone knows will not be kept. I've not been afraid to point out those unintended consequences or expose the hypocrisy of false promises.
I've never been anything but honest when asked why I take the positions I take. As your representative, I owe you my judgment, not a vote in obedience to instructions from leadership or that comes from wetting my finger and sticking it in the air to see which way the wind is blowing. I think that my judgment has served the people of the 63 rd District well.
On November 5th, I'm asking for your vote.
Paid for by Citizens to Elect Steven Reick
Woodstock, IL • 1987
We won’t know what we know ’til
For nearly five years Woodstock has had a state-allowed maximum 3 percent sales tax on legalized sales of recreational cannabis in the city. So far the tax hasn’t raised a dime for the city.
That’s because the city has no cannabis dispensaries to sell taxable cannabis products, although zoning has been approved for two, the maximum allowed by city ordinance.
Not everyone is disappointed.
McHenry County State’s Attorney Patrick Kenneally has frequently spoken of the social ills associated with the spread of cannabis use, even legal usage (maybe especially legal usage).
When the City Council voted for the local 3 percent tax in September 2019, the vote was divided. Councilman Darrin Flynn was the dissenter in a 5-1 vote.
The co-owner of downtown businesses, Flynn argued the tax, which was set higher than those of other McHenry County towns, would put the city at a competitive disadvantage by discouraging dispensaries from setting up shop in Woodstock.
“People do look at 1 percent,” Flynn said. “We have to show we’re open for business. … I’m speaking as a businessman.”
With two businesses apparently eager to legally sell cannabis products here (think edible – cannabisinfused candies and cookies – as well as smokeable) the tax does not appear to be a significant roadblock (though other towns in the county
Understanding numbers support MCCD’s proposition
Don’t get scaremongered into voting against the McHenry County Conservation District’s ballot measure.
Let’s start with a vital clarification: This is not about adding an additional tax. In 2026, general obligation
already have dispensaries open).
Representatives of Terrabis told the council last month they expect to be open 120 days after receiving their state license and local building permits for the former Burger King restaurant along Route 47. Six Labs Inc., which proposes a dispensary at the former Golf and Games property farther south along the state highway, apparently faces the same obstacles.
The city tax would push the overall sales tax – state and local – on the
we know it, Man
conservative (stingy) about issuing licenses for sales of cannabis. We have experienced the same state bureaucratic grind in the issuance of local solar farm permits.
City Manager Roscoe Stelford told the council in 2019 the staff had recommended the 3 percent tax – all revenue from which would go for police training and enforcement – because the city’s costs would increase.
“We anticipate the cost will far exceed the amount of money [from the tax],” Stelford told the council. “We did not think 3 percent per se would be out of line, that we would not be competitive.”
Police Chief John Lieb said his department would need some specially trained drug recognition experts – “I’d like to have at least a couple per shift” – who need to be continually recertified. That will require the hiring of two to four new officers to the force, he said then.
bonds issued by the Conservation District will be retired. If this proposition passes, it won’t take effect until 2026, and homeowners will see a 45 percent decrease in total property taxes paid to the Conservation District on their 2026 tax bill.
That bears repeating: Passing this proposition means a 45 percent decrease in property taxes paid to
most potent cannabis to about 35 percent. (The state will assess a lower tax on cannabis with lower levels of the “mind-altering” THC.)
About a decade ago the state issued dozens of licenses for medical marijuana sales – none in McHenry County – which have been legal in Illinois since 2013 under a pilot program. The Legislature in 2019 made medical use permanent, along with expanding sales to recreational use.
Since then the state has been
the Conservation District.
In 2025, a homeowner with a home valued at $300,000 will pay $209 in taxes to MCCD. In 2026, that would decrease to $115 if the referendum passes and $88 if it does not. The proposition represents a mere $27 a year for that homeowner. For less than the cost of a large pizza from Uncle Jerry’s, we can ensure water
“We have a lot of unknowns,” the chief told the council.
Then-Deputy Mayor Mike Turner (now mayor) said the city would incur enforcement costs even if Woodstock did not get a dispensary as the city cannot control recreational use of legal cannabis inside city limits.
“I think it’s going to be a challenge from a law enforcement perspective,” Turner said. “Police are going to need training and tools.”
We will likely find out, eventually.
quality, natural areas, and outdoor recreation spaces are safeguarded for future generations.
MCCD has been resourceful in securing funding that does not impact taxpayers (grants and sponsorships) and hasn’t asked voters to approve a ballot measure since
Continued on Next page
EDITORIAL CARTOON BY CHIP HUMBERTSON
Character really matters
Newspapers … archaic?
I hear people say, “I get my news for free. Why should I pay for it?”
Like everyone, I try to make good decisions about what I choose to spend my money on.
I ask myself … if I weren’t working for The Woodstock Independent, would I pay for a subscription?
The simple answer is, yes.
The reasons are more complex.
Working for this small weekly newspaper for almost two decades, I can attest to the fact that The Woodstock Independent staff works for the paper not because it is a job, not because newspapers offer great pay, but because we love news – and we care about our city.
We all live right here in Woodstock. We have roots in this town, and we often write about people, events, and issues that have been a part of our lives for a long time. We put aside our opinions and our emotions to write articles based on fact – allowing our readers to formulate their own opinions.
Local journalism brings a lot to the table.
As local journalists, we actively search out the news. Yes, sometimes people come to us with story ideas, but most often, we are seeking it –watching local and national publications, always keeping an ear out, and sometimes going out to look for ourselves. We know the hard work it takes to get the leads, the scoop, the interviews, and the information. We also know there are plenty of people who do not understand the value of our work, but we do it anyway
– because communities thrive on facts and information. When they are missing, people will notice.
We provide factual, wellresearched stories allowing our community to have open discussions, hold their city government accountable, and have a say in what goes on. We publish Letters to the Editor weekly, and we help community members voice their opinions in a civil manner.
out there. It might or might not be fact-checked. Our newspaper costs money to print, money to mail, money to maintain the website. It costs money to pay our writers, photographers, editors, owners, and staff. This is our job – and it is more than a job. It is a passion. Good, authentic news doesn’t come from gossip. It doesn’t come from overhearing someone’s rash judgment while in line at the grocery store. It doesn’t come from one person’s opinion about what happened to a local business establishment. It certainly doesn’t come from social media accounts spouting speculation.
Woodstock
I NDEPENDENT
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$80 in Woodstock, Bull Valley and Wonder Lake. $82 in McHenry County. $87 for snowbirds and $95 outside McHenry County.
Corrections
We strive for accuracy. To suggest corrections or clarifications, email news@ thewoodstockindependent.com.
Staff
PUBLISHER EMERITA Cheryl Wormley c wormley@thewoodstockindependent com
PUBLISHER Rebecca McDaniel rebecca@thewoodstockindependent com
EDITOR Larry Lough larry@thewoodstockindependent com
2007. The ballot language ensures this funding can only be used to safeguard our water quality, natural areas, wildlife habitats and outdoor recreation opportunities. There will also be an annual public audit and full disclosure of all spending.
Let’s not lose the incredible beauty that makes McHenry County such a special place because of a misconception.
Abby Callard Oakwood Hills
We follow national and regional news. Our diligent staff ensures that if those issues have a local connection, we get the story into your hands – with a local angle.
We document history and provide a place for the community to find local records long after other businesses and organizations have closed their doors.
We provide local information in one place – you don’t have to sift through pages of web content or Facebook accounts to find out what matters. We do the searching for you – and we package it for you.
We adhere to journalistic ethics –we encourage you to make an educated decision or formulate your own opinion based on the objective, factual content we provide.
But we are in challenging times. There is a plethora of information
Reader suggests letter was too hateful to be published
I was beyond appalled and disappointed to read Mr Cook’s hate-filled letter. I am the family member of a number of relatives who identify as LGBTQ, and the use of the word deviant is beyond disgusting. Given the packed and joyful Pride celebration on the Square I think your concern about tourism is way off base. I also have a brother with autism who has a section 8 apartment which allows him to live independently
It comes from direct-source interviews, boots-on-the-ground reporting, FOIA requests, and an organic and authentic attempt to connect with the people the news impacts.
When local journalism dies, the integrity of our City Council, the historical preservation of events, and our ability to voice our opinions in a trustworthy source dies with it.
Whether you read us in print or online, your subscription and advertisements keep local journalism alive.
For $6 a month, you can support your local paper with an online subscription. One dollar more gives you the print edition. More important, like so many products and services you purchase, you pay for factchecked, unbiased news – delivered by community members you trust.
Tricia Carzoli is a writer and photographer for The Independent.
in the community. Your disgust of people who need some help is pathetic and sad. I venture to say Mr Cook’s opinions make him the “abnormal- deviant.”
In our three years since we have moved to Woodstock we have been happy to meet many kind, helpful and tolerant people. I never expected to read a letter filled with hate speech in The Independent I question whether a letter like this should be published.
Nora Handler Woodstock
ADVERTISING Jill Flores jill@thewoodstockindependent com
Charlie Walrod, a senior at Woodstock High School, is the son of Brett and Laurie Walrod, Woodstock.
The teacher who nominated him said, “Charlie is attentive to his work and participatory in class. His answers are thoughtful and he is well organized. He is a fantastic role model in the school community and to his peers. Charlie is one of the most dedicated and hardworking students on my football team. He is such a great example of what it means to be a Blue Streak!”
Charlie is a Student-Athlete Advisor, and he has been active in football, basketball, and track and field throughout his high school career.
Woodstock North High School student and Educators Rising club member Adrianna Christofalos pauses for a photo at the Future Educator Conference at Northern Illinois University earlier this month. Christofalos also serves as the club’s public relations officer at the state level.
Woodstock High School student and Educators Rising club member Ally Lange reads to students for the Read for the Record outreach in which club members read to various elementary school classes.
‘I get to work with such amazing students’
WHS, WNHS clubs train the next generation of teachers
By Janet Dovidio NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM
Student clubs at Woodstock and Woodstock North high schools are helping to build a community of future teachers.
According to its website, Educators Rising (EdRising) is a career and technical student organization at the high school and college levels that helps aspiring educators build relationships, prepare for their future careers, and network with other educators. Chapters in the United States include more than 250,000 students.
Tami Robinette serves as the EdRising club’s adviser at WHS, while Jennifer Rooney fills that role at WNHS.
“I have been running this group for several years,” Rooney said. “With
the support of Aurora University and a grant that our assistant superintendent, Keely Krueger, oversees, we have been able to really grow these last couple of years.”
The two groups each host twicemonthly meetings and jointly participate in additional activities.
Members will attend the annual Future Teachers Conference on October 25 at Illinois State University. Hundreds of students will hear speakers, work in breakout sessions, and visit an activities fair.
The following week is another joint endeavor. Aurora University hosts an EdRising fall kickoff event at which students compete in T-shirt design and club advertisement competitions.
“The students are hard at work with our graphics department to
design their shirts and advertisements for the judging at the fall kickoff,” Robinette said.
She described the team-based challenge the chapters held last year between the two schools. Students were asked to create lesson plans and present them to a panel of D-200 faculty members who served as judges. The schools also hosted a “Future Teacher Signing Day” for the graduating seniors.
EdRising officers at WHS are president Jax Kozlak and vice president Allie Handy. WNHS officers are president Adrianna Christofalos and vice president Clara Klaskek. They organize and plan the club meetings and oversee the Teacher of the Month recognition honoring faculty members at their respective schools.
After attending an EdRising
conference last year, Christofalos ran for a state office and was elected to the board for the Illinois Chapter of Educators Rising. Her first major duty was to travel to Northern Illinois University earlier this month to speak to students about how Educators Rising has helped her.
“EdRising is a great club where students meet other students who share the same passion for teaching,“ Rooney said. “This helps us build a community of future teachers and inspires the next generations of teachers in the Woodstock community.”
“I am grateful I get to work with such amazing students,” Robinette added. “I truly hope the students who leave us decide to return to our district as educators because we have some pretty awesome students!”
A & E Classic Cinemas Woodstock is here to stay
By Paul Kranenburg NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM
When movie theaters started attracting more business after the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, a film’s box office performance was typically marked with an asterisk.
“This did well for a pandemic release,” was the usual sentiment, even for what were once guaranteed hits.
The first major sign of change came with the 2021 release of “Spider-Man: No Way Home,” which broke several records and became one of the highest-grossing films of all time.
To Classic Cinemas CEO Chris Johnson, this was definitive proof that the movie theater was here to stay. Of course, it doesn’t mean that every major theatrical gamble since then has paid off, but that’s no reason to worry, according to Johnson.
“There have been challenging times since ‘Spider-Man,’ but it was the first time I knew we’d be fine,” Johnson said.
2020 high attendance movies
In fact, Johnson revealed that the four movies that have brought the most business to Classic Cinemas were all released in the 2020 decade, the biggest success being this summer’s “Inside Out 2,” followed by the aforementioned “Spider-Man” threequel, and last year’s “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” and “Barbie.”
The latter two were a major factor in Classic Cinemas’ performance last year. According to Johnson, “2023 was the first time we made a profit since 2019,” and 3.3 million people went to the 16-theater chain. He also said that the Downers Grove-based chain will see a profit in 2024, albeit a small one; however, he remains confident that the profits will continue to increase.
Renovations earned
Johnson and Classic Cinemas were so pleased with the theater’s performance that the company has recently renovated the Woodstock theater. All of the auditoriums have new recliner seats, and one has even become a vessel for screenings with high-quality picture and sound.
Naturally, significant changes had to be made. The seating capacity was cut by nearly half, as the rows themselves had to be restruc-
the downsizing in capacity doesn’t seem to be too much of a problem, in part due to the slight increase in pricing. After all, Classic Cinemas is still a business.
To widen its audience appeal, the Woodstock Theater began showing Fathom Events special events releases sometime last year. These newer additions have largely replaced the independent film and arthouse flicks that used to appear at the Woodstock location every month. Johnson said that his com-
tured to make room for the new chairs. Prices went up by a dollar, and the more high-quality matinee showings now cost $10 a ticket.
The goal seems to be not just getting the Woodstock locals to come to the movies but also getting out-of-towners to come to Woodstock for one. The key is comfort. With these newer seats, there’s an increase in luxury and more room for each moviegoer, even if seated next to a complete stranger. Even
pany is looking into ways of bringing those films back, although nothing is written in stone, and it probably won’t be the way it was before.
Good business, good for all
The boom in business could be surprising to some, given how many people seem to believe that the theater is dying in the age of streaming. Post-pandemic, several of the major studios have their
releases put on streaming or Premium Video on Demand just a month or even a few weeks after hitting the big screen. But even this doesn’t seem to be too much of a sticking point for Classic Cinemas. Johnson said that the bigger box office a film does in the theater, the bigger it does on digital and streaming, using “Oppenheimer” and “Top Gun: Maverick” as examples. In fact, the latest example just occurred with “Inside Out 2.” The most successful film of the year and for Classic Cinemas just became the biggest premiere on a streaming service for 2024.
As such, even those who typically say “I’ll wait for streaming” aren’t causing much concern.
Any attendance is good
“If you only go to the movie theater every two months, that’s extraordinary for us,” said Johnson. People who only go to movies when they find a release that really interests them are still doing wonders for movie theaters and the business in general. This is definitely going to be a factor during the always-crowded holiday movie season. Late November will see the releases of “Wicked,” “Gladiator II,” and “Moana 2.” All appeal to a general audience, and the theaters have to figure out how to fit them all in. Those who don’t usually go to the movies are probably interested in at least one of those titles and that’s just for next month.
Post-COVID, the movie theater business is getting stronger every year, and the people of Woodstock, as well as those outside it, are going to the film house. More importantly, the attendance for the northern Illinois chain only makes up a minimal percentage of filmgoing. If the Woodstock theater can thrive among chains such as AMC and Regal, then it’s safe to say that it won’t be going anywhere.
INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY ANDREW ROUSEY
Moviegoers head to Classic Cinemas for an early-evening show.
REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS
Transactions filed in the McHenry County Recorder’s Office Aug. 26 to 29.
■ Residence at 711 Carlisle Drive, Woodstock, was sold by Arthur Kraft, West Chicago, to Jeremy Lambrecht, Woodstock, for $215,000.
■ Residence at 1514 Golden Oak Drive, Woodstock, was sold by Craig L. Hebenstriet Jr., Carol Stream, to Nicholas D. Eshoo, Woodstock, for $225,000.
■ Residence at 1400 Oakleaf Lane, Woodstock, was sold by Scott N. Murphy, Richmond, to Crystal Thomas, Woodstock, for $230,000.
■ Residence at 660 Serene Trail, Woodstock, was sold by Hearthstone at Serenity Creek Inc., Woodstock, to Pamela Nellessen, Woodstock, for $199,000.
■ Residence at 880 Serene Trail, Woodstock, was sold by Hearthstone at Serenity Creek Inc., Woodstock, to Carol Baker, Woodstock, for $199,000.
■ Residence at 1501 Bull Valley Drive, Woodstock, was sold by Paul H. Johnson, Bluffton, S.C., to John P. Hedlin, Woodstock, for $840,000.
■ Residence at 2731 Braeburn Way, Woodstock, was sold by Sheryl Taubin, Woodstock, to Ronisha Patel, Woodstock, for $450,000.
■ Residence at 8710 Memory Trail, Wonder Lake, was sold by Stephanie L. Grabowski, McHenry, to Stillwater USA LLC, Grayslake, for $220,000.
■ Vacant land at 703 and 705 W. South St., Woodstock, was sold by Integrity Alliance LLC, Crystal Lake, to Home of the Sparrow Inc., Woodstock, for $82,080.
Mixing fun ingredients
Andy’s Worldcarries pop culture items, including refrigerator magnets, the Jibbitz Croc charms, and Funko Pops.
Our Happy Space expands in Woodstock Mall; Andy’s World debuts
By Susan W. Murray NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM
When the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County decided to shift its Green Spot used bookstore across the hall of the Woodstock Mall at 110 S. Jefferson St., the move opened up two retail spots on the mall’s first floor.
Our Happy Space, formerly upstairs in the mall, took over what had been the Green Spot’s Clearance Corner in order to expand its offerings.
The best definition of what Our Happy Space is about comes from owner Tammy McMillan.
“This is a job where we take all of our hobbies and share them with people,” she said.
The “we” includes McMillan’s son Vaughn and his friend Hannah Daley. And among the three of them, just about every area of art and art- or character-themed parties is well covered.
An artistic background
Tammy grew up in an artistic family, and in turn, taught all four of her
children art from a very young age.
Early on, she decorated cakes, which led to learning henna artistry. The temporary body art uses a reddish dye from a henna plant to stain the skin.
“Henna was like icing a cake,” Tammy said.
She offered her designs at a variety of events and shops, including Empowher Boutique and the nowclosed Mix-n-Mingle.
“Henna is a way to test a tattoo or is for someone who doesn’t like needles or who doesn’t want something permanent,” Tammy said.
“It’s personal to each person and stays beautiful,” Daley said.
Also in the temporary art category, Our Happy Space offers face painting and glitter tattoos.
Full of character
Tammy’s children have always had fun dressing up as characters for events and parties.
Before the pandemic, they would make appearances at events such as Fiesta Days in McHenry. They also have dressed up in character for local Make-a-Wish reveals.
From there, it was a small step to being a character host for children’s birthday parties. Tammy’s daughter Norah has played a gamut of princesses, and Vaughn has been the Grinch or Buddy the Elf at Christmas.
“I was a parent of four little ones,” Tammy said, “always struggling to find a place to have a birthday party.”
When Our Happy Space hosts birthday parties, it provides the tea, apple juice, and water, while parents provide the food. Another option is to start the party at Our Happy Space and finish with popcorn and shakes at Pop-a-Doodle-Doo! on Main Street.
At the party, children can make a craft. Mary Poppins might teach them how to paint a kite, for example. Painting tote bags or baseball caps has also been popular, McMillan said. Even painting ceramics is now a possibility with the Clayworkers Guild providing their firing facility.
For adults, McMillan said that she has been offering paint-n-sips for a very long time.
See HAPPY SPACE Page 16 Andrew Rios stands inside his new retail space while taking a break from putting the store together.
INDEPENDENT
PHOTO BY
ANDREW ROUSEY
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Vaughn McMillan, dressed as the Marvel character Deadpool, reads a book, while his mother Tammy McMillan holds a painting from a paint-nsip class, and friend Hannah Daley displays one of her paintings.
HAPPY SPACE
Continued from Page 14
The trio also provides art lessons, either one-on-one or for a group.
“Even if it’s not listed, ask us,” Tammy said. “What I don’t know, I can find out how to do.”
A retail selection
Our Happy Space sells a variety of arts and crafts, including Daley’s tooth fairy pillows, keychains, earrings, prints, and acrylic panels.
Vaughn sculpts and paints masks, creates foam character heads, and decorates items he creates with 3-D printing.
put down firm roots in the Woodstock Mall, Tammy McMillan found someone to take over her retail spot on the second floor.
Tammy met Andrew Rios when the two had neighboring booths at the McHenry County Fair. She was offering henna designs while Rios was selling pop culture collectibles and accessories.
Norah has created a menagerie of crocheted animals, while Tammy’s paintings occupy one wall.
Settling on Woodstock
Our Happy Space got its start in the Dole Mansion before taking a second-floor spot in the Woodstock Mall a year ago.
“With Woodstock diving into everything arts, it was a good fit for us,” Tammy said. This month’s move downstairs allowed them to have “one space where we can finally do it all together.”
In the former Clearance Corner, they painted, replaced the flooring, and hung LED lights so that the overhead fluorescents can be turned off for a party.
In addition to having a spot that can accommodate parties, a small shop, and art classes, there’s a higher purpose.
“We’re trying to help revitalize the mall,” Tammy said.
A ‘leap of faith’ for Andy’s World
Not only has Our Happy Space
Rios, who lives in Round Lake, had been selling his items at the Buyers Flea Market on W. Division Street in Chicago for two-and-a-half years. He had started with refrigerator magnets, handmade in South America, but soon branched into Jibbitz - the small, inexpensive charms that are attached to Crocs footwear, especially popular with children and nurses who wear the shoes with their uniforms.
The seemingly endless designs range from sunflowers to Disney princesses to Pokémon characters.
“When someone asks for something, I know where it is out of thousands and thousands of items,” Rios said.
He also carries Funko Pops, vinyl bobbleheads of characters, such as the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and real people, including director Jordan Peele.
After Rios had a booth at Mexican Independence Day, customers were telling him, “You should come to Woodstock.”
While he will keep his booth at the Buyers Flea Market, he took what he called a “leap of faith” to open his second location in the former home of Our Happy Space, two lefts from the top of the stairs at the Woodstock Mall.
“I was hoping to grow in capacity this year,” Rios said. “I still can hardly believe it.”
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INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY ANDREW ROUSEY
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McHenry County District 7 deserves a born & raised representative to fight for the constituents
"I am running for the McHenry County Board District 7 because I believe there is too much waste in our government budgets. My family has been in McHenry County since 1953 and four generations later, enough is enough. Let's put the government back into the hands of the people of this great county."
Mon-Thurs 10-6, Fri. 10-5, Sat 10-4
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I humbly ask for your support and I will never forget the true responsibility I owe eaach and everyone of you.
Offer valid at the following locations:
WOODSTOCK
11607 Catalpa Lane 815-337-0014
LAKE GENEVA
654 N. Edwards Blvd. 262-248-3222
MCHENRY
1778 N. Richmond Rd. 815-385-6685
3822 Charles J. Miller Rd. 815-578-1908
LAKE ZURICH
716 S. Rand Road
847-550-6270
719 W. Route 22 847-540-7411
WAUCONDA
563 W. Liberty St. 847-487-4177
ISLAND LAKE
510 Auburn Dr. 847-487-2559
Take a ride on the rural side
36th annual Autumn Drive this week, Oct. 18, 19, 20
By Sandy Kucharski NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM
Woodstock area residents are a short drive from one of McHenry County’s premiere fall events offering something for everyone. Always the third full weekend of October, Autumn Drive takes place this week, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 18, through Sunday the 20th in rural Woodstock and Marengo.
Country roads
Traveling west from the city of Woodstock, residents can take Route 176, South Street/ Collins Road, Perkins/Garden Valley Road, or Kishwaukee Valley Road to various stops on the route. The city streets give way to country roads, rolling hills, and expansive open farm fields. Enjoy the fall colors, Kishwaukee River crossings, and see the annual corn harvest in progress.
Charming farms you might have only seen in passing open their properties for three days each year as part of the event.
The stops range from individual single family garage sales to locations with multiple vendors offering everything from holiday decor to fine art, and food trucks to produce. The route is also anchored by well-established producers, orchards, and agritourism venues including: Cody’s Farm and Orchard, Go-Ro Pumpkin PopUp, and All Seasons Apple Orchard.
For those who prefer a hands-on approach, stops include an opportunity to pick your own apples, pumpkins, and flowers, or pick up all those and more that are ready to take home.
A long history
Thirty-six years ago, eight neighbors decided to share their talents with the community by opening up their home studios to visitors one weekend in October. As the tradition continued, more neighbors joined, offering a diverse blend of art, crafts, antiques, and locally sourced gifts. Where there’s farms, there’s animals, tractors, and anything that can be grown, and additional outside vendors bring in everything imaginable. Many stops also sponsor local nonprofit institutions, helping them get their word out to the crowds that pass through this event.
This year, there are 14 participating stops
along the route. Visitors can pick up a map at any stop or visit the web page for a digital version of the map.
Enjoy the scenery
Part of the beauty of the event is the drive itself.
The map is arranged in two looping routes, but it doesn’t matter where visitors start. The route traverses an area of about 10 square miles, making it a relatively short drive from stop to stop so visitors can easily make it to every map point if they wish.
Scan the QR code for an interactive map.
Each year one stop is designated as the GPS location so that people traveling from a distance can program a specific address. This year the GPS location is Lazy K Ranch, 18209 Collins Road. While it’s stop one on the map, visitors can start at any stop and follow the map or the the yellow Autumn Drive push-in signs.
Held rain or shine, Autumn Drive stops will be rolling out the red carpet – or more likely a crunchy trail of leaves – this weekend.
Go to Autumndrive.net for printable maps and a list and descriptions of the stops, or scan the QR code for an interactive map.
INDEPENDENT FILE PHOTOS BY TRICIA CARZOLI
The 36th annual Autumn Drive, takes place in rural Woodstock and Marengo this weekend and includes pumpkin picking, fall photo ops, and creative holiday decor.
D-200 Musicians of the Month
Tyler Chaney
Woodstock North High School, 11th Grade
What music activities are you involved in at school and what instruments do you play? I play the violin in WNHS varsity orchestra and the Sinfonietta orchestra.
What got you interested in music?
I had the opportunity in 4th grade to participate in orchestra. I picked up the violin and never put it down.
What is your favorite part of participating in choir?
The many opportunities I’ve had to collaborate with different ensembles.
What do you plan to do with your talents in the future?
I plan to participate in community orchestras.
Riley Cross Creekside Middle School, 8th Grade
What music activities are you involved in at school and what instruments do you play? I am involved in orchestra and I play the violin.
What got you interested in music?
At first, it was a place to have fun and be with my friends. In 6th grade I was inspired by the older kids and started trying hard to get better.
What is your favorite part of participating in choir?
The teachers and other students. I love the challenge of orchestra because it pushes me to get better and grow.
What do you plan to do with your talents in the future?
I plan to be an orchestra teacher.
Liviana Marques
Northwood Middle School, 8th Grade
What music activities are you involved in at school and what instruments do you play? Northwood chamber orchestra. I play violin, guitar, and drums, and I just began to pick up the viola.
What got you interested in music?
Once I was able to work with a group in 5th grade I began to discover music I truly enjoyed.
What is your favorite part of participating in choir?
Working with everyone else and other instruments as a whole orchestra.
What do you plan to do with your talents in the future?
I plan to keep doing music. I’d love to apply to a music school/college.
Landon Thompson
Woodstock High School, 10th Grade
What music activities are you involved in at school and what instruments do you play? Sinfonietta, chamber and concert orchestras. I play violin, viola, and I am learning cello and double bass.
What got you interested in music?
Ms. Bastian. She changed my whole perspective on music. She makes class super fun and is inspirational.
What is your favorite part of participating in choir?
Being able to make music with my friends and doing concerts.
What do you plan to do with your talents in the future?
I would like to be a music educator and performer.
OCTOBER 20, 2024
Woodstock North High School
All proceeds allow Family Health Partnership Clinic to provide breast cancer screenings, early detection, preventative care, and breast health education to uninsured residents of McHenry County.
Register
Race starts promptly at 8:30am! Roads close at 8:10am! Parking available at the High School and Merryman Park
Presented by:
Pet Week of the
Tabitha is a uniquely-colored girl, a mix between a gray tabby and a gray diluted tortie. She is mostly light gray, with dark gray stripes throughout her coat, with patches of tan. She was rescued from Tennessee in September. She is sweet with a lot of love to give. While she can be a little
Felicity Nedza (far left), a ballerina, tries her hand at broomstick races – she lost her hat, but came in with a time of 9 seconds.
Melody Mattner portrays the Common Room Portrait -- not her first year attending, but her first year as part of the scavenger hunt.
Square to become an enchanting place
Witches and Wizards event returns on Oct. 20
By Tricia Carzoli NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM
The realm of the fantastic hits the Woodstock Square this Sunday. After eight years, the Witches and Wizards event remains a highly anticipated fall celebration for the community.
“I think people come every year because they enjoy it,” Woodstock Public Library director Nick Weber said. “Moving it to just before Halloween allows for pre-Halloween costumes and a lot of fun.”
Part of the fun is mingling with cosplay characters.
“We will have our usual, including Delores Umbridge, Death Eater, and Bellatrix,” he said. “But we are including some new characters, including a leprechaun and a Bee Witch.”
There will be non-human players, including alpacas at Casting Whimsy just off the Square, and the Birds of Prey exhibit hosted by the McHenry County Conservation District.
Broomstick races will offer fun for children and adults alike in the Square.
Additions and location changes
Though much remains the same, there are some changes.
With the Woodstock Opera House being under renovation, some locations have changed. The Sorting Hat will still be at the Stage Left Café, and the Dementor will be moved to the Old Courthouse Center. The Friends of the Courthouse Witches and Wizards Exams will be held in the front lobby of the Old Courthouse Center.
“We wanted the exams to be more in the center of the activities,” Weber said. “The location last year was a nice setting, but it was hidden in the back, and we wanted the exams to be easily found this year.”
Creative Arts Inc. on Calhoun Street will be offering a Paint your Petronas activity where visitors can paint their spirit animal, Weber said.
The scavenger hunt this year will be run a little differently.
“We will have 3-D printed dragons in each participating business,” Weber said. “I love a good scavenger hunt, and I hope this might draw even more visitors to the local merchants – and I hope visitors notice how many amazing and unique things you can purchase here in Woodstock.”
Revelry Toys and Apple Creek Flowers will also join in the off-Square festivities.
The WPL staff will offer make-and-take crafts in the Springhouse, and the Woodstock Recreation Department will have a potion-making station as well.
Food trucks and vendors will be out in force. Food trucks will bring Mexican, Asian fusion and American fare, along with desserts and coffee. Vendors will have a wide range of the fantastic. “There is something for everyone,” Weber said. Witches and Wizards will be held on and off the Square from noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 20.
INDEPENDENT FILE PHOTOS BY TRICIA CARZOLI
D-200 Musicians of the Month
Emerich Parpart
Woodstock North High School senior
Percussionist/Vocalist
Columbia College - Chicago, IL
Music Education
Emerich has been involved in both band and choir since 5th grade, as well as been a leading man on the theater stage. He’s a business entrepreneur, owning his own escape room business in addition to being an honors student.
What got you interested in music?
My family did - they are all somewhat musically inclined and that piqued my interest.
What is your favorite part of participating in band/chorus/ orchestra?
My favorite part is when we perform a piece I’m very excited about and we have put a lot of work into it.
Georgia Sedlack
Woodstock North High School senior
Flutist/Vocalist
Lawrence University - Appleton, WI
Music Education
Georgia began her band experience on trumpet and then moved to flute in 7th grade. She has been actively involved in both band and choir, as well as studies the flute privately.
What got you interested in Music?
I really liked starting in band and then joined chorus. Mrs. Brown, my middle school band director, inspired me to go into music and I wanted to be her when I grew up!
What is your favorite part of participating in band/chorus/ orchestra? My favorite part is getting to grow as a musician with my friends.
Rafaella Burkhart
Woodstock North High School senior
Trumpeter Music Therapy
What got you interested in music?
My family is always listening to music and everyone in my family plays instruments.
What is your favorite part of participating in band/chorus/ orchestra?
The people I’ve met and the growth I’ve felt about myself even outside of the music classroom because of being a part of it.
Brayden Dulin
Woodstock North High School senior
Northern Illinois University - Dekalb, IL Music Education
What got you interested in music?
I really began loving music during 8th grade when I joined marching band and worked with a great percussion instructor
What is your favorite part of participating in band/chorus/ orchestra?
Making great connections with people that will last many years.
Mackinzee Carpenter
Woodstock North High School senior
Roosevelt University - Chicago, IL Music Education
What got you interested in music?
The enjoyment of music and the community it brought to my life is why I was originally drawn to it.
TABLETOP
Author Sally Cissna’s train set at Read Between The Lynes resembles Woodstock in the early 1900s. The display is one of many found around the Square as part of Railfest.
What is your favorite part of participating in band/chorus/ orchestra?
Getting to learn the music and grow with others as a team effort, not just individually.
Percussionist
Clarinetist
INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY ANDREW ROUSEY
Serious election, humorous quotes - A quiz
Five days after Halloween this year is another day that should be a national holiday. No matter which party you align with, you know Nov. 5 is Election Day, and if you’re registered to vote, it’s probably been drilled into you by every candidate, political ad, columnist, and editorial board that it’s your privilege and responsibility to cast a ballot. I agree. I hope every voter takes part in this election and seriously considers the candidates in each contest. Shameless plug: review the election guide from last week’s issue of The Independent to get up to speed on local races.
Paul Lockwood A Musing
a while since we had a quiz in this space. So here’s a fun matching exercise. I’ve listed 14 humorous politics-related quotes below, followed by the sources of those quotes. See if you can match them up without looking at the answer key at the bottom of the column. And for extra credit, search for a fact or two about any source whose name you don’t recognize. (Teachers and parents, this can be educational and fun for your classes/ family.) Enjoy!
1. “Suppose you were an idiot and suppose you were a member of Congress. But I repeat myself.”
2. “Politics is the art of looking for trouble, finding it everywhere, diagnosing it incorrectly, and applying the wrong remedies.”
clearly to a political career.”
6. “Ninety-eight percent of the adults in this country are decent, hard-working Americans. It’s the other lousy two percent that gets all the publicity. But then, we elected them.”
7. “Being president is like running a cemetery: you’ve got a lot of people under you and nobody’s listening.”
8. “A lot has been said about politics; some of it complimentary, but most of it accurate.”
9. “No one party can fool all of the people all of the time; that’s why we have two parties.”
lower the volume level on commercials. This is great, a hundred of the most powerful people in the nation have managed to do the same thing my remote does.”
14. “We believe that to err is human. To blame it on someone else is politics.”
A. Winston Churchill
B. Bill Clinton
C. Clarence Darrow
D. Jimmy Fallon
E. Bob Hope
F. Hubert H. Humphrey
G. Eric Idle
H. Lyndon Johnson
I. Nikita Khrushchev
J. Groucho Marx
K. Eugene McCarthy
L. George Bernard Shaw
When I ask that voters “seriously” consider the candidates, I mean just that. Look at their résumés. Find out what they’ve said to supporters and to those who disagree with them. Get a feel for who they are as people, if you can. Do they have a sense of humor, for instance, and –if so – is it self-deprecating or fun, or is it at someone else’s expense? We definitely could use some humor these days, and it’s been
IN BRIEF
Job and Internship Fair at McHenry County College
Nearly 70 area companies will be onsite for McHenry County College’s (MCC) Job and Internship Fair on Wednesday, Oct. 16. The event, hosted in partnership with the McHenry County Workforce Network, will be held from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the gym at the College, 8900 US Hwy. 14, Crystal Lake. Employers will be seeking interns, temporary workers, and part- and full-time employees.
“Whether you’re new to the job search or are looking to advance in your career, this event has something for everyone,” said Cory Vlahos, coordinator of career
3. “Being in politics is like being a football coach. You have to be smart enough to understand the game and dumb enough to think it’s important.”
4. “Indeed it has been said that democracy is the worst form of government, except for all those other forms that have been tried from time to time.”
5. “He knows nothing and thinks he knows everything. That points
10. “If one morning I walked on top of the water across the Potomac River, the headline that afternoon would read, ‘President Can’t Swim.’”
11. “When I was a boy, I was told that anybody could become President; I’m beginning to believe it.”
12. “Politicians are the same all over. They promise to build bridges even when there are no rivers.”
13. “The Senate has passed a new bill that requires TV stations to
Paul Lockwood is a Communications Consultant at Health Care Service Corp. in Chicago, an enthusiastic storyteller, singer, constant punster, occasional local theater actor, active Grace Lutheran Church and Toastmasters member, theater reviewer, and more. Paul has lived in Woodstock for over 23 years with his wife, Diane.
services at MCC. “It’s a great opportunity to make valuable face-to-face connections with a wide variety of local employers.”
Interested students, alumni, and community members can register and learn more at www.mchenry.edu/jobfair. A list of participating employers can also be found on the website. The event is free to attend and open to the public. Preregistration is strongly recommended for easier checkin at the event, but is not required.
Registration is processed through the College’s Hire a Scot job search platform, now powered by Handshake. Preregistered attendees can view participating employers and their available job offerings in real-time prior to the event.
With the Handshake mobile app, job seekers at the fair will be able to scan a QR code at each employer booth to easily connect with hiring managers, share their resume and apply to open positions, and begin to build their professional network, right from the palm of their hand. Attendees are encouraged to dress professionally and bring copies of their resume to give employers. Those who would like individual assistance developing or updating their resume prior to the fair can contact careers@mchenry. edu or (815) 455-8566 to request an appointment.
Employer registration is still open, but space is limited. Visit www.mchenry.edu/ jobfair to reserve a booth, or post a job
anytime for free at www.mchenry.edu/ hireascot.
Students, alumni, and community members can search MCC’s Hire a Scot job board throughout the year or take advantage of career coaching, practice interviews, or individual appointments to discuss goals and job search strategies through the College’s Office of Career Services. For more information on Career Services at MCC, visit www.mchenry.edu/ careerservices.
If additional accommodations are needed, contact the Access and Disability Services department at (815) 455-8766 or disabilityservices@mchenry.edu. Spanish language translation services are available on-site.
SPECIALTY GROWERS INTENSIVE
Small Farm Equipment
Who says that Halloween costumes must be limited to parties or trick-ortreating? Evidently, clever costumes can even make exercising fun.
Our intrepid Photo Detective, Maggie Crane, needs our readers’ help to identify these Halloween revelers and their location from a photo that Don Peasley took on October 31, 2008. If you know who these costumed gals might be, please email Maggie at MaggieC@ woodstockil.info .
9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. each day | McHenry County College, Crystal Lake, IL Room A213
$285 includes catered lunches, demos, binder resources
Join us for this 2-day intensive workshop on the equipment and tools used in specialty crop production. We’ll cover everything from field preparation, planting, cultivating, and harvesting, with a focus on growing annual vegetables and flowers. The weekend will include extensive hands-on demonstrations (outside and in our high tunnels), sessions on wash-pack equipment, purchasing/renting considerations, and more.
REGISTER VIA THIS QR CODE http://mcc-link.me/OwcX50TzwAX
Scholarships available. Contact Sheri Doyel sdoyel@mchenry.edu for more information (815) 479-7618 Deadline to Register: Wednesday, November 6.
COURTESY PHOTO
SPECIAL OFFER
$50 Fall Dining Membership
Oct. 1 through Dec. 31, 2024
We personalize each event from start to finish, We offer customized menus with our Executive Chef. We provide memorable events for members and non-members alike.
Call or email for details
During February, March and April our food in Woodstock. Reservations
10310 Country Club Road, Woodstock
815.338.2191 wccclub@wccbv.com
Happenings
Woodstock Square
8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
woodstockfarmersmarket.org
Music: Nate Bjorn
16 WEDNESDAY
KARAOKE NIGHT
Woodstock Opera House
121 W. Van Buren St.
7 p.m. Free woodstockoperahouse.com
17 THURSDAY
CREATIVE LIVINGTHOMAS SWICK
Woodstock Opera House
121 W. Van Buren St.
10 a.m.
$27
woodstockoperahouse.com
SLC TRIVIA NIGHT - PUB TRIVIA USA
Stage Left Café
125 W. Van Buren St.
7 p.m.
woodstockoperahouse.com
18 FRIDAY
AUTUMN DRIVE
Rural Woodstock and Marengo
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Visit autumndrive.net for map and stop info.
JAZZ NIGHT
Stage Left Café
125 W. Van Buren St.
8 p.m.
woodstockoperahouse.com
19 SATURDAY
WOODSTOCK FARMERS MARKET
AUTUMN DRIVE
Rural Woodstock and Marengo
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Visit autumndrive.net for map and stop info.
THE PREMIERE ROBIN WILLIAMS TRIBUTE SHOW
Woodstock Opera House
121 W. Van Buren St.
7:30 p.m.
$35
woodstockoperahouse.com
STAGE LEFT SESSIONS
FEATURING NOAH JAMES HITTNER
Stage Left Café
125 W. Van Buren St.
8 p.m.
$10 in advance, $15 at the door woodstockoperahouse.com
20 SUNDAY
AUTUMN DRIVE
Rural Woodstock and Marengo
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Visit autumndrive.net for map and stop info.
CARE4 BREAST CANCER 5K
Woodstock North High School
3000 Raffel Road 10:30 a.m. hpclinic.org
WITCHES & WIZARDS OF WOODSTOCK
Woodstock Square Noon to 4 p.m.
witchesandwizardsevent.com
OPEN MIC STORYTELLING
Stage Left Café
125 W. Van Buren St.
2 to 4 p.m.
Hosted by Jim May
22 TUESDAY
D-200 BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
Woodstock High School
501 W. South
7 p.m.
23 WEDNESDAY
KARAOKE NIGHT
Woodstock Opera House
121 W. Van Buren St.
7 p.m.
Free woodstockoperahouse.com
24 THURSDAY
SLC TRIVIA NIGHT - PUB TRIVIA USA
Stage Left Café
125 W. Van Buren St.
7 p.m.
woodstockoperahouse.com
25 FRIDAY
SLC - ORIGINAL OPEN MIC
Stage Left Café
125 W. Van Buren St.
7 p.m.
To sign up, email: keith@offsquaremusic.org
JOE DIAMOND: HALLOWEEN AT THE OPERA HOUSE
Woodstock Opera House
121 W. Van Buren St.
7:30 p.m.
To submit calendar items, email
$40 A seating; $30 B seating; VIP tour tickets, $105 woodstockoperahouse.com
26 SATURDAY
WOODSTOCK FARMERS MARKET
Woodstock Square
8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
woodstockfarmersmarket.org
Music: Owl Creek
‘THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW’
Woodstock Opera House
121 W. Van Buren St.
7 and 10 p.m.
$15
woodstockoperahouse.com
STAGE LEFTOVERS
Stage Left Café
125 W. Van Buren St.
7 p.m.
$12 in advance, $17 at the door
27 SUNDAY
WITCHES & WIZARDS OF WOODSTOCK
Woodstock Square Noon to 4 p.m. witchesandwizardsevent.com
WOODSTOCK COMMUNITY CHOIR
Woodstock Opera House
121 W. Van Buren St.
3 p.m.
$7 woodstockcommunitychoir.org
Resurrection Catholic Church
‘THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW’
Woodstock Opera House
121 W. Van Buren St. 10 p.m.
$15
woodstockoperahouse.com
30 WEDNESDAY
KARAOKE NIGHT
Woodstock Opera House
121 W. Van Buren St. 7 p.m. Free woodstockoperahouse.com
31 THURSDAY
SLC TRIVIA NIGHT - PUB TRIVIA USA Stage Left Café
125 W. Van Buren St. 7 p.m.
woodstockoperahouse.com
JOE DIAMOND: PARANORMAL ADVENTURE AT THE OPERA HOUSE
Woodstock
1 FRIDAY
FLASHBACKS
35 years ago – 1989
■ Woodstock School District 200 teachers were debating whether the National Education Association or the American Federation of Teachers should represent them at the bargaining table.
■ The Woodstock High School girls cross-country team took first in the Fox Valley Conference, edging out McHenry High School by one point in the championship meet.
30 years ago – 1994
■ The District 200 Board of Education announced it would hold five public meetings to discuss the four options it was proposing for additional facilities.
■ The Woodstock City Council was considering an annexation fee of $500 per acre on residential property.
25 years ago – 1999
■ Marian Central Catholic High School golfer Gerry Molidor took first at the IHSA regional golf tournament with a 78.
■ WMCW, Stateline Radio, was purchased by WPW broadcasting.
20 years ago – 2004
■ Oktoberfest, sponsored by the Woodstock Jaycees and Stage Left Café, raised $8,000 to help cover medical expenses incurred when Joey Keefe received a kidney donation from his mother, Colleen Keefe.
15 years ago – 2009
■ Subscribers took their Independents to some wonderful vacation spots. Nancy McCoy and her husband, Mark, took their Independent scuba diving in Cozumel, Mexico, while celebrating their 22nd anniversary. Mark and Barb Bundick gave their Independent a trip to Yellowstone National Park. Bob and Judy Connor pulled out a copy of The Torch, a special Independent publication, in Door County, Wisconsin. Chris and John Larson and The
OCT. 12, 1994 – Officials gather to help confirm the start of construction for Comerica Bank’s 4,000-square-foot facility at 320 S. Eastwood Drive.
From left: Mark Strobe, executive vice president, Comerica Bank; Susan Capek, intern with the Woodstock Economic Development Corporation; Mary Roberts, manager of Comerica, Woodstock; Bill Dowling, manager of Comerica, Barrington; Curt Hockett, Woodstock Chamber executive director; and Tim Clifton, city manager.
Independent were photographed in front of the Blue Streak roller coaster at Cedar Point amusement park in Sandusky, Ohio.
■ WHS choral director Paul Rausch and 180 WHS choral students had recorded their third CD of holiday music. The recording session at The Sisters of St. Francis Church in Milwaukee lasted 12 hours. Rausch said the church “has great acoustics” similar to a European cathedral and “a wonderful organ.”
■ The village of Wonder Lake trustees voted 4-1 to create a Special Service Area taxing district to pay for the removal of 1 million cubic feet of sediment in Wonder Lake. Dick Hilton, president of the Master Property Owners Association, said he was pleased that after nearly 50 years of trying, it appeared the dredging of the lake would finally happen.
10 years ago – 2014
■ The Creekside Middle School girls cross-country team finished third in the Illinois Elementary School Association sectional in McHenry and became the first girls cross-country team from Woodstock to qualify for the IESA state meet. Members of the team were Sydnie Heidtke, Lucia Alcazar, Audrey Baker, Shannon Koscinski, Julie Walsdorf, Lauren Wietermann, Kylie Hagmann, and Celia Tafoya.
■ Woodstock Opera House Managing Director John Scharres added his creatively carved pumpkins to the attractions at Harvestfest 2014. Scharres wasn’t new to the art. He had been carving for more than 35 years and had invented a pumpkincarving tool picked up by Pumpkin Masters.
■ While collecting seeds at Glacial Park with the McHenry County
Conservation District, Kathleen Sexton came across a striking caterpillar. Not certain what it was, she photographed it and submitted the photo to a national database. In fact, the caterpillar was a Pandora sphinx, a species that hadn’t been documented since the 1950s.
5 years ago – 2019
■ In his annual State of the City address at a meeting sponsored by the Woodstock Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Mayor Brian Sager said the city of Woodstock was in a “very, very strong financial position” with a $35.9 million balanced budget for 2019-20 and a AA+ bond rating. He reported the office of Economic Development was tracking 116 business projects of new construction, relocation, or expansion.
■ Five Woodstock businesses were among 17 finalists for the 2019 Business Champion awards presented by the McHenry County Economic Development Corp. Among the six finalists for businesses with more than 100 employees were American Ad Bag and Associated Electrical Contractors. Among four finalists for companies with 24 or fewer employees were Fox Tool & Manufacturing, BTM Industries, and Ethereal Confections,
1 year ago – 2023
■ To address a growing interest in pickleball, the City Council committed $750,000 to rebuilding nine tennis courts in Emricson and Olson parks with striping to create four courts for tennis and 10 for pickleball.
■ In the second year of the program, Woodstock High School presented Distinguished Alumni Awards to Victoria Carr-Brendel, a medical device inventor and executive, and Rafael Castanada, a community volunteer and owner of Woodstock Dairy Queen.
■ WHS grad Keaton Andrews, having earned 21 merit badges, became Woodstock Troop 1329’s first female Eagle Scout.
INDEPENDENT FILE PHOTO BY DON PEASLEY
HARVARD MAIN LINE
PUBLIC NOTICES
PUBLIC NOTICE
ASSUMED NAME
Public Notice is hereby given that on SEPTEMBER 24 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 D20 CONSULTING located at 220 WASHINGTON ST. ALGONQUIN, IL 60102. Owner Name & Address: DERRICK HILL 220 WASHINGTON ST. ALGONQUIN, IL 60102.
Dated: SEPTEMBER 24, 2024
/s/ JOSEPH J. TIRIO (McHenry County Clerk)
(Published in The Woodstock Independent October 2, 2024, October 9, 2024, October 16, 2024)L11849
PUBLIC NOTICE
IN THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, CIRCUIT COURT MCHENRY COUNTY
PUBLICATION NOTICE OF COURT
DATE FOR REQUEST FOR NAME CHANGE (ADULT)
Request of BROCK ALLEN KEITH
Case No. 2024MR000192
There will be a court hearing on my Request to change my name from: BROCK ALLEN KEITH
To the new name of: BROCK ALLEN GIZOWSKI
The court date will be held on December 16, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. at 2200 N. Seminary Ave. Woodstock, McHenry County in Courtroom 201.
Dated at Woodstock, IL September 24, 2024
/s/ Brock Allen Keith
(Published in The Woodstock Independent October 9, 2024, October 16, 2024)L11850
PUBLIC NOTICE
ASSUMED NAME
Public Notice is hereby given that on SEPTEMBER 23 2024 An Assumed Name Business Certificate was filed in the Office of the County Clerk in McHenry County, IL under the following business name and address, and setting forth the names and addresses of all persons owning, conducting and transacting business known as GOLD HEDGEHOG TRINKETS located at 6700 SAVANNA LANE LAKEWOOD, IL 60014. Owner Name & Address: BRIA LANGWORTHY 6700 SAVANNA LANE LAKEWOOD, IL 60014.
Dated: SEPTEMBER 23, 2024 /s/ JOSEPH J. TIRIO (McHenry County Clerk)
(Published in The Woodstock Independent October 2, 2024, October 9, 2024, October 16, 2024)L11851
PUBLIC NOTICE
STATE OF ILLINOIS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE TWENTY-SECOND
JUDICIAL CIRCUIT MCHENRY
COUNTY, ILLINOIS-IN PROBATE
Case No. 2024PR000208
In the Matter of the Estate of DENNIS P. FRENCH
Deceased
CLAIM NOTICE
Notice is given of the death of DENNIS P. FRENCH
Of: CRYSTAL LAKE, IL
Letters of office were issued on: 9/25/2024
To Representative:
ELIZABETH FRENCH
9417 S. 47TH PLACE
PHOENIX, AZ 85044
whose attorney is: MCARDLE, STEVEN J. LAW OFFICE OF 75 E. CRYSTAL LAKE AVE. CRYSTAL LAKE, IL 60014
Claims against the estate may be filed within six months from the date of the first publication. Any claim not filed within six months from the date of first publication or claims not filed within three months from the date of mailing or delivery of Notice to Creditor, whichever is later, shall be barred. Claims may be filed in the office of the Clerk of Circuit Court at the McHenry County Government Center, 2200 North Seminary Avenue, Woodstock, Illinois, 60098, or with the representative, or both. Copies of claims filed with the Clerk must be mailed or delivered to the representative and to his attorney within ten days after it has been filed.
/s/KATHERINE M KEEFE (Clerk of the Circuit Court)
(Published in The Woodstock Independent October 9, 2024, October 16, 2024)L11855
PUBLIC NOTICE
STATE OF ILLINOIS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE TWENTY-SECOND JUDICIAL CIRCUIT MCHENRY COUNTY, ILLINOIS-IN PROBATE Case No. 2024PR000260
In the Matter of the Estate of WAYNE C. BREDEHORST
Deceased
CLAIM NOTICE
Notice is given of the death of WAYNE C. BREDEHORST Of: HARVARD, IL
Letters of office were issued on: 9/23/2024
To Representative: PATRICIA A. BREDEHORST 6406 SCHULTZ RD. HARVARD, IL 60033 whose attorney is: WILBRANDT LEGAL 65 S. VIRGINIA ST. CRYSTAL LAKE, IL 60014
Claims against the estate may be filed within six months from the date of the first publication. Any claim not filed within six months from the date of first publication or claims not filed within three months from the date of mailing or delivery of Notice to Creditor, whichever is later, shall be barred.
Claims may be filed in the office of the Clerk of Circuit Court at the McHenry County Government Center, 2200 North Seminary Avenue, Woodstock, Illinois, 60098, or with the representative, or both. Copies of claims filed with the Clerk must be mailed or delivered to the representative and to his attorney within ten days after it has been filed.
/s/KATHERINE M KEEFE (Clerk of the Circuit Court)
(Published in The Woodstock Independent October 9, 2024, October 16, 2024)L11856
PUBLIC NOTICE
ASSUMED NAME
Public Notice is hereby given that on OCTOBER 3, 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 PIANO TRENDS MUSIC located at 35 BERKSHIRE DRIVE CRYSTAL LAKE, IL 60014. Owner Name & Address: TIMOTHY PAUL 5811 SPRINGS BLVD. CRYSTAL LAKE, IL 60012.
Dated: OCTOBER 3, 2024 /s/ JOSEPH J. TIRIO (McHenry County Clerk)
(Published in The Woodstock Independent October 9, 2024, October 16, 2024)L11857
PICTURE THIS
Tickets are now available for the McHenry County Historical Society’s Heritage Quilters Raffle Quilt, “Prairie Baskets.” The new handstitched quilt is a basket pattern which features red, pink, and white clocks. The basket was a staple item for pioneer women to carry eggs, fruit, vegetables, and it is featured prominently in quilting history. The raffle drawing will be held on November 6, 2024. Tickets are $5 each or six for $20 and can be purchased online at gothistory.org.
A group of unidentified children gather for a fall event on the Woodstock Square sponsored by the Woodstock Chamber of Commerce in 1968.
Woodstock High School No.1 singles tennis player, senior Amina Idris,had a great last week, taking first place at the Woodstock Invite, going a perfect 5-0. She also placed 3rd at the 30th annual Spirit of the Northwest tournament at Lake High School. After her win against Antioch this week, she improved her season record to 14-8.
Sports
COLLEGE REPORT
Peter Walsdorf runs career best at Gans Creek XC Course
The Gans Creek XC Course, which is University of Missouri’s home track, is not known to be an easy run. But, University of Kansas redshirt junior Peter Walsdorf, a Marian Central Catholic graduate and Woodstock resident, likes it just fine. Recently, the former all-state Hurricane runner finished with his career best 8,000-meter time on the course, dashing to the finish line in 23 minutes, 46.3 seconds. He was running unattached for the Jayhawks and took fourth in the open race at the Gans Creek Classic.
Not only was the time his best ever, it was by far his best ever. His previous career-best effort in that distance was 24:05. The 8,000 meters translates to 4.97 miles in U.S. traditional measurements.
While he was running in the open race and had no bearing on the team scoring in the varsity race in Columbia, Mo., his time was the top time of the day for the Jayhawks, and had he been in the varsity race, he would have been the top runner.
Ryan Jones (Marian Central Catholic) finished 120th of 339 runners at the Lewis University Crossover Classic, which was held on the crosscountry course in Romeoville. The University of Illinois-Springfield
runner finished the 8,000-meter race in 25:24.98.
The meet featured 12 teams ranked in the NCAA Division II. UIS took 17th of the 36 teams, finishing with 520 points. Colorado School of Mines, currently ranked third among NCAA Division II teams, finished first with 62 points.
Dan Chamness
The College Report
Charlie Baker (Woodstock) finished 170th at the Sodexo Grizzly XC Invitational, which was held at the Blue River Cross Country Venue and hosted by Franklin College. Baker, a Manchester University freshman, finished the 8,000-meter race in 28:51.36. Manchester took seventh with 193 points. Trine University won the 21-team meet with 83 points.
Alexander Wickersheim (Woodstock), a North Central College runner, finished 83rd at the BrissmanLundeen Invitational, which was hosted by Augustana College and held at the Saukie Golf Course in Rock Island. He ran a time of 29:29.6 for 8,000-meters. A total of 170 runners posted a finishing time. North Central, now ranked fourth in the country among NCAA Division III teams, took third with 76 points. Augustana won the meet with 49 points.
FOOTBALL
Jack Hayden (Marian Central Catholic) had eight tackles for Benedictine University in a 42-21 loss to Lakeland University. Of his tackles, six were solos. Overall, the Woodstock resident has helped Benedictine post a 3-2 record through
the first five games. They are 1-2 in the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference.
Sam Vidales (Woodstock), a Carroll University senior, had two carries for five yards as Carroll defeated Millikin University 49-14. Carroll is 2-2 overall and 1-2 in the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin.
Liam Mickle (Woodstock) has played sparingly for his new school, Aurora University. He has two carries for 12 yards in the first five games. Aurora is 4-1 overall and 3-0 in the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference.
John Herff (Marian Central Catholic), a Loras College football player, has two assisted tackles and two quarterback hurries this year. Loras is 0-5 overall and 0-3 in the American Rivers Conference.
Marlon Pomili (Marian Central Catholic), a Marian University football player, kicked off four times for 238 yards, an average of 59.0 yards per kickoff, in a 77-21 loss to Indiana Wesleyan University. At the time of the game, Marian was ranked 10th in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Poll. Indiana Wesleyan was ranked third in the same poll.
VOLLEYBALL
Brooke Amann (Woodstock North) has helped Tennessee Tech post a 15-3 mark thus far. The 6-foot-0 senior, a resident of Wonder Lake, has 50 digs, 33 kills, nine service aces, and four block assists. The Golden Eagles are 4-2 in the Ohio Valley Conference. They are currently fourth in the league. Lindenwood University (6-1), Southeast Missouri State University (4-1), and the University of Arkansas-Little Rock (5-2) are in first, second, and third in the
league thus far.
Ella Wicker (Woodstock) has 21 digs and seven service aces for Flagler College thus far. Flagler is 5-9 overall and 1-2 in the Peach Belt Conference.
Kylie Schulze (Woodstock North) has 12 assists, four digs, and two kills for Northern Illinois University’s volleyball team this year. NIU is 3-13 overall and 1-5 in the Mid-American Conference.
CROSS-COUNTRY
Anthony Carney (Marian Central Catholic), a Woodstock resident and University of Dubuque runner, finished 63rd at the NCAA Division III Pre-National Meet. It was hosted by Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology and held at LaVern Gibson Championship Cross Country Course in Terre Haute, Ind. Carney finished the 8,000-meter run in 25:38.89. A total of 405 runners posted times. He helped Dubuque take 20th of the 46 teams. They had 633 points.
Aidan Schleutermann (Woodstock) finished 42nd in the Roy Griak Invitational-Maroon Race. The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point athlete finished the 8,000-meter race in 27:12.5. The Wisconsin-Stevens Point Pointers took fourth among the 24 teams, scoring 160 points. Schleutermann was the fourth scoring runner for Wisconsin-Stevens Point. Northwest Missouri State University won the meet with 36 points. The outing was hosted by the University of Minnesota and held at the Les Bolstad Golf Course in Falcon Heights, Minn.
Dan Chamness writes The College Report for The Independent.
COURTESY PHOTO BY MISSY MINEAR
Peter Walsdorf runs cross-country unattached for the University of Kansas.
CROSSTOWN TENNIS ACTION
INDEPENDENT PHOTOS BY ANDREW ROUSEY
Senior Amina Idris, Woodstock High School’s No. 1 singles player, prepares to return the ball Oct. 2 during the crosstown tennis match.
Woodstock North senior Vanessa Smith serves as she and senior Teya Nieman (foreground,) team up during the crosstown match.
■ Oct. 10 - Marian (14-11) fell to Timothy Christian (21-2) 2-0 (15-25, 15-25).
■ Oct. 11 - Marian (15-11) defeated De La Salle (8-18-1) 2-1 (23-25, 25-18, 15-9).
Marian’s Stefan Stojich tries for a long score as time expires in the first half Oct. 10. The ’Canes defeated Marengo 5-1.
NN SCOREBOARD NN
Marian Central Catholic High School fullback Andrew Thielsen takes the ball deep into Aurora Christian territory Oct. 1. The ’Canes (2-5) fell to Aurora 34-27.
■ Oct. 11 - Marian (15-12) fell to Coal City (16-12) 2-1 (25-17, 19-25, 12-15).
■ Sept. 30 - Woodstock (5-7) lost to Johnsburg 4-3.
■ Oct. 2 - Woodstock (5-8) fell to Woodstock North 2-5.
■ Oct. 3 - Woodstock finished sixth at the Spirit of the Northwest Tournament.
■ Oct. 7 - Woodstock (5-9) fell to Antioch 4-3.
BOYS CROSS-COUNTRY
■ Oct. 11 - Woodstock finished 6th at the Lakes Sunset Invitational, scoring 161 points. Junior Ellery Shutt (14:51) won the Lakes Sunset Invitational with Senior Milo Mcleer (15:44) finishing 18th.
■ Oct. 12 - Woodstock North finished 10th at the Black Sail Invitational, scoring 283 points. Junior John Hugger (16:43) finished 24th. Freshman Geo Kopulos (16:58) finished 32nd
■ Oct. 12 - Marian freshman Oliver Ebel finished 42nd at the Black Sail Invitational.
GIRLS CROSS-COUNTRY
■ Oct. 11 - Woodstock finished 13th at the Lakes Sunset Invitational, scoring 286 points. Senior Lily Novelle (19:28) finished 43rd, with junior Sophie Sarabia (19:37) finishing 44th.
■Oct. 12 - Marian senior Gianna Stahl finished 69th at the Black Sail Invitational.
■ Oct. 12 - Woodstock North senior Maddie Mock (20:21) finished 19th at the Black Sail Invitational. Senior Meadow Dodge finished (21:36) 32nd at the Black Sail Invitational.
INDEPENDENT PHOTOS BY ANDREW ROUSEY
PAULIE'S ITALIAN BAKERY AND DELI
Puccia
This Apulian classic is made of pizza dough stuffed with meats and cheeses
Paninos
Italy is one of the great sandwich nations of the world the classic panino remains the most popular
Gelato Social
Everynoon-4pmMonday
10% off entire purchase (both Locations)
CROISSANT SANDWICHES
Sandwiches
Puccia
Paninos
L ampredotto
Italian Sub b
Chicken Parmesan
Meatball
Italian Beef
Calzones
Italian Style
Breakfast
Make your own Italian Sub Choose from our selection of meats and cheeses
L ampredotto
Classic Florentine sandwich of roasted cow stomach the city's quintessential street food
OPEN HOUSESATURDAYS 4-6pm “Free mini pastries” (both locations)
