Woodstock Independent 10/9/24

Woodstock

Council starts process for new TIF district

New TIF will incorporate new and old areas for development incentive

By Eileen Millard NEWS@THE WOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

The Woodstock City Council approved $35,000 at the Oct. 1 meeting for Teska Associates to do a feasibility study and report about establishing a new Tax Increment

Financing redevelopment district. Woodstock City Manager Roscoe Stelford said it is customary to hire a consultant for TIF work as it is a highly specialized field. Teska was the low bidder and has also worked with Woodstock before on TIF matters.

SENIOR CELEBRATION

The new proposed TIF district, called Downtown & Route 47 Tax Increment Financing District #3, would run for the standard 23 years, from 2024 to 2047. Woodstock has one TIF district currently in place, the Downtown & Route 47 xTax

See TIF Page 3

Keira Bogott runs in a touchdown for the seniors who won the powder puff title Oct. 3 at Woodstock High School. At left, teammate Julia Laidig calls the TD, and sophomore Julia Morrow trails Bogott. The game was part of the Blue Streaks’ homecoming festivities.

‘A cutting edge, knowledgeable, high-class city’

2024 State of the City address lists triumphs and challenges of past year

By Eileen Millard NEWS@THE WOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

Woodstock Mayor Mike Turner and cty staff members gave the annual

Woodstock Chamber of Commerce State of the City address on Oct. 1 in The Loft at Ethereal, the new event space in the Old Courthouse Center.

Fiscal good news

City Manager Roscoe Stelford reported that the median household income was up 2 percent at $93,400 and that the average home value was

up 7.1 percent at $313,115. He also said that the city’s 5.2 percent rental vacancy rate is lower than surrounding areas, and that, ”There is a shift from renting to home ownership.”

Fiscal year 2023/2024 ended with a $1.5 million surplus, Stelford said. The city also received $17.6 million in grant

See CITY, Page 4

INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY ANDREW ROUSEY

OBITUARIES

Sherry Alice De Volld, 100

Sherry Alice De Volld Anderson lived a remarkable and beautiful life, and on Aug. 24, she had the joy of celebrating her 100th birthday, surrounded by the love and laughter of many dear, lifelong friends. Just 11 days later, on Sept. 4 she passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, creativity, and an extraordinary life well-lived.

Sherry Alice De Volld

Sherry was preceded in death by her husband, Stanley Frederick Anderson, in l997. The two were married in 1961 and shared a wonderful life full of love, adventure, and a shared passion for the arts. Together, they dedicated much of their time and energy to the Woodstock Opera House in Illinois, where their presence was felt deeply through their gracious contributions to historical and community organizations.

Sherry was also a passionate advocate for the environment and instrumental in the founding of the McHenry County Defenders of the Fox, which has since grown into The Environmental Defenders of McHenry County. She has made a lasting impact on the community.

Sherry attended Schurz High School

Where to send obituaries

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

from 1937 to 1941, and in 1940 she painted a section of a mural in the library and wrote an article about it which was included in a Schurz publication, “Our Library Murals”. Her painting was a portrait of Francis Willard. She was just 15 years old. She wrote a book titled “Wildcat” that was published in 1951. At that time Stanley had the S. Frederick Anderson Studios and employed Roy Hansen as the artist who did the beautiful illustrations.

Sherry had a great love for her family and friends. She also had much love for Greece, cats, the Woodstock Opera House, Art, music, and the Written Word. She spent her life celebrating all these things. She showed this by her many contributions, philanthropic, literal, and visual. She shared this love with everyone. Everyone who knew her loved her warmth, kindness, and creative spirit. She will be greatly missed and her life, full of beauty and grace, will be celebrated and remembered always.

A Celebration of Life is being planned to be held at the Woodstock Opera House at a date to be announced.

PUBLIC SAFETY LOG

Woodstock Police Department

■ Grant R. Caudill, 32, transient, was arrested September 22 at Tappan St. on charges of disorderly conduct. Released on notice to appear. Court date Oct.17.

■ Melvin Meza, 33, Waukegan, was arrested Sept. 27 at Country Club Road on charges of speeding and no valid drivers license. Released on notice to appear. Court date Oct. 24.

■ Lazaro Cruz-Morales, 41, McHenry, was arrested Sept. 28 at Lake Ave. on charges of driving while license suspende and expired registration. Released on notice to appear. Court date Nov. 7.

■ Erin A. Dierks, 50, Woodstock, was arrested Sept. 29 at S. Eastwood Drive and U.S. 14 on charges of driving under the influence, endangering life/ health of a child, illegal transport of alcohol and improper lane usage. Released on notice to appear. Court date Oct. 7.

■ Joo H. Lee, 55, Woodstock, was arrested Sept. 29 at N. Benton St. on charges of disorderly conduct. Cited and released. Court date Nov. 14.

■ Charles R. Bane Jr., 30, Woodstock, was arrested Sept. 30 at Prairie View Lane on charges of violating an order of protection. Transported to McHenry

Cheryl Ann Klingenberg, 80

Cheryl Ann Klingenberg, 80, of Woodstock, passed away peacefully on Friday, Oct. 4, 2024, at JourneyCare Hospice in Barrington. She was born Oct. 15, 1943, in Woodstock, the daughter of George & Rita (Phannenstill) Haldeman. She married the late Ronald “Ike” Klingenberg on July 29, 1961, at St. Patrick’s Church in Hartland. She was a graduate of Woodstock Community High School, the class of 1961.

Bears and Oregon Ducks fan. She loved bowling, traveling, reading, gambling, crossword puzzles, playing cards/games, and spending time with her family and grandchildren.

Mrs. Klingenberg was a member of the Wayne’s Lanes Wednesday Night Victory Bowling League for over 50 years and the Kingston Sunday Morning Hangover League.

She was an avid Chicago Cubs, Chicago

County Jail. Court date to be set.

■ Omar Diaz Hernandez, 22, Woodstock, was arrested Sept. 29 at St. Johns Road on charges of domestic battery and aggravated battery. Transported to McHenry County Jail. Court dateto be set.

■ Joseph W. Stoneburner, 34, transient, was arrested Oct. 1 at Church St. on charges of disorderly conduct. Cited and released on notice to appear. Court date Oct. 24.

■ Heather N. Brimer, 25, transient, was arrested Oct. 1 at Church St. on charges of disorderly conduct. Cited and released on notice to appear. Court date Oct. 24.

■ Justin M. Peters, 31, Woodstock, was arrested Oct. 2 at S. Eastwood Drive on charges of driving while license suspended, operating an uninsured motor vewhicle and wanted on warrant. Transported to McHenry County Jail. Court date Oct. 17.

■ Juvenile, 16, Wonder Lake, was arrested Oct. 2 at N. Johnson St. on charges of theft under $500. Released to parent. Court date TBD.

■ Juvenile, 13, Wonder Lake, was arrested Oct. 2 on North Johnson Street on charges of theft under $500. Released to parent. Court date To be set.

Survivors include her three daughters, Tracie Klingenberg Reyes, of Portland, Ore., Wendy Klingenberg, of Woodstock, IL, and Kasey Klingenberg (Jeremy) Gieseke of Marengo, IL. Her grandchildren, Makaia Lagris, Gabrielle, Colton, and Gracie Gieseke. She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ronald Klingenberg, her infant son, Andrew; and her brothers, Ronald (Jane) Haldeman and Jack (Pat) Haldeman.

A Celebration of Life gathering will be held at the Woodstock Moose Lodge, 406 Clay St,. Woodstock, on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024, from 3 to 7 p.m.. A prayer service will begin at 3:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.

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

■ Martel A. Holliday, 41, Chicago, was arrested Oct. 3 at Van Buren St. on charges of disorderly conduct. Cited and released on notice to appear. Court date Nov. 7.

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

Woodstock Fire/Rescue District

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

EMS calls for Sept. 26 to Oct. 2: 80 Fire Runs

Mobile property (vehicle) fire: 1

Extrication, rescue: 2

Electrical wiring/equipment problem: 1

Person in distress: 2

Water problem: 1

Public service assistance: 10

Cover assignment, standby at fire station: 4

Dispatched and cancelled en route: 3

Controlled burning: 1

Steam, other gas mistaken for smoke: 1

Unintentional system/detector (no fire): 7

Total: 113

Cheryl Ann Klingenberg

Increment Financing District No. 2, which began in 2019 and will expire in 2042. Woodstock has also had a downtown redevelopment TIF district, which ran from 1997 to 2020 It has been expired.

The plan is to set up TIF district No. 3 for some new areas with developer interest and incorporate some nearby areas from the current TIF district No. 2, which would benefit from more time to be more effectively used, Stelford said

How TIFs work

The basic TIF definition is that properties in the proposed area will not improve without public intervention, a requirement known as the “but for” test. Several measurements that legally define grounds for a TIF district include blighted/underperforming sites; sites needing environmental remediation; and sites needing infrastructure improvements.

Per city staff reports, when a TIF district is created, the value of properties within the district is frozen at what is called the “base” value. Property taxes on this base amount continue to go to the appropriate taxing bodies. The increment – property tax revenue beyond the base level – is collected and held in a Special Tax Increment Allocation Fund, which is used to finance additional investments in the redevelopment area.

When an area is evaluated and found to be TIF eligible, establishing a TIF district can make it more attractive to developers, Stelford said.

One example is the recent deal with developer Kebb CS-WK, LLC for a hotel at Jefferson and Calhoun streets. Stelford said its location in a TIF district resulted in the developer basically “overbuilding” the project, with things like, “exterior finishes, brick, higher-end quality materials that will make the project last a lot longer, blend in with our historic

This map of the north part of the current TIF district (areas in yellow) shows a purple outline around the newly proposed TIF district. It would combine some areas in the current TIF district with new areas that have new development possibilities (shown in gray).

downtown better, and support the historic downtown.”

Why blend two TIFs

Illinois law prohibits the same properties from being in two separate TIFs, Stelford said. So when new opportunities arose outside of the current TIF district, it was decided to establish a new TIF district by starting with those new areas, then deleting some of the nearby areas from the current TIF district and adding them to the new TIF district. In this case, it would extend the expiration date of areas taken from the current TIF by five years.

The minus side is that properties that would have left the TIF zone in 2042 will remain for five additional years, until 2047.

The plus side is that all of the current TIF areas being blended into the new TIF district will have their TIF base property values “reset” to 2024 levels, instead of continuing

to use the older 2019 base. This would result in more current tax revenue going to appropriate taxing bodies as the property value would be higher. Stelford said there is also a value in a longer expiration date when desired development in an area has not happened yet, as it leaves a longer timeline for developers to look at.

What TIF funds can go for

Per staff reports, TIF funds can be used for public improvements and investments deemed essential to successful redevelopment. These can include infrastructure, land acquisition, rehabilitation of aging or deteriorating buildings, and environmental remediation. TIF funds can be used broadly or narrowly, Stelford said. One example of a broad use is TIF funds from the entire TIF district helping fund something that would benefit the entire district, such as a parking

garage that benefits the entire downtown area.

An example of a narrow use is the TIF fund restriction set up for the new hotel project at Jefferson and Calhoun streets. Funds going toward that project can be taken from only the increment funds raised from that project alone, and not from any other TIF properties.

The schedule for the study estimates that it will come before the council for approval to proceed in February 2025.

Other council actions

City staff presented quarterly financial reports at the meeting. Deputy City Manager/Executive Director Paul Christensen said, “We are holding steady on our revenues. It’s a little bit of a concern for us at this point, particularly with interest rates being so high, and whether there’s going to be a soft landing, whether there’s going to be a recession, or we’re going to power right through this. So far we’re seeing the ‘power through’ part of it.” Christensen also announced good news about Woodstock Water Works. “The pool, basically, at the end of this report, was at 98.1 percent. If I run it as of today we are over 100 percent, so they made their budget. More impressively, in 2019 just before the pandemic, the pool brought in $258,000. This year they brought in $412,000, so a 60 percent increase.”

FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

Some of the topics on the tentative schedule for the next two council meetings include: Oct. 15, 2024, meeting

• Speed limit reduction in Sanctuary of Bull Valley

• MDC trash contract agreement

• Adoption of Parks Master Plan

• Discussion – Mobile food trucks Nov. 5, 2024 meeting

• 2024 Property tax levy estimate

• CHR (Die Cast Site) redevelopment agreement

Who are those guys you keep seeing around the Square? They are replacing the strip lighting across the tops of all of the buildings throughout the Woodstock Square and surrounding streets. The upgrade will be done in time for the 2024 holiday season, and the system will have the ability to program color changing, similar to the new lighting on the Old Courthouse Center.

Follow TWI’s 4-part series, reflecting on the 1-year anniversary of the Woodstock gas explosion

Read part 1 on pages 6-7 this week

funding. That included $7.6 million for Opera House and Recreation Center renovation, and road funding; $5.5 million in historic tax credits for the Old Courthouse project; and $4.5 million in direct federal funds.

Stelford listed unfunded EPA mandates as one of the city’s biggest challenges, including lead pipe and water and sewer remediation work at a cost of $13 million, with a 2042 compliance date that may be moved up to 2028.

Stelford spoke of the coming $52 million Route 47 project to widen it from one lane in each direction to two lanes in each direction as a challenge and opportunity at the same time.

“Our part is to relocate water and sewer lines, which started out at $3.5 million originally, then went to $5 to $6 million six years later, and now is at $13 million”

Report on safety

Police Chief John Lieb spoke briefly about safety, sharing that Woodstock was the second municipality in the county to have body cameras.

“Now we have drones, license plate readers, and the Everbridge notification system,” he said. He also thanked local donors Tom Wilson at MBI, and the Giordano family for donating money for three new riflerated shields.

He concluded, “When people wonder if Woodstock is a safe place to move to, I am here to tell you that it is.”

From the Mayor

Woodstock Mayor Mike Turner shared the top things he hears about from residents. “Streets are a tie with the bag tax, as the number one issue I hear about,” he said.

He also spoke of milestones in the past year, calling staff efforts on the redesigned city website “a major achievement” for residents, with an extra benefit that “potential home buyers link to it.”

Turner said that the city’s new OpenGov website “will be useful across the community, including licensing and permitting, and business registration.” He added that future uses include Robotic Process Automation and Chat GPT to allow staff to be more productive.

Turner recognized new Parks & Recreation Director Mark Pentecost

Business news and new projects

and mentioned that there are 1,450 current recreation department memberships, up considerably from pre-pandemic levels in 2019.

“We also received a $2.8 million grant for the Recreation building,” he said, adding that Woodstock Water Works sold a record 3,137 pool passes, with paid attendance up 6 percent and a season total of 43,029 in attendance.

Opera House and city branding

Turner mentioned the $2.96 million grant for Opera House renovation, and that despite closures during the 2023/2024 season, there were still 131 performances and 30,000 attendees.

“And for the first time ever, there will be a New Year’s Eve event,” he added.

For marketing efforts this past year, Turner mentioned the citywide re-branding, which included new logos. “I stand behind this, the council does as well. We are able to present ourselves as a cutting-edge, knowledgeable, high-class city. We all live in Woodstock, and we love it, but we need to share that with others looking to move here.”

Turner also praised staff members for their efforts on the city’s Real Woodstock webpage, saying it now had 17,000 followers, and he introduced new Economic Development Director Jessica Erickson.

Turner said the new Business Registration program had 325 applications by the Oct. 1 deadline. Downtown commercial occupancy rate was at 93.45 percent, and the Square occupancy rate 98.7 percent.

“The hotel is a big deal,” Turner said of the Cobblestone Hotel planned at Calhoun and Jefferson streets.

“Lennar Riverwoods was controversial,” Turner noted “but will have a big impact. Woodstock and District 200 will have ... in new tax revenue every year when Riverwoods is done.”

He added that “The Die Cast is not going as fast as I would like,” and briefly mentioned a new TIF district.

“TIFs are the most valuable tool as a catalyst, for business development,” he said. Pointing to the room he stood in, he said, “This building would be a parking lot without a TIF.”

Turner observed, “The political environment in the country is challenging. There is a tremendous amount of skepticism, bordering on distrust of politicians. But I could not be more proud of the council, the effort they put in to make the best decisions. We may not always agree, but we continue to do our best.

“I’m proud of what staff has done, proud of what this council has done, and proud of what prior councils have done. Thank you all for all you do for the city of Woodstock. ...”

INDEPENDENT PHOTOS BY EILEEN MILLARD

Clockwise, from left: Woodstock Mayor Mike Turner, Woodstock Police Chief John Lieb, the banquet room in the Old Courthouse Center; and one of the attendees, McHenry County Board member Lou Ness.

INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY EILEEN MILLARD

SATURDAY, OCT. 9TH

9 AM - 5 PM

SUNDAY, OCT. 10TH

Kasper and Martin Vann took The Independent to Kuressaare, Estonia, where they met up with family while on vacation. Kasper was born in Estonia prior to the German forced deportation in 1944.

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

‘All of a sudden, chaos’

After the Oct. 9, 2023, gas explosion - a year of remembrance and recovery – Part 1 of a 4-part series

By Susan W. Murray NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

Sunny skies and temperatures in the mid-70s were perfect for a day off from school for the Columbus Day holiday on Oct. 9, 2023.

At 335 Lincoln Ave., Antoinette Naber and her daughters, Ava and Dylin, were having a pajama day and working on Halloween costumes. Naber’s husband, Chance, was at work in Crystal Lake.

Next door, a couple who lived in the two-flat at 327 Lincoln were at home before they would leave for work shortly after 2:30 that afternoon.

At 321 Lincoln, Savannah Kies was babysitting her 6-year-old niece. Her husband, Ben, was at work. At lunchtime, Savannah and her niece left to pick up a grocery order at Walmart. The couple’s two dachshunds, Charlie and Lucy, remained at the house.

Edwing and Monica Diaz, both teachers in Crystal Lake, and their four daughters were on their way back to their house at 239 N. Tryon St. from visiting Monica’s sister for the weekend. Their 12-yearold, the oldest, asked whether they could pick up her rollerblades from the garage so she could skate at a friend’s house.

Next door, at 233 N. Tryon, James Campbell was at home with Rook, the dog, and Stripey, the cat. His wife, Suzanne, had gone for a walk in Ryders Woods.

The brick Four-Square at 229 N. Tryon was empty. Emery Langmar

James and Suzanne Campbell were sitting in their living room at the time of the explosion. Suzanne was leaning against the living room settle, with Rook, the Campbells’ collie, lying next to her. James was sitting nearby in a rocking chair.

Lincoln-Tryon overview pic: A drone shot shows the neighborhood of Lincoln Avenue and Tryon Street, where a natural gas explosion leveled the house at 321 Lincoln Ave. on Oct. 9, 2023. St. Mary Church’s campus and the homes that suffered damage in the blast are marked.

was working at the post office, sorting parcels and staging mail for when deliveries would resume the following day. His wife, Kristin Theerman, had taken the couple’s two dogs with her to St. Louis where she was visiting her father in hospice.

About 25 people were attending the 12:30 Mass at St. Mary Church. Otherwise the campus was empty, save for Mark Peliquin, the parish’s information technology employee

The view from the back of the Campbells’ house shows five of the 12 boarded-up windows after the blast. Debris fills the couple’s backyard.

who was at work in a windowless room in the Conway Center, the parish’s office building near the corner of Lincoln Avenue and Tryon Street.

Root cutter meets gas line

The city of Woodstock had hired Visu-Sewer two years before to provide televising and cleaning for 10 percent of the city’s sanitary and storm sewer mains each year. In the third and final year of the contract, a Visu-Sewer crew was trying to clean out the sanitary sewer on the southwest corner of Lincoln and Tryon. Even after a hydro flush, the workers were unable to get their camera in. Using a blade root cutter, they tried to clear the sewer of debris. The strong odor of natural gas signaled the start of an emergency.

Later in the day, a fire investigator from Nicor Gas would tell Woodstock Fire and Rescue District Lt. Mike Brinkman that in 2018, Nicor Gas had used “directional boring” to install a two-inch gas main. According to the WFRD’s Oct. 9 incident report, “the gas line had been installed directly through the sanitary sewer.”

‘Not a valve you can turn off’

Two WFRD fire companies and the shift commander were dispatched after a 12:34 p.m. alarm for an active gas leak. Upon arrival, they noted the odor of natural gas coming from “multiple manholes on Lincoln Avenue and Tryon Street.”

The firefighters closed Tryon Street between Weat Judd Street and Washington Street. Lincoln Avenue was shut down between Tryon Street and the entrance to St. Mary’s parking lot.

The frustration of a gas leak, Chief Brendan Parker said, is that there is “not a valve you can turn off.”

“The danger,” he said, “was believed to be more outside than inside.”

The major gas smell was outside, and with a west wind blowing at 13

Continued on Next page

COURTESY PHOTO

INDEPENDENT PHOTOS BY ANDREW ROUSEY

Emery Langmar gestures as he explains how he pedaled his bicycle home from his job at the Woodstock Post Office after hearing about the explosion in his neighborhood, not knowing if his home was still standing.

INDEPENDENT PHOTOS BY ANDREW ROUSEY Continued from Previous page

miles an hour, the majority of calls about the odor were coming from the direction of the Woodstock Square. Each required investigation.

Firefighters set out to make contact with homeowners and advise them what precautions to take, soon joined by Nicor Gas employees, who began arriving at 1:09 p.m.

“Multiple homes were found to have the smell of gas in the residence and were advised to shut off appliances and open windows,” according to WFRD’s incident report.

Firefighters kept Nicor informed of which homes had an odor of gas.

‘Shelter in place’

Around 1 p.m., three firefighters interrupted the end of the 12:30 p.m. Mass at St. Mary’s. They informed the Rev. Burt Absalon, the Mass celebrant and the parish’s pastor, of the gas leak. Rather than have the 25 attendees wait in the church, the firefighters advised the priest to get them moving to their homes.

As the Mass attendees exited the church, there was “a strong smell of gas outside,” parishioner Anne McCoy recalled.

Around 1:25 p.m., the second of two posts that WFRD put on its Facebook page that day noted that St. Mary Church had been evacuated and that “surrounding homes have been advised to shelter in place until Nicor can mitigate the leak.”

When a Nicor representative came to Antoinette Naber’s door sometime after 1:30 p.m., she was on the phone with her dad, asking him what to do about the smell of gas she had noted in her basement when she had gone downstairs to do laundry.

“It made you nauseous,” she said. She said that the Nicor

representative told her to “shelter in place.” She opened her back door as a precautionary measure.

In an email, Nicor PR and Media Relations Manager Jennifer Golz said that the company “was not aware of any Nicor Gas personnel who provided instructions to ‘shelter in place.’”

At his home on Tryon Street, James Campbell could smell the gas as well. About 1:15, a Nicor representative advised Campbell not to light the stove or do anything that would cause a spark.

Suzanne Campbell arrived home from her walk around 1:45 p.m. She remembers the emergency personnel on Tryon Street telling her to go inside. Roughly forty minutes later, a Nicor technician carrying a gas sensor knocked on the Campbells’ door and asked to check for gas in the basement. He told James that the reading was negligible, nothing strong enough to worry about.

As the Diaz family neared their home from their weekend away, they could see fire trucks and that a portion of Tryon Street had been closed off.

A police officer stopped the car and said that crews were working to shut down a mainline gas leak in front of their home.

“We decided to forgo getting [our daughter’s] rollerblades while the crew worked to stop the leak,” Monica said.

When firefighters or Nicor representatives knocked on doors where no one was home, they walked around those houses with a gas meter to check for any indication of a gas build-up within the home, Chief Parker said.

Headed back from Walmart, Savannah Kies saw that the

Antoinette Naber describes how her day turned from a school holiday celebration with a pajama day and working on Halloween costumes with her daughters into a flight from her house to escape the effects of the explosion.

intersection of Lincoln and Tryon had been shut down to traffic. She decided to drop off her niece at her dad’s house on the north side of town. Headed back to her home at 321 Lincoln, she pulled into the Dairy Queen parking lot to wait.

Boom! Boom!

At 2:38 p.m., Naber was standing by her east-facing bay window working on a Halloween costume that was draped over a mannequin.

She heard “Boom! Boom!” and then “everything blew in.”

“I was on the floor, covered with glass,” she said, “but I think I fell before the glass even hit.”

She remembers that “the kids were hysterical” and there were “pieces of everything all over.”

“All of a sudden, chaos,” she said.

The Campbells were in their living room when the explosion occurred. Rook was lying next to Suzanne as she sat on the floor, her back leaning on the living room settle. James was across the room, sitting in a rocking chair.

James remembers a yellow-green light in the room. For a moment, he thought his own house had exploded and was angry that the Nicor representative had told him that the gas reading was negligible.

The explosion blew out 12 windows in the Campbells’ house, including one in the dining room where a Norfolk pine in a flowerpot toppled over. Stripey, the cat, who had been lying on her pillow by one of the dining room chairs, leaped away and disappeared.

The couple in 327 Lincoln had just finished eating before they left their two-flat to go to work, the wife later told a firefighter through a translator. Before leaving the house, they started their car with

the remote start. Just after getting into the car, they heard a loud bang. “They felt their vehicle condense around them, and the airbags deployed.” The two could see only fire, and the wife could not get her driver’s side door open. Both escaped through the passenger door and saw that the house next door, 321, was demolished and that their own home was on fire. As fire crews began arriving, the couple ran across the street to St. Mary School.

Firefighter Pierce of the WFRD had been stationed on Lincoln Avenue to turn people around from the area.

Battalion chief Jeff Lesniak and Firefighter Chris Weber were sitting on the front bumper of Truck 481, which was parked on Tryon Street, just north of Lincoln.

When 321 Lincoln exploded, they later told Brinkman, “debris was filling the air.” The two lost sight of Pierce at first, but quickly located him, noting he was up and walking around.”

In his home near the McHenry County Government Center, Stormy Kies could feel the explosion. He and son Connor set out in a car to find Savannah.

At the post office, “I did not hear anything,” Emery Langmar said. One of the drivers came in and said, “Hey, Emery, I think your house blew up.”

Langmar didn’t believe him but went outside and saw the smoke. With his car at the mechanic’s for an oil change that day, he had ridden his bike to work and began “frantically” pedaling home.

“I couldn’t see my house,” he said of arriving back in his neighborhood. “There were fire trucks, people, and smoke all over.”

Woodstock, IL • 1987

Loyal readers also good voters

Thank you for voting. You did vote in the primary election, didn’t you – early, by mail, or in-person on March 19?

Even if you didn’t have a lot of decisions to make in that primary election, regardless of whether you chose a Republican or Democratic ballot, you probably voted. After all, you’re a newspaper reader, the most conscientious citizen in Woodstock or any community

You kind of had no choice for president, given that the candidates had been decided (at that point). And you had a contest for Congress, though the vote wasn’t close on either ballot.

If you took a Republican ballot, you also had a race for County Board District 7. That left voters to decide the last item on the ballot: The referendum on how to fund mental health services. McHenry County voters decided to approve a new 0.25 percent sales tax for the Mental Health Board, eliminating the levy on property taxes. It won’t mean a lot for most consumers, but it promises to provide additional funding for mental health services and not leave that to the annual whim of county budget-makers.

Come Nov. 5, you will have more choices to make – not a lot, but more than two or three.

Try as you might, you cannot escape political campaigns. Just having a mailing address ensures

YOUR VIEW A call to choose between democracy or autocracy

the campaigns will reach out to you through your mailbox. Those 8.5-by11-inch postcards, too big to get lost behind ordinary junk mail, are popular with many candidates.

One Woodstock house counted more than a dozen of them that were received in advance of the primary election. By far, the leader in the mailing wars was seventerm Democratic Congressman Bill Foster, who had a huge advantage in fundraising and name recognition

This year the presidential election is the most consequential election in my lifetime and it most certainly is for your.s Never in the history of this country have we been faced with choosing between maintaining our democracy that we have had for 250 years or autocracy.

So forget about who’s running, but consider that you are voting for a way of life going forward. It really

against his opponent in the primary and will have the same in the general election. That local household in late August received Foster’s first postcard of the fall.

Foster’s eight postcards in advance of the primary were far ahead of the three sent by Jerry Evans, the winner of the 11th District Republican primary for the right to challenge Foster on Nov. 5. They both won their races, so maybe the mailings helped them some – maybe.

is that simple! Keep in mind that an autocrat never in the history of mankind has voluntarily left office. Your right to a free and fair election will be eliminated. You have to either overthrow their government or he dies in office to get them out! In a democracy you can VOTE them out

Woodstock homes also received postcards (we honestly don’t remember reading one other than to identify the sender) from a couple of other contested candidates. ... And although he had no opponent in the primary, state Rep. Steve Reick, R-Woodstock, sent a postcard.

For the record, the only candidate who bought advertising in The Independent before the primary won his race with nearly 75 percent of the local vote. We would like to tell you that is a matter of causation, that Bill Foster won big because he had ads in this newspaper. But truth requires that we tell you that’s almost certainly a matter of correlation.

Come November, however, with more local contests on the ballot, the additional exposure a candidate would get in a campaign message through a newspaper ad could make the difference in a close race.

As noted earlier, newspaper readers tend to be conscientious voters, so a newspaper ad is like targeted marketing to people most likely to cast a ballot.

The editor doesn’t handle that part of the business, but The Independent’s ad sales rep, Jill Flores, would be happy to help a candidate or campaign committee with that.

We would tell you about early voting (underway) for Nov. 5 or voting by mail (still time to apply). But we don’t have to. After all, you are a newspaper reader.

in four years!

I know which path I will choose! The first step is to make sure you are registered to vote and then go VOTE! It’s that important.

R. Wright Woodstock

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

Character really matters

This column has been rolling around in my head for a couple of weeks.

A bit of background: my husband, Jim, borrowed a book from the Woodstock Public Library. As he read it, he shared bits with me and suggested I might like to read it, too. So, I did. I’m a slow reader. It usually takes me a couple weeks to read a 280-page book, but I finished this one in less than a week.

The book: “Character Matters … and Other Life Lessons from George H.W. Bush.” is the work of Jean Becker, his chief of staff for 25 years. It’s a page-turner, because it is personal reflections of, and now I am guessing, about 100 of his colleagues, former heads of state, members of the media, celebrities, friends, and family – from Condoleeza Rice to Reba McEntire; President Bill Clinton to the Oak Ridge Boys; and, of course, his grandchildren. Each contributor had written on one of two topics: “What did I learn from George H. W. Bush?” or “Tell a story that illustrates something about his character.” It was the character part that played in my mind. A question that kept surfacing – What are we – the adults in children’s lives – doing to help plant positive character traits in young people today?

I remembered that Woodstock School District 200 had dedicated curricula for teaching character several decades ago. Bob Birchfield, a Board of Education member at the time, was its torchbearer. If then, what about now?

I emailed Kevin Lyons, D-200 director of communications. A couple days later, I received an email. “I’m sure we could go on forever with examples, but I hope these help,” he wrote. He led off with the District 200 mission: “To empower and inspire learners to strive for educational and personal excellence while becoming contributing members of society.” I was glad to see the “contributing members of society” part of the mission. It takes character to contribute to society.

Cheryl Wormley Declarations

Kevin continued, “ Much of the character curriculum comes from our social-emotional learning curriculum. But there are countless examples of efforts to stress character development in classrooms, assemblies, in clubs, and organizations, and on sports teams, etc. Character building is literally everywhere.”

From Kevin’s email, I learned elementary students have a unit on empathy and kindness in their Second Steps program, during which they work on relationship building and demonstrating kindness. For older elementary students, that can mean using empathy to understand different points of view and to solve community problems.

Christi Ruiz, principal at Mary Endres Elementary, shared that

» LOCAL CONTACT INFO FOR 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

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

respect, responsibility, integrity, perseverance, and team building are the focus of Pack Rally assemblies. Westwood Elementary Principal Ryan Hart reported that a different character-building skill is highlighted each month of the school year, so students can practice and experience the impact of the skill for an entire month. Teachers even keep a tally of their classes going above and beyond in exemplifying the month’s character skill.

As for middle and high school students, Kevin mentioned Student of the Month honorees being recognized for character traits. Woodstock North honorees are recognized for living the Thunder Way – demonstrating honesty, integrity, respect, positivity, and inclusion in addition to their academic efforts.

If I had asked St. Mary and Marian Central, I’m sure I could have added several more paragraphs.

So the schools are doing their part. How about the rest of us?

In “Character Matters …”, again and again the contributors shared how their lives were shaped by the character traits of our 41st president.

Young people take their cues from what adults say and do. What do they hear us saying? What do they see us doing? Character really matters.

Cheryl Wormley is publisher emerita of The Woodstock Independent. Her email is c.wormley@ thewoodstock- independent.com.

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

Woodstock

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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

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OCTOBER 20, 2024

Tim Bligh, a senior at Marian Central Catholic High School, is the son of Sara and Bill Bligh of Huntley.

Student of the Week

Tim Bligh

His teacher said, “Tim is an outstanding student who graciously volunteers his time and God-given talents all while maintaining a strong academic record. His selfless character shines by leading, supporting and improving the lives of his peers. Tim is beyond worthy of this recognition.”

Tim is a member of NHS, has received honor roll awards, the Marian Service award, and the Academic Improvement award. He is active in Key Club, the Mentor Program, Campus Ministry, and the LEAD Program.

Outside of school he is an alter server at St. Margaret Mary Church, volunteers at Crystal Lake Food Pantry, caddies at Crystal Lake Country Club, and is involved with Jr. Canes Youth Football.

Schools

Committed to protect the environment

D-200 to purchase three new electric school buses

By Caryl Dierksen NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

The District 200 Board of Education honored its commitment to help protect the environment when it approved the purchase of three electric school buses at its Sept. 24 meeting. The new buses will replace three of the current diesel ones.

Supt. Mike Moan said that the buses are zero-emission vehicles that create no noise other than

indicator signals. Their range is more than adequate to handle the district’s longest route, and the buses will be used for daily transportation rather than longer trips. They also will last as long as diesel buses.

Moan credited the district’s chief financial officer, Julie Dillon, with making the purchase price fit the budget. The total cost of the three buses and the required charging station would have been $1,098,161. But Dillon secured a grant funded

The D-200 Staff Spotlight shines on Prairiewood Elementary School third-grade teacher Mark Jones and Life Skills associate Cynthia Mellinger. They were recognized by the school board after being nominated by their principal, Nikki Kunde. Kunde read a letter honoring Jones that was written by fourth-grader TJ Campbell and a letter honoring Mellinger that was written by the mother of fifth grader Max Bernal. Pictured (from left) are TJ Campbell, Mark Jones, Nikki Kunde, and Cynthia Mellinger.

by Volkswagen Settlement Dollars that is provided by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency’s Driving Cleaner Illinois Program.

The grant will cover $250,000 per bus, plus 75 percent of the cost of the charging equipment up to $22,500. With the total grant funds of $772,500, the district’s entire cost will be $325,661, which is less than the cost of buying three diesel buses.

Dillon is also looking into possible federal tax credits that could reduce the price by an additional $120,000, which could bring the total cost of the three buses and the related charging equipment to $205,661.

There will be additional expenses of approximately $130,000 for infrastructure upgrades at the transportation center, including electrical and site work. The district will put this work out to bid.

Moan said that the buses will be purchased from Lion Electric, a highly respected manufacturer that is part of the district’s purchasing cooperative. The expected delivery date is spring 2025.

Additional information about the buses is available on the manufacturer’s website at: http://www.thelionelectric.com.

In addition, the board heard a presentation on the district’s 20242025 School Improvement Plan. Representatives from the elementary, middle school, and high school levels discussed the academic and social emotional goals that had been developed by their teams after analyzing academic assessments, parent surveys, student discipline, and other information.

The board’s next regularly scheduled meeting will be at 7 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 22, in the Woodstock High School Learning Resources Center.

IN BRIEF

Star athlete, Netflix exec, WHS Distinguished Alumnus

Woodstock High School recognized a Harvard University graduate and standout athlete, and now a top Silicon Valley executive, with its 2024/2025 Distinguished Alumni Award.

Amy Reinhard’s remarkable career was recognized during the Blue Streaks Homecoming football game on Oct. 4 at Larry Dale Field.

Reinhard, the daughter of former WHS teachers Karen and Jim Reinhard, was valedictorian of her 1992 high school class.

Reinhard exemplified excellence throughout her time as a Blue Streak. She was a member of the National Honor Society, served as a class officer, accompanied the choir on piano, and excelled as a threesport athlete, earning her place in the WHS Athletic Hall of Fame.

After high school, Reinhard attended Harvard University, where she graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology while also competing in two Division 1 varsity sports.

She captained the varsity softball team and started on the 1996 Ivy League championship women’s basketball team. In addition to being named The Harvard Crimson Female Athlete of the Year, she became the first softball player inducted into the Harvard Hall of Fame.

Reinhard continued her education at Harvard Business School, earning her Master’s degree in Business Administration in 2002.

Following her studies, Reinhard worked for several media companies, including America Online, Revolution Studios, and Paramount Pictures, where she became the President of Worldwide Television Licensing and Distribution. She currently serves as the President of Advertising at Netflix.

Reinhard was nominated by Shannon Landwehr, Woodstock Community Unit School District 200 director of school counseling, and retired teacher Sandy Theriault.

Amy Reinhard

A & E

Thomas Swick, an author and travel writer, will speak at the Woodstock Opera House Oct. 17, as the first speaker in this season’s Creative Living Speaker Series.

‘I

like the unsung places’

Creative Living Series kicks off with travel writer Thomas Swick on Oct.17

By Eileen Millard NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

As an author and travel writer, Thomas Swick has lived in many countries. Even in the worst of times, he said, there are always jokes. He recalled one from the Cold War era, when he was living in Poland.

“We tend to lump Eastern European countries together,” Swick said, “but each country was different.” At that time, supplies were a bit more plentiful in Czechoslovakia, and freedom of speech was slightly better in Poland. The joke was about two dogs meeting at the Czechoslovakia/Poland border.

“The Czech dog asked the Polish dog why he was going to Czechoslovakia. The Polish dog said, ‘to eat.’ The Polish dog asked the Czech dog why he was going to Poland. The Czech dog said, ‘to bark.’”

Invitation to be a spy

While applying for an extension to a work visa to remain in Poland in 1978, to be with his future wife, Hania, he was asked to be a spy in order to get the visa. “They said I was in contact with Poles, taught at a school, and had contact with foreigners at the American embassy,” he said. “They wanted me to come in once a week and

tell them what all of them were [doing] saying that it was not that much different from journalism in America.”

He refused and had to leave, spending the winter in Greece. He returned to Poland in June 1979, which coincided with the first visit of Pope John Paul II to Poland since being named Pope. “That, I think, planted the seed that grew into the Solidarity movement, really, the beginning of the end of communism in Eastern Europe. He spoke of dignity, he spoke about loving one’s neighbor … it was not (just) his words … (there were) thousands of people together, listening to the words of their pope. It was a real sense that we were together, the same.”

Living under martial law

When asked if he ever considered going back to the United States when martial law was in effect in Poland, Swick said, “No, I knew I was living through an important period, not just Polish history, but world history … during Solidarity, and then martial law. I really felt what it was like to witness history. I did not want to come home.

“In the very beginning, it was very grim,” he said. “They cut off the telephones. They didn’t want

people to congregate. Schools were closed … concert halls were closed, any places people would gather. There was a curfew, you had to be home by 8 or 9 p.m. In the street, there were police, tanks and soldiers, a horrible sight. A lot of things were not in the shops. It was very cold, a very grim time.”

Youth and resiliency

Swick was teaching in Poland at the time and said that teachers and students were not supposed to talk about current events. “But the students … most were high school and college age, and I was amazed at how they were not depressed. They were obviously not taking it in stride, but trying to make the best of a very difficult situation. Some were involved with underground activities. There was no self-pity. I found that to be impressive, that kind of stoic attitude.”

Advice for traveling in Europe

Swick’s advice for Americans traveling in Europe is, “Be curious, try to just talk to the people who live there.” He added that it is surprising how many people in Europe can speak at least a small amount of English for communication. “Get away from the crowds,” he added. “Tourists tend

to go to predictable places. You need to, yes, but wander off after you do. What I want to see … is the neighborhoods. I love to go there, see how people live. I want to describe the place, not just through my eyes, but show the place through the eyes of the people who live there. Getting invited (into someone’s) home for a meal is the Holy Grail. That is why we travel, because we are curious.”

Swick added that he does not have a travel goal of visiting all seven continents. “No, I’m not that kind of traveler,” he said. True global travel often requires being out in the countryside. “I like urban travel,” he said. “I like cities, people, civilization … I am more comfortable writing about cities. I like the unsung places … the places that don’t get all the attention.”

Single tickets for Swick’s talk on October 17 cost $28 plus fees and are available at woodstockoperahouse.com, or visit or call the Opera House box office at 815-338-5300.

The Creative Living Speaker Series has been produced by the Woodstock Fine Arts Association since 1964.

Concessions open at 9 a.m., auditorium opens at 9:30 a.m., and performance begins at 10 a.m.

In all cultures, Halloween is a celebration of the completion of the harvest, the end of the growing season, and the time of the year that the veil lifts between the living and the dead. In the case of Day of the Dead, it is a time of visiting graves and celebrating the lives of deceased loved ones, even inviting them into their homes by spreading trails of marigold petals from the graveyard to the old “haunts.”

Locally, the ancient rituals will be celebrated in the ancient manner of telling ghost stories and stories of the supernatural. Jim May will share ghost stories at the following venues:

• Volo Bog State Natural Area, 48478 W. Brandenburg Road, Ingleside - 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct 12. Free admission.

• Stage Left Café, 124 W. Van Buren St., Woodstock - 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 20. No cover. This is an open mic and guests are invited to tell their own ghost stories.

• Richardson’s Adventure Farm, Spring Grove - 6 to 9 p.m., Monday, Oct. 21, under a full moon.

Adult admission, $20; youth (6-17 years old) $15; family package (2-adults, and up

to three children) $65. Stories by JIm May, Megan Wells and more.

Collegiate symphony orchestra to perform at WHS

A nationally-renowned, college symphony orchestra will perform a free concert on Monday, Oct. 14, at Woodstock High School. The St. Olaf Orchestra, conducted by Chung Park, will perform at 7 p.m. as one of four Chicago-area performances on its 2024 Fall Tour. The concert, which is open to the public, will

also feature the Woodstock High School Sinfonietta.

The St. Olaf College Orchestra, from Northfield, MN, is a full symphony orchestra rich in international artistry and tradition and known for its enthusiastic and passionate performances.

Founded in 1906, the 95-member ensemble has been heralded as one of the finest collegiate orchestras in the country and won the 2013 and 2019 American Prizes in Orchestral Performances among colleges and universities.

“To have an orchestra of this caliber perform for our community is very special and unique. The music they will be performing is likely not to happen on our stage again any time soon, so I encourage everyone to come and hear this amazing collegiate symphony orchestra!

“said Lyndra Bastian, orchestra director at Woodstock High School and Creekside Middle School.

One strong connection between St.Olaf and Woodstock is Phillip Meyer, a 2011 WHS grad and a St. Olaf alumnus. The St. Olaf Band toured the Midwest last year and played at Lisle High School, where Meyer teaches band.

This year’s program includes Antonín Dvořák’s Symphony No. 8, music by Bach, “Overture” to Candide by Leonard Bernstein, “Morning Music” from Peer Gynt by Edvard Grieg, student soloists, and more.

While tickets are free, they must be reserved online or by calling 800-3635487. They may also be secured at the door if available.

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.

Jim May shares ghost stories.

St. Olaf College Orchestra performs Oct. 14 at WHS.

Business

IN BRIEF

MCC names new manager of Illinois Small Business Development Center

McHenry County College announces John Mink as the new manager of the Illinois Small Business Development Center.

Mink brings a wealth of business and leadership experience to the community. He has transformed several supply chains and significantly improved balance sheets and profitability, not only to his employers, but to many customer and vendor partners alike. Using a holistic and curious approach, Mink

has been able to quickly identify root causes and facilitate solutions and develop teams to improve business outcomes.

Mink holds a BS in marketing from Northern Illinois University and an MBA from DePaul University. He has spent most of his career leading global supply chains at Motorola, Brightstar, Zebra Technologies, Orica, and most recently, HydraForce (now Bosch-Rexroth). Mink authored and

REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

Transactions filed in the McHenry County Recorder’s Office Aug. 9 to 26 .

■ Commercial building at 1146 McConnell Road, Woodstock, was sold by Steven J. Becker, Lake Villa, to Safe Storage Solutions LLC, Woodstock, for $475,000.

■ Residence at 118 Sunshine Lane, Woodstock, was sold by Federal National Mortgage Association, Plano, Texas, to Marys Lane Trevor LLC, Mundelein, for $217,000.

■ Residence at 1006 Yasgur Drive, Woodstock, was sold by Elizabeth Ortiz Garcia, Woodstock, to Flor G. Calleja Cruz, Woodstock, for $350,000.

■ Residence at 811 Irving Ave., Woodstock, was sold by Victoria M. Bean, Woodstock, to Joshua Grade, Woodstock, for $287,500.

■ Residence at 664 Dane St., Woodstock, was sold by Samuel Woodson, Urbandale, Iowa, to Anthony W. Rakittke, Woodstock, for $285,600.

■ Residence at 9245 Rachel Drive, Wonder Lake, was sold by Juan A. Lopez, Schaumburg, to Robert G. White, Wonder Lake, for $350,000.

■ Residence at 304 Dacy St., Woodstock, was sold by Garrett D. Anderson, Commerce City, Colo. to Steven Nelson, Woodstock, for $309,000.

■ Residence at 3914 Woodstock St., Wonder Lake, was sold by Jennifer Lundstrom, Wonder Lake, to Nicholas H. Polonsky, Wonder Lake, for $176,516.

■ Residence at 1413 E. Finch Court, Woodstock, was sold by Michelle A. Johnson, McHenry, to Edward Francis Clarke Sr. Trust, Woodstock, for $415,000.

■ Residence at 1258 Bunker St., Woodstock, was sold by Alan Robert Essenberg, Woodstock, to Brian Jimenez, Woodstock, for $325,000.

■ Vacant land, approximately 1 acre, at 1220 E. Longwood Drive, Bull Valley, was sold by Tina Tomic, Crystal Lake, to Jonathan Zoia, Woodstock, for $24,000.

■ Residence at 426 N. Hill St., Woodstock, was sold by Christopher M. Seegers, Crystal Lake, to Gisela Flores, Woodstock, for $330,000.

published the supply chain book “Forecasting with Out-liers,” which contains several short stories about pitfalls and opportunities to better plan a business and achieve better financial outcomes. He is looking forward to leveraging his experience to help local businesses develop, grow, and thrive.

Grant-funded Illinois Small Business Development Centers are located throughout the state and provide information, confidential business guidance, training, and other resources for start-ups and existing small businesses. No-cost services available at each local center include one-on-one business advice and

management assistance, guidance in the development of business plans, help accessing market information and the development of marketing plans, preparation for business financing, assistance with financial analysis and planning, as well as specialized services in technology, innovation, and entrepreneurial development.

The ISBDC at MCC is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, and McHenry County College.

For more about the ISBDC at MCC, visit www.mchenry.edu/isbdc.

■ Residence at 8922 Woody Trail, Wonder Lake, was sold by North Shore Holdings Ltd., Chicago, to Ahlyiza M. McMinn, Wonder Lake, for $225,000.

■ Residence at 15216 Walsh Drive, Woodstock, was sold by Natalie L. Pritchard, Pingree Grove, to Christopher M. Seegers, Woodstock, for $475,000.

■ Residence at 8515 Redbud Court, Wonder Lake, was sold by Amanda Corbin, McHenry, to Habitat for Humanity of McHenry County, McHenry, for $245,000.

■ Industrial building at 2215 Tech Court, Woodstock, was sold by BH Investments II LLC, Palatine, to Justin Parat, Lake In The Hills, for $780,000.

■ Residence at 607 Highland Ave., Woodstock, was sold by William Moctezuma, Woodstock, to Richard Vladimir Jones, Woodstock, for $250,000.

■ Residence at 1349 Winslow Circle, Woodstock, was sold by Russell J. Reeves, Woodstock, to Joshua Eddie, Lafayette, Ind., for $370,000.

■ Residence at 4613 Mt. Thabor Road, Woodstock, was sold by Gloria T. Timmins, Woodstock, to Jozefa Stalica, Woodstock, for $365,000.

■ Residence at 2440 Aspen Drive, Woodstock, was sold by The David J. Booker Trust, Marengo, to Sarah McClarey, Woodstock, for $194,900.

■ Residence at 11401 Halma Lane, Woodstock, was sold by The Estate of Mark J. Tschirhart, Naperville, to Anthony Davila,

Woodstock, for $319,500.

■ Residence at 717 S. Jefferson St., Woodstock, was sold by The Jamie Russell Kelahan and Heidi K. Kelahan Revocable Trust, Woodstock, to Beth K. Westphal, Orland Park, for $235,000.

■ Residence at 3813 Franklinville Road, Woodstock, was sold by Ringwood Holdings LLC, Marengo, to Joseph D. Bialas, Woodstock, for $425,000.

■ Residence at 201 Verbena Lane, Woodstock, was sold by Amanda Shelton, Woodstock, to Bang Nguyen, Woodstock, for $335,000.

■ Residence at 2860 Haydn St., Woodstock, was sold by The Borislav Peric and Debra Marie Peric Joint Trust, Wausau, Wis., to James Raymond Smith, Woodstock, for $379,900.

■ Residence at 818-820 Clay St., Woodstock, was sold by The Estate of Gregory B. Johnson, Woodstock, to Jay E. Wisniewski, Huntley, for $295,000.

■ Residence at 612 Pleasant St., Woodstock, was sold by U.S. Bank Trust Company, West Palm Beach, Fla., to Christopher T. Sergel III and Amy L. Sergel, Woodstock, for $105,000.

■ Residence at 702 Clay St., Woodstock, was sold by The Martin Edward Metras Revocable Trust, Woodstock, to Marie E. Klapperich, Woodstock, for $100,000.

■ Residence at 350 Railroad St., Woodstock, was sold by Edward L. Vincent Jr., Crystal Lake, to Joshua Wallis,

John Mink

VOTERS GUIDE

The Woodstock Independent emailed short questionnaires to candidates in contested local races to solicit information that might help voters. Candidates who responded have their replies and photos printed in this voters guide. Candidates were asked to limit their responses to 400 words for each question.

Decision time

By Larry Lough LARRY@THE WOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

You have many decisions to make on the Nov. 5 ballot in this important

Local Polling Places

presidential election year. Not only is the president’s race on the ballot but, so are those for Congress and state representative, as well as several county government offices. Local candidates have replied to our request

for information about their campaigns. You will find their responses inside these pages, and they might be helpful as you decide who gets your vote this fall.

If you haven’t already voted early

Polls open at 6 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. Tuesday, November 5, 2024

Dorr 1 McHenry County Fairgrounds, Bldg. D 11900 Country Club Road, Woodstock

Dorr 2 Free Methodist Church 934 N. Seminary Ave., Woodstock

Dorr 3 Free Methodist Church 934 N. Seminary Ave., Woodstock

Dorr 4 Woodstock Public Library 414 W. Judd St., Woodstock

Dorr 5 Casa De Bendicion Church 1320 Dean St., Woodstock

Dorr 6 Woodstock Public Library 414 W. Judd St., Woodstock

Dorr 7 McHenry County Fairgrounds, Bldg. D 11900 Country Club Road, Woodstock

Dorr 8 McHenry County Fairgrounds, Bldg. D 11900 Country Club Road, Woodstock

Dorr 9 Casa De Bendicion Church 1320 Dean St., Woodstock

Dorr 10 Dorr Township Building 1039 Lake Ave., Woodstock

Dorr 11 Dorr Township Building 1039 Lake Ave., Woodstock

Dorr 12 Ridgefield Presbyterian Church 8505 Church St., Crystal Lake

Dorr 13 Woodstock Country Club 10310 Country Club Road, Woodstock

Dorr 14 Woodstock Country Club 10310 Country Club Road, Woodstock

Greenwood 1 Greenwood Twp. Municipal Bldg. 5211 Miller Road, Wonder Lake

Greenwood 2 County Administration Building 667 Ware Road, Woodstock

Greenwood 3 County Administration Building 667 Ware Road, Woodstock

Greenwood 4 County Administration Building 667 Ware Road, Woodstock

Greenwood 5 County Administration Building 667 Ware Road, Woodstock

Greenwood 6 Community Building 9015 Woody Trail, Wonder Lake

or by mail, local polls (listed below) will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday Nov 5. If you have questions, call the county clerk’s office, 815334-4242, or check its website at countyclerk@mchenrycountyil.org.

Greenwood 7 Community Building 9015 Woody Trail, Wonder Lake

Greenwood 8 Wonder Lake Municipal Building 4444 Thompson Road, Wonder Lake

Greenwood 9 Wonder Lake Municipal Building 4444 Thompson Road, Wonder Lake

Greenwood 10 Greenwood Twp. Municipal Bldg. 5211 Miller Road, Wonder Lake

Hartland 1 Department of Transportation 16111 Nelson Road, Woodstock

Hartland 2 Hartland Township Garage 15813 Nelson Road, Woodstock

Seneca 1 Seneca Township Highway Garage 16506 Garden Valley Road, Woodstock

Seneca 2 Seneca Township Highway Garage 16506 Garden Valley Road, Woodstock

Seneca 3 Seneca Township Highway Garage 16506 Garden Valley Road, Woodstock

Universal Voting Site All precincts can vote at the McHenry County Election Center, 410 S. Eastwood Drive, Woodstock

ILLINOIS HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, DISTRICT 63

Republican Rep. Steven Reick is being challenged by Democrat Mary Mahady

Q: What do you believe are the defining issues in is election?

Mary Mahady:

The issues facing everyday working people in McHenry County have grown over the past 10 years. McHenry County has long been viewed as a place where everyone can live, raise a family, and find meaningful work, but not so much today. Wages have not kept pace with the growing cost of housing. Transportation costs for the average working individual have increased to 19 percent. Workers’ wages have been static, with the minimum wage woefully unable to support a working individual. In McHenry County today, working people struggle to simply keep the lights on and food in the refrigerator.

The issues confronting residents in the 63rd district are too numerous to list in 400 words, however combine high taxes with the cost of living, lack of affordable housing, and expenses outpacing revenue, and it creates a formula where impending crisis is real for many of the people living in the county. Gov. J.B. Pritzker has targeted the lack of affordable housing as an important barrier to sustaining a healthy, vibrant community.

As the long-time assessor (since 2014) for McHenry Township, I understand the tax burden experienced by residents. There are solutions. We can change this, and I am confident the work I do at the township will follow me into the

Mary Mahady Steve Reick

Statehouse. I know how the tax system works, which is the first step to fixing it.

I have worked for decades on behalf of county residents, and when you elect me as the next state representative in the 63rd District, I will bring this experience to the office. Government can be a source for good. State government can influence the areas of our lives that matter most to many of our residents, caring for our seniors, affordable and innovative child care, family support for caregivers, transportation, funding our schools, encouraging our students to consider a career in the trades, alongside committed union members ready to support and guide them as they grow into the future.

I have faithfully served the county residents for 31 years. I know together, we will find solutions to the serious problems we face today. Go to www.marymahady.com to learn more about me and how I will work for you.

Mary Mahady is the Democratic candidate for Illinois House District 63.

Steve Reick:

MCHENRY COUNTY CORONER

The issues in this election are the same as when I first ran for office: the economy, taxes, and the crisis in our state’s pension systems. DCFS remains a dysfunctional agency that fails the most vulnerable among us. Illinois ranks 46th out of 50 states by growth rate, its gross state product (GSP) has grown 1 percent over the past five years, and average annual employment growth over the past five years has been flat. By shackling businesses with burdensome regulations and mandates, by increasing the cost of doing business through misguided energy policies that will strip us of one of our biggest advantages in the form of reliable and affordable electricity, our job creators are treated as throw-away commodities or subjects of social experimentation instead of partners in growing our economy. When you start out by taking over 20 percent from general revenue to pay unfunded pension debt, there’s no way that we can afford to pay both that and fund essential state programs. We need to create a tax system that moves in the direction of our economy by looking at all sources of revenue:

Republican incumbent Michael Rein is being challenged by Democrat Chris Kalapodis

Q: Tell us about yourself.

Chris Kalapodis:

Chris Kalapodis is a dedicated public servant and passionate advocate for community well-being, driven by a deep-rooted commitment to hard work, empathy, and progress. As a first-generation Greek American raised in a union household, Chris

sales taxes, motor fuel taxes, user fees, and property taxes. That doesn’t mean raising rates, but changing the mix, broadening bases and thus encouraging economic development, which is the real solution to our problem. We need property tax reform. But that will happen only in the context of a discussion of who’s going to pay for what in this state, because unfunded mandates are putting ever-increasing burdens on local taxpayers.

Our child welfare system is broken and cannot be fixed without systemic change. The primary responsibility of the Department of Child and Family Services is not to rehabilitate families, but to protect children. The best way to fulfill that responsibility lies with the community, not the state.

Those who have dealt with my district office know that I place a premium on constituent service. We answer the phone, we solve problems, and people don’t fall through the cracks.

The issues I’ve spoken about above are real and immediate, and I’m not afraid to take positions that I believe are in the best interests of the 63rd District. That requires the ability to work collaboratively and to be honest with my constituents when they question my vote. The people of McHenry County have long insisted upon independence from their representatives. The super-majority in the Illinois House doesn’t need another rubber stamp.

Steve Reick is the Republican candidate for state representative from District 63.

understands the importance of solidarity and perseverance.

For the past decade, Chris has worked on the frontlines of healthcare as a registered nurse specializing in critical care, case management, and leadership. During the COVID19 pandemic, Chris worked in critical care supporting more patient deaths

See CORNONER, Page 17

Michael Rein Chris Kalapodis

CORONER

Continued from page 16

than many would experience in a lifetime, providing comfort and support to grieving families while ensuring that no one died alone. These experiences underscored the profound importance of empathy, attention to detail, and decisive action in moments of crisis.

In addition to his healthcare career, Chris has served as a precinct committee person, amplifying community voices and driving voter participation. This role has highlighted the critical role of civic engagement in maintaining a healthy democracy and has offered valuable insights into local political dynamics.

Currently, Chris is a candidate for McHenry County coroner. In this role, he is committed to ensuring accurate death investigations and documentation, particularly in addressing urgent public health issues such as opioid-related deaths. Chris advocates for innovative solutions and proactive strategies, including the implementation of real-time dashboards and expanded support resources for affected families.

This year alone, the McHenry County Department of Public Health

issued two memos (once in March and another on Aug. 24) regarding the rise of opioid-related deaths and nonfatal emergency service calls. Chris has firsthand experience with those affected by this epidemic, not just professionally, but in his own social circle. The coroner’s office should be at the forefront of this issue to handle these deaths with local authorities and invested organizations.

With a pledge for transparency, data-driven action, and forward-thinking leadership, Chris aims to enhance the coroner’s office’s impact on public health and safety. His goal is to forge strong partnerships and deliver tangible improvements to the community.

Chris Kalapodis is the Democratic candidate for McHenry County coroner.

Michael Rein:

As a first-term coroner, there have been many changes. My first priority was to become only the third county in Illinois, and one of only 37 counties nationwide, to achieve accreditation from the International Association of Coroners and Medical Examiners in September 2023. This sets us apart with some of the highest standards in

MCHENRY COUNTY BOARD CHAIRMAN

the industry.

I implemented new procedures that have helped increase saving lives with our tissue/organ donation organization.

I made McHenry the first county to implement a new partnership that allows for tissue donations for education and research purposes. This also gives families an outlet to give back and provides free cremation services to those families in need.

We were one of only eight counties that received more than a $113,000 DOJ Grant nationwide. This grant helped upgrade capital expenditures, increase security measures, replace old equipment, and increase training for deputies.

Because of cost-saving measures, I reduced the general fund by almost 10 percent for fiscal year 2024 and have implemented the same cost-saving measures for FY2025.

I executed an over $200,000 project, not using property tax dollars, digitizing all of the coroner’s files that dated back to 1877. This helps streamline processes for records request and helps producing new files going into the future.

A priority needing immediate attention was replacing and upgrading our vehicle fleet. Our office had two vehicles and one more than 10 years old.

Incumbent Republican Mike Buehler is challenged by Democrat Kelli Wegener

Q: Tell us about yourself.

Kelli Wegener

Public service has always been my highest priority. Whether through local volunteer efforts, nonprofit board memberships, or my time on the County Board, I’ve consistently dedicated myself to my community. During my six years on the County Board, I’ve witnessed firsthand how disconnected it can be from the needs of the people. I’m running for County Board chairperson to ensure the board operates with transparency and integrity, truly serving our community. We need to address unnecessary county spending and the property tax increases that residents simply can’t afford. With my background as a bank auditor, I’ve always been focused on budgeting and accountability, and as

chairperson, this will be my foremost priority.

The role of the board chairperson is primarily non-partisan, focusing on setting agendas and facilitating meetings. It’s essential for the chairperson to ensure that diverse ideological voices are heard, allowing every piece of legislation to receive fair consideration. Unfortunately, this is not the

Deputies were using their own vehicle going out on scenes. I upgraded our fleet to four new vehicles without using property tax dollars.

After graduating from Woodstock High School, I joined the U.S. Marine Corps. I was part of 2nd Battalion 3rd Marines out of Hawaii, doing a deployment to Southeast Asia for more than six months. I was honorably discharged after four years of service. After the Marine Corps, I worked my way up to vice president of the family’s construction business before returning to school and becoming a Doctor of Chiropractic eight years later. As a doctor of chiropractic, I am in one of the few professions, including medical doctors, under the Medical Practice Act of Illinois. I had my own business close to 20 years before becoming the McHenry County coroner full time. My medical, clinical, financial, and business experience has set higher standards, better efficiencies, and fiscal responsibility to benefit the coroner’s office and the citizens of McHenry County. Because of the accomplishments achieved during my first term, I feel that I am best qualified to continue to serve a second term and ask for your vote this election.

Michael Rein is the Republican candidate for McHenry County coroner.

case at present; the chairperson position has been leveraged in a hyperpartisan way to promote an extreme agenda. I’m running to restore a moderate, bipartisan approach to the board, where legislation from both Republicans and Democrats will receive equal attention on agendas and in committees.

As I mentioned earlier, lowering

taxes will be my top priority. During my time on the County Board, I’ve consistently opposed pay raises and unnecessary benefits for elected officials. Currently, McHenry County isn’t fully utilizing the tools at its disposal to reduce property taxes. As chairperson, I will seek innovative ways to foster responsible economic growth and ensure our tax dollars are spent effectively. Additionally, I will prioritize transparency in the county’s finances and contract procurement, so residents know exactly how their money is being spent. Another key initiative will be the passage of a responsible bidding ordinance, which has been successfully adopted in many of the neighboring counties with bipartisan support, ensuring that our county hires local, union labor.

Over the past six years, I have See Chairman, Page 18

Mike Buehler

CHAIRMAN

Continued from page 17

diligently represented and advocated for county residents. I closely review every department budget, collaborated with U.S. representatives to obtain $7.5 million in grants for local infrastructure projects, championed mental health and addiction services, and fought for ballot drop boxes. I look forward to building on this foundation as chairperson.

Kelli Wegener is the Democratic candidate for McHenry County chairperson kelli@kelli4mchenrycounty.com

Mike Buehler:

Mike Buehler, his wife of 25 years, Heidi, and their three boys aged 15-21, have been residents of Mchenry

County and the city of Crystal Lake for 25 years.

I have been a small business owner for more than 25 years in the construction and infrastructure sectors, specializing in industrial weighing equipment primarily used in the roadbuilding industry. My extensive experience in the business world gives me a unique perspective on the challenges that business owners, workers, and their families face.

Under my leadership, the McHenry County Board has accomplished many great things for our residents.

We’ve paid off the county’s bonds, making McHenry County one of only a handful of counties that are debt-free. Considering the incredible amount of debt the state of Illinois as well as other counties carry, being debt free is something we’re very proud of.

Being sworn into office during the COVID-19 pandemic brought

MCHENRY COUNTY BOARD - DISTRICT 7

incredible challenges to us. The county was fortunate to receive nearly $60 million in COVID relief funds to assist with recovery. To date, we’ve invested nearly $30 million directly into the community to bolster economic development through a return to vocational training in our high schools and community college, public safety investments, and infrastructure improvements. These programs have been so successful that we received recognition from the U.S. Treasury for thoughtful and innovative use of our funding. McHenry County is one of 17 (out of more than 3,000) counties to receive this recognition.

My business background has allowed me to build many collaborative relationships with our municipal partners in the county. This is so important when it comes to identifying areas where we can work together to find efficiencies, especially with

Democratic incumbent Louisett Ness is being challenged by Republican Paul Thomas

Paul Thomas

My name is Paul Thomas, and I’m running for McHenry County Board, District 7, comprises Woodstock, Wonder Lake, Greenwood, parts of Bull Valley, and the very western edge of McHenry.

I’m your friend, your neighbor, a longtime resident of Wonder Lake, and a local business owner. My family came to McHenry County in 1953 and still lives in the county four generations later.

I own a commercial carpentry business based in Wonder Lake, and I employ more than 60 union carpenters. If you want to know the key to juggling many personalities and organizing them to work together to complete a large goal, come talk to me!

My two sons learned the carpentry trade the same way my father, uncle, and I have, starting off by pushing a broom.

In my business, my success has been built on detailed work, coming in under budget, and finishing before schedule. These practices, I believe, will be of value when serving on the McHenry County Board. I’m sure you’ve heard someone

say, “Somebody should do something about it.” I’ve said it many times myself. That’s the reason I’m running in this election. I can promise you that I will do my best to represent your interests, not the special interest!

A few McHenry County facts that I’ll be looking to preserve as a board member:

* Maintaining the safest county in Illinois with a population of more than 100,000 by supporting our sheriff’s department and state’s attorney.

* Maintaining the McHenry County Board’s budget as debt-free.

* Improving the infrastructure of our rural and underserved communities, i.e. continuing the installation of high-speed internet.

shared services programs. The public safety initiatives we’ve put in place will save taxpayers tens of millions of dollars in the coming years. In addition, working together with our sheriff, state’s attorney, and the courts have an enormous impact on our communities. The result? McHenry County is now the safest county in Illinois for a population of more than 100,000.

When I was first elected McHenry County Board hairman in 2020, I promised to provide honest, competent leadership, foster management best practices, and treat people with the respect they deserve.

My focus has been on putting partisan politics aside and working together to get things done.

I’ve kept my word to taxpayers.

Mike Buehler is the Republican candidate for McHenry County Board chairman.

I’m also passionate about McHenry County’s economic development; being a part of thoughtfully planned development to bring economic growth to our county. I humbly ask for your support, and I will never forget the true responsibility I owe each and every one of you.

Paul Thomas is the Republican candidate for McHenry County Board District 7.

Louisett Ness

The past 20 months have been interesting and exhausting, still I discovered how much I like the work I have taken on as a District 7 County Board representative. I have focused

on those things that touch the everyday lives of my constituents: housing, community services, responding to constituents trying to navigate government barriers, and serving Wonder Lake , Greenwood, part of Bull Valley, and Woodstock to bring resources to our area, specifically I have:

* Developed and co-chairperson of the the Workforce Housing Work Group, which published a report on our findings at the July meeting of the Committee of the Whole

* Linked Food Shed Co-op to funding sources for construction of the store on U.S. 14

* Helped Wonder Lake by supporting its application for the unsewered project, (federal) and county funding to bring infrastructure down Hancock Avenue to develop the business district

* Supported Woodstock’s application for funding on the former Die Cast property

* Fought for increases in mental health funding

* Organized first-time countywide veterans events at the Government Center: Veterans Day and Vietnam Veterans Memorial Day

See District++ 7, Page 19

Paul Thomas Louisett Ness

DISTRICT 7

Continued from page 18

Churchill said, “Democracy is the worst form of government except for all the others.” Remembering that democracy is worth the fight is what keeps me at this work , even when I am tired of the vitriolic rhetoric and hate. The fastest-growing

area in McHenry County is District 7.

The expansion of Route 47, and the growth in Wonder Lake, will secure our position and our ability to attractive new development while expand resources to the district.

Of course , growth brings challenges. Growth requires the courage to accept and use change in ways that support the health of neighborhoods, communities, and most important,

individuals who want to live, work, and play in McHenry County. I believe together we can forge collaborations that will help us move forward.

In closing, local government is closest to the people. We see our neighbors when we walk our dogs, or pass each other at the grocery store, community gatherings, you can hold us accountable for what we do or don’t do. We know each other. We are better

together. This has been my experience over the past 20 months, and moving forward, I would hope to strengthen those relationships and grow into a prosperous future for District 7. It has been a privilege to serve in District 7.

Lou Ness is the Democratic candidate for McHenry County Board District 7.

Understanding the McHenry County Conservation District referendum

Tax increase request will hit the same time as a tax bill decrease from a General Obligation Bond payoff

By Eileen Millard NEWS@THE WOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

McHenry County voters will be seeing this referendum choice on the Nov.5 ballot for the McHenry County Conservation District:

“Shall the limiting rate under the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law for the McHenry County Conservation District, McHenry County, Illinois, be increased by an additional amount equal to 0.027 percent above the limiting rate for levy year 2023 for the purposes of protecting drinking water sources, protecting the water quality of rivers, lakes, and streams, providing park access for people with disabilities, protecting wildlife habitat, protecting forests and planting trees, improving and maintaining existing conservation areas, and other lawful purposes of the Conservation District, and be equal to 0.109660 percent of the equalized assessed value of the taxable property therein for levy year 2024?”

Additional information obtained from the McHenry County Conservation District provides some context for the referendum, in addition to the language on the ballot:

• The referendum, if passed, will not take effect until 2026.

• Passage would result in an increase of $9 per $100,000 of fair market home value. For example, the owner of a $300,000 home would pay an additional $27 per year.

• However, in 2026, the Conservation District will also be paying off the district’s General Obligation Bond, which will result in a decrease in taxes paid to the Conservation District.

• If the Nov. 5 referendum does not pass, the 2026 decrease on the district’s line item on a property tax bill will be 58%.

• If the Nov. 5 referendum does pass, the 2026 decrease on the district’s line item on a property

This information graphic from the McHenry County Conservation District illustrates the effect that paying off the General Obligation Bond in 2026 will have on the conservation district portion of a tax bill. This graph also shows the scenario if the referendum passes.

tax bill will be 45 percent

“The Board’s action reflects its commitment to balancing fiscal responsibility with the ongoing stewardship of McHenry County’s natural treasures,” said Elizabeth S. Kessler, Executive

Director of the McHenry County Conservation District. ”This $27 reinvestment is a small sum that will have a large impact on our natural resources, wildlife, environmental education ... as well as outdoor recreational opportunities.”

STATEWIDE ADVISORY QUESTIONS

Yes or No

“Shall any candidate appearing on the Illinois ballot for federal, state or local office be subject to civil penalties if the candidate interferes or attempts to interfere with an election worker’s official duties?” ____Yes ____No

“Should the Illinois Constitution be amended to create an additional 3% tax on income greater than $1,000,000 for the purpose of dedicating funds raised to property tax relief?” ____Yes ____No

“Should all medically appropriate assisted reproductive treatments, including, but not limited to in vitro fertilization, be covered by any health insurance plan in illinois that provides benefits, without limitation on the number of treatments?” ____ Yes ____No

NOV. 5 BALLOT FOR WOODSTOCK AREA

President/Vice President

Kamala D. Harris/Tim Walz (D)

Donald R. Trump/JD Vance(R)

Robert F. Kennedy Jr./Nicole Shanahan (I)

Congress, 11th District

Bill Foster (D)

Jerry Evans (R)

Illinois House District 63

Mary Mahady (D)

Steven Reick (R)

Illinois House District 69

Peter Janko (D)

Joe Sosnowski (R)

Circuit Clerk

No Candidate (D)

Katherine M. Keefe (R)

State’s Attorney

No candidate (D)

Randi Freese (R)

County Auditor

No candidate (D)

Shannon L. Teresi (R)

County Coroner

Chris Kalapodis (D)

Michael R. Rein (R)

County Board Chairman

Kelli Wegener (D)

Mike Buehler (R)

County Board, District 4

Brian Dean Meyers(D)

Mike “Shorty” Shorten

County Board District 7

Louisett (Lou) Ness (D)

Paul Thomas (R)

County Board District 8

Dawn Milarski (D)

Tracie Von Bergen (R)

Judge of the Circuit Court

No Candidate (D)

Suzanne C. Mangiamele (R)

Judge of the Circuit Court

No Candidate (D)

Jennifer L. Johnson (R)

Political parties on ballot (D) Democratic; (R) Republican; (I) Independent

Judicial Retention Yes or No

SHALL EACH OF THE PERSONS LISTED BE RETAINED IN OFFICE AS JUDGE OF THE CIRCUIT COURT, TWENTY-SECOND JUDICIAL CIRCUIT?

Susan Fayette Hutchinson

Michael J. Chmiel

Tiffany Davis

McHenry County

Conservation District Yes or No

Shall the limiting rate under the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law for the McHenry County Conservation District, McHenry County, Illinois, be increased by an additional amount equal to 0.027% above the limiting rate for levy year 2023 for the purposes of protecting drinking water sources, protecting the water quality of rivers, lakes, and streams, providing park access for people with disabilities, protecting wildlife habitat, protecting forests and planting trees, improving and maintaining existing conservation areas, and other lawful purposes of the Conservation District, and be equal to 0.109660% of the equalized assessed value of the taxable property therein for levy year 2024?

Community

Woodstock Opera House nearing finish date

Not all aspects complete; some performances moved

By Tricia Carzoli NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

With the tentative open date for performances at The Woodstock Opera House set for next weekend, some projects remain unfinished.

“The areas where the public will be going next weekend will be ready and safe,” Opera House Director Daniel Campbell said. “Patrons may notice some elements that may not be complete, but what needs to be ready for Creative Living and Tribute to Robin Williams programs will be.”

As of last week, the auditorium scaffolding had come down, and the seats that had been safeguarded by protective plastic for nearly three months had been uncovered.

The light beam port had been completed and lights were awaiting reinstallation.

The stage floor was nearly complete with a few finishing touches left, and the staff was awaiting Thompson Electronics’ installation of the sound and lighting equipment. Curtains and lighting were set to be hung.

The front lobby is accessible to the public, the main staircase has had the south wall removed, and stairs have been put in leading to the community room.

The pace is quick, and the Opera House looks different each day, Campbell has said.

But the community room remained unfinished last week. The ceiling tiles were not in, the bar had not been installed, the cut-throughs between the VIP room and the community room and library were not finished. The room interiors were still a work in progress.

The box office still had only the framing complete. The South Annex, which had not been expected to be complete at the time of opening also remained in the early stages of construction, meaning the greenrooms had been demolished, but the new dressing rooms were not yet ready.

Despite some setbacks, many shows will go on.

The Woodstock Fine Arts Association Creative Living Series is set to open its season on the main stage on October 17 with Thomas Swick, a travel writer who will speak about the assets of curiosity and a sense of wonder.

The “A Tribute to Robin Williams” show also

The top photo from August shows the auditorium with scaffolding and seat coverings. The lower picture from last week shows the same area without the protective coverings and the light beam port in.

Tickets available for:

■ Kaia String Quartet: Oct. 12, Stage Left Café

■ Creative Living Series: Oct. 17, WOH

■ A Tribute to Robin Williams: Oct. 19, WOH

■ Joe Diamond’s Halloween at the Opera House: Oct. 25, WOH

■ Joe Diamond’s Paranormal Adventure at the Opera House: Oct 31, WOH

■ Yakov Smirnov: Nov. 1, WOH

Tickets for all performances are available now. Visit woodstockil.gov/257/Opera-House for ticket information.

remained on the schedule for Oct. 19.

“These are one-person shows do not require a lot of lighting and technical precision,” Campbell said. “We feel confident that the lights and sound will be working well for those events.”

Joe Diamond’s Halloween at the Opera House on Oct. 25 and Paranormal Adventure on Oct. 31 were still running as scheduled.

“The Paranormal Adventure is geared toward a smaller audience,” Campbell explained. “There are two tours, and Joe Diamond [along with mind reader and psychic medium Loren Purcell – Mystic Chick] will take two groups around the Woodstock Opera House.”

The tours will be led by flashlight, and stories of strange occurrences will be shared. Tour groups also will be shown the infamous haunted seat of Opera House Ghost Elvira.

Campbell said some other scheduled performances had moved.

Comic Yakov Smirnoff’s performance was moved from mid-October to November 1.

Second Hand News, originally slated for midOctober, was rescheduled to Friday, Jan. 10.

“We felt the Fleetwood Mac cover band should be moved,” Campbell said. “That way we can ensure that the lights and sound are welltested and ready for a larger event.”

Kaia String Quartet, scheduled for Oct. 12, has been moved from the main stage to Stage Left Café for the same reason.

“Kaia was excited about playing in the more intimate setting,” Campbell said. “And I think this was an appropriate move.”

Campbell acknowledged that moving programming is not the best choice for the Opera House or the performer, he said.

“Moving performances can have a negative impact on ticket sales,” he said. “These changes were made out of necessity.”

Nevertheless, next weekend will be the softopening of the Opera House beginning with the Creative Living Series.

“There is a bit of serendipity in the fact that the Creative Living Series will be the first production on the stage,” Campbell said. “There is a bit of synergy and nostalgia at play here because the Creative Living Series is our longest-running programming.

INDEPENDENT PHOTOS BY TRICIA CARZOLI

Thunder Service Club helps fellow students

By Janet Dovidio NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

Woodstock North High School Thunder Service Club members focus their outreach efforts for fellow students as well as groups in the wider community.

“We strongly encourage students to join as early as their freshman year,” adviser Ina Hall said. Hall serves as the student attendance and truancy liaison for Woodstock and Woodstock North high schools. “By getting involved early, students can enhance their high school experience in these key areas while building lasting connections.”

Their work began before the school year. Late last summer the club received a generous anonymous donation for the Thunder Pantry, one of the club’s major outreaches. Members purchased water bottles and a variety of health snacks to stock their pantry, which provides these to an average of 1-3 students daily.

In early September the Thunder Service Club members gathered on a Saturday morning for a roadside cleanup. They began at Ware Road and headed north just past their

high school

“We were all impressed with the small amount of garbage we found,” Hall added.

During the Homecoming weekend at the end of September, club members served others in a different way. Instead of decorating a float for the parade, they helped behind the scenes with setting up and taking down the parade route cones and cleaning up the candyfilled streets.

“I enjoy helping to create fun and engaging volunteer opportunities that help students discover the joy of giving back,” Hall continued.

As for future activities, Thunder Service Club members will participate in the Care4Breast Cancer 5K on October 20. They will also host their second annual Paint Night Fundraiser on Friday, Dec. 6, at WNHS. Participants are given the choice of painting on canvas or painting school spirit jeans. Money raised will help stock the Thunder Pantry that “fuels” students during

the day.

Club President Alex Stroh has the responsibility of running the monthly meetings and making sure officers are carrying out their responsibilities.

Daisy Garcia is the recruitment and retainment manager who oversees volunteer hours and coordinates the recruitment of new members.

Brenner McDowell, the social media manager, spreads the word of upcoming volunteer opportunities and fundraising events.

“I believe the true value of service club experience lies in learning the importance of giving back without expecting anything in return,” Hall concluded. “Volunteering teaches members that selfless acts are an essential part of a meaningful life. My hope is that through their service they begin to recognize the feelings of gratitude, satisfaction, and genuine joy that come from helping others.”

Wonder Lake students receive scholarships

By Janet Dovidio NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

Foresters Financial awarded substantial scholarships to two District 200 alumni for their college expenses.

Tyler Fink and Hannah Fink, both of Wonder Lake, each received scholarships of $2,500 for which they are eligible to reapply each year for up to four years.

Tyler is a 2023 graduate of Woodstock North High School (WNHS) and is currently attending Kansas Wesleyan University. Hannah graduated from WNHS in 2021 and is completing her studies at the University of South Alabama.

The Foresters Competitive Scholarships are awarded annually to students in the U.S. and Canada. Recipients are chosen for their exceptional leadership, consistent excellence academically, and participation in charitable activities in their communities. The scholarships are available to Foresters members and their families.

Tyler’s service included time he spent volunteering with Woodstock Fire and Rescue. Hannah contributed many volunteer hours for the University of South Alabama Diamond Girls and cheer team.

Foresters Financial President and CEO Matt Berman said, “It is an honor to celebrate Tyler and Hannah for their outstanding contributions to their community. They embody the values that are at the heart of Foresters. These scholarships are a testament to their hard work and commitment.”

“Hannah assisted in many events, including home football and volleyball games where she helps with our mascot team,” University of

South Alabama adviser Bree Gallia said. “She also participates at many outreach community events on and off campus. Hannah has been an absolute pleasure to have on our team. She does a great job representing the university and our squads.”

More than $885,000 was awarded to this year’s 355 recipients who attend U.S. or Canadian institutions.

COURTESY PHOTO

Club member Brenner McDowell cleans up leftover candy after the WNHS homecoming parade.

COURTESY PHOTOS

Tyler Fink is a student at Kansas Wesleyan University.

Hanna Fink is a student at the University of South Alabama.

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Sundays by appointment only

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INDEPENDENT

Woodstock High School homecoming grand marshall, former choral director Paul Rausch, rides in his Blue Streak blue Mustang convertible driven by his wife, Donna, with his grandson Callihan.

Week

Weighin in at just under 30 pounds, Buckley came to Helping Paws from a kill shelter in Kentucky. He was placed in a home for a short while, but unfortunately he was returned after six days for just being a puppy. Buckley is a friendly and happy boy that loves to play with toys and his doggie friends. He

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The Land Conservancy offers chainsaw training

Sundays by appointment only

2104 S. Eastwood Drive (Rt. 47) • Woodstock, IL • 815-334-5985

The Land Conservancy of McHenry County (TLC) is offering a beginner’s chainsaw training course which will take place Saturday, Oct. 12, from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Hennen Conservation Area, 4622 Dean St. Woodstock. The cost of the course is ,$35 for TLC members and $50 for those who are not members of The Land Conservancy. Participants can register to attend at https://conservemc. org/beginners-chainsaw-training-3/.

The Land Conservancy’s ecologist, Megan Oropeza, will teach the basics of using a chainsaw in a hands-on way. Participants will be introduced to protective equipment, basic chainsaw maintenance, and the development of technique to safely fell a tree and cut it

up. This class is tailored for beginners who have never used a chainsaw. The program is limited to 15 participants. Attendees should bring a lunch and water. The Land Conservancy of McHenry County is a member-based private nonprofit dedicated to preserving natural, scenic, and agricultural land.

PHOTO BY ANDREW ROUSEY

Happenings

2 p.m.

woodstockoperahouse.com

13

Woodstock Opera House

121 W. Van Buren St. 7 p.m. Free woodstockoperahouse.com

SLC TRIVIA NIGHT - PUB

Stage Left Café

125 W. Van Buren St.

7 p.m. woodstockoperahouse.com

11

Stage Left Café

125 W. Van Buren St.

7 p.m.

To sign up, email Keith@offsquare music.com

12 SATURDAY

WOODSTOCK FARMERS MARKET

Woodstock Square

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

Woodstock Square

10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

KAIA STRING QUARTETA CELEBRATION OF

Stage Left Café 125 W. Van Buren St.

Woodstock Square

a.m. to 4 p.m.

ST. OLAF COLLGE ORCHESTRA

Woodstock High School

501 W South St.

7 p.m.

Cll 815-363-5487 for reservations

COFFEE WITH THE CHIEF

Woodstock Police Department

656 Lake Ave.

7 p.m.

815-338-6787

15 TUESDAY

WOODSTOCK CITY COUNCIL

Council Chambers, City Hall

121 W. Calhoun St.

7 p.m. woodstockil.gov

16 WEDNESDAY

KARAOKE NIGHT

Woodstock Opera House 121 W. Van Buren St.

7 p.m. Free woodstockoperahouse.com

17 THURSDAY CREATIVE LIVINGTHOMAS SWICK

Woodstock Opera House

121 W. Van Buren St.

10 a.m.

$27

woodstockoperahouse.com

SLC TRIVIA NIGHT - PUB TRIVIA USA

Stage Left Café

125 W. Van Buren St.

7 p.m.

woodstockoperahouse.com

18 FRIDAY

AUTUMN DRIVE

Rural Woodstock and Marengo

9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Visit autumndrive.net for map and stop info.

JAZZ NIGHT

Stage Left Café

125 W. Van Buren St.

8 p.m.

woodstockoperahouse.com

19 SATURDAY

WOODSTOCK FARMERS MARKET

Woodstock Square

8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

woodstockfarmersmarket.org

Music: Nate Bjorn

AUTUMN DRIVE

Rural Woodstock and Marengo

9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Visit autumndrive.net for map and stop info.

THE PREMIERE ROBIN WILLIAMS TRIBUTE SHOW

Woodstock Opera House 121 W. Van Buren St.

7:30 p.m.

$35

woodstockoperahouse.com

STAGE LEFT SESSIONS

FEATURING NOAH JAMES HITTNER

Stage Left Café

125 W. Van Buren St.

8 p.m.

$10 in advance, $15 at the door woodstockoperahouse.com

20 SUNDAY

AUTUMN DRIVE

Rural Woodstock and Marengo

9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Visit autumndrive.net for map and stop info.

CARE4 BREAST CANCER 5K

Woodstock North High School

3000 Raffel Road 10:30 a.m. hpclinic.org

WITCHES & WIZARDS OF WOODSTOCK

Woodstock Square Noon to 4 p.m. witchesandwizardsevent.com

OPEN MIC STORYTELLING

Stage Left Café

125 W. Van Buren St. 2 to 4 p.m. Hosted by Jim May

22 TUESDAY

D-200 BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING

Woodstock High School 501 W. South

Resurrection Catholic Church

7 p.m.

23 WEDNESDAY

KARAOKE NIGHT

Woodstock Opera House 121 W. Van Buren St.

7 p.m. Free woodstockoperahouse.com

24 THURSDAY

SLC TRIVIA NIGHT - PUB TRIVIA USA

Stage Left Café

125 W. Van Buren St.

7 p.m. woodstockoperahouse.com

25 FRIDAY

SLC - ORIGINAL OPEN MIC

Stage Left Café

125 W. Van Buren St.

7 p.m.

To sign up, email: keith@offsquaremusic.org

JOE DIAMOND: HALLOWEEN AT THE OPERA HOUSE

Woodstock Opera House 121 W. Van Buren St.

7:30 p.m.

$40 A seating; $30 B seating; VIP tour tickets, $105 woodstockoperahouse.com

26 SATURDAY

WOODSTOCK FARMERS MARKET

Woodstock Square

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

Music: TBA

FLASHBACKS

35 years ago – 1989

■ Muriel Bach’s production of “Madam, Your Influence is Showing,” part of the Woodstock Fine Arts Association’s Creative Living Series, was presented at the Opera House.

■ The Woodstock High School varsity girls swim team pushed its winning streak to seven with a 55-21 victory over Cary-Grove.

30 years ago – 1994

■ The Woodstock City Council voted to have the city assume the responsibility of hanging Christmas lights on the trees in the Park in the Square from the Woodstock Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

■ The Woodstock School District 200 Board of Education voted to approve the purchase of an additional five security cameras for WHS.

25 years ago – 1999

■ Cheryl Wormley, co-owner and publisher of The Woodstock Independent was elected president of the Illinois Press Association, becoming only the second woman president in the association’s nearly 135 years.

■ WHS mounted its production of “Romeo and Juliet,” starring James Casalino and Sarah Anderson.

20 years ago – 2004

■ The city of Woodstock was on the verge of selling the former Die Cast site to Hummel Development Group for $500,000 or $45,454 an acre.

■ Personal Banker Sandra Ham was set to retire from AMCORE Bank after working at the Woodstock bank and its predecessor for 30 years.

15 years ago – 2009

■ More than 100 guests attended the Friends of the Woodstock Opera House dinner and musical program. Don Peasley photographed a group of strong supporters and longtime backers: Gay Remich, Betty Babcock, Sherry Anderson, Jane Dahm, Betty Hegner, Betty Hale, and Nancy Jung.

■ Associated Electrical Contractors celebrated its 20th anniversary. The

OCT. 5, 1994 – Knuth’s is celebrating its 65th anniversary. The Woodstock office and sport outfitters store was founded by the late Paul Knuth in 1939. His son, Robert Knuth, right, and his daughter and her husband, Peggy and Mike Palmquist, manage the business. The Palmquist’s daughter, Lisa, seated, also works in the family business.

executive staff included Jim Frantz, field superintendent; Rose Schnulle, secretary; Butch Schnulle, president and owner; Tony Schnulle, vice president; and Sue Kirby, controller.

■ WHS and Woodstock North High School met in their first-ever crosstown varsity football matchup. The Streaks scored five touchdowns in the first quarter and won 56-0.

10 years ago – 2014

■ Bob and Mary Fran Madjak, Woodstock, were celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. The Madjaks were married Oct. 10, 1964, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Joliet. They had been Woodstock residents for 28 years.

■ The Special Education District of McHenry County announced plans to close its center in Woodstock at the end of the school year. SEDOM officials cited declining enrollment as the primary reason to close the center at 1200 Claussen Drive. Families of some current and former students said they’d fight to keep it open.

■ More than 3,000 people were expected to attend the Care4 Breast Cancer 5K Walk/Run at WNHS. It was the 14th annual walk/run sponsored

by Family Health Partnership Clinic. Care4 Breast Cancer was the largest fundraising walk in McHenry County.

5

years ago – 2019

■ Theatre 121 was in rehearsals for “Mamma Mia.” It was Theatre 121’s first production after the merger of TownSquare Players and the Woodstock Musical Theatre Company. “The name is from the resident company of the Woodstock Opera House – their address is 121 Van Buren Street,” said Theatre 121 president Susan Falbo.

■ When Woodstock School District 200 asked the public for comments on the district’s plan to spend nearly $100 million educating the community’s young people, nobody showed up. The 2019-20 spending plan included $99,473,405 in expenditures, a 4 percent increase over the previous year.

■ The Challenger Learning Center made a successful move from being part of Aurora University Woodstock Center, 222 Church St., to its new liftoff location at Olson Elementary School on West Judd Street. The move was predicated by D-200 taking over the ownership of Challenger. Under the direction of Tom Wollpert, the program’s

director, upgrades were made to the space-simulation facilities, and STEM learning opportunities were added.

1 year ago – 2023

■ Woodstock’s Challenger Center received a Certificate of Achievement for flying 224 missions during the 2022-23 school year. “We were among the top five of the 40 (Challenger Center for Space Science Education) centers …,” said director Denise Brock. The average number of students per mission was 25.

■ Theatre 121 presented “Puff: Or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic.” Director Tracey Lanman described the production: “It’s touching, and its hilarious, and its beautiful.”

■ Real Woodstock was officially dissolved by a vote of the City Council. The marketing effort started by citizens had morphed into a partnership between the city and the Woodstock Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry. With the decision, the marketing department the city created in 2022 assumed the Real Woodstock brand to promote tourism, businesses, and the city.

INDEPENDENT FILE PHOTO BY DENNIS MATHES

HARVARD MAIN LINE —

PUBLIC NOTICE

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

Case No. 2024PR000251

In the Matter of the Estate of PATRICIA COLLIS

Deceased

CLAIM NOTICE

Notice is given of the death of PATRICIA COLLIS

Of: WOODSTOCK, IL

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

To Representative:

JODI GALLE 1607 ROSE FARM RD. WOODSTOCK, IL 60098

MARGARET GALLE

612 N. GLENN DRIVE PALATINE, IL 60047

whose attorney is: WAGGONER LAW FIRM

4 N. WALKUP AVE.

CRYSTAL LAKE, IL 60014

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

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

(Published in The Woodstock Independent September 25, 2024,

October 2, 2024, October 9, 2024) L11847

PUBLIC NOTICE

ASSUMED NAME

Public Notice is hereby given that on SEPTEMBER 24 2024 An Assumed Name Business Certificate was filed in the Office of the County Clerk in McHenry County, IL under the following business name and address, and setting forth the names and addresses of all persons owning, conducting and transacting business known as D20 CONSULTING located at 220 WASHINGTON ST. ALGONQUIN, IL 60102. Owner Name & Address: DERRICK HILL 220 WASHINGTON ST. ALGONQUIN, IL 60102.

Dated: SEPTEMBER 24, 2024

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

(Published in The Woodstock Independent October 2, 2024, October 9, 2024)L11849

PUBLIC NOTICE

IN THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, CIRCUIT COURT

MCHENRY COUNTY

PUBLICATION NOTICE OF COURT

DATE FOR REQUEST FOR NAME CHANGE (ADULT)

Request of BROCK ALLEN KEITH

Case No. 2024MR000192

There will be a court hearing on my Request to change my name from: BROCK ALLEN KEITH

To the new name of: BROCK ALLEN GIZOWSKI

The court date will be held on December 16, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. at 2200 N. Seminary Ave. Woodstock, McHenry County in Courtroom 201.

Dated at Woodstock, IL September 24,

2024 /s/ Brock Allen Keith

(Published in The Woodstock Independent October 9, 2024)L11850

PUBLIC NOTICE

ASSUMED NAME

Public Notice is hereby given that on SEPTEMBER 23 2024 An Assumed Name Business Certificate was filed in the Office of the County Clerk in McHenry County, IL under the following business name and address, and setting forth the names and addresses of all persons owning, conducting and transacting business known as GOLD HEDGEHOG TRINKETS located at 6700 SAVANNA LANE LAKEWOOD, IL 60014. Owner Name & Address: BRIA LANGWORTHY 6700 SAVANNA LANE LAKEWOOD, IL 60014.

Dated: SEPTEMBER 23, 2024

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

(Published in The Woodstock Independent October 2, 2024, October 9, 2024)L11851

PUBLIC NOTICE

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

Case No. 2024PR000208

In the Matter of the Estate of DENNIS P. FRENCH

Deceased

CLAIM NOTICE

Notice is given of the death of DENNIS P. FRENCH

Of: CRYSTAL LAKE, IL

Letters of office were issued on: 9/25/2024

To Representative: ELIZABETH FRENCH

9417 S. 47TH PLACE

PHOENIX, AZ 85044 whose attorney is: MCARDLE, STEVEN J. LAW OFFICE OF 75 E. CRYSTAL LAKE AVE. CRYSTAL LAKE, IL 60014

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

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

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

(Published in The Woodstock Independent October 9, 2024)L11855

PUBLIC NOTICE

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

Case No. 2024PR000260

In the Matter of the Estate of WAYNE C. BREDEHORST

Deceased

CLAIM NOTICE

Notice is given of the death of WAYNE C. BREDEHORST Of: HARVARD, IL Letters of office were issued on: 9/23/2024

To Representative: PATRICIA A. BREDEHORST 6406 SCHULTZ RD. HARVARD, IL 60033 whose attorney is:

WILBRANDT LEGAL

65 S. VIRGINIA ST. CRYSTAL LAKE, IL 60014

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

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

(Published in The Woodstock Independent October 9, 2024)L11856

PUBLIC NOTICE

ASSUMED NAME

Public Notice is hereby given that on OCTOBER 3, 2024 An Assumed Name Business Certificate was filed in the Office of the County Clerk in McHenry County, IL under the following business name and address, and setting forth the names and addresses of all persons owning, conducting and transacting business known as PIANO TRENDS MUSIC located at 35 BERKSHIRE DRIVE CRYSTAL LAKE, IL 60014. Owner Name & Address: TIMOTHY PAUL 5811 SPRINGS BLVD. CRYSTAL LAKE, IL 60012.

Dated: OCTOBER 3, 2024 /s/ JOSEPH J. TIRIO (McHenry County Clerk)

(Published in The Woodstock Independent October 9, 2024)L11857

By Leigh Rubin HEATHCLIFF

Peter Gallagher

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

ADOPTION AGREEMENT APPLICATION AVAILABLE

BACKGROUND BEHAVIOR BOARDING CAGE

Sports

COLLEGE REPORT

Senior kicker Marlon Pomili helps Marian University win games

By Dan Chamness

Marlon Pomili, a Marian Central Catholic graduate and Woodstock resident, spent the last two Saturdays of September squeezing out road wins for Marian University.

The games could not have been closer as both were decided by one lone point. In the most recent win, a 35-34 triumph over Taylor University took overtime to achieve.

“It feels great to get both of those on the road,” said Pomili, a senior kicker on the team. “On the football field, you want to keep fighting to win. Those games were exciting and you feel an intensity that does not happen if you are blowing a team out. In our conference (Mid-States Football Association), we have great teams in both divisions.”

Realizing that Pomili will graduate and no longer be a member of the football team in 2025, the Knight coaching staff has been bringing younger players up to kick field goals, punts, and point-after attempts. In the win over Taylor, he kicked off five times for 254 yards, an average of 50.8 yards per kickoff. One of his kickoffs was good for a touchback.

“I watched a great deal of film and worked with the kicking coach (Jack Fleck),” said Pomili of his preparation for the year. “He helped me focus on the little things in my

See COLLEGE REPORT, Page 33

Woodstock High School senior Charlie Walrod is unstoppable, running for a 60-yard touchdown in the Blue Streak win (26-10) over Plano Oct. 2, a perfect night for a homecoming gme.

INDEPENDENT

Streaks deliver a ‘W’ on homecoming

WHS improves record to 3-3 after defeating Plano 26-10

By Juel Mecklenburg NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

The Blue Streaks improved their record to 3-3 in a win 26-10 over Plano on a picture perfect night for the Blue Streaks homecoming game.

With a 2-2 record in the Kishwaukee River Conference, the Streaks sit in 5th place. Head Coach Mike Brasile believed it was a great win for the team.

The Streaks did their job and won the homecoming game. Brasile said that it keeps their goals in front of them. Woodstock needs to win two more games to be playoff eligible, and three games to be guaranteed.

Brasile called out Charlie Walrod for his huge night. With a 60-yard touchdown and an interception, he kept the Plano Reapers down in the dirt.

The offensive line opened holes for running backs Stewart Reuter and Landen Stoltz, all night, allowing the Streaks to establish the running game early.

Jack Vidales (#76) covers a fumble by Plano at the 16, setting up a scoring opportunity for the Streaks.

While Brasile said the team needs to continue to work on being more efficient in the red zone, overall, he is very happy with the results from the game.

Reuter had 106 rushing yards for the night, and quarterback Caden Thompson had a 1-yard touchdown, following Walrods 60-yard rushing touchdown.

Streak cheerleaders look on during the game.

Senior Sam Tafoya put up 8 points for the Streaks, making two of three field goals from 30 and 32 yards. He also kicked two extra points after the touchdown scores.

The Blue Streaks did not disappoint their student body and fans on this big night. They went into the weekend ready to dance, and then suited up for another week of football.

PHOTOS BY ANDREW ROUSEY

Blue

Marlon Pomili

technique that helped me be consistent on all my kicks. We want to not look beyond any opponent and take it one game at a time as they come. As a team, we want to win out, win the conference title again and advance the playoffs.”

Overall this season, Marian, now ranked 10th in the latest National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Poll, is 4-0. Pomili has kicked off 20 times for 1,025 yards, an average of 51.3 yards per kickoff. He has two touchbacks.

While they spent the final two Saturdays of September on the road and had October 5 off, the Knights will not be on the road once in October. They will play Indiana Wesleyan University, which is ranked sixth in the same NAIA poll, as their final nonconference opponent on October 12.

CROSS-COUNTRY

Anthony Carney (Marian Central Catholic) finished 13th at the Tom Hoffman Invitational, which was held at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Campus Cross County Course on their campus in Whitewater, Wisconsin. The University of Dubuque junior, a Woodstock resident, finished the 8,000-meter course in 26 minutes, 50.10 seconds. He was the top runner for Dubuque, which finished third with 80 points. Wisconsin-Whitewater won the eight-team meet with 19 points.

Alexander Wickersheim (Woodstock) took 155th at the Gil Dodds Invitational, which was hosted by Wheaton College and held at the St. James Farm in Warrenville. The North Central College runner finished the 8,000-meter run in 28:51.60. A total of 299 runners ran, and it featured 18 teams that finished

with a team score. North Central finished third with 76 points. The University of Wisconsin-Platteville won the team title with 61 points.

VOLLEYBALL

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

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

MESSAGE FROM DAN CHAMNESS

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

Dan Chamness writes The College Report for The Independent.

Hurricanes win 42-8 on homecoming weekend

By Juel Mecklenburg NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

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

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

Eddie Kowalzyck added a touchdown for the Hurricanes as well, rushing 81 yards for the night. Andrew Thielsen caught a 32-yard pass from quarterback Picasso Ruiz for a touchdown as well.

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

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

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

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

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

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Nick Schmid - Football

Senior Hurricane running and defensive back Nick Schmid is Marian Central Catholic High School’s athlete of the week.

Last week Nick scored four total touchdowns in the 42-8 win over Christ the King. He ran for 103 yards and three scores and had an 83-yard kickoff return for a score.

WHS students go pink for a cause

By Jen Nichols NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

The atmosphere at Woodstock High School’s homecoming football game Oct. 4 was nothing short of breathtaking. Students, staff, supporters, and players dressed in all shades of pink in support of October, designated as Breast Cancer Awareness month.

The student section chanting, “I believe that we will win,” after tossing baby powder up into the chilly sky was just the beginning of a night dedicated to so many loved ones who lost their battle to breast cancer, those who are currently fighting the battle, and those who are survivors.

Survivor stories

“I felt stressed, needed to speak with school counselors, and was just so worried for my mom,” saidWHS junior student Kerrigan Carr, who was in the sixth grade when her mother, Deb, was diagnosed with stage one ductal carcinoma breast cancer.

Throughout Kerrigan’s first year in middle school, she endured being a caregiver to her mother, who had multiple surgeries, chemotherapy, and daily rounds of radiation.

“All I could do was try to rally around my mom and be there for her,” said Carr.

She was relieved to say her mother is now healthy and living

her best life.

The student crowd radiated energy and positivity when cheering for their home team. The Blue Streaks ended the night on a win, defeating Plano 26-10.

WHS student Sonny Marsala was excited to see his classmates win the football game, but he was also there to represent his mother, who is also a survivor.

“I was young,” Marsala said. “I didn’t really understand what was happening to my mom. It was scary, but I was able to lean on my older sister.”

Sonny was in third grade when his mother, Mary, was diagnosed with breast cancer. Mary had to undergo surgery as well as chemotherapy.

She is well now, and enjoying her life with her family.

“Having family support is the most important thing when a person goes through this(cancer),” she said.

Alarming stats

According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, breast cancer is the leading form of cancer and is the second leading cause of death in women. The rate of breast cancer has increased by 5 percent between 2008 and 2017.

If you or a loved one may feel they have breast cancer, it is imperative to schedule an appointment with a healthcare professional. The IDPH encourages women to begin annual mammograms at the age of 40.

INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY ANDREW ROUSEY Woodstock North junior Adelyn Crabill goes up against two Reapers Oct. 2 when the Thunder hosted Plano. WNHS won 2-0 (25-10, 25-9).

INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY JEN NICHOLS

A collection of the many students at the WHS homecoming game who dressed in pink in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month.

BOYS SOCCER

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

■ Sept. 30 - Woodstock (11-7) defeated Plano (9-8-1) 4-0.

■ Sept. 30 - Woodstock North (6-13) defeated Marengo (7-9) in a shootout 5-4.

■ Oct. 1 - Marian (4-4-1) defeated Bishop McNamara (2-14) 5-1.

■ Oct. 2 - Marian (4-5-1) fell to Westminster Christian (8-5) 2-1.

■ Oct. 2 - Woodstock (11-8) fell to Richmond-Burton (17-2) 2-1.

■ Oct. 2 - Woodstock North (6-14) fell to Harvard (13-4) 5-1.

■ Oct. 3 - Marian (4-6-1) fell to Chicago Christian (10-8-3) 1-0.

■ Oct. 3 - Woodstock North (6-15) fell to Freeport (7-5) 1-0.

VOLLEYBALL

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

■ Sept. 23 - Marian (11-9) defeated

NN SCOREBOARD NN

McHenry (9-5) 2-0 (25-22, 25-21).

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

■ Sept. 25 - Woodstock (7-15) defeated Harvard (2-11) 2-1 (25-16, 23-25, 25-13).

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

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

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

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

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

■ Sept. 30 - Woodstock (8-15) defeated Westminster Christian (0-11) 2-0 (25-6, 25-17).

■ Sept. 30 - Marian (13-9) defeated Bishop McNamara (5-8) 2-1 (27-25, 20-25, 25-13).

■ Oct. 2 - Woodstock (9-15) defeated Marengo (12-14) 2-1 (25-20, 23-25, 25-18).

■ Oct. 2 - Woodstock North (12-7) defeated Plano (8-15) 2-0 (25-10, 25-9).

■ Oct. 3 - Marian (13-10) fell to Wheaton Academy (15-3) 2-0 (12-25, 22-25).

GIRLS TENNIS

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

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

■ Sept. 28 - Woodstock finished second

at the Woodstock Invite.

FOOTBALL

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

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

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

■ Oct. 4 - Woodstock (3-3) defeated Plano (1-5) 26-10.

■ Oct. 4 - Woodstock North (6-0) defeated Harvard (2-4) 42-28.

■ Oct. 4 - Marian (2-4) fell to Chicago Hope Academy (2-4) 40-21.

BOYS CROSS-COUNTRY

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

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

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

■ Oct. 5 - Woodstock North freshman Geo Kopulos (17:13) finished 125th at the Pat Savage Invitational, with fellow freshman Brayden Sobczak (18:38) finishing in 250th.

■ Oct. 5 - Marian freshman Oliver Ebel (19:22) finished 45th at the 50th Annual Patricia Harland Cross Country Invitational.

GIRLS CROSS-COUNTRY

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

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

■ Oct. 5 - Woodstock North senior Maddie Mock (20:41) finished 74th at the Pat Savage Invitational, with fellow senior Meadow Dodge (21:41) finishing in 130th.

■ Oct. 5 - Marian senior Gianna Stahl (27:08) finished 33rd at the 50th Annual Patricia Harland Cross Country Invitational.

GIRLS SWIMMING

■ Woodstock co-op placed 5th out of 9 teams in Freeport, even though they

IN BRIEF

The basketball season is right around the corner and the Junior Thunder Basketball Association is getting things rolling with a pre-seaon bootcamp. All 5th- through 8th-graders are welcome to attend 7 to 9 p.m. Oct. 15 and 17, at Woodstock North High School. The fee for the 2-day camp is $35 per player, $30 per additional siblings, paid by check, due Oct. 15.

For more information or to register, visit the JTBA-Junior Thunder Basketball Association Facebook page for the Google sign up form. Players can also come to camp as a walk-in. The registration fee will need to be paid by the start of the first day by check or cash.

The camp is open to any 5th-8thgrader or skilled 4th-grader wanting to sharpen up on skills before the upcoming season. All students are welcome to participate regardless what high school they will be attending.

were the only team without divers to add points. Top medal finishers included: Jadyn Grismer, 1st 100 back, 2nd 50 free; Rylie Grismer, 5th in both 200 IM and 100 breaststroke; Torrun Mick, 6th in 100 free; and the 200 medley relay took 3rd: J. Grismer, Bella Ivers, R. Grismer, and Mick.

BOYS GOLF

■ Oct. 1 - Woodstock tied for second with Hononegah at the 3A regional scoring 335 points, Woodstock advances to sectionals. Senior Brady Yergens won the 3A regional scoring 74 points.

INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY ANDREW ROUSEY

The Woodstock High School dance team performs at the homecoming game Oct. 4.

PAULIE'S ITALIAN BAKERY AND DELI

Puccia

This Apulian classic is made of pizza dough stuffed with meats and cheeses

Paninos

Italy is one of the great sandwich nations of the world the classic panino remains the most popular

Gelato Social

Everynoon-4pmMonday

10% off entire purchase (both Locations)

CROISSANT SANDWICHES

Sandwiches

Puccia

Paninos

L ampredotto

Italian Sub b

Chicken Parmesan

Meatball

Italian Beef

Calzones

Italian Style

Breakfast

Make your own Italian Sub Choose from our selection of meats and cheeses

L ampredotto

Classic Florentine sandwich of roasted cow stomach the city's quintessential street food

OPEN HOUSESATURDAYS 4-6pm “Free mini pastries” (both locations)

SAVORY PASTRIES PASTRIES/CAKES

Caprese

Cordon Blue

L obster Roll