Woodstock Independent 10/30/24

The Woodstock

Read part two of the oneroom school house series

Nicor named as respondent in legal filing

Lawsuit filed against city and Visu-Sewer in last year’s gas explosion

By Susan W. Murray NEWS@THE WOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

On Oct. 9, one year after a natural gas explosion shook the neighborhood near Lincoln Avenue and Tryon Street, Nelida Perez and Alexis Quintana, tenants in the two-flat at 327 Lincoln Avenue, filed a lawsuit against

the city of Woodstock, the Woodstock Fire/Rescue District, the Woodstock Police Department, and Visu-Sewer of Illinois and Visu-Sewer LLC.

Nicor Gas is named as a respondent in discovery. The suit states that the plaintiffs believe that the utility “has information essential to the determination of who should be properly

named as defendants in this action.”

Root cutter hits gas main

On the day of the explosion, a VisuSewer crew was attempting to clear a sanitary sewer at Lincoln Avenue and Tryon Street. Visu-Sewer was in the third year of a three-year contract

See LAWSUIT Page 4

SKELETONS FOR ST. JUDE

Crosstown action includes

An extensive Halloween display at 1440 Cord Grass Trail in the Savanna Grove subdivision has a QR code posted for visitors to scan to make donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. See story on Page 18.

The Woodstock Independent 671 E. Calhoun St., Woodstock, IL 60098

Phone: 815-338-8040

Fax: 815-338-8177 Thewoodstock independent.com

Mayor seeks second term – unchallenged?

By Larry Lough LARRY@THE WOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

With the presidential election of 2024 still days away, the 2025 local government election campaign is already underway.

Woodstock Mayor Mike Turner formally announced last week he would seek a second term in the April 1 local

election. As of 1 p.m. Monday, he was the only candidate to file for mayor. The week-long filing period began Oct. 21 and ended at 5 p.m. Monday.

Turner was elected without opposition in 2021 after serving 16 years as a city councilman. He succeeded fourterm Mayor Brian Sager.

Three City Council seats also will be on the ballot. Because the mayor

is a voting member of the council, a majority of the seven council votes will be up for election,

“ I am running for re-election,” Turner announced in a Facebook post .. “If the voters are willing, it would be my honor to serve as mayor of Woodstock for four more years. I have thoroughly enjoyed being mayor

See TURNER Page 4

INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY ANDREW ROUSEY

PUBLIC SAFETY LOG

Woodstock Police Department

n Stephen L. Galati, 71, Geneva, was arrested Oct. 12 at Route 47 and Lucas Road on an arrest warrant. Transported to McHenry County Jail. Court date to be set.

n Charles F. Oloffson, 54, Woodstock, was arrested Oct. 12 on Woodside Drive on charges of failure to reduce speed and improper lane usage, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and driving under the influence. Released with notice to appear. Court date Nov. 21.

n Rakeem L. Dismukes, 30, Chicago, was arrested Oct. 13 on Sheila Street on charges of improper window tinting/treatment and driving while license suspended. Released with notice to appear in court. Court date Nov. 21.

n Peter R. Lundborg, 59, Woodstock, was cited Oct. 14 at Wheeler Street and Donovan Avenue on a charge of failure to restrain an animal. Cited and released. Court date Nov. 14.

n Male juvenile, 17, Rockford, was cited Oct. 15 on Lake Avenue on a charge of battery. Cited and released. Court date Nov. 22.

n Female juvenile, 17, Lake In The Hills, was cited Oct. 15 at Lake Avenue on a charge of disorderly conduct. Cited and released to guardian. Court date Nov. 22.

n Mikalah M. Stoen, 27, Genoa City, was arrested Oct. 15 on St. John’s Road on a charge of violating a protection order. Transported to McHenry County Jail.. Court date Nov. 6.

n James Hyder, 19, Richmond, was arrested Oct. 15 on Lake Ave. on a charge

Where to send obituaries

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

of retail theft. Released with notice to appear in court. Court date Oct. 23.

n Taylor E. Bain, 18, Woodstock, was arrested Oct. 15 on Lake Ave. on a charge of retail theft and an arrest warrant. Released on personal recognizance and notice to appear in court. Court date Oct. 22.

n Theresa M. Pigoni, 50, Wonder Lake, was arrested Oct. 18 at Zimmerman and McConnell roads on charges of driving under the influence, illegal possession, transport of alcohol, and operating an uninsured motor vehicle. Released on notice to appear in court. Court date Nov. 15.

n Leah L. Drougas, 55, Crystal Lake, was arrested Oct. 18 on Eastwood Drive on charges of driving under the influence, improper lighting - head or tail lights, and operating an uninsured motor vehicle. Released on notice to appear in court. Court date Oct. 31.

n Ralph Realmo, 27, transient, was arrested Oct. 19 on Eastwood Drive on a charge of possession of drug paraphernalia and an arrest warrant. Transported to McHenry County Jail. Court date Nov 19.

n Sebastian Cruz, 28, Volo, was arrested October 19 at Lake Ave. on charges of driving under the influence, possession of a controlled substance, and improper lighting – head or tail lights. Released on notice to appear. Court date Oct. 28.

n Artem Stegailo, 36, Kildeer, was cited Oct. 19 on Eastwood Drive on a charge of an open burning ordinance violation. Cited and released. Court date Nov 14.

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 Oct 17-23: 78

Fire Runs

Excessive heat, scorch burns with no ignition: 1

Structure Fire: 3

Natural vegetation fire: 3

Outside rubbish fire: 3

Electrical wiring/equipment problem: 2

Person in distress: 1

Smoke, odor problem: 1

Public service assistance: 7

Cover assignment, standby at fire station, move-up: 3

Dispatched and canceled en route: 5

Wrong location, no emergency found: 4

System or detector malfunction: 3

Unintentional system/detector (no fire): 5

NULL: 1

Total: 119

A black two-door sedan involved in a fatal accident Sunday on Davis Road. The car was fully engulfed in flames when firefighters arrived on the scene.

Three killed in multi-vehicle crash on Davis Road outside Woodstock

On Sunday at 12:02 p.m., members of the Woodstock Fire/Rescue District and McHenry County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to the 13400 block of Davis Road just outside Woodstock for a reported head-on crash involving entrapment. Firefighters arrived within four minutes to find a severe crash with one vehicle fully engulfed in flames. Firefighters immediately deployed a hose line to contain the vehicle fire, which had started to spread toward a nearby wooded area. Simultaneously, additional crews worked to free a juvenile from a silver SUV who was trapped during the crash. The juvenile, suffering serious injuries, was airlifted by LifeNet to Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood. After the fire was

extinguished, two victims were found inside a black two-door sedan, both of whom were pronounced deceased at the scene.

Additionally, the driver of the silver SUV was pronounced deceased on the scene. A third vehicle, a Jeep, also was struck by debris during the collision. The driver and young passenger in the Jeep were unharmed and did not require medical treatment.

The McHenry County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the crash.

Names of the victims wre being withheld by the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office and McHenry County Coroner’s Office because of the ongoing investigation.

But they did report a 47-year old Woodstock woman who was driving a Volvo was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF WOODSTOCK FIRE/RESCUE DISTRICT

Alex Vucha WOODSTOCK FIRE/RESCUE DISTRICT

A silver SUV was a second vehicle involved in the multi-vehicle crash.

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

TURNER

Continued from Page 1

and working for the residents of Woodstock over the past 3½ years.”

Asked by a Facebook reader about his list of accomplishments, Turner wrote that that was coming.

“I definitely will be putting them out,” he answered, “along with my focus and goals for a second term, over the course of the next few months.”

In his 2022 state of the city speech, Turner said he was staking his political future on the city’s $23 million restoration and renovation of the Old Courthouse and Sheriff’s House, which opened in mid-2023 as the Old Courthouse Center complex.

With no challenger, he might not need to campaign.

The seats of two-term Councilman Gordie Tebo and first-term council members Tom Nierman and Bob Seegers Jr. also will be on the 2025 ballot. Nierman and Seegers have filed for re-election, according to City Clerk Jane Howie. Other candidates who have filed are John Puzzo and Theo Dice, Howie said. Council members are elected to fouryear terms.

Four of seven seats on the Board of Education of Woodstock School District 200 will also be on the 2025 ballot. Those seats are now held by board President Carl Gilmore, Vice President Jacob Homuth, Secretary John Parisi, and member Bruce Farris.

Filing period for those seats is Nov. 12-18, according to Kevin Lyons, communications director for D-200. Filings are being handled by the county clerk’s office in the McHenry County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road. School board members are elected to four-year terms.

LAWSUIT

Continued from Page 1

with the city to provide televising and cleaning of 10 percent of the city’s sanitary and storm sewer drains.

Workers tried to clear the sewer by flushing it with a flow of high-pressure water. Unsuccessful, they attempted to clear the sewer of debris with a blade root cutter. The tool hit a gas main that had been run through the sanitary sewer five years before.

A gas leak resulted, and two hours later, the home at 321 Lincoln Ave. was lost to an explosion. The resulting fire destroyed the two-flat next door at 327 Lincoln Ave. and sparked several other fires. The destruction encompassed 20 properties and affected 22 residents.

At the 11th hour

The suit was filed on the last possible day that a civil action could be filed against the city. In Illinois. The statute of limitations for a civil action against a local public entity for personal injury claims is one year from the date of the incident.

The suit, as worded, states that when the explosion occurred, Perez and Quintana were in their car that “was lifted into the air, with [the] Plaintiffs inside, and crashed back down to the ground, causing [the]Plaintiffs injury.”

The suit claims that as a result of the damage to the vehicle and witnessing the explosion, destruction of their residence, and the destruction of their neighbors’ residence, the “Plaintiffs sustained both physical and emotional damages . . . as well as the loss of their personal property in their residence, and damage to their vehicle.”

Negligence and willful wanton

The plaintiffs allege negligence against all of the defendants and a second count of willful wanton against the city, the WFRD, and the Woodstock Police Department. The wording of the lawsuit alleges 19 ways in which the

Construction continues on a new one-story, single-family home where the two-flat burned as a result of the Oct. 9, 2023, natural gas explosion. Once completed, the home will be put on the market.

INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY ANDREW

ROUSEY

On the day of the explosion, Nicor Gas crews dug out the area at Tryon Street and Lincoln Avenue to expose the location of the gas leak. Fire Investigator/Photographer Alex Vucha took this photo before repairs were made.

plaintiffs contend that the city was negligent, including not properly supervising the work that was being conducted on the sanitary sewer, failing to prevent Visu-Sewer from striking the gas line, and failing to notify, warn, and evacuate individuals in the area of a gas leak.

The Illinois General Assembly defined willful wanton as “a course of action which shows an actual or deliberate intention to cause harm or which, if not intentional, shows an utter indifference to or conscious disregard for the safety of others or their property.”

The claim against Visu-Sewer of Illinois and Visu-Sewer LLC lists 22 alleged instances of negligence, including a failure “to prevent its agents and/or employees from striking the gas line at the intersection of Tryon Street and Lincoln Avenue.”

The lawsuit demands a judgment of a “sum of money in excess of $50,000” from each defendant.

The city’s insurance company attorney is Tom DiCianni of Ancel, Glink, Diamond, Bush, DiCianni, and Krafthefer.

“I’m familiar with the facts of the matter,” DiCianni said, “and I don’t see how in any way the city was negligent.”

A gas main in a sanitary sewer

According to the WFRD’s Oct. 9 incident report, a fire investigator from Nicor Gas told WFRD Lt. Mike Brinkman that in 2018, Nicor Gas had used “directional boring” to install a two-inch gas main.” The report states that “the gas line had been installed directly through the sanitary sewer.”

“Gas lines are not supposed to be inside sewer lines,” said Deborah Schober, the city’s Human Resources Department director and risk manager.

NPL Construction served as Nicor’s contractor in 2018.

“No one was aware that NPL had cross-bored a Nicor gas line through the city’s sewer line until the day of the leak and explosion when the cross-bored gas line was hit,” Schober said. “With

the type of boring that is done, called directional boring, NPL was probably not even aware of the installation of the line being cross-bored through the city’s sewer line, due to the age and material of the city’s sewer line.”

“The city was unaware of the crossbored line; thus, Visu-Sewer was also unaware,” Schober said.

“Nicor has been working with the city to complete a comprehensive inspection program related to their 2018 main replacement, as well as other locations where work was previously performed, to identify other cross-bores by televising all related sewer lines,” said City Manager Roscoe Stelford.

Stelford added that he believes the work has already been completed.

Jennifer Golz, PR and media relations director for Nicor Gas, verified that the utility “has a cross-bore prevention and detection program and routinely inspects the sewers surrounding our underground infrastructure using [closed circuit TV] cameras.”

Claims filed

Schober said she advised those who provided claims information that they should file with their homeowners or business insurance.

“I advised each of them that I would be forwarding their information to the city’s insurance company to ensure that they were represented in the various suits that would be coming from their insurance companies’ claims against Nicor, etc.”

Golz said that Nicor could not comment on the claims or pending litigation.

No one from Visu-Sewer returned calls asking for comment.

Allyson Cox, an attorney with Smith LaCien in Chicago, is representing Perez and Quintana.

“Their lives were forever changed by this needless tragedy,” Cox said. “It never should have happened, and we are determined to ensure that they see justice.”

Mike Turner

After the Oct. 9,

2023,

‘We’re going to make it’

gas

explosion

– a year of remembrance and recovery – Part 4 of a 4-part series

By Susan W. Murray NEWS@THE WOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

The gas explosion that destroyed one home, consumed another in fire, and damaged 18 other properties on Oct. 9, 2023, was an event of historic proportions in Woodstock.

In the 19th century, four separate fires leveled portions of the Woodstock Square, with no casualties. As blessings in disguise, the fires cleared out rickety wooden structures that were replaced with brick buildings.

Closer to today, some residents might remember the fire on Sept. 1, 1988, that gutted Knuth’s on Main Street, or the March 10, 2005, fire that destroyed Edgetown Bowl.

In terms of displacement of people, the only comparable event in Woodstock’s past is a May 2007 apartment fire in the 700 block of St. John’s Road that left 30 people homeless. Because of heat, smoke, and water damage, the apartment building was a total loss.

In the final part of this series, The Woodstock Independent looks at where residents affected by the Oct. 9 explosion stand one year later.

After the natural gas explosion destroyed the home at 321 Lincoln Ave., Stormy Kies and his family had a decision to make. Should they rebuild on the property that they had owned since 2013?

Even with the insurance settlement, Kies said, the cost of new construction was prohibitive.

More important, Kies’ daughter Savannah Bosowski, who had been living in the home with her husband, Ben, couldn’t bear the thought of rebuilding.

“It’s been really rough,” Kies said about his daughter, who had been sitting in the Dairy Queen parking lot waiting for the gas leak to be fixed when the blast occurred. The couple’s two dachshunds, in the house when it exploded, survived but required months of veterinary care.

“She can’t drive down Lincoln Avenue,” Kies said.

Once the lot was cleared, Kies and his family listed the property for sale.

Real estate agent Kim Keefe of Compass Realty said that interest in the lot was “really high.”

Because the south side of Lincoln Avenue does not fall within the downtownnhistoric district, the buyer would have had no restrictions on building a single- or two-family home.

The lot, however, has a different future.

Expanding three yards

As a result of a fire touched off in the explosion,

But soon after purchasing the lot, the couple heard that their neighbors at 233 and 239 N. Tryon had been interested in the property as well, hoping to lengthen their small back yards.

Langmar and Theerman then divided the lot and the cost with their neighbors so that all three homes could extend their property.

“It’s a very happy ending for us,” said Suzanne Campbell, who lives in the blue two-story frame house at 233 N. Tryon St. with her husband, James. “It’s a very handsome thing our neighbors did.”

Two months to reach livability

“After about two months, the house felt livable again,” James Campbell said.

Emery Langmar and Kristin Theerman lost the garage behind their house at 229 N. Tryon St.

In June, the couple bought the vacant lot for its asking price.

“We’re hoping to put the [new] garage closer to the house and plant some trees,” Langmar said. “I want to be able to throw a squeaky toy to my dogs.”

The last of the dozen blown-out windows had been replaced, the fence had been fixed, and their home’s bulging north wall had been pushed back against the stairs inside the house.

“The rest, you could take your time,” James said.

That includes fixing all of the plaster cracks that the explosion caused in each room.

Suzanne, who felt the brunt of the explosion from where she sat on the couple’s living room

Continued on NEXT page

At James and Suzanne Campbell’s house, Stripey the cat no longer naps by the window that exploded above her. Her new favorite spot is curled up on a table in the front window.

INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY ANDREW ROUSEY James and Suzanne Campbell stand in their backyard with their collie, Rook, and the spot where two homes once stood visible in the background.

floor, still experiences memory lapses.

And Stripey the cat, who was sleeping on a pillow by the window nearest the explosion, has not returned to her former favorite spot. Instead, she curls up on a table in the couple’s front window, as far away from where she felt the explosion as she can get.

Staying in Woodstock

Repairs to Edwing and Monica Diaz’s home at 233 N. Tryon St. were finally completed in July. The couple’s contractor replaced the roof, siding, kitchen, garage, and the affected windows and doors. New drywall went up throughout the home.

The Diazes and their four daughters had spent two weeks living with a family friend and then moved into a rental house. They ultimately decided to sell the home where they had lived for 15 years and look for a house in Woodstock with more square footage.

Their home at the corner of Lincoln and Tryon sold for its asking price in mid-September after being on the market for one month.

New construction

The two-flat that had stood at 327 Lincoln for nearly 125 years was a total loss to the fire that

Continued on Next page

After the explosion, firefighters helped Antoinette Naber rescue her plants from her home. Twentythree of 25 came back after the explosion. “I’m so proud of them,” Antoinette said. She praised the help she and her family received from Woodstock’s fire and police departments. Her 6- and 10-year old daughters made thank-you cards for the members of both departments.

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

For months, plywood covered the broken windows at Antoinette and Chance Naber’s house. On the plywood that covered the hole where their bedroom window had been, Antoinette wrote, “I [heart] u House. [heart], Antoinette. It will Be OK.”

Continued from Previous page

resulted from the explosion.

The owner, Gary Lechner of Hometown Realty in Woodstock, decided to build a 974 square-foot single-family home on the existing foundation.

His hope is that the “cute little house” with two bedrooms and one bathroom will be completed before autumn ends and then put on the market.

A couple who were tenants in the two-flat, Nlida Perez and Alexis Quintana, were briefly trapped in their car in the driveway when the explosion occurred. They were able to exit the vehicle through the passenger door and ran across the street to St. Mary School.

On Oct. 9 this year, the couple filed a lawsuit against the city of Woodstock, the Woodstock Fire Rescue District, the Woodstock Police Department, and Visu-Sewer. Nicor Gas was named as a respondent in the suit. (see story, Page 1 )

‘Thankful every day’

After Antoinette Naber, her two daughters, ages 6 and 10, and the family dog, Lucy, raced from the house in the wake of the explosion, the family, along with husband Chance, spent a month

The lot where the house at 321 Lincoln once stood has been purchased and divided by the people who live in the first three homes on North Tryon Street that are south of Lincoln Avenue. Each home will have a larger back yard.

living in a motel before they could move into their home’s second floor. Once a two-flat, the second floor still had a working kitchen.

The Nabers had been restoring the house as a single-family home, with an eye on having a 125th birthday party for the house in 2025. But after the explosion, repairing the damage came first.

“Plaster removal is the worst,” Antoinette said.

They saved what they could and replaced the rest with drywall.

The windows remained boarded up through the winter until, one by one, their custom sizes could be replaced.

“All of the plywood that leaves, I’m so happy,” Antoinette said.

The family was finally able to move from the second floor to the first floor this pastnsummer.

She and Chance were warned that the girls’ grades might suffer in the wake of the trauma, but both girls’ grades went up.

“I tell them how strong they are,” Antoinette said.

Thinking of what might have happened, “I’m thankful every day,” she said.

Diagnosed with depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, Antoinette has had counselors suggest that it might be best for her and her family to move. But Antoinette does not see it that way.

“I love living here,” she said. “I wouldn’t leave.” She said that through the months of work –work that she and Chance had planned to do eventually, just not all at once – she kept giving the house pep talks.

“We’re going to make it,” she would tell her home.

COURTESY PHOTO

Woodstock, IL • 1987

Can’t fight City Hall? Try negotiating

Maybe you can’t fight City Hall, but you might be able to negotiate.

Some Woodstock citizens had success with the latter approach recently when they had concerns about the city’s policies that affected their lives.

Most prominently, a group of residents complained about the proposed 10-year contract the city was negotiating with waste hauler MDC Environmental Services. Specifically, they did not like MDC’s proposal for a mandatory toter program that would give every Woodstock household of four units or fewer a 95-gallon wheeled toter for trash. Many of those residents currently use a cheaper trash bag with a sticker that they said adequately held their weekly trash output and would cost less than the toter program MDC suggested.

In the end, the residents’ complaints got them another option to replace the bags-and-sticker program that MDC will discontinue next July 1. That new option involves a 35-gallon toter, which is 6 inches shorter with about one-third the capacity, which the residents believe will be adequate to hold their trash and be easier to store and to handle

She likes Lou for re-election to McHenry County Board

I support Lou Ness for District 7 Representative to the McHenry County Board. Here’s why. She is a good listener but may ask you to clarify your position with a “Tell me more about that.” She also is a collaborator, one who can see both sides of an issue and work toward a “both/and” solution. If you want to check her record, go to www.citizensforlouness.com. Ness believes we all are more alike than different.

Besides the standard 95-gallon trash toter shown here, Woodtock residents apparently will have a 35-gallon option next year under the city’s new contract with waste hauler MDC Environmental Services.

in getting it to the curb and back each week. They will get no price break, though, as MDC’s automated collection system costs the same to empty the toters, regardless of size. More than 5,000 local households already use the standard 95-gallon model.

It’s unlikely that the smaller toter

Much of Lou Ness’ life has been spent assisting the less fortunate. She took in foster children; she served abused women at Turning Point. At Shelter Care in Rockford, she worked with individuals and families as they created a plan to address mental and physical health, to increase income, to secure benefits, and to obtain stable housing. In addition, she has worked as a chaplain; she served in the United States military and is currently the commander of the Woodstock American Legion Post 412.

option would have been available had the citizens not spoken up. While they didn’t get everything they wanted – many still don’t like not being able to opt out of the mandatory toter program – they did get a solution that addressed some of their concerns.

Final contract language is still

She cares about people, and that includes you.

While sitting on the McHenry County Board, she was a key member of the Workforce Housing Workgroup, people examining housing issues in McHenry County and seeking ways of improving them. She has proven in two years that she can work across the aisle in government, but she is nobody’s fool. Examine her record; then, vote for her in November.

Jan Bosman Woodstock

being negotiated, however, and is expected to be approved next week by the City Council.

Another group of citizens was successful in getting the speed limit lowered in the Sanctuary of Bull Valley subdivision on Woodstock’s east side. The city’s default speed limit in a residential neighborhood is 30 mph. But the City Council was asked, for safety reasons, to lower that to 25 mph, as it had done previously in the nearby Ponds of Bull Valley subdivision.

Although only one resident of the Sanctuary made the request for a lower speed limit, the council was told the subdivision’s homeowners association supported the change. The council approved it, even though a speed study by the Woodstock Police Department didn’t show a speeding problem in the neighborhood. Most drivers obeyed the current 30 mph speed limit.

Mayor Mike Turner made clear that the council would consider such a request from any neighborhood in the city.

So, if you’re of the mind to change things in Woodstock, consider negotiating with city officials, who seem more than willing to listen to any reasonable request.

» FIRST AMENDMENT

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

INDEPENDENT FILE PHOTO BY ANDREW ROUSEY

Pink is the color of survival, remembrance

Growing up as a “tomboy” in the older part of Woodstock, I despised the color pink. When I was a child, pink was about being girly, fancy, and high maintenance. I was more of an orange girl. Orange was the color of a basketball – my true love. Even as a teenager and into adulthood, I could not wrap my head around wearing pink, even in October, the month dedicated to Breast Cancer Awareness.

To demonstrate the extent of my ignorance, in 2009, I attended a funeral service for my Aunt Judy. She passed away from metastatic breast cancer. Call it what you want: karma, what comes around goes around, or a revelation, because in 2022 I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I now have a dresser full of pink shirts, shorts, socks, and leggings. I voluntarily wear my pink with pride, but that didn’t come with my diagnosis.

In Georgia, I dressed to impress. I wore pink running shorts, high pink socks (of course with pink ribbons), a black undershirt, a hot pink T-shirt with the logo saying “Save the Boobies,” and a pink bandana worn like Tupac. My dedicated outfit was to be a part of my first-ever breast cancer benefit run/walk event. This event was a 30-mile, two-day walk hosted by the Georgia Alliance for Breast Cancer.

Though I was a survivor, I still was so naive about the concept of

» YOUR PUBLIC OFFICIALS

U.S. Rep. Bill Foster 11th Disrict Office

2000 W. Galena Blvd., Suite 303 Aurora, IL 60506 630-585-7672

State Rep. Steve Reick District Office 1072 Lake Ave. Woodstock, IL 60098

815-880-5340

I NDEPENDENT

pink. I merely wore it because it was the right thing to do. As a survivor, I walked with pride, side-by-side with my aunt Kathy and enjoyed the “breast stops” every two miles where I saw my sister Christina. She had volunteered to help at the snack stations. However, there was one pivotal moment when I became very emotional, and in all of my pink, I realized I am not alone.

In a ballroom of almost a thousand fellow walkers, we were warming up to a Zumba dance. During this event is when I was encouraged to walk with the survivors. I was not aware of this part of the opening ceremony. I responded, “No, it’s OK, I want to walk with you.” My Aunt Kathy carefully explained to me that this moment is delicate, and it can be a hard decision to make. She reminded me that I would be walking not only for myself but also for Aunt Judy (her sister). I hesitantly agreed.

Walking out of the ballroom, down an escalator, and out of the hotel is when I truly understood what wearing pink meant. Thousands of family members, friends, and

State Sen. Craig Wilcox District Office

209 N. Benton St. Woodstock, IL 600098

McHenry County Board

Chairman Michael Buehler 1630 Quail Way Crystal Lake, IL 60014

815-334-4224 (work) mjbuehler@co.mchenry.il.us

Atlanta community members lined the stairs, sidewalks, and streets to cheer us on. They were all decorated in pink. It was that moment I understood what wearing pink meant. It hit me like a ton of bricks, that we all came as strangers with our own stories, but we left that hall as survivor sisters. To say that was an emotional beginning of the walk is an understatement.

The month of October no longer represents a month to wear pink as a stylish decoration. My eyes are open, and my ignorance is gone. October is a month to remember those we have lost, those who are currently battling, those who have survived, and those who may be just as unknowing as I was, but who may be affected in the future.

Now I wear pink and I dedicate my outfits to those around me. I met two incredible students at the Woodstock High School homecoming football game who also wore pink for others. Their mothers are both survivors. I encourage those who may have been ignorant, naive, or uneducated to dig deep and realize that one out of every four women will develop breast cancer. Take the time to look to your left, to your right, in front of you, behind you, or even in the mirror; wear pink for them.

Jen Nichols is a graduate of Woodstock High School and a sports writer for The Independent.

Woodstock Mayor Mike Turner

121 W. Calhoun St. Woodstock, IL 60098 815-338-4302 mturner@woodstockil.gov

Dorr Township

Supervisor Susan Brokaw 1039 Lake Ave. Woodstock, IL 60098

815-338-0125 supervisor@dorrtownship.com

Subscription rates/year

$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

ADVERTISING Jill Flores jill@thewoodstockindependent com

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Sandy Kucharski sandy@thewoodstockindependent.com

COLUMNISTS

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

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Andrew Rousey, Vicky Long

CORRESPONDENTS

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

EDITORIAL CARTOONISTS Jim Mansfield, Chip Humbertson

PROOFREADER Don Humbertson

CIRCULATION

Beverly Meuch, Dennis Micheletti, Bill Schwerdtfeger, John Wickham

Deadlines & contacts

NOON WEDNESDAY Press releases and photos pr@thewoodstockindependent com

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR pr@thewoodstockindependent com

NOON THURSDAY Display advertising ads@thewoodstockindependent com

NOON FRIDAY Legal notices subs@thewoodstockindependent.com

Classified Ads classifieds@thewoodstockindependent.com

Jen Nichols Declarations

National Merit Scholarship semifinalist Ian Hansen was honored by the D-200 Board for his achievement. Hansen, a WHS senior, plans to study music education at either Lawrence University or Illinois State University.

D-200 Board of education honors 52

By Caryl Dierksen NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

The Woodstock District 200 school board began its Sept. 10 meeting by recognizing 50 students from Woodstock and Woodstock North high schools who have been honored by the College Board National Recognition Program for their academic achievements. Each student falls into one of these underrepresented categories: first-generation American; Black or African American; Hispanic or Latino; Indigenous; or a student who attends school in a rural area or small town. The winners all scored in the

top 10 percent in Illinois on Scholastic Aptitude tests taken during the last school year or earned a score of 3+ on two or more Advanced Placement exams in the ninth and/or 10th grades; and earned a cumulative grade point average of B+ or higher. Next up for honors were two Clay Academy staff members whom the board recognized as part of the District 200 Spotlight program. Clay Principal Dan Palombit spoke about the contributions of certified school nurse Janna Sankey and associate Carrie Jarnecke. As the school year progresses, each principal will choose one certified and

one classified staff member to be honored.

In the business part of its meeting, the board approved a resolution adopting the district’s e-Learning Program for implementation through the 2026-2027 school year. This program details the plan for handling instruction on emergency closing days. Illinois law requires that the district repeat the approval process every three years. No members of the public, the board, or staff spoke on the issue.

There will be no changes to the program currently in place, which calls for the first two emergency closings to be traditional “snow

days,” with pupils receiving no instruction. These days must be made up at the end of the school year. Beginning with the third emergency day, students will participate in e-learning from home. These days will count as official days and will not be added to the end of the year.

The Aug. 27 heat emergency early dismissal day will be not added to the school year because students were in attendance the minimum required hours.

The board’s next regularly scheduled meeting will be at 7 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 12, in the Woodstock High School Learning Resources Center.

COURTESY PHOTOS

The D-200 Staff Spotlight shines on Westwood School STEM teacher Marcy Buchanan and associate Haley Welch, who were honored for outstanding service. Pictured (from left) are Westwood Principal Ryan Hart, third-grader Tyson Hanlin, Welch, second-grader Jack Shanklin, Buchanan, and fifth-graders Aaliyah Patrick, Harper Serpe, and Carmen Rubio.

A & E ‘A challenging acting exercise’

Woodstock North High School Theatre to present ‘You Can’t Take It with You’

By Susan W. Murray NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

Long before “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” charmed audiences to the tune of $369 million in box office receipts about what happens when a large, boisterous Greek family meets a small, properous, WASP family at an engagement party for their children, there was “You Can’t Take It with You,” the 1937 winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

Culture clash stories are a staple of American literature, and the Moss Hart and George S. Kaufman-penned play went on to become a 1938 movie starring Jimmy Stewart, Jean Arthur, and Lionel Barrymore that won the Academy Award for Best Picture.

On Nov. 8, 9, and 10, students at Woodstock North High School will bring the story of the eccentric Sycamore family to the stage. Each member of the family marches to the beat of a very different drum, including a fireworks manufacturer, a ballet dancer, and a snake collector. When Alice (Alexie Hyrkas), the family’s mostly conventional member, becomes engaged to Tony Kirby (Tomas Melero), her boss’s son, the family must try to present a normal front to meet Alice’s fiance and his parents (Sean Fiorina and Addison Sobczak). But when Tony decides to bring his parents to the Sycamore house on the wrong day so the two families can see each other for who they really are, the proverbial hilarious consequences ensue.

‘A challenging acting exercise’

“You Can’t Take It with You” is a great way to start off our fall,” said Sue Lewis, the show’s technical director.

“It’s a challenging acting exercise,” said Tish Lyon, the drama director, costume designer, and thespian adviser.

One challenge for the student actors has been understanding the 1930s time period.

Hart and Kaufman’s plays included many topical references, so Lyon has had to identify who the tsar of Russia and Rasputin were, explain the rise of communism and fascism, and tell students about the labor unrest in the United States in the second half of the 1930s.

“They’re finding the humor,” Lyon said. “Each cast member has a very specific character. They’re having fun with the differences in the nature of

each character.”

Sixteen of the actors go through three costume changes during the play. Period clothing came from Lyon’s collection of vintage 1930s clothes, in addition to what she could borrow from other costume designers.

Although the show’s box set means that there are no set changes, the play demands a plethora of props that have to be meticulously managed by the prop crew, part of a crew of 30 students, including many freshmen.

Respect for acting as an institution

For a fall play, the directors have the luxury of seven weeks of preparation, as compared to five weeks for a winter show and six weeks for the spring musical. For this show, in particular, the extra time gives the crew the chance to master the complicated demands of staging.

“It gives my people a chance to learn and grow,” Lewis said.

Lyon appreciated the show’s large cast of 19, atypical for a non-musical.

“I always want to cast as many as I can,” Lyon said.

Lyon hopes to instill in the students in her

productions “a respect for theater as an institution.” Cast and crew go through the same steps as professionals who are readying a show for its opening night: auditions, casting, reading through the script, memorizing lines, adding props once the actors are “off-book” and adding costumes, hair, and make-up for dress rehearsal.

An enduring message

Since the rights to “You Can’t Take It with You” have been available for high school and community productions, it has never fallen out of the Top Ten of the most produced high school plays, Lyon said.

Part of that can be attributed to the quality of the writing, part could be the simplicity of having a one-set show, but mostly it is the message that holds an enduring appeal for American audiences.

“The title reminds us of what is truly important in life,” Lyon said. “The pursuit of happiness is much more important than the pursuit of money.”

To purchase tickets online for “You Can’t Take It with You” at Woodstock North High School on Nov. 8, 9, and 10 performances at 7 p.m., with a 2 p.m. shoe Sunday, Nov. 10, visit wnhs7470.booktix. com/.

INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY ANDREW ROUSEY Theater members at Woodstock North High School rehearse for “You Can’t Take It with You.”

REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

Transactions filed in the McHenry County Recorder’s Office Sept. 10 to 13 .

■ Residence at 1000 Heron Way, Woodstock, was sold by John K. Babbitt, Woodstock, to Terrie Sobeski, Woodstock, for $320,000.

■ Residence at 13911 Pleasant Valley Road, Woodstock, was sold by The Estate of Randy J. Spina, Frankfort, to Robert L. Cormier III, Woodstock, for $390,000.

■ Residence at 409 Marawood Drive, Woodstock, was sold by The Berry Madill Trust, Warrenville, to Robert Lubecker, Woodstock, for $659,000.

■ Residence at 8710 Memory Trail, Wonder Lake, was sold by Stillwater USA LLC, Grayslake, to Anthony M. Kuchenny, Wonder Lake, for $291,000.

■ Residence at 851 Prairie Ridge Drive, Woodstock, was sold by The Judith A. Kugler Revocable Trust, Lincolnton, N.C., to Richard F. Holan, Woodstock, for $390,000.

■ Residence at 704 Carlisle Drive, Woodstock, was sold by Daniel A. Porzezinski, Crystal Lake, to Daniel Lopez Quintero, Woodstock, for $218,000.

■ Apartment building at 1155 Walden Oaks Drive, Woodstock, was sold by Walden Oaks Apartments Preservation, NFP, Chicago, to Walden Oaks Preservation, L.P., Chicago, for $15,285,000.

■ Residence at 457 Lawndale Ave., Woodstock, was sold by The James A. Ogle Jr. Trust, Denver, Colo., to Michael Hebbard, Woodstock, for $315,000.

Manufacturing Month offers a win

Arnold Magnetic Technologies to move operations, 100 jobs to Woodstock

By Susan W. Murray NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

The city of Woodstock recently learned that Arnold Magnetic Technologies is moving its operations from Marengo to the former Silgan plant at 1005 Courtaulds Dr., off McConnell Road.

The move into the 130,000 square foot building, scheduled for the end of the year, will bring 100 jobs to Woodstock, according to Mikayla Skolaski, Arnold’s communications manager.

The Silgan property has been vacant since the company closed its Woodstock plant in 2016.

Over a century in business

Rochester, New York-based Arnold will celebrate its 130th anniversary in 2025, and it has operated a Marengo facility since 1930.

The company owns additional manufacturing facilities in the United Kingdom, Switzerland, and China, with more than 2,000 clients worldwide.

The company, a subsidiary of Compass Diversified, is a leading global manufacturer of high-performance motors, magnets, and thin metals for a wide range of industries, including aerospace and defense, motorsport, oil and gas,

medical, and energy.

The Woodstock facility will produce precision thin metals that “improve the power density of motors, transformers, and batteries,” according to the company’s website.

The Alnico division will also be housed at the Courtaulds Drive plant. Alnico magnets - a combination of aluminum, nickel, and cobalt - are used in sensors, electric motors, automobiles, and even guitar pickups.

Looking forward

“Our new facility marks an

Continued on NEXT page

INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY ANDREW ROUSEY Arnold Magnetic Technologies will move 14 miles from Marengo to Woodstock by the end of the year, adding 100 jobs to Woodstock’s manufacturing sector. The company has acquired the former Silgan plant at 1005 Courtaulds Dr., off McConnell Road.

exciting step forward for our company,” Arnold’s CEO Dan Miller said in a press release. “It will only expand and strengthen our capacity to continue providing quality products and services to our Precision Thin Metals and Alnico customers across the board.”

The city of Woodstock did not provide incentives for Arnold’s move, according to Jessica Erickson, Woodstock’s economic development director.

The company has already joined the Woodstock Chamber of Commerce.

“Arnold Magnetic is a great addition to the community and to the economy of Woodstock,” Erickson said.

Manufacturing Month snapshot

The news about Arnold Magnetic Technologies making a move to Woodstock came during Manufacturing Month, celebrated in Woodstock and throughout the state of Illinois.

Manufacturing has been “a cornerstone of the local economy,”

according to Erickson.

The sector employed 1,590 people in Woodstock in 2020, dropping 3 percent in 2024 to 1,554, according to data from Lightcast, an economic development data tool.

Woodstock City Manager Roscoe Stelford attributed the small drop to “typical market fluctuations.”

With the addition of 100 jobs from Arnold, Woodstock is poised to see a 6 percent jump in the number of manufacturing jobs.

Manufacturing accounts for 17 percent of Woodstock’s workforce and is the fourth-largest sector in the local economy, after healthcare, retail, and government, Erickson said.

Manufacturing jobs provide an average annual wage of $80,949, according to Lightcast, on par with Illinois’ median household income of $80,306, as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau.

Once benefits are factored in, the average earnings per worker are $97,000 a year, according to Lightcast.

A growth industry

“Manufacturing is experiencing a renaissance in the United States,” Erickson said.

The catalyst, she said, was the COVID-19 pandemic when supply chain challenges led to increased demand for reliable local supply chains.

Woodstock has a little over 4 million square feet of manufacturing space. According to the commercial real estate information company CoStar, the current vacancy rate is just 2.2 percent (97,460 square feet). Once space that will soon become available for lease or is underutilized is factored in, the available manufacturing space is 8.6 percent (363,976 square feet).

“There is room to grow,” Erickson said.

She identified two challenges to growth. One is having infrastructure in place so that projects are “shovel-ready.” The second is having workers who are “trained for the needs of today and tomorrow.”

IN BRIEF

Nenetta Keenan earns NCBTMB’s Board Certification

Ninetta Keenan, a practitioner of classic Asian medicine at The Peaceful Healing Place in Algonquin, recently passed the NCBTMB’s Board Certification exam, earning her the credential of BCTMB –Board Certification in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, the highest credential within the massage and bodywork profession. The NCBTMB also awarded Ninetta the designation of Approved Continuing Education Provider (APCE), commonly referred to as an Approved Provider or AP.

This designation allows Ninetta to offer CE credits for classes taught to licensed massage and bodywork professionals at her office in Algonquin. She is currently offering a class on silicone cupping, but more classes will be offered in the near future. Keenan offers instruction in a relaxed, small group environment. For more information, visit www.PeacefulHealingPlace.com or call/text Ninetta at 847/877-4230.information.

An unknown

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.

Woodstock business window is decorated by Cub Scout Pack 350 for Halloween in 1970.

Community

Karen Strano (center) signs over her farm’s 80 acres to the Land Conservancy of McHenry County as an easement.

On her left is Linda Balek , farm program manager for The Land Conservancy of McHenry County, and on the right, Karen Lavin, president of TLC’s board.

80 more acres in farmland forever

Karen Strano signs an easement with The Land Conservancy of McHenry County

By Ruth Raubertas NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

On October 18, a beautiful fall morning in McHenry County, over 20 people gathered at an 80-acre farm off of Greenwood Road in Bull Valley for a historic easement-signing. Karen Strano, farm owner since 1987, signed an easement allowing her 80 acres of fields, trees, and rolling topography to remain farmland in perpetuity. Also present were members of the board of The Land Conservancy of McHenry County, members of the Village of Bull Valley Board of Trustees, and members of the McHenry County Board.

The signing of the conservation easement was overseen by members of The Land Conservancy of McHenry County. The Land Conservancy (TLC), founded in 1991 by members of the McHenry County Environmental Defenders, was formed as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit to assist private landowners in preserving their land through conservation easements. To date, they have preserved 3,200 acres in the county.

According to TLC’s website, “If you are a landowner, a conservation easement is a way you can protect the natural, scenic, or agricultural character of your land while continuing

to enjoy it as you do today. The land remains yours, and you can pass it on to your heirs, or sell it, but it will remain undeveloped, in accordance with the terms of the conservation easement.” The easement, while lowering the market value of the land, also allows for a substantial tax reduction.

The easement goes with the land no matter who the owner is, so it transfers with any sale or gift. TLC, while not owning the land, monitors it to enforce the restrictions of the easement. TLC does own some land nearby, including Wolf Oak Woods Preserve and Thompson Road Preserve.

When Karen and Brian Strano moved to their farm from Chicago in 1987, the land was planted in corn and beans. There were several large oaks on the property, and a few still exist today, some possibly dating back 300 years. The Stranos’ first action was to plant trees on several acres near the house. The Soil and Water Conservation District planted thousands of tree seedlings in the first couple of years, although many of them died due to drought, ash borers, and other problems. However, the Stranos continued to plant trees every year.

Raising sheep became the central focus of the farm in the 1990s. Karen Strano learned about lambing, wool, and fencing from the former

McHenry County Lamb and Wool Producers. At one time the Stranos had as many as 165 sheep. Taking lambs to market, however, proved to be difficult for Karen, as she became attached to the sheep. In later years, the Stranos simply maintained fewer sheep that lived out their lives on the farm.

After Brian’s death in 2022, Karen began thinking about the future of the farm. She was concerned about encroaching development, as well as maintaining wildlife habitat and preserving the health of the soil. “I love open space; I love trees,” she said.

These days Karen has three sheep and one goat, but there are other animals on the farm as well. Last year, she met Tyler Verba, owner of Vision 313, a local land-clearing business. Tyler helped remove downed trees as well as invasives, such as honeysuckle, buckthorn, and walnuts. He owns 13 sheep that graze on the Strano farm, along with a brown llama named Lily. Additionally, some beef cattle, owned by a neighbor who rents the land, are grazing. Having these animals helps to fertilize the land and preserve pasture.

McHenry County residents can be thankful that another piece of local farmland will remain intact for future generations.

INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY ANDREW ROUSEY

The former Greenwood School, a rare

Rural school teachers were required to keep attendance registers such as this one recorded by Katherine E. Hacker in 1930. She taught at Vermont School in Seneca Township. Note that she had 13 students ranging in age from 5 to 15.

O NLY THE HARDY NEED APPLY

Historic one-room schools - Part 2 of 3

By Caryl Dierksen NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

Teaching in a one-room school was a demanding job, with long hours, multiple responsibilities, and poor pay. Some of the early teachers began as young as age 17 or 18. Some had completed only eighth grade themselves. It wasn’t common for a rural teacher to have a high school diploma until the 1900s.

A few of the teachers were men (who were paid more), but most were unmarried women. A female teacher who wanted to marry would have to quit teaching, a policy not relaxed until the mid-1930s. The teacher had many responsibilities beyond instruction. In “Historic Rural Schools of McHenry County,” Robert Frenz writes, “He/she was

custodian, secretary, nurse, community liaison, fundraiser.” Despite all of the demands, the teacher’s pay was painfully low. In 1939, when the Illinois State Legislature considered setting the minimum pay for teachers at $800 per year, one-third of them were making less than that.

One-room experiences inspire career path

Mary Ellen Howard, who taught kindergarten and first grade for 33 years in District 200, spent the first six years of her own education in one-room schools in rural Woodstock. For some of those years, her mother was her teacher and her sister was a classmate. Howard saw how hard her mother worked, but she also saw the rewards. She decided to become a teacher during first grade.

“And if I were to choose my profession again, I would do the same thing,” she said recently.

Today, she can still close her eyes and bring back the memories— the scratching of chalk on a blackboard; the smell of wet mittens drying on a woodburning stove; the hard wooden seats of the iron desks; the icy feel of the wooden toilet seat in the outhouse in the winter.

She described how her mother structured the school day. The mornings were for academic subjects, such as geography, arithmetic, and reading. The first-graders would gather around the teacher’s desk and take turns reading aloud while the older students were working at their desks. When the reading lesson ended, each first-grader would sit next to an older child who would listen to him or her read while another class took its turn at the teacher’s desk.

After lunch, the teacher read aloud from a classic book, such as “The Boxcar Children.” Other afternoon activities included art, music, typing, and listening to a children’s program on the radio.

One of the highlights of the year was the Christmas program, which their families attended. The children would perform songs and skits and give their parents handmade gifts. Then Santa would appear with gifts for them.

But everything changed abruptly during the spring of Howard’s sixth-grade year. With the consolidation of the one-room schools, the new Westwood School

Continued on NEXT page

PHOTO COURTESY OF WOODSTOCK PUBLIC LIBRARY

INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY ANDREW ROUSEY

example of a two-room, two-story school, is where Verda Anderson Dierzen began her career in education. Built in 1859, the home is designated as a McHenry County Historic Landmark.

The former Cooney School, in Hartland Township, is where Mary Ellen Howard spent her first two years of school with her mother as her teacher. Today the schoolhouse is a private home.

Continued from PREVIOUS page

opened and the rural students finished the term there.

Six years later, Howard graduated from Woodstock Community High School. She went to college and earned a degree in education from what is now Northern Illinois University. The next fall she returned home and began her District 200 teaching career at Greenwood Elementary School.

One-room. pupil then teacher

Verda Anderson Dierzen is wellknown as the first woman administrator in District 200, but she has a lesser-known distinction, too. She was both a student and a teacher in the rural schools of Greenwood Township. Though Dierzen died in 2008, we can learn about her early experiences from interviews she gave during her life.

From Robert Frenz’s history of rural schools in McHenry County, we learn that Dierzen, born in 1917, was raised on a farm outside Greenwood and attended the one-room Charles School for eight years. She was a good student, but she enjoyed the occasional prank. Frenz writes about the time that she pretended to drop another student’s mitten down the school’s outhouse. Then, she accidentally did drop it. The story does not mention whether she was caught or punished.

After graduating from WCHS in 1936, she began teaching at the Greenwood School at age 18, while also taking a two-year teacher training course at the Northern Illinois State Teachers

College (now NIU). She taught the fifth- through eighth-graders in the upper classroom and also served as principal. One of her students in the 1940s was Libbie Barber Aavang.

In 2004, Aavang and Norine Mathey published “The Greenwood Book,” a collection of history and memories from people who had lived in the area. Of Dierzen, Aavang writes, “As a teacher, she tried new things and she did extra things. One year she had all the girls hand sew aprons for their mothers for Mother’s Day. She would get us books from a lending library. We had a reading corner set up in the corner of the classroom. We could go there when we got our work done and read.”

Also in “The Greenwood Book,” we read about the time that some of Dierzen’s boys tied clothing onto the rope that rang the bell. “I had the group stay after school, and we talked about taking others’ clothing,” she said.

And there were the May baskets.

Each year, Dierzen’s students would pick wildflowers from the woods behind the school. Then they made construction paper baskets to hold the flowers. Finally, they made their deliveries. “Every older woman, widow, and spinster in Greenwood received a basket,” Dierzen said.

She was most likely too busy to realize that she was becoming a role model for the women educators that she would hire later in her career.

This series concludes next week with a look at the old one-room schoolhouses today.

Student of the Week

Anna Tersteeg

Anna Tersteeg, a senior at Marian Central Catholic High School, is the daughter of Christine and David Tersteeg.

Her teacher said, “Anna is a shining star among Marian Central’s student body. She goes out of her way to selflessly help others. As a mentor for our transfer students, she spends time making sure that anyone who joins our Marian family feels warmly welcomed. Anna is a beautiful young lady inside and out who certainly has a bright future ahead.”

Anna is a member of the girl’s tennis team and is part of National Honor Society, serving as vice-president. She is also in the Mentor Program (vice-president), Key Club and Pro-Life Club (president).

Outside of school, Anna works at a golf course, volunteers at Feed My Starving Children, and spends time with her family.

INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY ANDREW ROUSEY

Larger-than-life characters are part of a Halloween display in the Franke family yard at 1440 Cord Grass Trail. The QR code sign –used to contribute to Skeletons for St. Jude – is in the foreground.

Halloween decorations with a purpose

Woodstock family raises money for St. Jude’s with holiday décor

By Tricia Carzoli NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

“It’s really exciting to be a part of Skeletons for St. Jude again this year,” Woodstock homeowner Dion Franke said. “St. Jude has been important to me since I was a child.” Franke and her family have taken part in Skeletons for St. Jude for four years.

Founded by entertainer Danny Thomas in 1962, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis works for the prevention and cures for pediatric catastrophic diseases. No child is denied treatment based on race, religion, or a family’s ability to pay.

In 2020, Jeff Robertson decorated his home in North Carolina for Halloween and gave all donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. That year, he raised $8,195 for the research hospital – and he started a movement.

In 2021, 400 houses took part across the country – including Franke’s.

“The goal was to raise $1 million in

five years,” she said, “and we hope to do it this year.”

She has been adding to her display over the past four years, and this year her husband, Chad, gifted her a coveted horse and hearse from Home Depot.

“They released it a couple of years ago, but this year they restocked it,” she said. “I had it in my cart and tried to get it, but it was sold out before I could order it. My husband was able to get it and gave it to me as a surprise! It is my favorite part of the display this year.”

Over the past three years Franke has switched her focus from fun and cute Halloween decorations to elaborate decorations more in line with the skeleton theme, including a host of talking and animated items.

With lights, motion-activated characters, animated window silhouettes, pumpkins, gravestones, skeletons, and more packed into her front yard, Franke said the display garners a lot of attention.

“I have been donating to St. Jude since I was a child,” Franke said. “I was part of the bike-a-thon at

our church in Harvard when I was little. It was something that made an impact on me. And, I began to donate every year. When I saw this opportunity, I was excited to be able to participate.”

This year, 700 homes are participating in Skeletons for St. Jude. Franke said the closest Illinois homes are located in McHenry, Cary, and Wauconda.

“When you sign up to be a Skeletons for St. Jude house you have to fill out paperwork,” she explained. “Then you get set up with a QR code and people can donate that way. I love that the number of participating

homes is increasing every year. I hope more homes participate next year.”

Franke has been able to meet some of the children helped by St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital over the many years she has been supporting the charity.

“St. Jude is so incredible. I remember meeting some of the children who were helped by St. Jude,” she explained. “I can’t imagine being a parent of a child who needs this level of care. St. Jude never charges any family. It is such a good cause.”

The total amount raised as of last week was $125,153.00.

“I love decorating, and, whether or not people choose to donate, I hope they enjoy looking at the decorations,” Franke said. “But, I truly hope people donate to this cause. It is tax deductible, and every donation –100% – goes directly to the children.”

Donations can be made by looking up Skeletons for St. Jude or using this QR code in the Frnkes’ yard display.

Franke’s display is located at 1440 Cord Grass Trail.

INDEPENDENT PHOTOS BY TRICIA CARZOLI

The display includes a skeleton in a hearse.

Pet Week of

Happenings

3 p.m.

$60

30 WEDNESDAY KARAOKE

Woodstock

31

Buren St.

7 p.m. woodstockoperahouse.com

JOE DIAMOND: PARANORMAL ADVENTURE AT THE OPERA HOUSE

Woodstock Opera House

121 W. Van Buren St.

6 and 7:30 p.m.

$105 woodstockoperahouse.com NOVEMBER

1

MEGON MCDONOUGH Stage Left Café

125 W. Van Buren St.

7 p.m.

$22 woodstockoperahouse.com

2 SATURDAY

WOODSTOCK FARMERS MARKET

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

HOUSE TOURS

Woodstock Opera House

121 W. Van Buren St.

11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Free woodstockoperahouse.com

MARIACHI TAPATIO BAND

Woodstock Opera House

121 W. Van Buren St.

7:30 p.m.

$28

tickets@woodstockil.gov

5 TUESDAY

ELECTION DAY Polls open 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

WOODSTOCK CITY COUNCIL

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

6 WEDNESDAY

KARAOKE NIGHT Woodstock Opera House

121 W. Van Buren St.

7 p.m. Free woodstockoperahouse.com

7 THURSDAY

SLC TRIVIA NIGHT - PUB TRIVIA USA

Stage Left Café

125 W. Van Buren St.

7 p.m.

woodstockoperahouse.com

8 FRIDAY

‘YOU CAN’T TAKE IT WITH YOU’

Woodstock North High School

3000 Raffel Road

7 p.m. wnhs7470.booktix.com

OPEN MIC NIGHT

Stage Left Café

125 W. Van Buren St.

7 p.m.

To sign up, email Keith@offsquare music.com

YESTERDAY AND TODAY: THE INTERACTIVE BEATLES EXPERIENCE

Woodstock Opera House

121 W. Van Buren St.

7:30 p.m.

$45 - A seats; $40 B seats woodstockoperahouse.com

9 SATURDAY

WOODSTOCK INDOOR FARMERS MARKET

All Seasons Orchard 14510 Rt. 176

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

‘YOU CAN’T TAKE IT WITH YOU’

Woodstock North High School 3000 Raffel Road

7 p.m. wnhs7470.booktix.com

AN EVENING WITH HENRY WINKLER

Woodstock Opera House

121 W. Van Buren St. 8 p.m.

$155 premium seating, includes VIP reception

$105 preferred seating Gallery sold out woodstockoperahouse.com

10 SUNDAY

‘YOU CAN’T TAKE IT WITH YOU’

Woodstock North High School 3000 Raffel Road 2 and 7 p.m. wnhs7470.booktix.com

11 MONDAY

COFFEE WITH THE CHIEF

Woodstock Police Department 656 Lake Ave. 7 p.m. 815-338-6787

12 TUESDAY

D-200 BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING

Woodstock High School

13 WEDNESDAY

Woodstock Opera House 121 W. Van Buren St.

7

14 THURSDAY

SLC TRIVIA NIGHT - PUB TRIVIA USA Stage Left Café 125 W. Van Buren St.

7 p.m. woodstockoperahouse.com

15 FRIDAY

THEATRE 121’S ‘A CHRISTMAS STORY’

Woodstock Opera House

121 W. Van Buren St.

7:30 p.m.

$28 - Adult A seats; $20 Adult B seats; $26 senior A seats; $18 senior B seats; $18 student A seats; $10 student B seats woodstockoperahouse.com

JAZZ NIGHT

Stage Left Café

125 W. Van Buren St.

8 p.m.

woodstockoperahouse.com

16 SATURDAY

WOODSTOCK INDOOR FARMERS MARKET

All Seasons Orchard 14510 Rt. 176

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

Resurrection Catholic Church

FLASHBACKS

35 years ago – 1989

■ The Woodstock School District 200 facilities committee recommended building a new high school over making additions to the existing high school.

■ The Marian Central Catholic High School varsity volleyball team beat Huntley High School to win the IHSA Class A regional.

30 years ago – 1994

■ Jim Redding was named vice president of Memorial Medical Center.

■ Marian Central broke ground on a major addition to its existing facility.

■ Marian won the first round of the IHSA Class 3A football playoffs, beating Montini Catholic High School 47-0.

25 years ago – 1999

■ McHenry County owed the city of Woodstock $130,000 in water payments after a Woodstock meter reader found that a water meter at the McHenry County Government Center was not listed on any logs for the previous seven years.

■ Woodstock fisherman Jamie Eriksen qualified for the Ranger Millennium M1 Bass Tournament.

■ Woodstock High School crosscountry runners Katie Hartmann and Paul Kulisek qualified for the IHSA Class AA state meet.

20 years ago – 2004

■ District 200 officials turned out in force at a City Council meeting to push for the institution of transition fees for newly annexed property.

■ The City Council held a special meeting to discuss the possibility of extending water and sewer service along the West Route 120 corridor.

15 years ago – 2009

■ District 200 honored employees for their years of service. Superintendent Ellyn Wrzeski congratulated Denny Nielsen for 35 years. Recognized for 30 years of service were Pam Nielsen, Mary Widmer, Cyndi Bagus, Linda Stanek, Roger

Oberman, Al Krejci, and Lou Ann Krejci.

■ District 200, having been struck by increases in influenza-like illnesses, canceled some extracurricular activities but not school. On Oct. 21, 417 children/6.33 percent of the student body were absent with flu symptoms. Middle school and elementary schools were hit the hardest, with 15% to 18% of students out with flulike symptoms.

■ The Woodstock Police Department urged drivers to lock their parked vehicles. Of the 88 reports of car burglary in the previous nine months, only five involved forced entry to a locked/secured vehicle. The other burglaries were to unlocked vehicles.

10 years ago – 2014

■ About 70 people – many of them owners of shops and restaurants along Route 47 – gathered to hear a presentation by IDOT employees about the transportation department’s plans to overhaul the heavily trafficked corridor through Woodstock at some point in the following 10 years. Many were concerned that increasing Route 47 to four lanes and the possible use of roundabouts would leave them at the mercy of

eminent domain proceedings.

■ The city of Woodstock committed to joining a proposed fiber-optic network consortium and to fronting District 200 the money to do the same. The $2.1 million high-speed communication system would link local government buildings to a fiber-optic cable that could be used by the city, the county, the school district, McHenry County College, and the county’s Emergency Telephone System Board. The city’s portion of the construction bill was $386,624. District 200’s was $806,526.

5 years ago – 2019

■ The WNHS girls varsity tennis team won the Antioch IHSA Sectional. It was the first sectional championship for the Thunder. The first-singles match between North’s Aly Cullota and Graylake Central’s Karishman Bhalla was the deciding factor. Cullota won 2-1 and advanced to the state tournament.

■ The WHS boys cross-country team won the Kishwaukee River Conference title. It was the first boys cross-country conference title since 1978. Jack Hansen, a junior, was the Streaks’ top runner, finishing in 17 minutes, 16.40 seconds

April 7, 2004 – More than 20 years ago, while Alan Cornue was mayor, Metra began talking about moving one of its rail yards to Woodstock.

for second place. Also scoring were junior Aidan Schleutermann, Daniel Berkebile, Clark Shulfer, and Logan Hagmann.

1 year ago – 2023

■ Doherty Construction of Woodstock was awarded a contract for $3.5 million to convert the former Woodstock Center of Aurora University at 222 Church St. into University Center, the McHenry County College program to offer bachelor’s and master’s degree programs from four Illinois universities.

■ The Woodstock District 200 Education Foundation awarded Impact Grants totaling $26,000 for projects, equipment, field trips, and other education enhancements proposed by teachers and staff that don’t fall under the District 200 budget.

■ Maxwell Parrish, a Woodstock North High School senior, was Student of the Week. He was nominated by one of his teachers for his passion for learning, positive attitude, superior work ethic, and kindness. Maxwell was a high honor roll student, member of the National Honor Society and International Thespian Society, co-president of the Theater Club, and president of the Green Club.

EDITORIAL CARTOON

BY JIM PEARSON

HARVARD MAIN LINE

Rubin

Peter Gallagher

PAYROLL UNDER $25,000ACCARDO, STEPHANIE; ADAMS, MAGGIE; AGUAYO MIRAMONTES, KENIA; ALLIN, BRYCE; ANDERSON, JEREMIAH; ARELLANO, GISEL; BAIER, RYAN; BAKER, CHARLES; BASARAN, RILEY; BATEMAN, CATHERINE; BAUER, MELISSA; BAUGHER, ANGELA; BEHRENS, SHEA; BERARDI, SOPHIA; BEREZOWSKI, HADEON; BERNER, EMMA; BETH, RAYMOND; BLAKSLEY, CADE; BLAKSLEY, HANNAH; BOAL, KYLIE; BODUCH, PATRICIA; BOGOTT, KEIRA; BOOTH, DAVID; BOZIC, HELEN; BROWN, MARY BETH; BRUCKER, JACOB; CASE, BRODY; CASTANEDA, KARINA; CERVANTES, NAXALI; CHONOS, MATTHEW; COLLINS, WILLIAM; CONNELL, BRENDAN; COOK, JEFFERY; COX, CHERYL; CROWN, JAKOB; CZISCHKI, KAYLE; DARBY, MELISSA; DAVIS, MARTIN; DAWSON, LISA; DENICOLO, NICOLE; DIFRANCESCA, LUKE; DIX, HAILEY; DOOLAN, MAUREEN; DUCY, DIANE; DUNKER, LYDIA; DUNNETT, IRELAND; EATON, KATHERINE; EDDY, FAITH; ESPORRIN, BETH; FEERST, MELANIE; FLORES, ABIGAIL; FLYNN, DARRIN; FREIMAN, ERIK; GARCIA, ERICA;

GAUTHIER, DONNA; GAY, INGRID; GJONI, DENIS; GLUTH, JAMES; GOERS, ALLISON; GRAFF, SARAH; GRANIAS, RYAN; GRAZIANO STRAUS, ANGELINA; GREEN, MAXWELL; GREENLEE, AIDAN; GRICE, NICOLE; GRIFFIN, ALLISON; GRIFFIN, MAGGIE; GRIFFIN, MOLLY; GRIMWADE, TONY; GRISOLIA, PATRICK; GRIVNA, JUSTIN; GUIF, HANNAH; HAGEN, GABRIELLA; HAGMANN, CHRISTIAN; HAILEY, AARON; HAMPSTON, EVA; HANSEN, ALEXIS; HANSEN, DANIELLE; HANSON DELGADO, ELIZABETH; HASTINGS, NATE; HERMANSSON, ERIK; HERNANDEZ, GERALDINE; HERNON, BRENDAN; HICKS, MICHAEL S; JANIGA, BECCA; JANIGA, JOSEPH; JOHANSON, HUNTER; JOHNSON, AIDEN; KENNEY, SARAH; KLINE, DAWN; KNIOLA, JARED; KOSTOV, BOJIDAR; KRYSIAK, KIMBERLY; KURKA, MARY; LAGERHAUSEN, BENJAMIN; LANGE, ALEXANDRA; LEITZEN, ABBY-GALE; LENZI, RAYMOND; LEONARD, JORDYN; LEWAKOWSKI, MOLLY; LISOWSKI, MAXIMILLIAN; LONG, SAMANTHA; LONG, TYLER; LOPICCOLO, MELANIE; MAIDMENT, GRACE; MAIDMENT, TIMOTHY;

MARSCHALL, ANDREW; MARTIN, MARY; MATTHIES, IAN; MAXWELL, ZACHARY; MAY, JESSICA; MCMAHON, MELISSA; MCMILLAN, VAUGHN; MCQUEEN, COLIN; MEINERS, ISABELLA; MILNE, ADAM; MORALES, TERESA; MRZLAK, CHRISTINE; MURPHY, CHRISTINE; NAUERT, MARY LOU; NEFF, SAMANTHA; NIEMAN, TEYA; NIERMAN, THOMAS; NOLAN, WILLIAM; NOVELLE, JOHN; NOVELLE, LILLIAN; OBRIEN, ALLISON; ODEA, MCKENZIE; OKANE, BRIDGID; OLEARY, BLAKE; ORNSTEIN, MARA; PANNIER, LORI ANN; PARRISH, KEATON; PATEL, ARYAN; PENTECOST, MARK; PEREZ, MARIELA; PETERSON, ERIC; PETTY, TALIA; PIGGOTT, CADE; PIGLIACELLI, OLIVIA; PIWONKA, HAILEY; PRIMUS, ABBY; PUZZO, JENELDA; REESE, AIMEE; RICHARDS, KELLY; RILEY, KEVIN; ROBEY, MAXWELL; RUBIO, LUCAS; SAGE, REBECCA; SANCHEZ, ALEXIS; SAYLOR, JENNIFER; SCHECKEL, SARAH; SCHLEUTERMANN, RENEE; SCHMITT, RONALD; SCHOBER, COURTNEY; SCHROEDER, THOMAS; SEEGERS JR, ROBERT; SHUTT, COHEN; SMILEY, BRIAN; SMILEY, CINDY; SMITH, LILY; SQUIRES,

CRYSTAL; STAATS, CHERYL; STACHURA, MADELYN; STACOVIAK, DURBAN; STEINBURG, ANDREA; STERNITZKY, AVERY; SWAN, ABIGAIL; SWEET, KAIA; TABAKA, RANDALL S; TEBO, GORDON; TEGTMAN, DANILLE; THOMAS, KATHLEEN; THOMPSON, KATELYN; TILLMAN, LORI; TOPF, GRACE; TRUE, KAGHAN; TURNER, MICHAEL; VAILL, KRISTEN; VANDEWALKER, NICOLE; VAZQUEZ, JAZMIN; VIDALES, SAMUEL; VIDALS, ABIGAIL; VIRANI, ALISHA; VOGEL, DOMINIC; WALKER, ADDISON; WARD, KATELYNN; WEBER, NICOLE; WHALON, JACK; WICKERSHEIM, ALEXANDER; WICKERSHEIM, ANNALISE; WIEGEL, SYDNEY; WIERER, ANITA; WILLIAMS, RYLEE; WINSHIP, JESSICA; ZAMORANO, GUILLERMO; ZARNSTORFF, MADELYNNE; ZIEMBA, NATALIE; ZINNEN, JAY. 25,000 to 49,999.99 - CAMPBELL, SARAH JANE; CARBAJAL, JUAN; CEREDA, VALERIA; CULBERTSON, SIMON; DEL SANTO, MARYANN; FINLEY, RYAN; FLORES JR, VICTOR; GONZALEZ, LEONEL; HERFF, KATHLEEN; HOFFMANN, MICHAEL; JANIK, LAUREN; KOURIS, TAYLOR; LEMKE,

DENNIS; LOVETT, JASON; MALLON JENKINS, MICHELLE; MCCORMACK, JOSEPH; PETERSON, CHAD; PUZZO, DANIEL; ROSSI MOSER, LISA; SAGE, MICHALA; SCANNELL, SEAN; STRACZEK, WILLIAM; THAYER, TIARA; WICKERSHEIM, SHAWN; WILLCOCKSON, TERESA. 50,000 to 74,999.99 - BAKER, JAROD; BOETTCHER, BRADLEY; BOLDA, DANIEL; BRADLEY, KATHERINE; BUTENSCHOEN, GAVIN; CASTANEDA, CHRISTIAN J; CHAUNCEY, JUDD T; CHIODO, LOUIS; CORK, KATHERINE; COSGRAY, ELIZABETH; COX, REBECCA; DAWDY, KIRK; DIDIER, JONATHAN D; EDDY, BRANDON; ESKILDSEN, BRANDON; FALSETTI, MEGAN; FARLEY, STEVEN; HICKEY, TIMOTHY; IVERSON, LINDSAY; KIVLEY, MARK; LARNER, STEVEN; LECHNER, PHILIP A; LEWAKOWSKI, NICOLE; LIEB, RUTH ANN; LIMBAUGH, DONNA; LOMBARDO, JAMES; LONERGAN, BRETT; LYNK, CHRIS; MARTENSON, ALEX; MARTINEZ Jr., MAURO; MASS, STANLEY PHILIP; MATHEW, DAVID; MAY, JILL E; NAPIORKOWSKI, JONATHON; NEUBAUER, MADELINE; NORD, AUSTIN; OLEARY, PATRICK; ORTEGA II, GASPAR; RAMIREZ,

PAOLA; REWOLDT, BAILEY S; RODRIGUEZ, CARLOS; ROTHSTEIN, AMELIA; RUSHING, SEAN; SCHACHT, TREVOR; SCHULTZ, JEFFERY; SCHWAMB, DOUGLAS; SHERIDAN, NICHOLAS; SHOOK, MATTHEW; SMITH, DEVIN; SPRING, TIMOTHY; STEIGER, WILLIAM; STOLL, MARK; SZUL, BARBARA; TORREZ, RENEE; TRIPP, KATHRYN; WALKER, BERNADENE; WEGENER, JAMES; WHISTON, TIMOTHY; WIER, MATTHEW; WILLIAMS, BRYANT P; ZAMORANO, CARRIE. 75,000 to 99,999.99 - BARKULIS, KENNETH; BERNARDI, NICHOLAS; BERTRAM, JOHN; BUTLER, MICHAEL; CARRENO, IVAN; CZYSCZON, JOSEPH; DELL, JACK; DIFRANCESCA, JAN; DUNKER, ALAN; FREDERICK, DALE; GALLMAN, CHRISTOPHER; GARRISON, ADAM; HARRELL, EDWARD; HOWIE, JANE; LESTER, TAD; LISK, MARY LYNN; MARINO, MITCHELL; MECKLENBURG, JOHN; MOORE, DARRELL; SCARPACE, SHANE; SCHMIDT, LUCAS; STEIGER, ALLISON; STICKROD, RODNEY; TOTTON SCHWARZ, LORA; TRACY, CATHLEEN; VIDALES, HENRY; VIDALES, REBECCA; VIDALES, ROGER; WALKINGTON, ROB; ZERO, CHRISTOPHER. 100,000 to 124,999.99 - ABRAHAMSEN, SHARON L; ARNOLD, HEATHER; BERNSTEIN, JASON; CAMPBELL, DANIEL; DEMPSEY, DAVID; FARNUM, PAUL; FISCHER, ADAM D; GEORGE, ANNE; GUSTAFSON, SAMUEL; GUSTIS, MICHAEL; HANSEN, MARTHA; HENRY, DANIEL; LEVY, CHARLES; LINTNER, WILLIAM; MEZA, HECTOR; MORTIMER, JEREMY; MUEHLFELT, BRETT; NAPOLITANO, JOSEPH; NICKELS, THOMAS; PRENTICE, MATTHEW; REITZ JR, ANDREW; ROUSEY, MICHAEL; SCHRAW, ADAM; SHARP, DAVID; SMITH, WILLIAM; SVEHLA, SPENSER. 125,000 and Over - ANDERSON, GARRETT D; AYMOND, BRENT; BETZ, CHRISTINA; BRANUM, ROBBY; CHRISTENSEN, PAUL N; CIPOLLA, CONSTANTINO; DOLAN, RICHARD; GULLI, DANIELLE; KOPULOS, GEORGE; LANZ II, ARTHUR R; LIEB, JOHN; MARSHALL, SHANE; MCELMEEL, DANIEL; PRITCHARD, ROBERT; RAPACZ, JOSHUA; SCHOBER, DEBORAH; STELFORD III, ROSCOE; TIEDT, CHRISTOPHER; WEBER, NICHOLAS; ZINNEN, JOHN DAVID.

DISBURSEMENTS over $2,500 - 31 NORTH BANQUETS & CATERING, 4,847.59; A PLACE TO SHINE MUSIC, 8,707.70; A. D. STARR, 2,865.47; ABRAN GONZALEZ, 3,527.00; ADAMS BROS. GARAGE DOORS, 6,581.00; ADVANCE AUTO PARTS, 11,295.63; ADVANCED AUTOMATION & CONTROLS INC, 12,725.00; ADVANCED TURF SOLUTIONS, 2,721.48; ADVANTAGE MOVING & STORAGE INC, 23,808.00; AERIAL INFLUENCE LLC, 19,973.00; AFFINITY CHEMICAL LLC, 31,297.96; AFLAC REMITTANCE PROCESSING, 19,043.30; AHW LLC - HARVARD, 3,300.78; AIRGAS, 2,711.97; AL

WARREN OIL CO INC, 37,189.87; ALADTEC, 3,083.08; ALAN DUNKER, 2,942.85; ALAN J SWEARINGEN, 2,700.00; ALDI INC, 11,442.21; ALLIANCE CONTRACTORS, INC., 150,606.78; ALLIANCE TECHNOLOGY GROUP LLC, 71,221.29; ALLIED AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING CORP, 112,364.00; ALPHA CONTROLS & SERVICES LLC, 3,272.39; ALPHA MEDIA, 16,330.00; AMAZON CAPITAL SERVICES, 10,311.58; AMERICAN LEGAL PUBLISHING, 4,418.78; AMERICAN LITHO, 6,592.00; AMERICAN VACTOR SERVICES, 9,087.50; AMERICAN WATER WORKS ASSO., 4,818.00; AMY VAN AMBURGH, 13,102.89; ANTHONY WALKER, 4,159.00; AQUAFIX, 3,552.85; ARAMARK UNIFORM SERVICE, 11,233.25; ARCHIVESOCIAL, 6,287.40; ARTSPACE CONSULTING, 32,500.00; ASAP PLUMBING, 166,429.00; ASSOCIATED ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS LLC, 208,083.69; ATLAS BOBCAT LLC, 62,173.75; ATTY FUNDS TRUST ACCOUNT OF FORAN OTOOL, 9,000.00; AUDACY OPERATIONS INC, 17,499.00; BAKER & TAYLOR LLC, 79,691.46; BARRINGTON BANK & TRUST, 105,867.66; BAXTER & WOODMAN, INC., 76,395.28; BELL CARTAGE CORP, 10,989.25; BENSON ELECTRICAL CONTRACTING INC, 4,768.00; BERG-JOHNSON ASSOCIATES INC, 37,920.80; BLACKSTONE PUBLISHING, 3,054.81; BOLDER CONTRACTORS, 2,612,991.01; BONNELL INDUSTRIES, INC, 11,490.77; BOTTS WELDING SERVICE, 6,865.07; BRAD MANNING FORD, 3,170.62; BREWMATION INC, 33,929.59; BRINC DRONES INC, 18,699.15; BULL VALLEY FORD, 117,016.65; BULL VALLEY GOLF CLUB, 6,007.00; BULLEY & ANDREWS, 6,458,673.94; BUMPER TO BUMPER, 11,700.68; BURRIS EQUIPMENT COMPANY, 2,980.98; C.O.P.S. & F.I.R.E. PERSONNEL TESTING, 4,039.54; CABAY & COMPANY, INC, 39,087.82; CAL & SHAN’S LANDSCAPE & DESIGN INC, 24,582.26; CARDINAL TRACKING, 7,643.10; CARMICHAEL CONSTRUCTION INC, 165,932.10; CC BACKLINE & AUDIO, 3,415.00; CDW GOVERNMENT, INC., 88,100.54; CELLEBRITE INC, 6,100.00; CENGAGE LEARNING, INC, 9,376.14; CENTRAL PARTS WAREHOUSE, 3,701.26; CHALLENGER SPORTS, 2,706.00; CHAMBER MUSIC ON THE FOX, 7,350.00; CHEMSEARCH, 4,963.66; CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 6,469.79; CHICAGO TRIBUNE COMPANY, 4,471.20; CHILDRENS PLUS INC, 8,824.99; CHRISTOPHER FLEMING, 8,783.32; CINTAS CORPORATION, 12,787.00; CITY ELECTRIC SUPPLY, 5,618.98; CITY OF MCHENRY, 673,287.50; CITY OF WOODSTOCK, 60,160.99; CITY OF WOODSTOCK, 30,603.71; CIVIC PLUS LLC, 115,325.18; CIVIC SYSTEMS, LLC, 26,900.00; CLARK BAIRD SMITH LLP, 5,851.25; CLARKE ENVIRONMENTAL MOSQUITO MANAGEMENT, 21,720.00; CLASS ACT, 9,000.00; CLASSIC FENCE INC, 2,700.00; COLLISION

SPECIALISTS, 2,999.85; COM ED, 36,048.44; COMCAST, 14,368.72; COMPLETE FENCE, 20,145.00; CONCENTRIC INTEGRATION LLC, 61,878.41; CONSERV FS, 183,890.55; CONTROL SERVICE INC, 8,616.30; COPENHAVER CONSTRUCTION, 32,579.93; COPY EXPRESS, INC., 11,105.47; CORE & MAIN, 127,843.41; CORRECTIVE ASPHALT MATERIALS LLC, 57,761.37; COSTAR REALTY INFORMATION INC, 4,300.00; COUNSEL CONSTRUCTION, 219,658.00; COURTNEY THE EXPLORER LLC, 4,000.00; CREATIVE PRODUCT SOURCING, INC, 3,188.30; CRITERION PICTURES USA, 4,266.50; CURRAN MATERIALS COMPANY, 22,469.91; CURRIE MOTORS FLEET, 364,054.00; CUSTOM TRUCK & EQUIPMENT LLC, 259,621.00; CYNTHIA VANDERSTAPPEN, 8,196.00; D&B FABRICATORS, 12,200.00; DAHM ENTERPRISES INC, 58,271.60; DAHME MECHANICAL INDUSTRIES, 51,064.00; DAN HART, 2,689.97; DANIEL SIMMONS, 10,855.00; DARK TRACE LIMITED, 44,383.00; DATAFY LLC, 27,500.00; DAVID G. ETERNO, 3,115.00; DEIGAN & ASSOCIATES LLC, 3,594.02; DEKALB MECHANICAL INC, 4,298.20; DELL MARKETING LP, 63,705.78; DEMCO INC, 7,970.96; DESIGN WORKSHOP INC, 92,734.03; DIGGING RECORDS INC, 3,000.00; DILAR’S EMBRIODERY & MONOGRAMS, 3,647.75; DIRECT FITNESS SOLUTIONS, LLC, 12,205.86; DISPLAY SALES, 6,232.00; DK CONTRACTORS, 233,410.50; DLR GROUP, 53,692.50; DOOR SERVICES, INC, 7,267.98; DORNER COMPANY, 50,137.38; DOYLE SIGNS INC, 14,290.00; DYNEGY ENERGY SERVICES, 864,884.07; EAST COAST ENTERTAINMENT, 13,400.00; EBSCO INFORMATION SERVICES PAYMENT PROCE, 5,754.16; EBY GRAPHICS INC, 2,774.13; ECIVIS INC, 3,000.00; ECO CLEAN MAINTENANCE INC, 109,705.78; EHEALTH SCREENINGS, 6,439.84; EL-COR INDUSTRIES INC, 11,219.89; ELGIN RECYCLING INC, 15,040.00; ELKO INC, 13,925.00; ELTON DAN LLC, 3,740.00; EPA HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE SUPERFUND, 6,657.41; ERIC GUTMAN, 3,500.00; ESSCOE, 8,823.78; ETIX INC, 24,861.25; EVERBRIDGE, 11,855.16; EVERLAST BLACKTOP INC, 10,000.00; EXCEL RESTORATION SERVICES INC, 16,069.73; FEHR GRAHAM ENGINEERING & ENVIRONMENTAL, 70,018.87; FENCE FACTORY FAMILY, 31,500.00; FIESTA POOL INC, 103,714.50; FIRE HOUSE GYM, 4,862.00; FIRST PLACE PROMOTIONS AND AWARDS, 3,398.12; FISCHER BROS FRESH CONCRETE INC, 3,853.50; FLEET PRIDE, 8,324.98; FLOW-TECHNICS INC, 38,591.97; FOREVER LAWN, 17,141.19; FOX VALLEY FIRE & SAFETY CO., 61,654.92; FRED’S UPHOLSTERY SHOP, 34,775.00; FRIENDS OF THE OPERA HOUSE, INC., 21,395.18; G. FISHER COMMERICAL CONSTRUCTION INC, 41,136.00; GANZIANO SEWER &

WATER INC, 50,855.00; GASVODA AND ASSOCIATES, INC., 11,839.04; GAVERS ASPHALT PAVING, 73,727.27; GEN EX CONSTRUCTION INC, 37,550.00; GENERAL MEDICAL DEVICES INC, 11,602.33; GESKE & SONS, 4,545,300.97; GHD SERVICES INC, 43,461.15; GORDON FLESCH COMPANY, 13,078.45; GOVCONNECTION, INC., 6,314.88; GRAINGER, 11,468.80; GRANICUS, 9,537.69; GZA GEOENVIRONMENTAL INC, 32,683.53; H21 GROUP, 6,338.00; HACH COMPANY, 16,748.36; HAMPTON, LENZINI & RENWICK INC, 256,727.94; HARD ROCK CONCRETE CUTTERS, 25,000.00; HASTINGS ASPHALT SERVICES INC, 5,812.00; HAWKINS, INC., 90,062.77; HEARTLAND BUSINESS SYSTEMS LLC, 7,458.75; HEATHER VENN, 3,788.47; HERITAGE RESTORATION & DESIGN INC, 228,616.20; HI VIZ INC, 18,280.50; HIGHER FOCUS PHOTOGRAPHY LLC, 4,042.00; HOLABIRD & ROOT LLC, 117,537.68; HOOPLA, 12,817.47; HOUSEAL LAVIGNE ASSOCIATES, 76,830.00; HR GREEN, 128,516.66; HRI, DBA HUMANA WELLNESS, 22,918.20; HUB INTERNATIONAL MIDWEST WEST, 42,150.00; HUNTINGTON NATIONAL BANK, 561,589.47; HVAC BOYS, 5,943.00; ILLINOIS EPA FISCAL SERVICES #2, 51,194.18; IMAGE ONE FACILITY SOLUTIONS, INC, 16,599.80; IMPERIAL SURVEILLANCE INC, 140,479.92; INDUSTRIAL ENGINE COMPANY, 34,786.00; INFINITY ENTERTAINMENT LLC, 4,000.00; INFO USA MARKETING INC, 2,500.00; INGRAM LIBRARY SERVICES, 2,825.07; INTEGRATED BUILDING AUTOMATION, 5,835.00; IPS INC, 15,167.00; JARR PRINTING, 25,733.00; JASMINE’S NURSERY & PERENNIALS, 5,751.25; JAY ZINNEN, 3,586.99; JC CROSS CO., 33,327.00; JCK CONTRACTORS INC, 3,990.00; JILL FLORES, 10,790.25; JOHN WHITE STABLES, 5,015.00; JOHNSON TRACTOR INC, 82,947.80; JORDAN RAINER, 6,000.00; JOSE M. ZAMORANO, 9,374.07; JOSEPH DAVID WOHNRADE, 6,697.00; JOYCE A NARDULLI LLC, 60,000.00; JUAN LARA, 3,000.00; JUDE VICKERY, 2,500.00; JUDITH BROWN, 7,056.50; JUDITH SVALANDERS SCHOOL OF B, LTD, 86,583.85; JULIE, INC., 5,605.08; JUST FOIA INC, 9,835.00; JWC ENVIRONMENTAL, 2,842.16; KARA COMPANY INC, 10,393.00; KATHLEEN ZANK, 2,811.25; KELLY HOLLANDER, 6,680.00; KENNETT EXCAVATING, 16,900.00; KINGSTON LANES, 3,600.00; KIRCHNER FIRE EXTINGUISHER, 4,923.00; K-LOG INC, 8,994.77; KNAPHEIDE TRUCK EQ CENTER, 37,901.37; KNV FIRE & SECURITY INC, 15,618.00; KOSSON TALENT LLC, 2,550.00; KRISTA BALOUN, 5,130.00; K-TECH SPECIALTY COATINGS INC, 16,090.70; KUNES COUNTRY AUTOMOTIVE MANAGEMENT INC, 625,461.74; KZ GLASS SERVICES INC, 3,443.00; LAKESIDE EQUIPMENT CORPORATION, 3,865.41; LAKESIDE

INTERNATIONAL TRUCKS LLC, 10,832.69; LAMAR COMPANIES, 15,000.00; LAND CONSERVANCY OF MCHENRY COUNTY, 27,167.65; LANGTON GROUP, 251,337.98; LAYNE CHRISTENSEN COMPANY, 181,412.50; LEE JENSEN SALES CO, 5,287.24; LEWBERGER LLC, 8,300.00; LIMA CONTRACTORS, 2,500.00; LINGO TELECOM LLC, 5,506.39; LITTLE MEDICAL SCHOOL, 3,702.50; LOUISE FORREST, 3,955.00; LRS LLC, 30,208.38; M.J. PLUMBING INC, 76,294.50; MACON COUNTY LAW ENFORCEMENT, 7,450.00; MAXON EQUIPMENT, 2,775.00; MC HENRY COUNTY COLLECTOR, 12,568.94; MC HENRY COUNTY RECORDER OF DEEDS, 2,800.00; MC HENRY COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPT, 35,000.00; MCCANN INDUSTRIES, INC, 6,135.67; MCCLOUD AQUATICS, 5,325.00; MCHENRY CO BROADBAND FIBER NETWORK, 33,774.00; MCHENRY COUNTY COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS, 8,925.00; MCHENRY COUNTY EDC, 3,700.00; MCHENRY COUNTY ENTERPRISE ZONE, 24,000.00; MCHENRY EXCAVATING INC, 33,388.72; MCMRMA, 594,461.00; MDC ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES, 1,665,499.27; MEADE, INC, 6,420.13; MEGAN LIEBETRAU, 4,737.17; MENARDS, 57,981.97; MERCYHEALTH PHYSICIAN SERVICES, 6,724.00; MICHAEL DUBOIS, 3,500.00; MICHAEL J KUCIC, 3,500.00; MICROMARKETING LLC, 6,425.31; MID AMERICAN WATER OF WAUCONDA, 3,670.66; MIDAMERICAN ENERGY SERVICES LLC, 28,238.68; MIDWEST CHLORINATING & TESTING, INC., 18,400.00; MIDWEST EXCAVATORS LLC, 25,000.00; MIDWEST PUBLIC SAFETY GROUP, 7,726.00; MIDWEST SALT LLC, 310,491.62; MIDWEST TAPE, 13,130.67; MISSION COMMUNICATIONS LLC, 12,785.04; MIXED MEDIA GROUP INC, 5,000.00; MOBCRAFT BEER - WOODSTOCL, 34,970.81; MODERN SIGN DESIGN INC, 5,200.00; MOLDING AUTOMATION CONCEPTS INC, 12,419.78; MOLLY O’CONNOR, 9,328.75; MORROW BROTHERS FORD INC, 616,695.00; MORTON SALT, 92,701.05; MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS, INC, 20,146.36; MTC MORENO’S INC, 8,400.00; MUSIC ZIRCONIA TALENT LLC, 4,000.00; NAPA AUTO PARTS WOODSTOCK AUTO PARTS, 8,899.22; NATIONAL FITNESS CAMPAIGN, 135,000.00; NATURAL PLAYGROUNDS SHOP, 2,622.14; NATURALLY MCHENRY COUNTY, 15,000.00; NEITURNER MEDIA GROUP INC, 3,375.00; NEIWEEM INDUSTRIES INC, 9,000.00; NEVA E. LISS, 2,779.00; NEWS BANK, INC., 4,054.00; NICOR, 75,246.60; NIR ROOF CARE, 30,522.00; NISRA, 102,670.00; NIU CENTER FOR GOVERNMENTAL STUDIES, 9,000.00; NO BRAKES TOURING INC, 11,325.00; NOON AT NIGHT TOURS INC, 7,500.00; NORTH EAST MULTIREGIONAL TRAINING, 6,520.00; NORTH SHORE WATER RECLAMATION DISTRICT, 4,800.00; NORTHERN IL POLICE K-9

MEMORIAL, 2,540.00; NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY, 14,940.00; NYHART COMP INC, 6,000.00; OFF SQUARE MUSIC, 3,700.00; O’LEARY’S CONTRACTORS EQUIP & SUPPLY INC, 34,200.00; OPENGOV INC, 316,059.05; OTIS ELEVATOR CO., INC., 26,598.72; OTTOSEN DINOLFO, 8,324.50; OVERDRIVE INC, 25,701.87; OWEN ENTERTAINMENT/PUB TRIVIA USA, 7,315.00; OZARK TALENT, 3,500.00; P. F. PETTIBONE & COMPANY, 5,007.55; PACE ANALYTICAL SERVICES, 34,365.50; PAMELA MCDONALD, 11,269.25; PATTI TURK, 2,578.00; PEERLESS NETWORK INC, 13,244.37; PERRY WEATHER, 4,633.97; PETRA, 2,527.65; PIONEER CENTER FOR HUMAN SERVICES, 10,000.00; PLACER LABS INC, 20,000.00; PLANTE & MORAN, PLLC, 10,220.00; PLAYPOWER LT FARMINGTON INC C/O ACCOUNTS, 74,350.33; PLOTE CONSTRUCTION INC, 2,777,130.91; POMP’S TIRE SERVICE INC, 20,916.61; POOLBLU, 14,256.77; POWERDMS INC, 6,817.28; PPM INC, 13,541.00; PRAIRIE MOON NURSERY, 6,700.00; PRAIRIECAT, 29,588.69; PRECISION PAVEMENT MARKING INC, 123,091.08; PRESTIA TUCKPOINTING LTD, 26,700.00; PROQUEST LLC, 13,234.33; PUBLIC HOUSE OF WOODSTOCK, 146,301.82; QUADIENT FINANCE USA INC, 3,107.22; QUADIENT LEASING USA INC, 4,949.31; QUBIT NETWORKS,

49,222.10; QUICKET SOLUTIONS, 5,000.00; QUILL CORPORATION, 17,910.29; R3 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT, 4,309.25; RALPH’S GENERAL RENT-ALL, 2,615.18; RANGER REDI MIX INC, 36,285.00; RAY O’HERRON COMPANY, INC., 2,911.00; REACHING ACROSS ILLINOIS LIBRARY SYSTEM, 19,412.76; RELIANT TALENT AGENCY LLC, 4,050.00; RESA CONSTRUCTION, 3,750.00; RIDGE TOP EXTERIORS, 4,155.00; RIDGEVIEW ELECTRIC INC, 18,175.00; RL MACE UNIVERSAL DESIGN INSTITUTE, 15,000.00; ROCK ‘N’ KIDS, INC, 2,745.50; ROCK RIVER WATERSHED GROUP, 6,640.00; ROCKAPELLA ROAD CORP, 6,100.00; ROLLING ROSES BAND, 3,000.00; ROTARY CLUB OF WOODSTOCK, 6,599.00; ROY RIVERS PRODUCTIONS INC, 3,900.00; RYAN ZINNEN, 3,776.88; SAVEONSP LLC, 52,328.39; SCHINDLER ELEVATOR CORP., 7,065.87; SCHMIDT PRINTING, 4,780.00; SCHROEDER & SCHROEDER INC, 91,856.50; SCHROEDER ASPHALT SERVICES, INC, 50,754.00; SHAW MEDIA, 19,256.25; SHERMAN MECHANICAL, INC., 95,418.05; SHERWIN-WILLIAMS CO ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE, 4,639.92; SIKICH LLP, 38,320.00; SOLENIS, 22,788.01; SOUTHERN GLAZER’S OF IL, 6,552.86; SPRING ALIGN OF PALATINE, 9,805.08; STANDARD EQUIPMENT COMPANY, 16,055.91; STATE TREASURER,

30,625.59; STORM WIND LLC, 4,200.00; STRIKE TACTICAL SOLUTIONS, 6,423.00; STUDIO GWA, 47,716.85; SWANK MOTION PICTURES, INC, 4,455.00; SYNAGRO TECHNOLOGIES INC, 162,478.70; TAMI GEMMEL, 4,075.00; TARA CALABRESE, 4,261.00; TARTAN TERRORS, 5,950.00; TELCOM INNOVATIONS GROUP LLC, 7,431.22; THE AV PROFESSOR, LLC, 67,600.00; THE BUG MAN, 3,327.00; THE DAVENPORT GROUP, 10,732.80; THE FLOLO CORPORATION, 3,388.00; THE VITALITY GROUP LLC, 4,914.50; THEATRE 121, 125,208.97; THELEN MATERIALS LLC, 67,453.93; THIRD MILLENNIUM ASSOCIATES, INC, 6,252.45; THOMPSON ELEVATOR INSPECTION, 5,505.00; TIM HICKS, 4,726.00; TIMBER POINT TREE SERVICE, 45,270.00; TIME CLOCK PLUS, 7,778.05; TKB ASSOCIATES INC, 4,436.00; TODAYS BUSINESS SOLUTIONS INC, 4,881.92; TODAY’S UNIFORMS, 2,691.55; TOM CAREY MUSIC INC, 9,524.45; TOTAL SYSTEMS ROOFING, 8,642.00; TRASPORT911-KABIR KASSAM, 8,000.00; TRIBUTE MASTERS, 72,281.59; TRIPLE B PRODUCTIONS, 2,500.00; TRITZ BEVERAGE SYSTEMS INC, 5,347.52; TROTTER AND ASSOCIATES, INC, 1,422,901.13; TRUGREEN PROCESSING CENTER, 7,921.86; TURNKEY DIGITAL, 13,025.00; TWIN’S SEALCOATING,

38,200.00; U S POSTAL SERVICE CMRS-POC, 6,000.00; U. S. POSTAL SERVICE CMRS-POC, 8,000.00; ULTRA STROBE COMMUNICATIONS, 3,483.65; UMB BANK, 3,404,287.50; UMBRELLA TECHNOLOGIES, 10,695.00; UNIFORM DEN EAST, INC, 7,967.30; UNITED LABORATORIES, 2,802.00; UNITED RENTALS (NORTH AMERICA) INC, 2,762.36; UNIVAR SOLUTIONS, 6,396.65; UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS - PAYMENT CENTER, 7,434.00; UNUM LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY, 28,779.97; UPLAND CONSTRUCTION & MAINTENANCE LLC, 8,954.00; USA BLUEBOOK, 27,095.89; VACK, 39,963.04; VERMONT SYSTEMS, INC., 9,715.69; VIKING CHEMICAL COMPANY, 39,799.32; VISIBLE OUTDOOR ADS, 4,200.00; VISION SERVICE PLAN (IL), 9,327.99; VOGELSANG, 38,320.50; VORTEX TECHNOLOGIES, 12,198.23; WAINIHA POWERHOUSE ROAD LLC, 3,042.45; WALMART - CAPITAL ONE, 7,325.44; WARP CORPS LLC, 9,911.93; WATER RESOURCES, INC., 97,915.40; WATER SOLUTIONS UNLIMITED, 46,760.00; WBK ENGINEERING, 13,267.21; WELCH BROS., INC., 6,370.21; WEST SIDE TRACTOR SALES, 60,642.92; WHIRLEY INDUSTRIES INC, 9,205.55; WIGHT & COMPANY, 76,141.33; WILL ENTERPRISES, 10,572.29; WILLEN ENTERPRISES, 4,539.89; WINDY CITY LIGHTS, 4,248.96; WINNEBAGO LANDFILL COMPANY, 7,757.68;

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE OF CHANGE TO DBA CHANGE OF BUSINESS/OWNER ADDRESS

Public Notice is hereby given that on OCTOBER 15, A.D. 2024, a Certificate was filed in the Office of the County Clerk of McHenry County IL concerning the business known as CK LESSONS located at 3102 KILLARNEY DR. CARY, IL 60013 which certificate sets forth the following BUSINESS/OWNER ADDRESS change in the DBA thereof: CK LESSONS IS MOVING FROM 3102 KILLARNEY DR. CARY, IL 60013 TO 9325 RYAN CT. WONDER LAKE, IL 60097 and CHRIS KALKBRENNER IS MOVING FROM 3102 KILLARNEY DR. CARY, IL 60013 TO 9325 RYAN CT. WONDER LAKE, IL 60097.

Dated this 15TH DAY OF OCTOBER, A.D., 2024

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

(Published in The Woodstock Independent October 23, 2024, October 30, 2024) L11859

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE BY PUBLICATION

In the Interest of: KYA TURANA MARTINEZ, A Minor CASE NO: 2024 GR 171 TO BILLY CRIDDLE:

Take notice that on the 17th day of October, 2024, a Petition to Appoint Guardian of the Person of the Minor was filed in the Circuit Court of McHenry

County, Illinois, 22nd Judicial Circuit, and that in room 357 of the Michael J. Sullivan Judicial Center, on the 27th day of November, 2024 at the hour of 9:30 a.m., or as soon thereafter as this cause may be heard, a hearing will be held upon the Petition to Appoint Guardian of the Person of the Minor. Now, unless you appear at the hearing and show cause against the Petition, the Petition may be taken for confessed as against you and an Order, Judgment or Decree entered. Dated at Rockford, Illinois this 17th day of October, 2024.

/s/ Katherine M. Keefe Clerk of the Circuit Court

ERIN L. NASH #6304953

Nash Law Office, P.C. 4615 East State Street, Suite 201 Rockford, IL 61108 (815) 397-7500

(Published in The Woodstock Independent October 23, 2024, October 30, 2024) L11860

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE OF CHANGE TO DBA CLOSING THE BUSINESS

Public Notice is hereby given that on OCTOBER 10, A.D. 2024, a Certificate was filed in the Office of the County Clerk of McHenry County IL concerning the business known as JILLS ORGANIZING BUSINESS located at 1615 RIVERSIDE DR. MCHENRY, IL 60050 which certificate sets forth the following change: CLOSING THE BUSINESS in the DBA thereof: JILL K. BRAUN CLOSING BUSINESS JILLS

ORGANIZING BUSINESS LOCATED AT 1615 RIVERSIDE DR. MCHENRY, IL 60050..

Dated this 10TH DAY OF OCTOBER, A.D., 2024

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

(Published in The Woodstock Independent October 23, 2024, October 30, 2024) L11861

PUBLIC NOTICE

ASSUMED NAME

Public Notice is hereby given that on OCTOBER 21, 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 HARVESTER OF YARROW located at 161 REDWING DRIVE WOODSTOCK, IL 60098. Owner Name & Address: APRIL RAMONI 161 REDWING DRIVE WOODSTOCK, IL 60098.

Dated: OCTOBER 21, 2024

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

(Published in The Woodstock Independent October 30, 2024)L11862

PUBLIC NOTICE

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

WINZER FRANCHISE COMPANY, 7,548.61; WOODSTOCK AUTO BODY, 21,893.33; WOODSTOCK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, 107,605.05; WOODSTOCK CHILDRENS SUMMER THEATER, 14,769.39; WOODSTOCK COMMUNITY CHOIR, 4,000.00; WOODSTOCK COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT NUMB, 18,519.61; WOODSTOCK CUSD#200 BUILDINGS & GROUNDS, 7,369.98; WOODSTOCK FARMER’S MARKET, 4,000.00; WOODSTOCK FINE ARTS ASSN., 26,761.42; WOODSTOCK FIRE & RESCUE DISTRICT, 126,848.84; WOODSTOCK GROUNDHOG DAYS COMMITTEE, 5,000.00; WOODSTOCK HARLEY DAVIDSON, INC, 3,786.75; WOODSTOCK HEATING & COOLING INC, 3,916.25; WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT, 29,777.50; WOODSTOCK LUMBER COMPANY, 16,257.18; WOODSTOCK PRIDE, 4,000.00; WOODSTOCK SCHOOL DISTRICT 200, 56,047.64; WOODSTOCK SCHOOL DISTRICT 200, 14,971.88; WOODSTOCK SQUARE APARTMENTS LLC, 62,870.70; WORLD SECURITY & CONTROL,INC., 6,743.00; YAKETY YAK FURNITURE, 27,836.00; ZOIA MONUMENT COMPANY, 3,442.00; ZUKOWSKI ROGERS FLOOD MCARDLE, 291,438.76.

Case No. 2024PR000284

In the Matter of the Estate of STEVEN R. GILFETHER

Deceased

CLAIM NOTICE

Notice is given of the death of STEVEN R. GILFETHER

Of: CARY, IL

Letters of office were issued on: 10/18/2024

To Representative: ERIKA GILFETHER

100 FIRST AVE. HIGHTSTOWN, NJ 08520 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 30, 2024)L11863

Sports Defense rules Crosstown Classic

By Juel Mecklenburg NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

Woodstock North Thunder took home the brick in the annual crosstown matchup Oct. 25, winning 8-7. It was a gritty game under the Friday night lights where defense stole the show. Neither team’s offense could find the end zone thanks to defenses that throughout the game would bend but not break.

The first quarter was a stalemate. North had an opportunity to score in the second quarter, but quarterback Parker Halihan’s pass to the end zone was intercepted by the Blue Streaks’ Jared Kay to end the Thunder threat.

Aided by a Thunder pass interference penalty to extend the Woodstock drive that began at their own 20, Woodstock would score the first points of the game with time running out in the first half. Caden Thompson connected with Charlie Walrod to give the Streaks a 7-0 lead at the half. There wasn’t another score until the end of the fourth, when North quarterback Braelen Creighton had a 16-yard touchdown run. Woodstock North looked to their constant this whole season, David Randecker, to punch in a 2-point conversion.

Randecker ended the night with 100 rushing yards.

Woodstock North got the final stops needed to stay 7-2 overall and 5-2 in the Kishwaukee River Conference. Throughout the night, North was consistent on third down efficiency, going 8 for 11 at 73 percent.

With Woodstock having a seniorheavy team, and the Thunder being junior-dominant – 19 of the 22 starters returning next season – North head Coach Matt Polnow knew the game would be tough.

The win was crucial to Polnow because the Thunder didn’t want to enter the playoffs on a losing streak.

Woodstock North will host the Freeport Pretzels on Nov. 1 in the first round of the 5A playoffs.

Streaks end season

The Blue Streaks’ season came to an end since they were not playoff eligible.

Woodstock’s head Coach Mike Brasile,was proud of his boys’ effort all season. He said the offensive line played tremendously.

Andrew Rousey contributed to this report.

Woodstock’s Charlie Walrod reaches for a ball that goes incomplete. North’s Max Dennison was called for pass interference on the

INDEPENDENT PHOTOS BY ANDREW ROUSEY

Woodstock North’s David Randecker (left on the ground) is swarmed by his teammates after making the game-winning 2-point conversion.

play.

Blue Streak Edgar Arana III closes in on Thunder’s Max Dennison.

Junior Thunder basketball hosting try-outs

Woodstock co-op boys golf wraps up season

By Sandy Kucharski SANDY@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

With the fall sports season winding down, athletes of all ages turn their focus to winter sports. WNHS Junior Thunder Basketball Feeder League offers fifth- to eighth-grade boys an option.

Tryouts for the winter JTBA season will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 13, through Sunday, Nov. 17, at Northwood Middle School. No registration or fee is required.

In operation for 16 years, JTBA opened up when Woodstock North High School opened. The league was created to prepare kids for junior high basketball and train them for high school. When North opened, it was decided to have a feeder program for each school. Before then, there was a single program, the

Woodstock Basketball Association.

While primarily training young athletes who will attend WNHS, the league has opened up to outside players to fill teams and also accommodate kids who do not have access to a basketball program, with a primary goal of helping kids develop and understand the game.

JTBA has proved effective in preparing elementary and middle school boys for high school basketball by offering them a chance to play a season against a greater variety of teams and levels of competition.

“We wanted to start the program to get the kids ready to play basketball at the junior high level as well as getting them trained for high school,” coach Dale Jandron said.

“Before I got the high school varsity job, we were down at the lower levels coaching and were able to teach them fundamentals as well as terminology that we would use at the high school levels.”

The league offers Sunday skills

open gym at Woodstock North High School and practices twice a week at Northwood. Follow the JTBA-Junior Thunder Basketball Association

Facebook page for details on locations and dates of open gyms and practices.

Volunteers

needed

JTBA has been fortunate to recruit past Woodstock North basketball players and parents who generally love the game to coach in the program. Their experience is invaluable, and the role-modeling to young players has been priceless.

“I encourage parents and athletes who have played basketball to get involved as coaches or volunteers,” Jandron said. “Giving back to the community is vital, and these kids need role models. We’re always looking for more help, as we currently don’t have enough volunteers.”

To learn more about volunteering or sponsoring a team, email jandron33@yahoo.com or message JTBA on FaceBook.

Senior Peter Louise is Marian Central Catholic High School’s athlete of the week. Peter finished tied for 30th at the IHSA 1A State Final at Prairie Vista Golf Club in Bloomington, carding an 80/79, 159 total tournament score. This was his third consecutive trip to the state finals in his high school golf career.

One of Woodstock Girls Softball League’s final games was a fright when the 10u team took on Algonquin outfitted in costumes. Haylee Martin, 10, is ball game natural, dressed as a hot dog.

COURTESY PHOTO

Woodstock North wins crosstown volleyball

By Juel Mecklenburg NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

Woodstock North varsity volleyball cleaned house again in the crosstown matchup against Woodstock High School. North won in two sets: 25-18, and 25-20.

Thunder senior Devynn Schulze led both teams in kills with 11. Junior Gabriella Shefke held the house down with 5 aces, going 12 for 13 on serve attempts. Maddie Sofie also had the most digs for the night with 7.

Schulze believed that it was a great win for the team.

“Woodstock’s volleyball program has always made the other team work for the win,” Schulze said.

With that in mind, she knew going in that it would be challenging.

The Thunder had some unforced errors throughout both sets, but Schulze believed they used the big points to their advantage and used the energy of the crowd in a positive manner to keep the game in their control.

COLLEGE REPORT

Three from WNHS

honored

Schefke (setter) had 20 assists for the Thunder to aid in the swift defeat of the Streaks. During that xshe earned her 1,000th career assist. Schulze (libero, outside hitter) broke

the school record for career digs, hitting 925.

The night was also the last regular season game for head coach Eric Schulze, who has led the Thunder to three conference and three regional

championships in his tenure as the Thunder coach.

Post-season peek

Woodstock North ended the,regular season 20-14 and in second place in the Kishwaukee Valley Conference with an 11-3 record. The Thunder were consistent in both sets, holding the Blue Streaks between 18 and 20 points across both sets. On a four game winning streak, the Thunder walked out with five. This win will fuel them going into the postseason.

The Streaks ended the season in fourth place with a 6-8 conference record, 12-22 overall.

The IHSA Regional Tournament began Oct. 26 for both teams at North. Both teams were scheduled to play Tuesday night, with North facing the winner of Monday night’s game in the 6 p.m. game and Woodstock going against Rockford Boylan afterward.

As of press time, results were not available.

Andrew Rousey contributed to this report.

Former WHS teammates reunite at Augustana meet

By Dan Chamness

It was not quite enough to be considered a high school reunion, but for a Woodstock High School crosscountry reunion, it was more than adaquate.

In addition, there was at least one athlete from another area school competing in the huge Augustana College-hosted Interregional Rumble. The Vikings held four races that day, a Gold Race and a Blue Race for both men and women. The men raced 8,000 meters, which is the equivalent of 4.97 miles, while the women ran 6,000 meters, the equivalent of 3.73 miles.

Aiden Schleutermann, a Woodstock graduate and University of WisconsinStevens Point senior, finished 96th in the Gold Race. He finished the 8,000meter race in 25 minutes, 46.6 seconds. He was not a scorer for the Pointers in that race, but Wisconsin-Stevens Point took sixth in the 40-team Gold Race. The Pointers finished with 222 points.

Former Woodstock High School teammates, now all running crosscountry in college, recently crossed paths when they all attended a meet at Augustana College. Pictured (from left) are Brooke Kashmier, Augustana; Aidan Schleutermann, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point; Charlie Baker, Manchester University; and Alex Wickersheim, North Central College.

Wartburg College won the team title in the Gold Race, scoring 41 points. Alexander Wickersheim and Charlie Baker, also Woodstock graduates, competed in the Blue Race on the men’s level. Wickersheim, a North Central College harrier, took 202nd as he ran a 28:33.8. Baker, a Manchester University freshman, toured the course in 29:10.4, which earned him 246th.

There were more than 400 runners who posted times in each of the two men’s races. North Central finished second in the 30-team Blue Race, scoring 65 points. Only Wartburg topped them, as the Knights scored 21 points. Manchester took 28th with 837 points.

Brooke Kashmier, a former Woodstock Blue Streak runner and Augustana freshman, finished the race in 30:22.0. She was 232nd in the Blue Race held for the women. Augustana did not have a team score in the Blue

See COLLEGE REPORT, Page 31

COURTESY PHOTO

INDEPENDENT PHOTOS BY ANDREW ROUSEY

Crosstown volleyball action Oct. 23 saw Woodstock North win 2-0.

Staying on par COLLEGE

By Jen Nichols NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

Woodstock co-op boys golf wraps up season

In the season opening “School Spotlight” featured in The Woodstock Independent, coach Brent Filetti challenged his players saying “a par is a good score.” The Woodstock co-op was determined to meet their coach’s expectations. Not only were they successful, but they added a secondplace regional performance as well.

The co-op team’s success was not only as a team, but also individually. The Thunder/Streak combination finished 7-1 overall and 5-1 in conference. Finishing in the top of the KRC conference, second in the regional as a team, with a score of 335, as well as Brady Yergens winning an individual regional title, Filetti was very proud of his group.

“We had many players earn success this season at the varsity level,” he said.

Athletes Brady Yergens (74), Collin Stock (85), Brett Neuhart (86), Colin Karner (90), Jack Wollpert (95) and Ben Weir (100) were the six players who competed at the Atwood Homestead Machesney Park Regional. The team also had three players: WHS

BOYS SOCCER

■ Oct. 22 - Woodstock (12-12) fell to Harvard (17-4-2) 1-0 in the IHSA regional semifinal.

■ Oct. 22 - Woodstock North (7-19) fell to Wauconda (12-6-1) 3-0 in the IHSA regional semifinal.

■ Oct. 22 - Marian (7-8-1) fell to Richmond-Burton (19-3-1) 3-0 in the IHSA regional final.

VOLLEYBALL

■ Oct. 19 - Marian (17-15) defeated Chicago Hope Academy (8-23-2) 2-0 (25-17, 25-16).

■ Oct. 19 - Marian (17-16) fell to Chicago Christian (15-15) 2-1 (22-25, 26-24, 21-25).

■ Oct. 21 - Woodstock North (19-14) defeated Sandwich (15-15) 2-0 (25-20, 25-4).

seniors Brett Neuhart finishing 4th with an 85 and Brady Yergens 7th (86), and WNHS sophomore Ben Weir finishing 10th (87).

“It is great to see many of the boys have success, and it was incredible to witness Yergens’ determination to win the regional,” Filleti said.

Yergens’ regional tournament title was the first for Woodstock since Caleb Remington in 2007.

“At one point in his round he [Yergens] was two under par. As any golfer knows, it is very difficult to finish off an under-par round,” Filetti said.

He mentioned that all of the players he was able to instruct this season showed great determination and resilience toward difficult courses.

The Woodstock High School athletes included: Yergens, Neuhart, Karner, Collin Stock, Ryan Murray, Russell Baughman, Nick Erickson, Sonny Marsalla, and Noah Rodriguez. Teammmates from Woodstock North include Wollpert, Weir, Max Simpson, Parker Neff, Matt Fansler, Ryan Lalor and Levi Perrotta.

Oct. 7, the Woodstock co-op team competed in sectionals at Randall Oaks. Unfortunately they were not able to medal, ending their season, but they did an excellent job representing the Woodstock community.

Continued from Page 26

Race, which was won by Washington University. Washington scored 24 points.

Anthony Carney (Marian Central Catholic) ran for the University of Dubuque in the Gold Race. The Woodstock resident was 120th, finishing in 25:59.2. Dubuque finished 22nd with 610 points.

Peter Walsdorf (Marian Central Catholic) competed at the University of Wisconsin Pre-Nationals Invitational, which was held at the Thomas Zimmer Championship Course in Verona, Wis. Walsdorf competed unattached for the University of Kansas. The Jayhawk athlete finished 21st in 24:30.0.

Ryan Jones (Marian Central Catholic) finished 26th in the Great Lakes Valley Conference Cross Country Championships. His school, University of Illinois-Springfield, served as host and at the UIS Cross Country

Course in Springfield. The Marengo resident finished the 8,000-meter race in 25:00.67. As a team, UIS took third with 70 points. The men’s conference title was won by Lewis University, whch finished with 34 points. A total of 13 teams competed.

VOLLEYBALL

Brooke Amann (Woodstock North) had five kills in each of the two most recent Tennessee Tech University matches. Unfortunately, neither performance led to a Golden Eagles victory as they lost 3-1 home matches to University of Arkansas-Little Rock, also known as Little Rock. In addition to her pounding down five kills in each match, the 6-foot-0 senior outside hitter also had a hitting percentage of .300 in each of the matches. The Wonder Lake resident has helped the Golden Eagles post a 16-6 overall record. They are 5-5 in the Ohio Valley Conference.

Dan Chamness writes The College Report for The Independent.

CROSS-COUNTRY SECTIONAL BOUND:

Woodstock High School

The boys and girls will be competing as teams.

Woodstock North High School

Two runners qualified for sectionals as individuals: Freshman Geo Kopulos and senior Maddie Mock.

Marian Central Catholic High School Freshman Oliver Ebel will be competing as an individual.

NN SCOREBOARD NN

■ Oct. 21 - Woodstock (12-21) fell to Johnsburg (12-21) 2-0 (12-25, 15-25).

■ Oct. 23 - Woodstock (12-22) fell to Woodstock North (20-14) 2-0 (25-18, 25-20).

■ Oct. 23 - Marian (17-17) fell to Lakes (19-14) 2-0 (30-32, 14-25).

■ Oct. 24 - Marian (18-17) defeated Grayslake North (11-24) 2-0 (25-6, 25-10).

FOOTBALL

■ Oct. 25 - Woodstock North (7-2) defeated Woodstock (3-6) 8-7.

■ Oct. 25 - Marian (3-6) fell to Wheaton Academy (8-1) 48-0.

BOYS CROSS-COUNTRY

■ Oct. 26 - Woodstock finished third at the 2024 IHSA Class 2A X-C Regional scoring 71 points. Junior Ellery Shutt (14:53) won the meet. Senior Milo McLeer (16:11) and sophomore Elijah Hedges

(16:13) finished 12th and 14th.

■ Oct. 26 - Woodstock North finished 10th at the 2024 IHSA Class 2A X-C Regional, scoring 258 points. Freshman Geo Kopulos (16:53) finished 33rd. Junior John Hugger (17:09) finished 38th.

■ Oct. 26 - Marian freshman Oliver Ebel (18:47) finished 31st at the 2024 IHSA Class 1A X-C Regional. Sophomore Sean Kelly (23:27) finished 64th.

GIRLS CROSS-COUNTRY

■ Oct. 26 - Marian sophomore Natalia Lara (23:49) finished 46th at the 2024 IHSA Class 1A X-C Regional. Senior Gianna Stahl (27:00) finished 61st.

■ Oct. 26 - Woodstock finished fifth at the 2024 IHSA Class 2A XC Regional, scoring 121 points. Junior Sophie Sarabia (19:29) finished 12th. Senior Lily Novelle (19:45) and freshman Susana Marti (19:53)

finished 18th and 20th.

■ Oct. 26 - Woodstock North senior Maddie Mock (20:01) finished 24th at the 2024 IHSA Class 2A XC Regional. Senior Meadow Dodge (21:31) finished 46th.