Woodstock Independent 10/2/24

The Woodstock

I NDEPENDENT

WNHS celebrates homecoming with a win, 5-0 record

Park in the Square decisions postponed

Looking at 2025 as more time needed for public input and design

By Eileen Millard NEWS@THE WOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

Renovations and possible design changes for the Park in the Square have been put on hold until 2025, said Woodstock Executive Director of

Railfest set to return to the Square with fun for all ages

Fax: 815-338-8177 Thewoodstock independent.com

Operations Christina Betz. Although the planning process began in 2023, Betz said that more community input is needed before any hard decisions are made, especially on hot-button issues such as relocating any of the main features in the park

PICKING UP THE PIECES

(Bandstand, War Memorial, Spring House). Rearranging features is one of many suggestions made to date in order to use the park’s space differently, with more of a focus on a large entertainment space, large seating

A photo shows the devastation that resulted last October 9 after a gas explosion in the neighborhood of Lincoln Avenue and Tryon Street, across from St. Mary School. One home was destroyed in the explosion and one in the resulting fire. Twenty properties suffered damage, but no lives were lost.

Coming in next week’s issue of The Independent

By Susan W. Murray NEWS@THE WOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

In its Oct. 9 issue and for the three weeks following, The Woodstock Independent will recall the events of one year ago, when a contracted crew working on the sanitary sewer at Tryon Street and Lincoln Avenue hit a gas main with a root cutter.

Two hours after the resulting gas leak, the build-up of gas inside the home at 321 Lincoln Ave. triggered an explosion that leveled the home and sparked a devastating fire to the house next door and in several nearby garages. Ultimately, 20 propertieshomes, St. Mary Church and School, the Woodstock Public Library, and several businesses - suffered damage.

Despite several injuries and a painful recovery for those who lost nearly everything in the blast, miraculously, no lives were lost.

Read The Woodstock Independent to learn what residents, business owners, and emergency personnel have to say about the Oct. 9 catastrophe, its immediate effects, and how they are coping one year later.

COURTESY PHOTO

Where to send obituaries

You may email obituary information to pr@thewoodstockindependent.com, or mail to or drop it off at our office, 671 E. Calhoun St., Woodstock IL 60098. Obituaries are published online immediately and in the next print edition. For more information, call The Independent at 815-338-8040.

PUBLIC SAFETY LOG

Woodstock Police Department

■ Cesar A. Carreon, 27, transient, was arrested September 12 at N. Throop and Washington streets on charges of a city park violation. Cited and released. Court date October 10.

■ Colton M. Comingore. 29, Woodstock, was arrested September 15 at N. Benton St. on charges of disorderly conduct. Cited and released. Court date October 24.

■ Arthur P. Zimolag, 50, Hoffman Estates, was arrested September 16 at S. Eastwood Drive and McConnell Road on charges of failure to reduce speed to avoid and accident and 2 counts of driving under the influence. Released on notice to appear. Court date October 17.

■ Juvenile, 16, Woodstock, was arrested September 18 at Putnam and Forest avenues on charges of no valid drivers license and improper backing of vehicle on roadway. Released to guardian on notice to appear. Court

date October 24.

■ Jentry R. Moore, 30, Woodstock, was arrested September 18 at St. Johns Road on charges of driving under the influence/fleeing or attempting to elude police in motor vehicle, speeding 21-25 mph over, improper lane usage and disobeying a stop sign. Released on notice to appear. Court date October 24.

■ Shawn E. Devinger, 24, Woodstock, was arrested September 18 at S. Eastwood Drive on charges of 2 counts of driving under the influence, speeding, illegal possession/transport alcohol, operating an uninsured motor vehicle and diregarding a stop sign. Released on notice to appear. Court date October 24.

■ Aiden M. Ayares, 20, Crystal Lake, was arrested September 19 at Route 14 and Doty Road on charges of driving while license suspended, reckless driving and plate/permit display violation. Released on notice to appear.

IN BRIEF

Tree donations sought to deck the roundabout

The city of Woodstock announces its search for the perfect holiday tree to adorn the Madison and Lake Avenue roundabout this holiday season. They are reaching out to the community to help find a tree that will spread holiday cheer and become a centerpiece for all to enjoy.

Do you have a mature, coniferous evergreen (such as a fir, spruce, or pine) that’s roughly 25-30 feet and full of festive spirit? If so, the tree could be the displayed for the entire community to admire.

Benefits of making a tree donation include fostering community pride, recognition, and professional removal restoring the property to its original condition.

To submit a tree, fill out the Tree Donation Interest form from the website no later than Oct. 25. Once the form is submitted, finalists will be contacted to set up a site visit.

Visit WoodstockIL.gov/TreeDonation

McHenry Co. 22nd Judicial Circuit Awarded $1.6 Million

The 22nd Judicial Circuit of McHenry County is the receipt of a grant totaling

Court date October 24.

Charges are only accusations of crimes, and defendants are presumed innocent until proved guilty

Woodstock Fire/Rescue District

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

EMS calls for Sept 19 to 25: 64

Structure fire: 1

Extrication, rescue: 1

Electrical wiring/equipment problem: 2

Person in distress: 1

Animal problem or rescue: 1

Public service assistance: 14

Cover assignment, standby at fire station: 3

Wrong location, no emergency found: 1

System or detector malfunction: 4

Unintentional system/detector (no fire): 9

Total: 101

$1,640,615 from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). This grant, to be disbursed over the next four years, is for the purpose of implementing an Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) in McHenry County to support adults with serious mental illness (SMI) who meet state-specific criteria for AOT. AOT is also known as involuntary outpatient commitment.

The implementation of this program includes establishing a multi-disciplinary AOT program which includes the 22nd Judicial Circuit of McHenry County, the McHenry County State’s Attorney’s Office, the McHenry County Mental Health Board, community partners, and other entities, to support community-based treatment for adults, reduce psychiatric hospitalizations and incarcerations, and address homelessness. Implementation strategies encompass community education, stakeholder coordination, and the development of comprehensive policies and protocols to protect participants’ civil and privacy rights.

Key components of the program include extensive training for stakeholders, ongoing evaluation to monitor participant progress, and inclusion of individuals with experience in the planning and evaluation processes.

Hundreds of guests visited local farms Sept. 29 during the annual McHenry County Farm Stroll. Woodstock/Bull Valley stops included Soulful Prairies, Sun Berry Orchard, Bull Valley Farm Country Store and Cow Valley Creamery (above), Htch N’ Post Alpaca and LLama Farm, and Lazy K Ranch.

FALL DIDDLEY

A Hitch N’ Post alpaca chills while greeting visitors. A crowd watches Sky Epperson work with a mustang (below) at Souful Prairies.

INDEPENDENT PHOTOS BY ANDREW ROUSEY

2024 Marine Toys for Tots Campaign kicks off

The nationwide Marine Toys for Tots Christmas Campaign began October 1.

In 2023, TFT collectively distributed 25.5 million toys, books, and games to a record of over 10.3 million economically disadvantaged children throughout the year.

The McHenry County campaign distributed 19,190 toys to 6,291 children in McHenry County.

This year TFT partnered with Kids in Need of McHenry County Children and Family Resources, as well as other stakeholders within the foster care community, to create foster care awareness in McHenry County. Back to school efforts in August provided more than 380 backpacks, 351 blankets and personal hygiene items, 1,790 school supplies, and more than 700 toys. They also collected approximately 1,100 new clothing and personal hygiene items from friends at residents of Sun City Huntley, McHenry VFW, The Dole, and Woodstock Library.

TFT also provided more than 400 stuffed animal and toys to CASA of McHenry County.

To help children in need in McHenry County, drop off new and unwrapped toys at the collection box venues listed on the McHenry County Marine TFT website during mid-October. Toy registration information will also be posted on the website for families in need wishing to request a toy.

Each year toy donations for children ages zero to two years old, and 10-yearolds and above always fall short of the toys needed. Consider giving toys for these age groups. Monetary donations can also be made on the McHenry County Marine TFT website. By making the donation at the McHenry County TFT website the money stays local.

Learn more or donate at https:// McHenry-County-il.toysfortots.org/

Feedback leads to three-toter option

City hosts meetings on garbage contract changes, addresses feedback

By Eileen Millard NEWS@THE WOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

The city held two meetings last week to go over upcoming changes in garbage collection for Woodstock residents and to address resident feedback and questions.

Contract negotiations are ongoing between the city and MDC, the city’s current waste-hauling provider. As of July 1, 2025, all residents of properties with four units or fewer will be switched over to a rolling toter system. Garbage bags with stickers will no longer be picked up.

Per city staff, the changes are necessary because MDC is switching over to an all-toter collection system where garbage trucks use a mechanical arm to pick up and dump toters. City staff stated that no other area waste service providers offer a pay-per-bag system due to industry changes.

The September 24 meeting was in person in the City Council chamber, and a September 25 meeting was streamed live via Zoom from a City Hall office, with attendees being able to ask questions in real time.

Questions asked at meetings

“Tiered” pricing systems came up often. One suggestion was for 95-gallon toter homes to pay more than 35-gallon toter homes. Another was to have a different colored container made available for fewer pickups per month at a discounted rate. Another attendee asked if neighbors could form a garbage collective, pooling several homes’ garbage into one large container for a discount. None of the options would work, city staff said, because adding more collection/billing methods results in higher operating costs for the provider, which can eventually result in a higher rate for all garbage services down the line.

Three types of garbage toters will be used after the city’s waste hauler contract is approved. As of July 1, 2025, all city garbage must be in totes like these, with no option for bags and stickers.

(RFID) chip option was also suggested. This system uses a chip implanted in the garbage toter that can be tracked as to how many loads are collected each month. Stelford said that while these chips work well in warmer climates, MDC said that this technology often fails to function in cold, snowy, icy climates, eliminating it as an option for Woodstock.

The two meetings included presentations laying out how the new system will work – what will change and what will remain the same:

Current options that will continue

• $3.38 stickers for yard waste bags will still be available, no cost increase

• One free bulk item per week still available

• Billing through water & sewer bill

• Curbside Fall leaf collection service still performed by the city at no cost to residents

New options added

• A 35-gallon garbage toter choice will be available for residents who would have trouble managing the larger 95-gallon toter.

• Vacation hold, up to three months a year, one-month minimum

garbage only, at a resident’s request, replaces the 95-gallon toter )

37.5” Tall

18.5” Wide

24.1” Deep

Note: there will be a limited number of 35-gallon garbage toters available, due to operational issues that the smaller toters present.

95-gallon toter (default option, garbage only)

43.5” Tall

29.2” Wide

33.3” Deep

New 65-gallon recycling toter option

The only new toter size for recycling will be a 65-gallon toter:

41.2” Tall

26” Wide

27.8” Deep

Note: residents with existing 35-gallon recycling toters or other types of open, non-wheeled recycling tubs can continue to use them. Stelford said the city encourages residents to use the 65-gallon recycling toter due to operational issues that smaller toters present.

New monthly pricing structure

• 15% toter cost reduction for residents from current $27.65 to $23.50/ month

• 43.9% toter cost reduction for seniors, from current $27.65 to $15.50/ month

• Garbage bag program: $3.38/bag sticker fee goes to $5/bag as of January 1, 2025, through July 1, 2025. At that time, the pay-per-bag option will be eliminated.

• No charge for initial toter rollout program, but residents asking to change toter sizes in the future may have a fee (except for new homeowners).

Contact Jill: 815-701-9258 Jill@thewoodstockindependent. com

Another attendee asked if residents could simply choose to opt out of garbage collection services and fees. But since Woodstock has no garbage drop-off facility, all residences have to remain in the pickup system as there are no other means for residents to get rid of garbage, said Woodstock City Manager Roscoe Stelford.

A Radio Frequency Identification

• Yearly subscription to yard waste program available for $225 per year

• Extra 65-gallon recycling toters can be rented for $5 per month

Garbage Toter options and sizes

All toters will be provided by MDC at no charge and delivered to residents. Available options are:

• 35-gallon toter (optional, for

The city will communicate new procedures well in advance of the July 1, 2025, changeover date, Stelford said, so residents can indicate the toters they need and be made aware of the dates for pickup/drop off dates.

The new contract proposal is for 10 years, with an annual Consumer Price Index adjustment review each year in January. It will go to the City Council for a vote at the October 15 meeting.

INDEPENDETNT PHOTO BY EILEEN MILLARD

ONE-STOP SHOP

PARKS

Continued from Page 1

areas, and weddings in the park.

Too many big projects in 2024

Major city projects in 2024, including the Opera House renovation and the Parks Master Plan, have taken up staff time to the extent that planning for the Park in the Square has been delayed, Betz said.

The decision to postpone resulted in losing part of an Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity grant that funded the Opera House renovation this year. Since work had to be completed by the end of 2024, the Park in the Square funding amount was taken off the grant request. When it comes time for funding the work in 2025, Betz said applying for grants will again be considered. The funding itself will be part of the 2025 Capital Improvement Plan prioritizing process, which starts late in 2024 and continues into 2025.

Parks Master Plan inclusion

Although the work has been postponed, info about the Park in the

Square was added to the Parks Master Plan, coming up for City Council approval at the October 15 meeting. Betz said, “We included the concept designs in Appendix H of the Parks Master Plan and added a disclaimer, which states, ‘These designs were created in advance of public input and the staff/team concluded that this process requires more upfront community input and we are including these solely for historical record and reference”.

Betz added, “It is our intention to revisit these Park In The Square design concepts as part of an update to our Downtown Development Plan.”

Public Input

Betz said public input in 2025 will most likely include in-person meetings, with other options such as online surveys or Zoom meetings also a possibility.

“It’s going to be a much slower process, beginning with public input upfront,” Betz said. “I envision a concept plan … (which) will be put back through focus groups. We need to dig in, with public workshops, then take it to council and possibly a commission.” Commissions could include the Historic Preservation Commission and

Early voting has begun at the new McHenry County Election Center at 410 S. Eastwood Drive in Woodstock. Voting hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday (closed on October 14, 2024, for Columbus Day).

As Election Day, Tuesday, November 5, gets closer, the Election Center will add some weekend hours, and local polling places will start to be open for early voting. See the link below for individual polling place dates and hours.

The new Election Center is ADA-compliant and is a universal voting center. This means that all McHenry County residents will have the option of voting at the election center or going to their local polling place. To find dates and times for all early voting sites, go to www. mchenrycountyil.gov, click on the “Voting” tab, go to the sidebar, and under “Elections,” scroll down to “Voter Information,” then to “Early Voting Schedule and Locations.”

INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY ANDREW ROUSEY

Historic features in the Park in the Square, like the war memorial, bandstand and Spring House, could still potentially be discussed for a change in location.

the Parks and Recreation Commission.

Betz said that currently, city staff was leaning toward leaving the Springhouse and War Memorial where they are while being more open to relocating the Bandstand. But all such decisions, she stressed, will depend upon multiple sources for input.

IN BRIEF

Sheriff’s office to host Trunk or Treat Open House, Oct. 26

The McHenry County Sheriff’s Office will be hosting Trunk or Treat Open House from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26, at 2200 N. Seminary Ave., Woodstock. The Halloween-themed event will give the community the opportunity to see firsthand the day-to-day operations of the sheriff’s office while meeting many of the staff members. Children are encouraged to wear their costumes and visit each division to trick-or-treat.

Event opportunities include: a department tour, a display of police service vehicles, child fingerprinting IDs, motorcycle demonstration, corrections facility demonstration, a K9 demonstration, candy, and Halloween games

Everyone entering the building for the will go through a security checkpoint. Items that are not permitted in the courthouse include: foods, liquids, flammable items, sharp objects, knives, weapons, or anything that may be viewed as a weapon. Be cognizant of any costumes and refrain from bringing toy weapons. Additional information can be found on social media here: https://bit.ly/4gDHqt3

CXOURTESY PHOTO

Woodstock, IL • 1987

Here comes the sun - really!

Don’t be too concerned if you are confused about whether a solar farm is finally going to be built on about 7.4 acres of a 12-acre tract at the northwest corner of U.S. 14 and Lily Pond Road, on the far east side of Woodstock.

You could have easily been lost in the many twists and turns the project has taken in the six years since it was proposed and the City Council first approved it.

Much has changed since 2018, when the proposal first came before the council. The developer originally was Borrego Solar, which later became New Leaf Energy, and now is Generate Capital. The council membership also has changed as three city elections have put four new members on the seven-member body. Some of the newcomers aren’t as enamored with the project as their predecessors were.

And the council members have been conflicted about the project after the original unanimous 6-0 vote to approve a special use zoning permit required to build a solar farm in Woodstock. Most votes since then have seen a divided council.

Their concerns have included long-term maintenance of the site, the appearance at the main eastern gateway to our city, and the process and costs of decommissioning the facility in 25 or 30 years, the lifespan of the technology.

» YOUR VIEW

Woodstock resident desires local posh upscale venues

When I want to do anything I go elsewhere.

While staring at the shuttered businesses along 47, I reminded myself we need more posh upscale venues in Woodstock. There was a poll to

The project appeared to have been killed twice in the past year, the first time last fall when the council voted 4-3 to deny a third extension of the original zoning permit.

“We’ve been screwing around with this for some time,” Mayor Mike Turner noted at the time. “Maybe it’s just time to move on.”

Then again this past July, the council voted 5-2 to establish a setback of 1,250 feet of any solar farm from an arterial road, such as U.S.

gauge interest in determining what kind of entertainment we want. I indicated an interest in upscale fine dining establishments. Whenever I want to do something that is geared towards a younger demographic that doesn’t involve drinking, I head to Crystal Lake or Algonquin. I tell those who visit me that I know a great place, but it’s a bit of a drive.

14, a condition the proposal could not meet because of the site size.

But anything done can be undone, as the council demonstrated last month by voting 4-2 to approve a zoning permit and to waive the setback requirement for this project.

In an editorial last year, we noted that clean energy systems like solar power are the future but suggested that perhaps the Lily Pond Road site was the wrong place proposed at the wrong time. As it turns out,

Algonquin is rapidly expanding with breakfast experiences with flair like Syrup, a new Coopers Hawk, and even new experimental businesses like Pickle Haus. However, they are about 40 minutes round trip. Like I said, a bit of a drive. We need these kinds of businesses. We need to move away from quaint breakfast diners and bars and towards those that cater to an experience.

the site and the timing were not the issues in winning the City Council’s approval.

The developer just needed time to come up with an offer the City Council could not refuse. The latest offer negotiated by the developer and city staff includes:

• Heavy landscaping and a black vinyl fence around the seven-acre installation, with six-foot trees planted around the outside and native pollinator species all around, all of which will provide a visual barrier to passing traffic

• Penalties for lack of landscape maintenance

• 20-year lease limit, so the city might use the land for other development opportunities; the city would also have sole authority to approve up to five, three-year lease extensions

• $100,000 contribution for community improvement

• An additional annual payment to the city for 10 years, equal to 25 percent of the year’s property tax bill

• Opportunity for Woodstock residents to save 10 percent on electric bills for subscribing to the farm as electricity provider

• A $1,500 annual scholarship, for 10 years, for local students studying energy-related fields

• Installation of a Welcome to Woodstock sign at the intersection After six years, a real ray of sunshine.

Yes, you are already pointing to the coming Village Squire, Duke’s Inferno, and word of a supposed steakhouse in the new hotel, but I want more variety. I haven’t mentioned that I’ve been avoiding the Square after dark as I have not felt safe after being accosted by unscrupulous characters.

We need to focus our attention on

Continued on Next page

EDITORIAL CARTOON BY CHIP HUMBERTSON

becoming the next up and coming city. I believe these businesses will arrive when the extensive roundabouts are finished and the shuttered businesses are torn down.

Therefore, let’s get started. Let’s look towards future opportunities. Ben

Farraher Woodstock

Woodstock suffers from ongoing brand confusion

Woodstock once considered a Rt. 47 bypass to relieve congestion and preserve natural setting. Woodstock never being a serious destination, but rather an impediment to Rt. 14 or I-90 access.Then came the Sager/ Turner administrations, the ever lusting “home rule” status, a 4-lane expansion for Route 47, and a significant change in demographic profile. All questionable benefits. Home rule fostered the absurd bag tax, discouraging retail sales. Once the tax was imposed, Mayor Turner created overpaid positions with ridiculous, word salad titles to supposedly enhance commercial development and create a “Woodstock Brand”. A “Brand” that must ironically portray a low to moderate rental community(40 percent rentals) obsessed with havens for homeless transients, LGBTQIA deviants, and rental projects teeming with Section 8 subsidies.

Mayor Sager’s staff once aligned with McHenry County, to solicit transients, while converting the old firehouse, next to Woodstock’s town square, into a grooming and caring facility. This plan produced many transients, panhandling retail patrons and tourists in the center of Woodstock’s “Brand”. When asked about a vagrancy ordinance, city officials were perplexed.

Mayor Turner proclaims “Woodstock supports a haven for LGBTQIA types,” when 95% of the population disagrees with deviant life styles. Apparently Mayor Turner missed the market failures of Budweiser and Target Stores. Folks don’t want pictures of drag queens on their beer

cans any more than they want their children cross dressing. The mayor apparently also missed the threat of HIV, AIDS, Eboli and Mpox. Abhorrent consequences derived from abnormal-deviant behavior. When fellow veteran, Stephen McKenzie, publicly questioned the “haven proclamation,” he was interrupted and derided by the mayor and his gay pride gallery.

It is equally absurd to expect upscale development from “Brand” portrayal. While “Bob’s Motel” and greasy spoons define the Woodstock experience, local rental, welfare recipient, transient, and LGBTQIA presence, discourage tourism and upscale investment. Five star restaurants and hotels do not accept SNAPcards, avoid deviant appearance, and cannot be supported by fringe rental populations. Historically upgrade establishments fail in Woodstock.

While mayoral priorities stress photo ops with deviant minorities and a February pose with a rodent, misguided agenda continues to discount self sufficient, home owning, tax paying normal families.Mayoral strategies desire “Brand” respect and acceptance while exhibiting abnormal-deviant culture. A conflict designed by career politicians seeking multiple public sector pensions.

David Cook Woodstock, IL

A response: It’s

important to fact-check both sides

“Facts are stubborn things,” - John Adams, 1770

I agree 100 percent with guest columnist Paul Lockwood [Sept. 18 issue] that fact-checking is crucial in vetting the candidates running in the 2024 presidential election. But, who’s doing the fact-checking? Ah, therein lies the rub.

The left-leaning, liberal mainstream media would have you believe that during the presidential debate on Sept. 10, Harris was the truth-teller in most of her talking points, while Trump made false claims repeatedly. Lockwood pointed out that the CNN fact-checkers took

Trump to task on 33 false claims vs. a mere one for Harris. However, investigations by [conservative outlets]The Federalist, New York Post, and the Washington Examiner reveal at least 25 or more false claims by Harris, and dispute many of the claims she made against Trump. During the debate, Trump was interrupted five times by real-time socalled “fact-checkers” who sought to discredit him, while Harris was interrupted not once. That alone should raise an alarm.

On abortion, Harris said, “Nowhere in America is a woman carrying a pregnancy to term and asking for an abortion.” In fact, seven states have no gestational limits on abortion.

On tax cuts, Harris said Trump’s 2017 tax cuts while serving as president favored the wealthy. IRS data, in fact, show that middle-income families benefited the most, not the top percent.

On Trump’s foreign policy, Harris said he was “weak and wrong on national security and foreign policy. Under Trump, the border was secure. In 2020, his administration helped facilitate the Abraham Accords, a peace treaty between Israel, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain. In contrast, during the Biden-Harris administration, Russia started a war with Ukraine; Hamas, a proxy of Iran, launched a brutal attack on Israel; and China is fast becoming a global threat.

On crime, Trump was right on. Three days after the debate, the Department of Justice published a report showing violent crime has increased during the Biden-Harris administration. The administration policy has resulted in millions of undocumented people flooding our country from 169 other countries.

With so much at stake in this presidential election, we cannot afford to be lazy consumers of news media. Drill down and research the facts for yourself. Be a responsible and enlightened voter. After all, facts are stubborn things.

Sarah Aldridge Woodstock

This letter has been edited for length.

Email letters to the editor to news@thewoodstockindependent.com or mail them or drop them off at 671 E. Calhoun St., Woodstock IL 60098. Letters , up to 400 words allowed, must be signed and include the writer’s address and phone number, for verification only.

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CORRESPONDENTS

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CARE 4

OCTOBER 20, 2024

Woodstock North High School Register

Devynn Schulze

Devynn Schulze, a senior at Woodstock North High School, is the daughter of Eric and Katie Schulze.

Her teachers said, “Devynn is thoughtful, reflective, and dedicated to doing her best. She cares about the craft of her writing. Even in past years, she has always been a leader in the classroom, asking great questions and helping other students along the way.”

Devynn is the National Honor Society president, Spanish National Honor Society co-historiadora, has played varsity volleyball for four years, and is the yearbook sports editor. She is a member of Real Teal, Link Crew, Best Buddies, Educators Rising, and S.A.D.D.

Outside of school, Devynn participates in Antioch Traveling Closet donation drives and plays club volleyball at VC United.

D-200 school board approves budget

Construction debt reduced to $91.2M

By Caryl Dierksen NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

The Woodstock School District 200 Board of Education unanimously approved the budget for the 2024-2025 school year at its Sept. 24 meeting.

The budget includes $121.7 million in revenue and $138.5 million in expenditures. The difference between revenue and expenditures comes from the board’s decision to use $13.3 million in reserve funds to partially pay down the construction debt resulting from the 2006 referendum that financed the construction of Prairiewood Elementary, Creekside Middle and Woodstock North High schools.

With this payment, the debt will be reduced from $112.9 million to $91.2 million. Superintendent Mike Moan also stated that this is the

WILDCAT WAY-TO-GO

first of two large payments the district is planning to make toward the debt.

Moan added, “The Board of Education has done a tremendous job helping us make huge strides toward reducing our construction debt. That would not have been possible without long-term planning and wise financial stewardship. Meanwhile, we’ve never sacrificed providing a high-quality education or making sure we stay competitive in retaining and hiring teachers who make that education possible.”

D-200 chief financial officer Julie Dillon said that the budget has a positive combined fund balance in all of the district’s operating funds, which include the educational, operations and maintenance, transportation, social security, and

See SCHOOL BOARD Page 10

The D-200 Staff Spotlight shines on Mary Endres Elementary School physical education teacher Steve Ryan and associate Ana Carreno. They were recognized by the school board after being nominated by their principal, Christi Ruiz. Several Mary Endres students also spoke in their honor. Pictured, from left, are: Ava Richer, Olive Newman, Steve Ryan, Emma Elizarraaraz-Urbina, Ana Carreno, Dalia Villagomez, Christi Ruiz, and Lily Hendon.

DISTRICT 200 PHOTO

Lisa Bruce, equine therapist at Soulful Prairies, leads Woodstock North High School students through a vibration meditation session on Thursday, Sept. 19. North physical education teacher Cindy Ridley brought her yoga class to Soulful Prairies through a grant provided by the Woodstock D200 Education Foundation.

DISTRICT 200 PHOTO

DISTRICT 200 PHOTO

Westwood Elementary School Staff surprised Principal Ryan Hart before school on the morning of Aug. 30 to celebrate his completion of the doctoral certificate program at Aurora University.

HORSE YOGA

SCHOOL BOARD

working cash funds.

Revenue from local sources, including property taxes, interest earnings, and fees, accounts for 66 percent, or $80.2 million of the budget, Dillon said. State and federal sources make up the rest. This year’s revenue has increased 3.27 percent over last year.

In the expenditures column, more than 67 percent of the budget goes toward employee salaries and benefits, with the remaining funds covering other expenses that support the district’s educational expenses.

Public comment on the budget

State law requires that the board hold a public hearing before approving the budget. Therefore, the meeting began with this hearing to offer members of the public, school staff, and school board members the opportunity to ask questions or make comments. No one did so.

Later in the meeting, but before the board voted on the budget,

D-200 parent Johnathan Moore asked to speak. He expressed concern over the amount of his property tax bill, saying he was “on the verge of being taxed out of the community.” He questioned whether the district needs its current number of administrative positions, such as both a director and an assistant director of buildings and grounds. He also referred to “the amenities of the Rolls Royce of Creekside Middle School.”

Board president Carl Gilmore replied, in part, that the district has not raised its tax levy rate in nearly ten years. However, property tax bills have kept going up because of increases in the assessed valuation of homes. Moan praised the board for being “incredibly responsible” about keeping their tax rates flat for nearly a decade.

District 200’s complete budget is available at http://www.woodstockschools.org/departments/ finance-business-services under the tab labeled “Budget & Reports.”

The board’s next regularly scheduled meeting will be at 7 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 1, in the Woodstock High School Learning Resources Center.

United States Postal Service Statement of Ownership, Management and Circulation

Publication Title: The Woodstock Independent; Publication No. 001287; Filing Date: Oct. 1, 2024; Issue Frequency: Weekly;

Number of Issues Published Annually: 52; Annual Subscription Rate: $80, $82, $95; Complete Mailing Address of Known Office of Publication: 671 E. Calhoun St., Woodstock, IL 60098; Complete Mailing Address of Headquarters of Business Office of Publisher: 671 E. Calhoun St., Woodstock, IL 60098; Full Names and Complete Mailing Addresses of Publisher, Editor and Managing Editor: Publisher Rebecca McDaniel, 671 E. Calhoun St., Woodstock, IL 60098; Owners: Inde Enterprises Inc., 671 E. Calhoun St., Woodstock, IL 60098; Rebecca McDaniel, 671 E. Calhoun St., Woodstock,

Lough, 671 E. Calhoun St., Woodstock, IL 60098.

Known bondholders, mortgages, and other security holders owning or

mortgages or other security: None Issue Date for Circulation Data Below: Sept. 25, 2024.

MARIAN ROYALTY

Marian Central High School students Brady Keeshawn and Nina Notaro were crowned homecoming king and queen Sept. 28 during the school’s homecoming festivities.

A & E

Model trains similar to this permanent layout at MD Trains will take over the Square 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 13, when Railfest returns for a fifth year in Woodstock.

Railfest to showcase local businesses

Annual

By Tricia Carzoli NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

What started as a way to bring a little steam to the community through window train displays during the pandemic, turned into an annual event with more interaction, participation, and community involvement each year, MD Train owner Matt Drennan said.

Railfest brings train enthusiasts, hobbyists, and community members to the Square on a fall weekend with a railroad twist – much to the delight of children and adults alike.

Nearly 20 local businesses will be offering space within their stores for model trains to be set up, making it a truly community-oriented event.

“We really want this to be an opportunity for Woodstock to show off the many incredible local businesses here,” Drennan said. “We want to showcase trains and collectors, clubs and organizations, vendors and hobbyists, and the many businesses that have so much to offer. We hope that this not only promotes the railroad hobby, but also draws people in to see what is in the stores.”

model train event is rolling into town Oct. 12 and 13

New locations this year

While several stores have participated in the event for many years, there are some newcomers to the weekend event – including J & G Pastries, Paulie’s Italian Bakery and Deli, Mobcraft, and The Old Courthouse Center.

“This is the first time we will have a train in the Old Courthouse Center,” Drennan said. “The Chamber will have a train. We are very excited about that.”

All three floors of the Woodstock Mall will be participating, with the entire first floor being devoted to the Vendor Mart where there will be railroad parts, trains, accessories, and more available for purchase.

Some locals will be displaying their trains as well.

“There will be club and privately owned trains both on the square and off the Square,” Drennan said. “The Illinois Railway Museum will have a booth in the Woodstock Mall along with the Chicago Northwestern Historical Society, which created the tracks that run through Woodstock, as well as Fox Valley Trolley Museum in Ethereal. There will be a

large variety of [different types of ] train sets on displays, too – both on and off the Square.”

Unique sets and scales

This year marks the second time Charlie Banks’ fully LEGO , L-Gauge railroad will be set up. It will be housed at My Little Bo Peeps Shop.

“That is unique,” Drennan said. “People like to see that one. LEGO is the only company that makes L-Gauge.”

It also marks the second time that Graham Hodgson will be running his Standard Gauge Pre-War railroad which will be set up in Paulie’s Italian Bakery and Deli.

“You don’t get to see an authentic 1920’s railroad, too often,” Drennan said. “So that is really special.”

Jim Zambons’ vintage O Gauge railroad will be running in Home State Bank. Drennan said the display will draw people to the, “vintage plastic village with kitsch colors and authentic look.”

Max and Jennifer Wilson along with their son Steward once again will display their homebuilt N Scale railroad in Cessaroni’s.

Mobcraft will host a G-Gauge

setup on its patio, and Read Between the Lynes will be hosting author Sally Cissna, who will bring her personal model railroad as well.

“There are so many more locations – I hope everyone checks them all out,” Drennan said. “Our railroad exhibitors are excited to share the excitement and joy of this hobby. They are happy to educate and talk about their displays.”

Railfest encourages interaction between novice and experienced hobbyists and brings together the knowledgeable and the curious Railroad enthusiasts preserve history, combine their love of railroad and their love of creativity, and learn more about locomotives through their hobby. Drennan said most collect and display because they have a desire to share their passion with others.

Shopping ops

Vendors will also be on hand for anything and everything railroad related.

Railfest will run Saturday and Sunday October 12 and 13, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, rain or shine.

INDEPENDENT FILE PHOTO BY TRICIA CARZOLI

Business

REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

Transactions filed in the McHenry County Recorder’s Office Aug. 6 to 8.

■ Residence at 551 Leah Lane, Unit 3B, Woodstock, was sold by Cup19 LLC, Arlington Heights, to Helen Soderberg, Woodstock, for $123,000.

■ Residence at 522 S. Dean St., Woodstock, was sold by Steven E. Aavang, Woodstock, to B & R Capital Investments LLC, Maple Park, for $200,000.

■ Residence at 2005 Serenity Lane, Woodstock, was sold by Brian Pilgard, Woodstock, to Uriel Orozco, Woodstock, for $389,900.

■ Vacant land on Lincoln Ave., Woodstock, was sold by Emery L. Langmar, Woodstock, to Monica E. Diaz, Woodstock, for $10,000.

■ Residence at 338 Dacy St., Woodstock, was sold by The Eslick Family Trust, Nekoosa, Wis., to Mathew R. Fisher, Woodstock, for $330,000.

■ Residence at 13608 IL Route 176, Woodstock, was sold by Casey D. Groenland, Paducah, Ky., to Amir Hamza, Woodstock, for $540,000.

■ Residence at 1406 Oakleaf Lane, Woodstock, was sold by The Ibanez Family Declaration of Trust, Woodstock, to The Cervantes Family Trust, Woodstock, for $122,500.

■ Residence at 329 Lake Ave., Woodstock, was sold by 329 Lake LLC, Woodstock, to Lake Ave. LLC, Algonquin, for $105,000.

■ Residence at 168 Terry Court, Woodstock, was sold by Anthony W. Rakittke, Woodstock, to Alfonso Alvarez and Joanna Tellez-Ortiz, Woodstock, for $245,000.

‘I

have always loved feeding people’

By Tricia Carzoli NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

Local entrepreneur Jen Cheski has been offering artisan breads out of her home throughout the summer – and now offers online ordering.

Owner of Worth Her Salt Sourdough, Cheske has always had passion for the food industry. She studied at the Cooking and Hospitality Institute of Chicago, worked in catering, production, owned her own personal chef business, became an elementary school teacher, opened a micro bakery, and now has decided to make Woodstock home and embark on

a new adventure – her sourdough business.

Worth Her Salt Sourdough has been offering artisan sourdough bread throughout the summer at Cheski’s green popup booth on Dean Street on selected Saturday mornings.

“I’ve always loved feeding people,” Cheski said. “I love to nourish people and nurture people.”

Her new business does just that.

“I loved cooking,” she said, “but I thought I lacked the patience for baking.”

As it turned out, patience is exactly what she had.

Finding a new passion

In 2015 Cheski began to dabble in sourdough while on a glutenfree diet during her own health journey.

“I had started baking and posting photos on Facebook,” Cheski said, “and friends began asking if they could purchase my bread.”

After thinking about it, she started a micro bakery in 2019 where she made anything sourdough – until the pandemic hit. Her micro bakery closed … until now.

This year, she once again felt the calling to open a business and Worth Her Salt Sourdough was born.

INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY TRICIA CARZOLI

Jen Cheski, owner of Worth Her Salt Sourdough, shows off her signature multigrain loaf.

With her culinary background, Cheski knew the protocols.

“Food safety is important,” she explained. “I had other food businesses, so I knew how to go about getting certifications in order.”

Cottage licensing

Cheski’s Worth Her Salt Sourdough is certified as a cottage food operation through the State of Illinois and McHenry County and is registered through the city of Woodstock as a home-based business.

McHenry County cottage food laws allow a person who produces or packages food or drink, other than prohibited items, to prepare them in a home kitchen or another, “appropriately designed and equipped kitchen on a farm for direct sale by the owner, a family member, or employee.”

In Illinois, the cottage food law is designed to help small businesses succeed by allowing owners to make low-risk food items in their home kitchen for direct sale.

As with Cheski, who hopes to move to a brick-and-mortar establishment at some time, this law allows entrepreneurs to safely start small before deciding to grow their business.

It took time to become recertified in sanitation and to complete the courses, but Cheske said that being certified gives a sense of credibility to the business.

“It demonstrates that you have taken the time to go through the process,” she said. “It shows credibility and care.”

Favorite flavors

Cheske truly cares about people – and sourdough.

“There are so many things you can do with sourdough,” she said. “And there are so many people you can nourish.”

Supporting local is important to Cheske, so she bakes artisan breads of Illinois-grown and milled flour – and she uses her own starter that she made from scratch.

Her signature sourdough is a multigrain loaf with a square scored into it – a nod to the space where her business began. She also makes a blonde load – which is created using white flour.

“But then I have riffs on the

classics,” she said. “I think it comes from my chef background.”

She offers unique twists such as focaccia, savory choices such as caramelized onion and gouda, and sweet options including cherry pecan.

She offers sourdough flights as well – meaning customers could pick any four mini loaves and try new flavors such as Asiago thyme, cinnamon roll focaccia, shallot & rosemary focaccia, cheddar jalapeño, cranberry walnut, maple Pecan, and more.

She uses ingredients she can find at local businesses.

Available around town

The Market by D&A carries a giardiniera by Chicago Johnny’s that is made in Woodstock and used in one of her unique loaves. She makes a beer loaf that uses Holzlager brews, and she incorporates chai from Casting Whimsy.

“I think it is important to support local businesses,” she said. “But, I think it is important to note that, legally, I cannot sell my bread in other retail stores because of the cottage food laws. There are pretty heavy restrictions.”

While she cannot sell at the Woodstock Farmer’s Market due to not having a commercial kitchen, she does sometimes have a popup tent outside her home on Dean Street, and she sells at the Cary Farmers Market.

Cheske said the best way to keep up with her loaves and her pop-ups are through her Worth Her Salt Sourdough Facebook page. She also offers ordering options for pickup or delivery (coming soon) at hotplate.com/ worthhersalt_sourdough.

Cheske is thankful for the cottage food operation laws.

“I love that people can make a business doing something they love,” she said. “For me, putting my hands in the dough is therapy. I feel centered when I’m working with it – and this allows me to nourish people and nurture them with my small business.”

She also is thankful for the support of her family – her husband, Tomm, her daughters Alana and her wife Andrea, Emma, Mary Clare who hopes to work with Cheske, and Julia.

Signature sourdough loaves and mini-loaves -- with an impression of the Square.

INDEPENDENT PHOTOS BY TRICIA CARZOLI

Cheski puts flour on her blonde loaf to prepare them for scoring and baking.

Scoring the blonde loaf ahead of baking.

Kasper and Martin Vann took The Independent to Kuressaare, Estonia, where they met up with family while on vacation. Kasper was born in Estonia prior to the German occupation in 1941.

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

Community

‘God’s work. Our hands.’

Grace Lutheran Church members lend their hands to God’s work

By Janet Dovidio NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

Since 2013, Woodstock’s Grace Lutheran Church members have celebrated an annual day of service for the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA). This year’s “God’s work. Our hands.” outreach effort took place on Sunday, Sept. 8, with the help of more than 80 participants.

“This is the first time I’m participating in this,” said Michelle Anderson. “I think it is a good opportunity for the church to work together in helping others.”

The day began with a 9 a.m. worship service, followed by the volunteers spreading out to accomplish four activities.

“I love this day of serving together as a reminder of how we are called to live out our faith in daily living,” Pastor Amanda Bergstrom said.

Grace’s site leader for the Woodstock Food Pantry, Mike Phillips, coordinated a food drive and grocery donation pickup for the pantry.

Leaders Brittany Hinderlider and Mary Beth Martin-Bellavia guided their crew in assembling 120 school kits for distribution by Lutheran World Relief. Church members donated the needed items. Director of Youth Education Tyler Palak brought his group to a day of harvesting and learning at the Aarrk Gardens in Hebron.

Funds raised from sales of vegetables in the nonprofit garden serve McHenry County’s homeless in finding shelter, food, and employment. Members of the youth group harvested potatoes, carrots, pumpkins and green beans.

Grace Sewing Circle members, under the leadership of Tammy Hansing and Mary Beth

Martin-Bellavia, worked on their 2024 donations at their twicemonthly meetings. Members created 72 large quilts for Lutheran World Relief, plus 119 small quilts and 30 crocheted blankets for 10 local nursing homes in McHenry County. The nursing homes also received 160 walker bags, 90 wheelie bags, 108 cellphone bags, 145 poly bags, 36 small pillows, and 32 neck pillows.

“Sharing in this ‘God’s work. Our hands’ ELCA Service Day continues to be one of my favorite days of the year,” Bergstrom said. “It is an honor to be church in together and meet new neighbors and community partners.”

Benjamin Ayala picks green beans at Aarrk Gardens in Hebron. Grace Lutheran member Yohanna Graham talked about the importance of involving family in the service day.

“This teaches kids at a young age to serve others,” she said.

COURTESY PHOTOS

The quilts crafted by members of Grace Lutheran’s Sewing Circle for Lutheran World Relief and local nursing homes are shown displayed in the church’s sanctuary.

CRANE CAVORT

IN BRIEF

Maggie Adams receives P.E.O. STAR Scholarship

Maggie Adams, a 2024 graduate of Woodstock High School, was selected to receive a $2,500 STAR Scholarship from the P.E.O. Sisterhood. She was recommended by P.E.O. Chapter MC Woodstock, IL.

P.E.O. (Philanthropic Educational Organization) has been celebrating women helping women reach for the stars for more than 155 years. Since its inception in 1869, the nonprofit organization has helped more than 125,000 women pursue educational goals by providing approximately $432 million in grants, scholarships, awards and loans.

The P.E.O. STAR Scholarship was established in 2009 to provide scholarships for exceptional women in their final year of high school to attend an accredited postsecondary educational institution in the U.S. or Canada in the next academic year. The competitive STAR Scholarship is for women who exhibit excellence in leadership, academics, extracurricular activities, community service, and potential for future success.

Adams is attending the University of Connecticut in pursuit of a Bachelor of Science degree majoring in human rights and political science on a pre-law track. Her ultimate goal is to become a civil law judge.

Chapter MC has been a part of the Woodstock community since it was organized in 1977.

To learn more about P.E.O., its powerful educational philanthropies and see stories of women who have benefited from the programs, visit peointernational.org or follow them at facebook.com/peointernational@PEOInternational on Instagram.

Model rocketry enthusiasts to meet, launch in October

The Fox Valley Rocketeers, a local club of model rocketry enthusiasts, will host an October virtual meeting at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 7, via GoogleMeet. The club is also hosting sport model rocketry launches Saturday, Oct. 5, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Kishwaukee Park, 800 Davis Road, Woodstock, and Sunday, Oct. 20, from noon to 5 p.m. at the Hughes Farm Field, off Dimmel Road, west of Woodstock. Visit foxvalleyrocketeers.org for more info.

to a litter of kittens when she arrived which have all been adopted. Even though she’s a little chunky, she loves to play. Cali tested positive for Feline Leukemia Virus. It’s transmissible to other cats so she would need to be the only cat in the home. She is looking for a special person that is willing to give her the best life she can have. Helping Paws can answer any questions you may have about the virus.

INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY ANDREW ROUSEY

The Woodstock Independent staff photographer captured this image of cranes rocking it out at Crystal Woods Golf Course during a high school golf match.

Applications now open for WPPC grant program

The Wildflower Preservation and Propagation Committee has announced that they will be accepting applications for the Outside Classroom Grant Program for the benefit of environmental education programs in McHenry County.

The WPPC provides grants of native plants to schools interested in creating outdoor gardens. The grant offers up to 400 native plants to a qualifying school. Scouting organizations and church groups are also welcome to apply.

The committee members are very experienced in gardening skills, restoration, and native plant lore, and they are happy to provide assistance and guidance as necessary.

To be considered for an outdoor classroom grant, applicants must submit a completed grant letter which can be found at thewppc.org.

Applications should be emailed or postmarked on or before Oct. 15. Plants will be available for spring planting around the end of April or beginning of May. For more info. visit thewppc.org, or call 815-455-9462.

The Woodstock North High School Thunder marching band filled the Square with music and school spirit Sept. 27 during the school’s homecoming parade.

PICTURE THIS

If you like fresh apple pie, historic demonstrations, and plenty of fall fun, make sure to attend the McHenry County Historical Society’s Cider Fest. The 47th annual festival runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 6, at the museum campus, 6422 Main St. in Union. In addition to free access to the museum, guests are invited to take a step back in time with skilled artisans, mum sale, and children’s activities. Enjoy baked apple treats, kettle corn, and lunch from our food vendors. Call 815-923-2267 for more information.

Woodstock vocational agriculture students look over corn in a test plot in 1981. Pictured, from left: Ken Bowman, Phil Brown, Scott Ihssen, Chris Austin, Mark Ihssen, and Steve Felmeten.

INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY ANDREW ROUSEY

Happenings

10 THURSDAY

14 MONDAY

2 WEDNESDAY

KARAOKE NIGHT

Woodstock Opera House

121 W. Van Buren St.

7 p.m. Free woodstockoperahouse.com

3 THURSDAY

SLC TRIVIA NIGHT - PUB TRIVIA USA

Stage Left Café

125 W. Van Buren St.

7 p.m. woodstockoperahouse.com

5 SATURDAY

WOODSTOCK FARMERS MARKET

Woodstock Square

8 a.m. to 1 p.m. woodstockfarmersmarket.org Music: Bad Penny

HOOVES & HARMONY FUNDRAISER

Hooved Animal Humane Society 10804 McConnell Road

1 to 4 p.m. $150 per person my.onecause.com/event/ hoovesandharmony

9 WEDNESDAY

KARAOKE NIGHT

Woodstock Opera House

121 W. Van Buren St.

7 p.m. Free woodstockoperahouse.com

SLC TRIVIA NIGHT - PUB TRIVIA USA

Stage Left Café

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

11 FRIDAY

OPEN MIC NIGHT

Stage Left Café

125 W. Van Buren St.

7 p.m.

To sign up, email Keith@offsquare music.com

12 SATURDAY

WOODSTOCK FARMERS MARKET

Woodstock Square

8 a.m. to 1 p.m. woodstockfarmersmarket.org

RAILFEST

Woodstock Square 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

KAIA STRING QUARTETA CELEBRATION OF LATIN AMERICAN WOMEN

Woodstock Opera House

121 W. Van Buren St.

2 p.m.

$10

woodstockoperahouse.com

13 SUNDAY RAILFEST

Woodstock Square

11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

COFFEE WITH THE CHIEF

Woodstock Police Department 656 Lake Ave.

7 p.m.

815-338-6787

15 TUESDAY

WOODSTOCK CITY COUNCIL

Council Chambers, City Hall

121 W. Calhoun St.

7 p.m.

woodstockil.gov

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.

To submit calendar items, email pr@thewoodstockindependent.com

Visit autumndrive.net for map and stop info.

SECOND HAND NEWSFLEETWOOD MAC TRIBUTE

Woodstock Opera House

121 W. Van Buren St.

7:30 p.m.

$30

woodstockoperahouse.com

JAZZ NIGHT

Stage Left Café

125 W. Van Buren St.

8 p.m.

woodstockoperahouse.com

19 SATURDAY

WOODSTOCK FARMERS MARKET

Woodstock Square

8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

woodstockfarmersmarket.org

Music: Nate Bjorn

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

Resurrection Catholic Church

$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

OPEN MIC STORYTELLING

Hosted by Jim May

23 WEDNESDAY KARAOKE NIGHT

Woodstock

24 THURSDAY

FLASHBACKS

35 years ago – 1989

■ The Woodstock Hotel at the corner of Benton and East Jackson streets was being converted into apartments for senior citizens.

■ Wendy Reyes and Jason Parquette were crowned queen and king of Woodstock High School’s homecoming.

30 years ago – 1994

■ The city of Woodstock and Allied Signal Corp agreed to accept the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s terms for the cleanup of the Woodstock Municipal Landfill site on Davis Road.

25 years ago – 1999

■ The McHenry County Zoning Board of Appeals voted against recommending a conditional-use permit for the building of a peaker plant.

■ Marian Central Catholic High School announced that the name of its new softball field would be Ray Benoy Field.

■ The Blue Streaks girls swimming 400-freestyle relay team broke the school record, finishing in 3 minutes, 56.68 seconds.

20 years ago – 2004

■ The Woodstock Independent profiled Mary Endres Elementary School custodian Wendy Hooper, who was known for the creative costumes she wore to work.

15 years ago – 2009

■ Horses of a Different Color, a fundraiser for Main Stay Therapeutic Riding Program, raised $47,000. Twenty-seven carousel horses had been distinctively painted and decorated by local artists and displayed on the Woodstock Square from June to September. They were purchased by generous bidders in an auction at Donley’s in Union.

■ The McHenry County College Promise program, which provided free tuition for spring 2009 high school graduates in the college’s district, had higher participation than was forecast. More than 1,000 incoming students took advantage of the opportunity. The program was completely paid for by private donations.

OCT. 5, 1994 – Woodstock High School’s sophomore volleyball team cheers during the school’s homecoming parade around the Square. From left, front row: Katy Davis and Kelly McKinney. Back row: Sarah Cooper, Jenny McFarland, Jill Anderson, Melissa Creighton, Amanda Maynard, Tina Gannon, and Sara Jarvis.

10 years ago – 2014

■ The emerald ash borer was taking a toll on Woodstock trees. Woodstock Public Works personnel had already removed more than 250 ash trees with 100 more diseased and needing to be cut down. The city’s forestry technician Patrick O’Leary had been marking and prioritizing trees for removal within the city and public right of ways. Ash trees were 11 percent of the city’s tree population.

■ The Woodstock Chamber of Commerce & Industry and Adult & Child Therapy Services were bringing more than 80 crafts beers from 41 American breweries to Clay and Bartlett streets for the inaugural Woodstock Ale Fest, a fundraiser for the two organizations.

■ The Woodstock District 200 Board of Education unanimously approved a $93 million budget for 2014-15. The new budget included total expenses of $93,026,868 across all district funds, a 5.1 percent increase over the

previous year. Income was budgeted at $91,266,384, an increase of 5.84 percent. The difference between revenue and expenditures was to be covered by the district’s fund balances, which at the time totaled $20,919,810.

5 years ago – 2019

■ The Woodstock City Council voted unanimously to institute a 10-cent-abag tax on single-use bags beginning Jan. 1 to get local retail customers in the habit of carrying their own reusable totes

■ Young at Heart, senior pet rescue, opened at 4301 S. Route 47. “This is the first facility for senior dogs and cats in the Midwest,” said Dawn Kemper, executive director. The average age of pets at Young at Heart was 11; the minimum was 7.

■ Bryson Calvin and Yesenia Galarza filed their final Appalachian Trail report with The Independent. Calling themselves the Unlikely Duo, they had met the Appalachian Long Distance

Hikers Association’s definition of a thru hike – any continuous footpath that extends 2,000 miles or more. They had covered 2,065 miles of the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to the Green Mountain State of Vermont.

1 year ago – 2023

■ Antigua Mexican Restaurant opened at 125 E. Calhoun St. The third restaurant in the area owned by Luis and Sonia Rodriguez moved into the former BBQ King site.

■ A loud first quarter set the tone for the Crosstown Classic when Woodstock North hosted Woodstock High School. In the first play of the game, Thunder quarterback Landon Creighton scored a 94-yard touchdown. WHS responded with Caden Thompson’s 23-yard passing touchdown to Keaton Perkins. The final score of the game came just 2 minutes before the half when Creighton passed to Hunter Menzel for a touchdown for North’s 14-7 victory.

INDEPENDENT FILE PHOTO BY DENNIS MATHES

HARVARD MAIN LINE —

PUBLIC NOTICE

STATE OF ILLINOIS IN THE CIRCUIT

COURT OF THE TWENTY-SECOND JUDICIAL CIRCUIT MCHENRY

COUNTY, ILLINOIS-IN PROBATE

Case No. 2024PR000251

In the Matter of the Estate of PATRICIA COLLIS

Deceased

CLAIM NOTICE

Notice is given of the death of PATRICIA COLLIS

Of: WOODSTOCK, IL

Letters of office were issued on: 9/6/2024

To Representative:

JODI GALLE 1607 ROSE FARM RD. WOODSTOCK, IL 60098

MARGARET GALLE

612 N. GLENN DRIVE PALATINE, IL 60047

whose attorney is: WAGGONER LAW FIRM

4 N. WALKUP AVE.

CRYSTAL LAKE, IL 60014

Claims against the estate may be filed within six months from the date

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

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

(Published in The Woodstock Independent September 25, 2024, October 2, 2024)L11847

PUBLIC NOTICE

HARTLAND TOWNSHIP

Notice of the availability of the Annual Treasurer’s Report & CPA Audit Report.

Notice is hereby given that the Annual Treasurer’s Report & CPA Audit Report,

PUBLIC NOTICE

SENECA TOWNSHIP 16506 Garden Valley Rd Woodstock, IL 60098

ANNUAL TREASURER’S REPORT (CASH BASIS) FOR THE YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 2024

of Hartland Township, in the County of McHenry, State of Illinois, prepared by Erboe & Associates, for the fiscal year beginning April 1, 2023 and ending March 31, 2024, are on file and conveniently available for public inspection at the Township Office, 15813 Nelson Rd. The Annual Treasurer’s Report is posted outside the Township Office, call the Township Office at 815-338-5526 for an appointment to inspect the CPA Audit. (Published in The Woodstock Independent October 2, 2024)L11848

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:

I, Josh Brown, Seneca Township Supervisor, Woodstock, Illinois, do hereby certify that the following statement of Revenue and Expenditures (Cash Basis) of Seneca Township the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024 is true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief.

/s/ Josh Brown STATE OF ILLINOIS

MCHENRY COUNTY

STATEMENT OF REVENUE AND EXPENDITURES (CASH BASIS) FOR YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 2024

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)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: BRAOCK 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 2, 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)L11851

Vendors paid over $2,500: Tammy Benitez 26,500; BMO Harris Bank 2549; Com Ed 2,9826.35; Compass Minerals 43,574; Conserv FS 17,184; Corrective Asphalt Material 16,169; G7G Diggers Inc 2,517; IAA Credit Union 6,415; IMRF 2,744; Interstate Billing 16,280; IRS 15,566; Illinois Department of Revenue 5,106; McHenry County DOT 10,142; Napa 3,001; Peter Baker & Son Co 131,031; Prairie Community Bank 33,799; Toirma Insurance Road 9,065; Toirma Insurance Town 6,549; Toby Parker Goad 3,700; Valley Aggregates 3,069;

All other vendors paid under $2,500: Act network Solutions, Adco signs, Air management, Allied benefit systems, Bonnel Industries, Cirone Computer Consulting INC, Curran Contracting Co, Comed, Curran Materials, Copy Express, Decker Supply, Ed’s Automotive, EPEC Technologies, Fog Busters, George Roach & Associates PC, Geske & Sons INC, IDES, Johnson Tractor, Joshua Brown, Kirchner inc, M&C Lock, MC.Net, Mchenry County Assessors Association, Midwest Truckers Association, Nelbud services llc Pomp’s Tire Service Inc, Mid State Equipment, Interstate Billing, Mchenry County Township Highway Commissioner Association, MDC Environmental Service Inc, Nicor, Nicor Gas, Remke’s Garage, TOI, Township Clerks if IL, Township Highway Commissioners of IL, Township Supervisors of IL, Township officials of Illinois, Trustees Division TOI, Verizon, Verizon Wireless, Walter Alarm Services Inc, Woodstock Independent.

Employees paid $30,000-$70,000: Scott Swanson, Under $25,000: Josh Brown, Dawn Seemann, Rosemary Bartman, Gerald Gieseke, Denise Sass, Gina Lefevour, Tom Thurman, David Bauman. (Published in The Woodstock Independent October 2, 2024)L11852

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

City of Woodstock Plan Commission

Notice is hereby given in compliance with the City of Woodstock Unified Development Ordinance that the City of Woodstock Plan Commission will conduct a public hearing on Thursday, October 17, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers, 2nd Floor at 121 West Calhoun Street, Woodstock, Illinois. The hearing will be in regard to a petition submitted by Cella’s Confections, Inc.,

owner, for approval of variations for signage, landscaping and setbacks to allow the continued use of improvements at 305 S. Eastwood Drive. The permanent index numbers of the subject property are 13-08-229-006 and 13-09-101-043. A copy of the petition which is the subject of this public hearing is on file and available for public viewing at Woodstock City Hall. Anyone wishing to comment may attend the meeting and be heard.

Written comments may be submitted to the Development Services Department

- Building & Planning, City Hall up to 5:00 p.m. on the day of the hearing. /s/ Cody Sheriff, Plan Commission

Chairman (Published in The Woodstock Independent October 2, 2024)L11853

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

City of Woodstock Plan Commission Notice is hereby given in compliance with the City of Woodstock Unified Development Ordinance that the City

of Woodstock Plan Commission will conduct a public hearing on Thursday, October 17, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. n the City Hall Council Chambers, 2nd Floor at 121 West Calhoun Street, Woodstock, Illinois. The hearing will be in regard to a petition submitted by Kim Alimovski, petitioner, for approval of variations for signage at 1280 S. Eastwood Drive. The permanent index numbers of the subject property are 13-08-426-041, 042, 052 and 053. A copy of the petition which is the subject of this public hearing is on file and

available for public viewing at Woodstock City Hall. Anyone wishing to comment may attend the meeting and be heard. Written comments may be submitted to the Development Services Department - Building & Planning, City Hall up to 5:00 p.m. on the day of the hearing. /s/ Cody Sheriff, Plan Commission

Chairman (Published in The Woodstock Independent October 2, 2024)L11854

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

WORD SCRAMBLE GUESS

Sports

COLLEGE REPORT

Jack Hayden helps Benedictine University to 3-1 record

Jack Hayden, a Marian Central Catholic graduate, has been busy.

Real busy. Especially behind the line of scrimmage. The Woodstock resident, now a junior at Benedictine University, has helped his team post a 3-1 mark through the first four football games.

The College Report

The 6-foot-1, 225-pound defensive lineman has 14 tackles, two of which are solos. Behind the line of scrimmage, he has 2.5 tackles for nine yards of loss. Included in that is one quarterback sack for six yards of loss.

He also has three quarterback hurries, one forced fumble and one broken pass.

Benedictine is 1-1 in the Northern Athletic Collegiate Conference.

Marlon Pomili (Marian Central Catholic), a Marian University football player, kicked off four times in Marian’s 24-23 win over Lawrence Tech University. Those four kickoffs traveled 243 yards. Marian is 3-0.

CROSS-COUNTRY

Anthony Carney (Marian Central Catholic) finished 13th at the Tom Hoffman Invitational, which was held at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Campus Cross County Course on their campus in Whitewater, Wisconsin. The University of Dubuque junior, a Woodstock resident, finished the 8,000-meter course in 26 minutes, 50.10 seconds.

See COLLEGE REPORT, Page 27

Thunder senior Maxwell Dennison runs the ball during the homecoming game Sept. 27. WNHS won 26-21, continuing a 5-game winning streak.

UndefeatedThunder - playoff eligible

WNHS football wins homecoming game 26-21, qualifies for playoffs

By Juel Mecklenburg NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

The Woodstock North Thunder kept their winning streak alive and improved to 5-0 after a hard fought battle against the Johnsburg Skyhawks (26-21) Sept. 27.

The Thunder secured their homecoming victory with a fiery start.

Junior Parker Halihan went 82 yards for a touchdown on the second play of the game. WNHS took a bold step, going for two instead of kicking the extra point, and it paid off. Duke Mays returned the favor for the Skyhawks, keeping the game close with a score of 8-7 at the end of the first quarter. At the end of the second quarter, the score was 20-7 due to the efforts of North’s David Randecker, who ran for a 63-yard touchdown.

Homecoming football games are always meant to be special, and in true homecoming style, Max Dennison made sure to keep the crowd

engaged with an interception right before halftime.

A temporary power outage in the fourth quarter also added to the drama of the evening.

The Skyhawks scored early in the third quarter, keeping the game competitive with a 20-14 score. The Thunder answered again with a touchdown, putting Johnsburg two scores away.

Looking to shut the Skyhawks down, North made a fumble recovery to end the third quarter. Johnsburg’s defense stepped up for a big fourth-and-goal stop, leaving just enough time on the clock for a possible comeback.

With a 99-yard touchdown, the Skyhwaks met the Thunder at 26-21. Woodstock North was able to hold on to win by converting on fourth-and-1.

Playoff ready

With this win, North is 5-0, coming off of a 2-7 season in the ‘23-’24

WNHS junior fullback David Randecker sprints for a 62-yard touchdown.

school year. The Thunder football program is now eligible for playoffs. This will be the first time since 2018 that the Thunder has become eligible. Woodstock North looks to go 6-0 when they take on the Harvard Hornets Oct. 4.

Dan Chamness

INDEPENDENT

PHOTOS BY ANDREW ROUSEY

SOCCER SHOWDOWN

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

David Randecker - Football

David Randecker, a junior at Woodstock North High School, is a leader both on and off the field. David consistently sets the standard for dedication, hard work, and sportsmanship. On the field, he leads by example, executing plays with precision and encouraging teammates through every challenge. Off the field, David is just as impressive, taking the time to mentor younger players, fostering team unity, and always putting the team’s success ahead of personal recognition.

David has showcased remarkable power running the ball through four games. He has accumulated 404 yards on 62 carries and five touchdowns. Beyond the stats, his constant support and leadership make David a vital part of the Thunder team.

WHS senior Julia Laidig (near court) at the net against WNHS junior Gabriella Schefke in the crosstown volleyball contest hosted by Woodstock High School Sept. 23.

Thunder sweeps Blue Streaks in crosstown volleyball match

By Juel Mecklenburg NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

The Woodstock North Thunder volleyball team swept the Woodstock Blue Streaks in a two-set commanding win on the Sept. 23. Set one ended with a score of 25-14, and the second set 25-19. Nevertheless, Shipley Gym was loud, as both schools came together to fill the air with chants and competitive spirit.

Woodstock North has had a thundering season so far, sitting in second place in the Kishwaukee River Conference (7-1). Overall they were 10-4 as of Oct. 23. Senior Devynn Shulze commanded the offense, with 13 kills, for a percentage of 48.1. Junior Maddie Sofie had 8 digs, and Shulze had 9.

For Woodstock, senior Julia Laidig had 8 digs as well. Junior Gabriella Schefke paved the way for North’s offense to flourish, with 19 assists, the most from either team that night.

Streak and Thunder stats

So far this season, Schefke has 252 assists. To put this in perspective, the next closest teammate has 20. Shulze has 111 digs for the Thunder so far this season, her average being 3.7 per set. Laidig, for the Streaks, has 202 with a 4.1 average. Shulze has 157 kills this season, her average being 5.2 per set. Laidig has 216, with a 4.4 average.

The Streaks managed to stay in the second set with Woodstock North committing some unforced errors. However, the Thunder remained calm and pushed further ahead in the ending stretch of the game.

It was a quiet night for the Blue Streaks, who struggled to get in rhythm and with their serve/serve receiving game.

The Streaks are 7-15 so far this season with a conference record of 3-5, sitting in seventh place in the KRC. The Streaks will be hosted by the Thunder Oct. 23 for their second crosstown matchup of the season.

INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY ANDREW ROUSEY

Woodstock North junior Alberto Carbajal and WHS senior Jackson Thomas fight for possession in a crosstown soccer game Sept. 25. The Thunder won 3-2 in a shootout.

COLLEGE

He was the top runner for Dubuque, which finished third with 80 points. Wisconsin-Whitewater won the eight-team meet with 19 points.

Alexander Wickersheim (Woodstock) took 155th at the Gil Dodds Invitational, which was hosted by Wheaton College and held at the St. James Farm in Warrenville.

The North Central College runner finished the 8,000-meter run in 28:51.60. A total of 299 runners ran, and it featured 18 teams that finished with a team score. North Central finished third with 76 points. The University of Wisconsin-Platteville won the team title with 61 points.

VOLLEYBALL

Maddie Moan (Woodstock) had two kills and two digs to help Valparaiso University down Presbyterian College 3-0. In Valparaiso’s 3-0 win over South Carolina State University, the 6-foot-1 junior had two kills and two blocks (one solo). They also lost a 3-2 decision to Wofford College, who hosted the Terrier Invitational. Valparaiso is 8-4.

BOYS SOCCER

■ Sept. 23 - Woodstock (9-5) defeated Johnsburg (2-11) 3-1.

■ Sept. 23 - Woodstock North (4-12) defeated Sandwich (1-10-1) 9-0.

■ Sept. 23 - Marian (2-4-1) fell to Cristo Rey St. Martin (9-1) 5-0.

■ Sept. 24 - Marian (3-4-1) defeated Chicago Hope Academy (5-6) 1-0.

■ Sept. 25 - Woodstock (9-6) fell to Woodstock North (5-12) in a shootout 3-2.

■ Sept. 26 - Woodstock North (5-13) fell to Belvidere North (9-1-1) 5-0.

■ Sept. 28 - Woodstock (9-7) fell to Dekalb (4-9) 2-0.

■ Sept. 29 - Woodstock (10-7) defeated T.F. United (8-3-3) in a shootout 7-6.

VOLLEYBALL

■ Sept. 23 - Woodstock (6-15) fell to Woodstock North (9-4) 2-0 (25-14, 25-19).

■ Sept. 23 - Marian (11-9) defeated McHenry (9-5) 2-0 (25-22, 25-21).

■ Sept. 25 - Marian (12-9) defeated Aurora Christian (14-6) 2-1 (15-25, 25-18, 25-23)

■ Sept. 25 - Woodstock (7-15) defeated

Ella Wicker (Woodstock) had two digs as her college team, Flagler College, lost a 3-0 decision to Barry University. Flagler is 4-6.

MESSAGE FROM DAN CHAMNESS

We are currently looking for names for future College Reports. At this point, I have contacted all three high schools in Woodstock. If you know of an athlete that is currently competing at a college/university as part of an intercollegiate team, I would like to include them in future College Reports. In addition to that hard and fast rule, the other rule is they have to be a graduate of one of three high schools in Woodstock, namely Woodstock, Woodstock North or Marian Central Catholic, or be a resident of a town normally covered by the Woodstock Independent. When e-mailing me a name, please put “Woodstock Independent” in the subject line of the email, which should be sent to Dan62801@aol. com. I will need the name of the athlete, the former high school or town they hail from, the college/university they are attending and also, the sport they are playing. .

Dan Chamness writes The College Report for The Independent.

Hurricanes win 42-8 on homecoming weekend

By Juel Mecklenburg NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

Marian Central Hurricanes won big against Christ the King in their homecoming game Sept. 27, giving the student body something to dance about. In the best offensive performance the ’Canes have had so far this season, the final score was 42-8.

Senior Nick Schmid had himself a party, scoring three touchdowns, including an 83-yard kickoff return score. Schmid ran for 103 yards against the Gladiators.

Eddie Kowalzyck added a touchdown for the Hurricanes as well, rushing 81 yards for the night.

Andrew Thielsen caught a 32-yard pass from quarterback Picasso Ruiz for a touchdown as well.

Mike Schmid put two more on the board for Marian with a 2-point

NN SCOREBOARD NN

Harvard (2-11) 2-1 (25-16, 23-25, 25-13).

■ Sept. 25 - Woodstock North (10-4) defeated Marengo (8-13) 2-1 (17-25, 25-14, 25-16).

■ Sept. 28 - Woodstock North (11-4) defeated Neuqua Valley (3-13) 2-1 (25-18, 23-25, 15-9).

■ Sept. 28 - Woodstock North (11-5) fell to Kaneland (13-6) 2-0 (22-25, 21-25).

■ Sept. 28 - Woodstock North (11-6) fell to Batavia (8-13) 2-0 (22-25, 18-25).

■ Sept. 28 - Woodstock North (11-7) fell to Geneseo (14-4) 2-0 (23-25, 22-25).

GIRLS TENNIS

■ Sept. 23 - Woodstock (4-6) fell to Woodstock North 5-2.

■ Sept. 25 - Woodstock (5-6) defeated Marengo 6-1.

■ Sept. 28 - Woodstock finished second at the Woodstock Invite.

FOOTBALL

■ Sept. 27 - Woodstock (2-3) fell to Richmond-Burton (3-2) 45-14.

■ Sept. 27 - Woodstock North (5-0) defeated Johnsburg (2-3) 26-21.

■ Sept. 27 - Marian (2-3) defeated Christ the King (3-2) 42-8.

BOYS CROSS-COUNTRY

■ Sept. 28 - Woodstock finished 20th at the Janesville Craig Invitational ,scoring 543 points. Junior Ellery Shutt (15:34) finished second with senior Milo Mcleer (16:34) finishing in 53rd.

■ Sept. 28 - Woodstock North junior John Hugger (17:47) finished 25th and freshman Geo Kopulos (17:55) finishing in 29th at the James Taylor Invite.

■ Sept. 28 - Marian freshman Oliver Ebel (18:03) finished 32nd at the James Taylor Invite.

GIRLS CROSS-COUNTRY

■ Sept. 28 - Woodstock North senior Maddie Mock (21:19) finished 21st with fellow senior Meadow Dodge (23:12) finishing in 35th at Grant High School.

■ Sept. 28 - Woodstock finished 26th at the Janesville Craig Invitational, scoring 679 points. Junior Sophie Sarabia (20:57) finished 95th. Senior Lily Novelle (21:07.2) finished 113th with freshman Susana Marti (21:07.4) finishing in 114th.

conversion. Ruiz went 4-of-9 passing for the night with a total of 44 yards. He helped Marian’s cause with a score himself.

With such a dominating performance, freshman Colin Hernon was able to step in and get some playing time in the quarterback spot. Hernon went 8-of-12 passing for a total of 59 yards.

Preparing young players like this will pay off for the team. When the time comes, the underclassmen will be ready to step up and lead on the field.

The ‘Canes are now 2-3 so far this season, improving their record to 2-1 in the Chicagoland Christian Conference. They sit in third place going into week 6, right behind Wheaton Academy and Chicago Christian. Marian will play Chicago Hope Academy October 4.

GIRLS SWIMMING

■ Woodstock co-op placed 5th out of 9 teams in Freeport, even though they were the only team without divers to add points. Top medal finishers included: Jadyn Grismer, 1st 100 back, 2nd 50 free; Rylie Grismer, 5th in both 200 IM and 100 breaststroke; Torrun Mick, 6th in 100 free; and the 200 medley relay took 3rd: J. Grismer, Bella Ivers, R. Grismer, and Mick.