Woodstock Independent 12/4/24 by thewoodstockindependent.com

OBITUARIES

Greggory P. Rokus, 53

Greggory P. Rokus, 53, of Woodstock, passed away on Nov. 24, 2024, in Woodstock.

He was born May 13, 1971, in Woodstock to Hans and Kathleen (Provasi) Rokus. He married Sue Koscielniak in 1999 in Crystal Lake.

Greggory P. Rokus

Greg was a 1989 graduate of Marian Central High School, and graduated from Loras College in 1993. He had been an advertising account manager for the Northwest Herald for many years. His favorite job was working at Crystal Woods Golf Course in Woodstock. He had been employed there for 40 years. He was a very active member of the Woodstock Knights of Columbus at St. Mary Church in Woodstock. He served on many committees, organized the blood drives, and over the years, he served as Recorder, Deputy Grand Knight, and Grand Knight.

To know Greg Rokus was to know that he was an avid sports fan. When there was a Bears game on, or a Cubs game on, Blackhawks game, or Notre Dame, everyone would be quiet because Greg would be yelling enough for everyone.

He is survived by his wife, Sue Rokus of Woodstock; daughter, Caitlin Rokus; his parents, Hans and Kathy Rokus; a sister, Mary (Aaron) Smith; and niece and nephew, Jacob Smith and Brianna Smith; as well as many great friends.

Visitation was held on Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024, at the Schneider, Leucht, Merwin & Cooney Funeral Home, 1211 N. Seminary Ave., Woodstock from noon until 5 p.m., with a prayer service at 4 p.m. The funeral Mass was celebrated

on Monday, Dec. 2, 2024. at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, 312 Lincoln Ave. in Woodstock. Interment followed in Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Woodstock.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Woodstock Food Pantry, or St. Mary Catholic Church.

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

Katherine A. ‘Kate’ Brown, 46

Katherine A. “Kate” Brown, 46, of Woodstock passed away on Monday, Nov. 25, 2024, at Northwestern Medical in McHenry.

She was born Nov. 14, 1978, in Woodstock, the daughter of Edward and Sally (Donahue) Schaefer. She married Loren Brown in Woodstock.

Kate was a member of St. Mary Catholic

PUBLIC SAFETY LOG

Woodstock Police Department

■ Terenan R. Positano, 27, Wonder Lake, was arrested Nov. 10 on Oak St. on a charge of criminal damage to property. Cited and released with notice to appear in court. Court date Nov. 21.

■ Brandon T. Matthews, 27, Pine Bluff, Ark., was arrested Nov. 17 on South Eastwood Drive on two arrest warrants. Transported to McHenry County Jail. Court date to be set.

■ Danielle J. Myers, 27, Woodstock, was arrested Nov. 17 on Lake Avenue on a charge of visitation interference. Cited and released with notice to appear in court. Court date Dec. 19.

■ Leeandre J. Williams, 22, Woodstock, was arrested Nov. 17 at Raffel and St. John’s roads on a charge

Woodstock Fire/Rescue District

Church in Woodstock. She graduated from St. Mary Grade School, Marian Central High School, and Worsham College of Mortuary Science. She was employed as a deputy coroner with the McHenry County Coroner’s Office for many years until she joined the staff of Schneider, Leucht, Merwin & Cooney Funeral Home in Woodstock in 2017. She was a talented funeral director who will be sadly missed.

She is survived by her husband, Loren Brown; a son, Colin Doyle; her mother, Sarah Donahue Schaefer; a sister, Amy (Charles) Vicari; and niece and nephew, Allyson Vicari and Charles Vicari, Jr.

She was preceded in death by her father, Edward Schaefer; and a sister, Jennifer L. Schaefer.

Services for Kate will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Colin Doyle Education Fund c/o Sarah Schaefer, 1970 Southern Circle, Pingree Grove, IL 60140.

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

IN BRIEF

Nov. 24 Kimball Street accident victim identified

McHenry County Coroner Michael Rein announced that his office was contacted about 11 p.m. Nov. 24 by Woodstock Police Department to investigate the death of Greggory P. Rokus, 53, of Woodstock. Rokus was involved in a single-vehicle accident near the intersection of East Kimball Avenue and Jefferson Street in Woodstock.

Rokus was pronounced deceased at the scene. An autopsy was performed Nov. 26.

Preliminary findings showed blunt force trauma as the cause of death after Rokus’ SUV hit a tree. Toxicology results are pending. The Coroner’s Office is continuing to work with the Woodstock Police Department, Woodstock Fire/Rescue District and MCAT (Major Crash Assistance Team) of the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office.

of driving while license revoked. Released with notice to appear in court. Court date Dec. 5.

■ Eric M. Iannelli, 31, Crystal Lake, was arrested Nov. 17 on Lake Avenue on charges of driving while license suspended, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident. Released with notice to appear in court. Court date Dec. 5,

■ Scott R. Bucholz, 28, Caledonia, Wis., was arrested Nov. 19 at South Eastwood Drive and Cobblestone Way on charges of driving under the influence, improper lane usage, and possession of a controlled substance. Released with notice to appear in court. Court date Nov. 27.

■ Angel Morales-Romero, 24,

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 Nov. 21 to 27: 61

Fire Runs

Mobile property (vehicle) fire: 1

Combustible/fire spills and leaks: 2

Woodstock, was arrested Nov. 21 at Jackson and Tryon streets on charges of no valid driver’s license, failure to signal when required, and failure to dim headlights. Released with notice to appear in court. Court date Dec. 26 ■ Scott T. Sachs, 49, Woodstock, was arrested Nov. 21 on South Eastwood Drive on a charge of driving under the influence. Released with notice to appear in court. Court date Dec. 5.

■ Jennifer L. Chaput, 50, Woodstock, was arrested Nov. 22 at Eastwood Drive and Country Club Road on charges of driving while license revoked and no front registration. Released with notice to appear in court. Court date Dec. 19.

Electrical wiring/equipment problem: 1

Person in distress: 2

Public service assistance: 7

Unauthorized burning: 1

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

System or detector malfunction: 4

Unintentional system/detector operation (no fire): 8

Total: 90

Katherine A. “Kate” Brown

Annual Cookie Walk

IN BRIEF

McHenry County budget higher, but tax levy lower

The McHenry County Board has approved a balanced $270 million budget for fiscal year 2025 that is $21 million more than the current 2024 budget, but it has a $64.99 million property tax levy that is $8.8 million less than the 2024 levy.

According to a news release from the county, the levy decrease is the result of a successful voter referendum in March to remove the Mental Health Board levy and replace it with a retail sales tax. The budget increase is largely caused by the county’s share of construction to widen the northern segment of Randall Road, which will be 80% funded by the federal government. The county has reportedly been saving for years to pay its share.

Another budget increase is caused by the addition of three McHenry County Sheriff’s Office deputies, the first expansion of the deputy roster in 20 years.

The release said the owner of a $350,000 home who takes the homestead exemption will pay at least $60 less for the county’s share of the property tax bill.

County government, on average, accounts for about 7.6% of residential property tax bills.

McHenry County College opens spring registration

Students are encouraged to register early to ensure they get the classes they need for the upcoming semester at McHenry County College, which begins Tuesday, Jan. 21.

The College offers a wide variety of career and technical programs, associate degrees, and dozens of classes that easily transfer, according to an MCC news release.

The college recently added and expanded training programs for a variety of careers in the skilled trades through its state-of-the-art Foglia Center for Advanced Technology and Innovation.

MCC also offers programs in entrepreneurial agriculture, healthcare, criminal justice, culinary management, and more.

Visit mchenry.edu/start for more information.

Volunteers serve

before Thanksgiving, sponsored

Downtown Woodstock hosted the annual Christmas parade Dec. 1 among other events to kick off the holiday season.

INDEPENDENT PHOTOS BY ANDREW ROUSEY

members of the community who stopped by the free community lunch Nov. 27, the day

by MBI Cares and Warp Corps at MBI.

INDEPENDENT PHOTOS BY ANDREW ROUSEY

Woodstock, IL • 1987

Getting real about developments in Woodstock

Has our fondness for Woodstock blinded us to the realistic development potential in our community of 26,000 people?

We might have had a hint a few years ago when the city was unable to find a private investor to develop commercial use of the Old Courthouse and Sheriff’s House that the city had restored for $3.6 million. So, the city took on the project, at a cost of nearly $23 million, when the original estimate was $12 million. Did the private sector know something that city government did not?

That question must be raised again in light of a development proposal for the former Die Cast factory site falling apart after Chicago Hubs Realty couldn’t obtain financing for the first phase of what was once an ambitious, even audacious, threephase plan for affordable senior housing ... and much, much more.

As we noted in the fall of 2022, after the City Council made CHR the site’s “exclusive developer” and ceded control of the city-owned 10-acre property to the developer, “Woodstock is all too familiar with unrealized development plans.” After the factory was demolished in 1997, the developer of Woodstock Station on that site had what Mayor Mike Turner called “a fantastic plan” but built only 10 townhomes on the property before going bankrupt in the housing recession. Numerous development plans since then have failed.

When it OK’d the CHR plan two years ago, the council had two other development proposals to consider, including a modest plan to build two apartment buildings.

In the fall of 2020, PanCor had proposed a threephase project that involved 112 apartments, condominiums, and some retail space, all of which would use the entire property. Two years later, PanCor construction manager Peter Nelson was back in town to propose the first phase of The Marquee, using only three acres to build a five-story

Stuff the stocking for Zach during 10th (final) campaign

Zach Brokaw’s mission in life was to make the world a kinder place. Sadly, he died, at age 20, after falling asleep behind the wheel. The following Christmas, “Stuff the Stocking for Zach” was born.

Die Cast site – where development proposals have gone to wither

apartment building with nearly 50 one-, two-, and three-bedroom units.

As he had in 2020, Nelson said PanCor would not move into a second phase until the first building was “fully leased,” given uncertainties about the housing market and the economy

“We want to build what we know is going to work,” he said. “We’re confident we can build [this].”

CHR showed no such hesitation in pitching its plan for 373 apartments – senior housing (affordable, assisted living, and memory care); then market-rate apartments above 25,000 square feet of retail/restaurant space; before, in phase three, building a parking garage.

By the time CHR and the city negotiated a redevelopment agreement 15 months later, phase three had been dropped amid long-term financing uncertainties. Maybe it should not have been a surprise when the council recently rescinded that agreement after CHR said it couldn’t obtain financing for even the first phase, a five-story, 70-unit, affordable

Zach was my only child, and I created this fundraiser so I’d have something positive to focus on, and as a way to benefit our community (and beyond!), while honoring something he was passionate about. Zach was an Eagle Scout, and from a very young age felt compelled to help others, and did so whenever

housing building for people 55 and older that was supposed to break ground this past September. Phase two would be a four-story, 150-unit building for assisted living and memory care to get underway by September 2026. That was then. Can Woodstock support such development? We’ll be looking for hints in the response to a new request for qualifications from potential developers of the Die Cast site, which the council was expected to consider this week, but it didn’t make the agenda And we’ll be closely following progress on the proposed 60-room Cobblestone Hotel at Calhoun and Jefferson streets, as well as the city’s efforts to fill vacancies created by the departures of MobCraft and Makity Make in the Old Courthouse Center complex.

After he announced his campaign for re-election, Mayor Turner said he was frustrated but optimistic about the Die Cast development. Let’s hope that optimism is grounded in something other than a love for our hometown.

given the opportunity. Donations collected will be distributed via random acts of kindness done in his memory. Over the past 9 years we have raised over $90,000, impacting thousands of lives!

Our goal for our 10th (and final!) year, is to once again bring hope

and joy into people’s hearts. Recipients may include families facing medical and/or financial issues, veterans, the homeless, seniors, or someone just going through an emotionally difficult time. We may assist with auto repairs, veterinary

Continued on Next page

EDITORIAL CARTOON BY CHIP HUMBERTSON

One person’s trash, another’s garbage

Do you consider trash and garbage to be the same thing?

They seem to have been used interchangeably during the recent public debate on Woodstock’s new 10-year agreement with refuse hauler MDC Environmental Services.

Personally, I’ve tried to keep them separate, as we did in my household while growing up in the 1950s (pregarbage disposal era).

To me, trash is paper, plastic, wood, and metal unsuitable for recycling. We put that in a large plastic wastebasket with a trash bag liner, in the kitchen near the back door.

Garbage, on the other hand, is food waste – banana peels, apple cores, egg shells, coffee grounds, meat fat (Poochie got the bones), and the like. Mom would put that, and other stuff she scraped off our dinner plates as she did the dishes (pre-dishwasher era, too!) in empty half-gallon milk cartons (no leaking) on the kitchen counter, near the back door – under the cabinet, which had butter, margarine, mustard, ketchup, jam, and jelly (no, we did not refrigerate it, but we

Continued from Previous page

bills, groceries, and more! The possibilities are endless!

Donations may be sent to Diane Brokaw, P.O. Box 762, Wonder Lake, IL 60097, or through PayPal, via dianebrokaw@juno.com, using “sending to a friend” option only, please! Zelle is also accepted.

Donations of any amount are greatly appreciated and will be accepted through Jan. 10. For questions, call 815-276-4194.

Thank you again for your support! Let’s make our last year our biggest and best yet!

Diane Brokaw 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.

did have a refrigerator).

If I recall, and I might be mistaken, the city picked up garbage and trash on different days. We had those noisy metal trash/garbage cans (before plastic era) that dad would carry/drag from our detached garage down our gravel driveway to the curb the night before pickups.

So, if I write about the MDC contract, I use the word “trash,” while other writers might use “garbage.”

Most of what MDC picks up at your house, I suspect, is trash, not escaped content from a compost pile.

In the Thanksgiving classic “Alice’s Restaurant,” Arlo Guthrie sings about having to “pick up the garbage” from illegal dumping. I suspect he meant trash, since authorities tracked him from an envelope that had his name

and address, not from his bite pattern on a discarded apple.

Among other words this picky editor is careful about using, is Styrofoam. In nearly all cases the correct word is polystyrene, a plastic foam used to make coffee cups, disposable plates, to-go containers, beverage coolers, and other common products.

As The AP Stylebook (the bible of newswriting) tells us, Styrofoam is “a trademark for a brand of plastic foam. Use the term plastic foam unless referring specifically to the trademarked product. (Note: Cups and other serving items are not made of Styrofoam brand plastic foam.)”

Styrofoam brand plastic foam is most commonly used as a liner inside metal coolers. Like other polystyrene products, Styrofoam is recyclable, even right here in Woodstock. The city Department of Public Works can help you with that.

Larry Lough is the editor of The Woodstock Independent.

» HOW TO CONTACT YOUR ELECTED 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

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

» FIRST AMENDMENT

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

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PUBLISHER EMERITA Cheryl Wormley c wormley@thewoodstockindependent com

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COLUMNISTS

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

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Andrew Rousey, Vicky Long

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EDITORIAL CARTOONISTS Jim Mansfield, Chip Humbertson

PROOFREADER Don Humbertson

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Schools

WHS Christmas music programs designed for all ages

By Janet Dovidio NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

The Woodstock High School music department will present two programs on Monday, Dec. 9. The evening concert has an unusual format.

For younger attendees, a children’s sing-along features the WHS musicians who will play from 5:30 to 6:15 p.m. in the high school’s auditorium, located at 501 W. South St. Santa will be present, and there will be treats and handmade ornaments for each child. The cost is $10 per child and no charge for adults.

“Don’t miss this magical celebration of the season,” WHS orchestra

Student of the Week Bianca Ayllon

Bianca Ayllon, a Woodstock North High School senior, is the daughter of Oudulia Reynoso and Jorge Ayllon.

The teacher who nominated Bianca said, “Bianca is a hard-working and dedicated student who has really challenged herself during her senior year.”

Bianca is bilingual and is a member of the Spanish National Honor Society and the varsity girls soccer team. Her favorite subject in school is math. She is planning to attend MCC to pursue her dream of being a medical diagnostic sonographer. Outside of school, Bianca attends church every Sunday with her family. She is currently working two jobs, at The MAC and at Millie’s Michoacana.

Tracie Muehler Team

815-482-4909

tmuehler starckre com

director Lyndra Bastian said.

A collage concert

A Holiday Collage Concert for all ages follows at 7 p.m. The cost is $10 per person at the door.

In the art world, a collage is placing multiple designs or objects adjacent to one another to create a whole design. A collage concert includes multiple and different sounding choral, band, and orchestral pieces mixed with narration that tells a story. Performers appear at different parts of the auditorium throughout the concert.

Read Between the Lynes owner Arlene Lynes serves as the See WHS MUSIC, Page 10

ELEMENTARY STUDENT OF THE WEEK Addie Mortimer Prairiewood Elementary School 4th Grade

info@kingstonlanes com

COURTESY PHOTO

Gretchen Sebastian and Collin Ball rehearse for the WHS Collage Concert that takes place on Dec. 9.

narrator. Kevin Fredrick directs the WHS band. Brian Jozwiak is the choral director. Creekside Middle School eighth graders Collin Ball and Gretchen Sebastian are the characters “Happy” and “Merry” who control when the musicians perform throughout the story.

At Bastian’s request, school parent Shawn Wickersheim, a published author, wrote the storyline for this concert. His daughter Anna is a senior who plays the viola and has had Bastian as her teacher for six years.

“The power and magic of music is incredible,” Wickersheim said. “I really wanted to try to bring that feeling to this story. My wish for these two characters was to use them to add a sprinkle of humor throughout the evening and have them highlight the musical acts. I enjoyed the lighthearted and whimsical approach.”

Bastian explained that the

characters control when each group performs. One guides the orchestra, while the other controls the band and chorus. They are competing to see who can bring the most joy to others. A lighted Christmas tree will gradually light from bottom to top as each group performs.

Christy Johanson is the cotheater director who created the swirling lights for the concert. Volunteer Kirsten Green designed the stage decorations.

The music selections throughout the story include traditional holiday, Christmas, and Hanukkah songs. A special “fruitcake song” is especially fun for the chorus members to sing.

“The performers and musicians will provide a great concert experience for everyone,” Bastian said.

“I knew the talented students at WHS along with their amazing teachers would take whatever I created and make it special,” Wickersheim said. “I hope it is a magical, musical, fun-filled night for everyone.”

Simple items teach complex skills at Mary Endres School

By Janet Dovidio NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

Mary Endres Elementary School first-grade teacher Ellen Redman received an Impact Grant from the D-200 Education Foundation to purchase special items for her students to use during recess.

In her grant application, Redman wrote that “students currently get 20 minutes of recess, and according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, play serves as a natural tool for children to develop resiliency as they learn to cooperate, overcome challenges, and negotiate with others.”

With her grant money, Redman purchased plastic school supply boxes, called STEM bins, to hold the manipulatives she places in them. Her purchases included dominos, Jenga blocks, Wiki sticks, magnetic tiles, Kadu blocks, and Picasso tiles. Students may create their own playthings out of PlayDoh, straws, pipe cleaners, and toothpicks. Many students work with a partner, while others choose to work alone.

“It’s fun to walk around and see the students being creative with the bins,” Redman said.

The students have two opportunities to use the items in the bins during the school day. One is during indoor recess, and the other is when they have 15 minutes of morning routine time. For first grade, this is a time for building, creating, and exploring with the STEM bins.

“During this time, I am able to greet the students, complete attendance and lunch count, and help any students who may need something first thing in the morning,” Redman said.

She indicated that the STEM bins help create opportunities for problem-solving and collaboration to achieve a common goal.

“My students have not only grown in their science, math, engineering, and communication skills,” Redman said. “The impact of the grant will go far beyond my classroom walls. The students are learning skills essential for the real world.”

COURTESY PHOTO

Mary Endres students Leah Carrera and Lucas Milano are learning to be problem-solvers through use of their sticks and Play-Doh.

A & E ‘Make it accessible, yet beautiful’

Flower Magazine publisher Margot Shaw to talk on ‘looking at life through a botanical lens’

By Eileen Millard NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

Margot Shaw, founder of Flower Magazine, will appear at the Woodstock Opera House as part of the Woodstock Fine Arts Association’s Creative Living Series on Dec. 12 to talk about flowers and her philosophy of “looking at life through a botanical lens.”

“In the magazine, it means every detail, every department, every story, is going to have some kind of botanical presence,” she said. “It can be flowers, vines, leaves, trees … from interior design schemes to party decorating.”

Shaw’s studies in art history and interior design helped her when she decided to start her own magazine. “I think it’s important to me that people are inspired,” she said. “I want to make it accessible, yet beautiful. There was no magazine devoted to living a botanical lifestyle … and I decided, all right, I’ll do it.”

Birmingham, Alabama, where Shaw lives, is a big flower and garden town, she noted. It is also a garden/lifestyle publishing hub for magazines such as Birmingham Lifestyle, Birmingham Home and Garden, and Southern Living. Shaw brought her own publishing dream to life in 2007.

“I paid attention to who came across my path,” she said. “I invited one person, who would mention it to another person, and it wove together a beautiful tapestry. At the time, it was the beginning of the recession. People were out of work in print. I was able to scoop up some talent from Southern Accents magazine and Coastal Living magazine when they were downsizing. It wasn’t easy, but it wasn’t hard.”

Slowly, she built a fan base through presentations at garden clubs, women’s group meetings, and garden and antique shows. “It was pretty organic – no pun intended,” she said. She grew her readership from about 2,000 at the beginning to half a million today, in print and online.

Backyard bounty

Whenever she can, Shaw uses flowers from her own garden to decorate her home. In the South, blooms are available most of the year.

“I don’t have a conservatory,” she said. “It’s really … what my husband has in the garden.

He is the gardener, I am the arranger. I cut what he grows. We are in November, and I still have roses. There will be Lenten roses and Japonica roses in January. In February, camellias. I am not against wholesale flowers. Some things can’t grow in the garden, exotic things. But I also like to keep it simple.”

Her husband gets really proud whenever she incorporates his flowers into her decorations.

Holiday decorating and customs

“Even in the winter, in the South, we have evergreens everywhere. I like to do simple, artful arrangements. If you just have some evergreen trees in your yard, cut some branches, and put little stems in a vase or urn, it will add a pretty smell. Repeat the story through the house … with holly trees … also berries.”

As for the size and complexity of arrangements, she said, ”Big can be good, but sometimes less really is more.” She gave an example of something that always works for her: “Fresh flowers and a glass cylinder, all one kind of bloom. It’s impactful. We have a glass cylinder vase of anemones right now (at home). It’s chic

– striking and so simple. Just a simple statement of beauty.

”Repetition, it’s so effective,” she added. “Take five or seven small terracotta pots (I like odd numbers of things) for narcissus or little topiaries, and line the mantle with that, along with red Christmas ornaments … also add little votive candles.”

Memories are important too, she said, remembering a particular kind of scented candle her mother always used to use for the holidays. “When I light it, it evokes her and Christmas and memories,” she said. She stressed the importance of rituals such as Advent calendars, decorating the tree as a family, and Christmas choral concerts.

“Try to keep it to the main things,” she said. “Try to stay in the spirit.”

“I am not much of a cook,” she added, but there is one Southern holiday recipe that is a favorite go-to, called Buttery Biscuit Rolls. “There are three ingredients: sour cream, butter and (self-rising) flour. Melt the butter and mix in the other ingredients; put it in muffin trays.”

Keeping ready-to-sere snacks around the house helps, she said. “Having cheese straws around, and roasted pecans – it doesn’t get any better.”

A tale of two trees

“In town, we decorate for the Christmas party for the magazine. We decorate the tree with flowers … usually carnations. They have a long shelf life. Last year we used white carnations with copper-colored ribbon and bows, and white lights.

“We (also) have a farm,” Shaw added. For the farmhouse Christmas tree, they cut down an evergreen from the land. “It may not look great,” she said, “more like a Charlie Brown tree, but we don’t care.”

Single tickets for Shaw’s talk on Dec. 12 cost $28, plus fees, and are available at woodstockoperahouse.com, or visit or call the Opera House box office at 815-338-5300.

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

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

COURTESY PHOTO

Flower Magazine founder Margot Shaw

Nutcracker The Krampus is in town!

Needful Things Shop is Welcoming Krampus again!

Come on in and get you picture with Krampus and find unique gifts for those in your life.

Krampus will be available Sunday 12-5 pm and Saturday 2 -7 pm Dec 7 - 22

Our Staff is here to help you find those great gifts Anime , Horror, Retro, Gaming, Fun , Gadgets, Collectibles, Jewlerey , Statues, Swords and more!

Cozy Warm Blankets are here!

October, 1956, Ezra Taft Benson, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, visits the Gene Hildebrandt farm near Huntley. (The Benson visit was published in October 18, 1956, Famer’s News.)

Pictured, front row, are: Wanda and Alvin Hildebrandt. Back row, Jean Brown; farm advisor Virgil Smith; Farm Bureau manager, Gene Hildebrandt; State Senator Robert McClory; Secretary Benson; and Millie Hildebrandt. While in McHenry County, Benson dedicated the Thor Farm Power Tool Research Center on Colleen’s Cote Farm, north of Huntley.”

PICTURE THIS

The McHenry County Historical Society’s Museum, located at 6422 Main St. in Union, is open year-round. Regular museum hours are Tuesday - Friday from 1 to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Stop by and enjoy a cozy “Christmas Cafe and Holiday Open House” at the museum on Dec. 7 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Admission is free and attendees can “Warm Up to History” with cocoa, coffee, carolers, and more! Visit mchenrycountyhistory.org for more information.

In late October, Emily Côté stands behind her Remnant Trading Co. booth at the Woodstock Farmers Market. Beginning on Dec. 21, she will be a regular at the winter markets at All Seasons Orchard.

The work of her hands

Emily Côté’s Remnant Trading Co. offers fine clothing and home goods

By Susan W. Murray

Emily Côté’s Remnant Trading Co. popped up a couple of times during the summer season at the Woodstock Farmers Market. Beginning Dec. 21, her booth will be a constant at the market’s winter home at All Seasons Orchard.

Côté’s finely crafted clothing and home goods are “made with traceable raw materials and traditional methods,” according to the Remnant Trading Company website.

Her clothing includes knitted

socks, sweaters, mittens, and hats and woven T-shirts and tunics. For the home, Côté creates beeswax wraps and candles; bags for bread and produce; storage baskets; and coffee filters.

Côté approaches each product she makes in the same way.

“I look at the end product of what I want to make, then go backward and figure out the process,” she said.

Taking the time to create by hand

To make a sweater, for example, the traceable raw material Côté uses is the raw fiber from a sheep that’s

just been sheared. Fleece from one sheep is enough to create a sweater.

Her traditional method is a spinning wheel on which she spins the fiber into wool yarn.

“The character comes out in the wool,” Côté said.

After washing the yarn, she begins knitting, using a large circular needle to create a seamless garment.

For sweaters, Côté does not usually dye the wool, although she occasionally uses plant dyes on some of her products.

Making a sweater takes about

Transactions filed in the McHenry County Recorder’s Office Oct. 25 to Nov. 8 .

■ Residence at 8310 Nunda Road, Wonder Lake, was sold by Debbie L.Positano, Wonder Lake, to The Ashley A. Blosmore Revocable Trust, Wonder Lake, for $181,905.

■ Residence at 4615 Dean St., Woodstock, was sold by MLJ Properties LLC, Palatine, to Fiat Farms LLC, Crystal Lake, for $695,000.

■ Vacant land at 801 S. Eastwood Drive and 907 S. Eastwood Drive, Woodstock, was sold by Tammy C. Nuemann, Woodstock, to E801 LLC, Hampshire, for $80,000.

■ Residence at 625 Margaret Drive, Woodstock, was sold by The John T. O’Brien Jr. Revocable Trust, Williamsburg, Va., to Guy Clark, Woodstock, for $289,900.

■ Residence at 897-899 West Ave., Woodstock, was sold by Terry R. Zimmerman, Woodstock, to The EldeibAdam Family Trust, Barrington, for $361,000.

■ Residence at 1700 Bull Valley Drive, Woodstock, was sold by John J. Lowry, Woodstock, to William Earl Long, Woodstock, for $750,000.

■ Residence at 9005 W. Sunset Drive, Woodstock, was sold by Thomas M. Sullivan, Wonder Lake, to Caynon Stefko, Wonder Lake, for $248,000.

■ Residence at 1216 Thomas Drive, Woodstock, was sold by Haley Antczak, Woodstock, to Sheila M. Upchurch, Woodstock, for $189,930.

Keefe

INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY ANDREW ROUSEY

REMNANT

Continued from Page 13

40 hours, Côté said. She loves that she gets “to be part of the whole process.”

Buying items crafted from natural materials “makes people feel grounded and happy,” Côté said.

Childhood ‘creative expression’

Côté grew up in the area, mostly in Palatine, in that point in time just before digital devices began to dominate childhood.

Côté’s mom worked in space design, and her dad was an entrepreneur.

“My parents created an environment that encouraged creative expression,” she said.

One of her brothers is an animator and filmmaker; the other is a musician.

Côté credits being home-schooled during grade school with learning

IN BRIEF

City business development manager is Laura Cullotta

The city of Woodstock announced the hiring of Laura Cullotta as business development manager, a new role created to support the city’s ongoing growth and development efforts.

Cullotta brings more than 25 years of experience in business creation and development across McHenry County and northern Illinois. Her expertise and dedication to community involvement make her uniquely qualified to drive new initiatives that will benefit residents, local businesses, and the broader community.

how to schedule and prioritize. Always interested in fiber, she knitted friendship bracelets in high school. After graduation, she worked in construction, the trades, and on farms.

“I got a little picture of a lot of different things,” Côté said.

The pivotal event

Learning to make yarn was the pivotal event in setting her on her creative path, Côté said.

She borrowed a spinning wheel from some alpaca farmers she knew, setting it up and figuring out how it worked.

“It gave my work a focus,” Côté said.

With a growing interest in environmental stewardship and sustainable living, “it all fit together,” she said.

Besides working with wool, Côté grows flax for linen, works with combed cotton, crochets, and

creates her own wicks for the beeswax candles she dips. Her Midwest upbringing shaped her sensibility and work, Côté said, and she has dug into Midwest living. Today, Côté lives in and works out of her van. For two months during the summer, she lives along the shoreline of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. During the rest of the year, she stays with her family in Lake Zurich, sometimes working out of the family home. When the weather cooperates, she sets up her spinning wheel out-of-doors.

Outlets for her goods

Côté heard about the Woodstock Farmers Market from friends in Union.

“I’ve wanted to be part of this farmers market for a long time,” she said.

She also has a booth at the Grayslake Farmers Market and sells her goods at a market in Michigan

REAL ESTATE

during the summer.

People buy a little bit of everything, Côté said. Her sweaters are popular, and she has a steady return business from the people who buy her beeswax candles. Those who don’t find her at a farmers market can buy items online from the Remnant Trading Co. website. Her customers, she said, “are looking to take the time to have a conversation.”

She looks forward to those connections as a balance to the time she spends alone in creating her clothing and home goods.

She looks forward to diving into bigger projects and learning new techniques, such as weaving an item that’s completely hand-spun.

The author of a children’s book about making socks from sheep’s wool, Côté is intrigued by the idea of talking to children’s groups and showing them how clothing was once made by hand.

Cullotta will be responsible for addressing budget constraints, enhancing city services, and supporting Woodstock’s future growth. A key focus of her efforts will be fostering strong connections with residents and local businesses, promoting civic engagement and responding to the community’s increased demand for services in the face of a growing population.

“Laura’s extensive experience in business development and her deep-rooted commitment to our community make her an invaluable addition to the city of

Woodstock,” City Manager Roscoe Stelford said. “We are confident that her leadership will play a critical role in advancing Woodstock’s vision for growth, fiscal sustainability, and community engagement.”

Cullotta is president of the Rotary Club of Woodstock and a Board of Trustees member for Leadership Greater McHenry County, where she also chairs the Alumni Committee.

A graduate of the LGMC Class of 2018, Cullotta was named Distinguished Alum of the Year in 2022. She continues to inspire others through her commitment to voluntarism and community empowerment, a news release said.

Cullotta has also been active in Woodstock Professional Business Women and has received several accolades for her contributions, including the Woodstock Chamber’s Volunteer of the Year award in 2019. For the past five years, she has chaired or co-chaired the Rotary Club of Woodstock’s Christmas Clearing House, a program recognized as Nonprofit of the Year in 2020.

“I am honored to take on this new challenge in a city as community-driven as Woodstock,” Cullotta said in the news release. “I look forward to building meaningful partnerships and creating opportunities for growth that will benefit both residents and local businesses. This role is a fantastic opportunity to work alongside such dedicated individuals and bring innovative ideas to life.”

Continued from Page 13

■ Residence at 4306 McCauley Road, Woodstock, was sold by Chicago Title Land Trust Company, Chicago, to Gary Pierce, Woodstock, for $132,000.

■ Residence at 14420 Pleasant Valley Road, Woodstock, was sold by Roger Tryczynski, Marengo, to Zivile P. Rackauskas, Woodstock, for $430,000.

■ Residence at 610 Hickory Road, Woodstock, was sold by David A.Tatro, Woodstock, to Santos Barrera, Woodstock, for $370,000.

■ Residence at 8405 Prairie Drive, Woodstock, was sold by Judith K.Collins, Crystal Lake, to Paul M. Vormittag Jr., Woodstock, for $306,000.

■ Residence at 649 Verdi St., Woodstock, was sold by Ariana Escobedo, Round Rock, Texas, to Daniella Acevedo, Woodstock, for $394,900.

■ Residence at 122 Fremont St., Woodstock, was sold by The James O. Overly Trust, Woodstock, to Wicklow Development Group LLC, Woodstock, for $335,000.

■ Residence at 1530 Hickory Road, Woodstock, was sold by The Declaration Living Trust of Robert D. Burg, Glen Ellyn, to Andrew Ronald Nissen, Woodstock, for $220,000.

■ Residence at 3039 Courtland St., Woodstock, was sold by Elston Townhomes LLC, Chicago, to Lauren Apa, Woodstock, for $212,000.

■ Residence at 10213 Fairway Lane, Woodstock, was sold by Jaime L. Thompson, Louisville, Ky., to David Vargas, Woodstock, for $395,000.

■ Residence at 219 Hoy Ave., Woodstock, was sold by Kayla Sowl, Wellsville, Mo., to Isabella Dimucci, Woodstock, for $261,500.

■ Residence at 656 Silver Creek Road, Woodstock, was sold by The Lawrence and Cheryl Wenzel Living Trust, Woodstock, to Gerald Theodore Berger, Woodstock, for $193,000.

■ Residence at 3103 Brookside Way, Wonder Lake, was sold by Gerald T. Berger, Woodstock, to Kathia G. Javier Mendez, Wonder Lake, for $350,000

■ Residence at 12901 Pleasant Valley Road, Woodstock, was sold by Christopher M. Oldenburg, Elk Grove Village, to John H. Burton III, Woodstock, for $535,000.

■ Residence at 1360 Infanta Court, Woodstock, was sold by Mark W. Schwanke, Woodstock, to Steven McCray, Woodstock, for $490,221.

■ Residence at 612-614 Saint Johns Road, Woodstock, was sold by Nicholas L. Castagna, Wonder Lake, to Adam Kern, Woodstock, for $320,000.

■ Residence at 1147 Greenwood Circle, Woodstock, was sold by Virginia R. McIntosh, McHenry, to Brenda Gazzella, Woodstock, for $162,000.

■ Residence at 3121 Braeburn Court, Woodstock, was sold by Jennifer L. Nusbaum, Crystal Lake, to John Lowe, Woodstock, for $450,000.

Laura Cullotta

Community Woodstock resident founds film production company

Local producer takes home awards, sets sight on the future

Producer John Green cues the filming of a scene from ‘Antique’ outside the Roscoe Woodstock Antique Mall.

Cinematographer John Bender (far right) takes in the action while filming.

By Tricia Carzoli NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

When Woodstock resident John Green decided on a whim that he wanted to make a movie, he had no idea what his future would hold.

Nerd House Film Production was born in 2015 when Green developed a screenplay and solicited talented friends to help act it out.

Local Beginnings

“‘Critical Threat’ was more of a zombie comedy,” Green said. “We shot everything in McHenry County, and I really just wanted to say that I had filmed a movie, but I found that I really enjoyed it.”

While “Critical Threat” was Green’s first time directing, he found himself looking to one of his actors – Danny Humphrey, a traditional artist –as a leader.

“I realized that Danny worked really well helping the other actors with blocking and acting,” Green said. “I kind of liked producing, and filming the movie was fun. I wanted to do more, but I realized that I needed someone to collaborate with, and Danny and I worked well together.”

Bringing home accolades

The two began to work on a short film – “Devil’s Income.” Green had written the script during a college theater class at McHenry County

Community College several years prior and decided he wanted to see how it played out in film.

Humphrey, who designed the movie cover and poster, took a stab at directing.

“I really enjoyed it,” Humphrey said. “It has been fun, but it is great to work with people who are committed to a final product.”

The final product – a crime drama – was a winner.

“Devil’s Income,” featuring local actors including Cameron Kivett, who plays Sonny, and Casey Sleeman, who plays Vonny, won awards at two film festivals in 2023, including the Audience Choice Award at the Austin Lift-Off Film Festival and Best Crime Short from F3: Frankly Film Festival.

The pair attended the Austin film festival and were able to be there when they won. Green said the thrill was being surrounded by creative people and taking in the energy.

“It was really fun to be at the festival,” Humphrey said. “It was exciting, and I think that [The People’s Choice Award] was one of the most exciting awards – because the people chose it.”

Looking forward

Even while the cast and crew took home the awards, they, Green, and Humphrey were hard at work on their next film.

“Antique,” a ghost mystery, has been in the works for many months.

our actors’ and cast and crew’s jobs,” Green explained. “But we wanted to tackle something bigger this time.”

The prospective full-length feature is slated for a 90-minute running time.

“We are about 75% done with the filming,” Green said. “We are working on post-production as we go, though.”

The latest project has been filmed at numerous locations in and around Woodstock, including the Roscoe Woodstock Antique Store, a Woodstock home, and the Hebron Public Library. “Devil’s Income” was shot in the Square, at Bob’s Motel, and in the alley on Main Street, as well as in Wonder Lake at a residential property.

“We are pretty committed to filming locally,” Humphrey said. “So many businesses and people have been so generous in allowing us to shoot here in our community, and we want to give back to them. We want to bring more people to our towns through filming.”

Green worked on the script while Humphrey again took the directing reins.

The film follows Olivia, played by Claire Buzek, as she navigates paranormal experiences along with her friend, Finn, played by Skye Schoen, a Woodstock Opera House stage regular.

See NERD HOUSE, Page 16

INDEPENDENT PHOTOS BY TRICIA CARZOLI

NERD HOUSE

Bigger team, local roots

Green and Humphrey were excited to try their hand at a different genre and to go back to a feature-length production.

“Antique” has challenged the duo in many ways.

“We had a fire scene where we had to use a lot of practical effects,” Green explained. “We learned a lot, and it looks great even without post-production aftereffects. We had to alert the fire department because there was going to be smoke and realistic fire re-enactment. But they were great to work with.”

The pre-production footage was exactly as they had hoped. Green said he is learning on the job, but the results have been better than he imagined.

Green and Humphrey are professionals in every sense of the word. They apply for filming permits and work with authorities. They’ve had police on scene for filming that required weapons. It helps that Green and Humphrey work toward that professionalism in the way they run their shoots and how they treat their actors and business owners.

“We’ve found that everyone has been so supportive,” Humphrey said, “and we want to support them in return.”

With “Antique,” the team expanded the crew to include veteran cinematographer John Bender doing camera work and composer George Dimonov on the score.

“It raises our level of professionalism,” Green said. “They have been a dynamic addition to our team.”

As that team grows, Green and Humphrey look forward..

“We don’t know where this will go,” Green said, “but we are committed to seeing this production through. We feel thankful to be surrounded by people who are committed to seeing the project through as much as we are, and we are excited to see what the future holds.”

“Critical Threat” and “Devil’s Income” are available on YouTube. “Antique” is slated to wrap up filming this summer with the hopes of having the finished project submitted to film festivals in 2025.

‘A little miracle’

St. Ann’s Episcopal congregation sponsors a Venezuelan family seeking asylum

By Janet Dovidio NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

Church members at St. Ann’s Episcopal Church have partnered with those at St. Mary Episcopal Church in Crystal Lake to adopt a Venezuelan immigrant family. They are working with the support of Neighbors McHenry County, which works with the Illinois Center for Displaced Immigrants to help identify a family legally seeking asylum in the United States.

“Our outreach teams have been part of the launch team for Neighbors McHenry County by supporting founder Deacon Mike Choquette along the way,” St. Ann’s pastor, The Rev. Scott Zaucha, said. “The congregation has provided funds, in-kind donations, and volunteer hours.”

St. Ann’s members Linda Bolte and Tina Hill serve on the coordinating team. The Venezuelan family arrived on Oct. 1.

“Both churches are working on a fundraising plan to meet the team’s financial commitment to the family of five,“ Bolte said.“We have agreed to support the family for one year, but St. Ann’s and St. Mary’s cannot do that alone.”

Choquette, the newly-appointed Archdeacon for the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago, began contacting local churches with the idea of forming an ecumenical ministry to accompany families seeking asylum. Their first meeting was on March 16.

“St. Ann’s and St. Mary’s were part of the volunteer effort when a busload of migrants was dropped off at the Woodstock train station in late 2023,” Choquette said. “That was community at its best in looking out for other people. Church outreach teams are the key to what we do at Neighbors McHenry County.“

A local landlord contacted Neighbors McHenry County through Woodstock’s Resurrection Catholic Church’s Peace and Justice committee. He offered a lease on a two-bedroom apartment that had become available. Choquette, who

,called it, “a little miracle,” said the goal is to help the family navigate their new environment with confidence and help them become part of the community.

In December, St. Ann’s Episcopal and St. Mary’s Episcopal congregations will host the recently-arrived family at a celebration of the Christmas traditions of Venezuela,

which includes very dressy attire.

“Neighbors McHenry County is responding to the call of the gospel, and they have our full support,” Zaucha added.

For information about Neighbors McHenry County or to contact Deacon Mike Choquette, write to neighborsmchenrycounty@gmail. com.

COURTESY PHOTO

St. Ann’s pastor, the Rev. Scott Zaucha, stands with congregation member Tina Hill, both of whom are involved with the church’s support of a migrant Venezuelan family.

Financial Support

1 Send a check to: Christmas Clearing House PO Box 53 Woodstock, IL 60098

2. Text CCH2024 to 44321

3. Scan the QR code below

We need y r help

SANTA needs many, many elves to deliver on SATURDAY,

DEC 14

8:30 am to Noon | 1191 Lake Ave (Next to Walmart) to make 1300 deliveries to our neighbors in need. No need to sign up. Just have your vehicle empty and ready to ll with holiday cheer.

Product Partners

Many community businesses have special ways to give. Great gift giving ideas and helping CCH all at the same time. Check often for updates.

Apple Creek Flowers

Specialty oral arrangement and the one-of-a-kind Christmas Clearing House tea towel.

Casting Whimsy

Donating $1 from the sale of every tin of Avalon (apple pie spice rooibos) from Nov 15 - Dec 25.

Cesaroni's

10% of sales on Satruday, Dec 7 & Saturday, Dec 14.

Chop Suey Hut

Donating $1 from each Pina Colada, Mango Colada and Strawberry Colada purchased from now until Dec 23.

D&A Salon/Curated by D &A

50% of the proceeds from the sales of Christmas Eve Candle and Home for the Holidays Candle.

The Market by D&A

100% of the sales of Do You Believe - an exquisite 1.5" high-quality sleigh bell ornament.

Kingston Lanes

Donating the sales of the specialty drink "The Grinch".

Kishwaukee Brewing

Donating $1 from every pint of Woodpecker Red.

Ortmann's Red Iron Tavern

Donating $1 for every ice cream shot sold from Dec 1 - Dec 15.

Read Between the Lynes

All proceeds of the single holiday hot chocolate packets will be donated to the Christmas Clearing House, Dec 2 - Dec 14th

So e's Whiskey and Wine

Donating from the sales of the CCH exclusive Hot Toddy.

Woodstock Country Club

Donating the sales of a special Christmas Clearing House cocktail.

Happenings

Woodstock Opera House

121 W. Van Buren St.

3 and 7 p.m.

5 THURSDAY ANNUAL LADIES

SLC

Woodstock Opera House 121 W. Van Buren St.

7:30 p.m.

$30 A seats, $25 B seats (including fees)

woodstockoperahouse.com

7 SATURDAY

WOODSTOCK INDOOR FARMERS MARKET

All Seasons Orchard 14510 Rt. 176

9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

woodstockfarmersmarket.org

COOKIE WALK AND CRAFT

$40 A seats; $30 B seats woodstockoperahouse.com

CINEMA SIPS - ‘DIE HARD’

Stage Left Café

125 W. Van Buren St.

3 p.m.

$17; $27 VIP ticket

9 MONDAY

COFFEE WITH THE CHIEF

Woodstock Police Department

656 Lake Ave.

7 p.m.

815-338-6787

10 TUESDAY

D-200 BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING

Woodstock High School

501 W. South 7 p.m.

THURSDAY

CREATIVE LIVING SERIES: MARGOT SHAW

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

13 FRIDAY

OPEN MIC NIGHT

Stage Left Café

125 W. Van Buren St.

7 p.m.

To sign up, email Keith@offsquare music.com

‘THE NUTCRACKER BALLET’

Woodstock Opera House

121 W. Van Buren St.

7 p.m.

$51 front row balcony; $31 standard seating (including fees)

14 SATURDAY

WOODSTOCK INDOOR FARMERS MARKET

All Seasons Orchard 14510 Rt. 176

9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

woodstockfarmersmarket.org

MERRY LITTLE MARKET & BAKE SHOP

St. Mary School gym

9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

merrylittlemarket@gmail.com

‘THE NUTCRACKER BALLET’

Woodstock Opera House

121 W. Van Buren St.

2 and 7 p.m.

$51 front row balcony; $31 standard seating (including fees)

15 SUNDAY

‘JOLLY JINGLES’ SANTA HOLIDAY SING-ALONG

Unity Spiritual Church

225 W. Calhoun St.

Noon-3 p.m.

Free family activities

815-337-3534

‘THE NUTCRACKER BALLET’

Woodstock Opera House

121 W. Van Buren St.

2 and 6 p.m.

$51 front row balcony; $31 standard seating (including fees)

OPEN MIC STORYTELLING

Stage Left Café

125 W. Van Buren St.

2 to 4 p.m.

Hosted by Jim May

17 TUESDAY

WOODSTOCK CITY COUNCIL

Council Chambers, City Hall

121 W. Calhoun St.

7 p.m.

woodstockil.gov

‘WHITE CHRISTMAS’ SING-ALONG

Woodstock Opera House

121 W. Van Buren St.

7 p.m.

$10

18 WEDNESDAY

MEMORY MAKERS STORYTELLING GROUP

Woodstock Public Library

414 W. Judd St. (in person)

9:30 a.m. to noon

815-338-0542, ext. 14125

‘WHITE CHRISTMAS’ SING-ALONG

Woodstock Opera House

121 W. Van Buren St. 7 p.m.

$10

Catholic Church

19 THURSDAY

WOODSTOCK FIRE/RESCUE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

2900 Raffel Road

7 p.m.

SLC TRIVIA NIGHT - PUB TRIVIA USA

Stage Left Café

125 W. Van Buren St.

7 p.m.

woodstockoperahouse.com

20 FRIDAY

‘THE NUTCRACKER BALLET’

Woodstock Opera House

121 W. Van Buren St.

2 and 6 p.m.

$51 front row balcony; $31 standard seating (including fees)

JAZZ NIGHT

Stage Left Café

125 W. Van Buren St.

8 p.m.

woodstockoperahouse.com

21 SATURDAY

WOODSTOCK INDOOR FARMERS MARKET

All Seasons Orchard 14510 Rt. 176

9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

woodstockfarmersmarket.org

‘THE NUTCRACKER BALLET’

Woodstock Opera House

121 W. Van Buren St.

2 and 7 p.m.

FLASHBACKS

35 years ago – 1989

■ Soil borings of a potential county landfill site near Marengo looked promising. Hank Fisher, solid waste manager for McHenry County, said the first step the county would need to take would be to hire an appraiser so the county could more accurately negotiate a purchase option on the site.

■ Petra Holl, an American Field Service exchange student from Austria who was attending Woodstock High School and living with the Pitzman family, said Christmas in Austria was “a more religious and family occasion” than in the U.S.

30 years ago – 1994

■ Woodstock City Council members Don Fortin and Ginny Semrow announced they would not seek re-election.

■ The Woodstock School District 200 Board of Education approved the first reading of a policy that would ban smoking in all school buildings and on school grounds, including Larry Dale Field.

■ Seven Chrysler Corporation dealerships, including Benoy Motors of Woodstock, teamed up to donate a van to Memorial Medical Center in Woodstock.

25 years ago – 1999

■ The United States Supreme Court declined to hear an appeal by 96 plaintiffs in a civil suit decision involving taped phone calls at the Woodstock Police Department.

■ Seven WHS choirs were preparing to sing Christmas songs on WGN radio. All seven choirs were under the direction of Paul Rausch.

■ The Blue Streaks varsity boys basketball team was 5-0 following a 62-53 victory over Crystal Lake South High School.

20 years ago – 2004

■ Turning Point, an advocate agency for victims of domestic violence, announced the building of an educational center at its location along Highway 14.

■ D-200 officials were considering closing Clay Elementary School.

15 years ago – 2009

■ Woodstock’s McDonald’s, 250 S. Eastwood Drive, announced a several months closing beginning in March 2010 to demolish the current 34-yearold building and build a new restaurant that would be larger, meet Americans with Disabilities Act standards, and feature expanded coolers, storage, and restrooms.

■ Everton Martin announced his plans to turn the “Groundhog Day” house, 344 Fremont St., into a bed and breakfast. Martin’s plans included opening Royal Victorian Manor for tours during Woodstock’s annual Groundhog Days. Judge Charles Barnes built the house in 1894.

10 years ago – 2014

■ Ed Brucker retired after 43 years of coaching in Woodstock. At the time he was Marian Central Catholic High School’s head football coach. Before that he had been a WHS teacher and coach for 31 years. He led the Streaks to the IHSA Class 5A title in 1997. In addition, he coached WHS sophomore football and varsity baseball for 19 years. The 1992 baseball team finished third in the state. He coached the Hurricanes for 12 seasons, taking them to the playoffs 10 times, including the 2006 state finals.

■ The city of Woodstock and the local cultural organization, Woodstock Celebrates Inc., were partnering to promote Woodstock. The new entity was called Promote Woodstock. The city’s contribution was $15,000. In exchange, the city was given the OK to use the group’s

logo – created by Woodstock graphic designer Michael Stanard – as well as the “Woodstock celebrates” tagline.

■ The grocery store on Church Street had a new owner and a new name. Elba Bonilla bought La Azteca II and changed the name to El Sol. Bonilla announced plans to open an adjoining restaurant with the same name.

5 years ago – 2019

■ The city of Woodstock created a new website (Woodstockcourthouse.org) and a four-page brochure to market the Old Courthouse and Sheriff’s House to prospective tenants and operators. “We’ll move forward whether or not we fill it to capacity,” said Darrell Moore, city planner.

■ The annual Woodstock Lighting of the Square attracted a very large crowd the night after Thanksgiving. For the second consecutive year, the lights were colorful, a departure from the white lights that had been the tradition for decades. Some folks preferred the colored lights; others would have chosen white.

■ Your Sister’s Tomato, operator of two successful food trucks in Woodstock for four years, was set to open a sit-down restaurant on Irving Avenue. Linda Foss and Tammie Hinchee, owners, had built their business on homemade, woodfired pizza.

1 year ago – 2023

■ During the annual Lighting of the Square the night after Thanksgiving, Woodstock debuted its new $177,000 uplighting system on the recently renovated Old Courthouse Center, the modern complex created from the Old Courthouse and Sheriff’s House.

■ Thirty-two D-200 musicians were selected for participation in Illinois Music Education Association District 7 honor groups – band, chorus, jazz vocal ensemble, jazz band, and orchestra. Selected were Creekside and Northwood middle school students and Woodstock and Woodstock North high school students. District 7 covers most of McHenry County, all of Lake County, and portions of Kane and DuPage counties.

INDEPENDENT FILE PHOTOS BY DENNIS MATHES

PUBLIC NOTICE

STATE OF ILLINOIS IN THE CIRCUIT

COURT OF THE TWENTY-SECOND

JUDICIAL CIRCUIT MCHENRY

COUNTY, ILLINOIS-IN PROBATE

Case No. 2024PR000209

In the Matter of the Estate of BERNADETTE A. DUBNICK

Deceased

CLAIM NOTICE

Notice is given of the death of BERNADETTE A. DUBNICK

Of: CARY, IL

Letters of office were issued on:

7/2/2024

To Representative:

JULIE CORIA

40 PINE CIRCLE CARY, IL 60013

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 November 20, 2024, November 27, 2024, December 4, 2024) L11869

PUBLIC NOTICE

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

COUNTY, ILLINOIS-IN PROBATE

Case No. 2024PR000314

In the Matter of the Estate of SHERRY D. ANDERSON

Deceased

CLAIM NOTICE

Notice is given of the death of SHERRY D. ANDERSON

Of: WOODSTOCK, IL

Letters of office were issued on: 11/7/2024

To Representative:

GORDON T. KNAPP

720 S. EASTWOOD DRIVE SUITE 199

WOODSTOCK, IL 60098 whose attorney is:

KNAPP, PETER G. 244 N. THROOP ST. SUITE 110

WOODSTOCK, IL 60098

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 November 20, 2024, November 27, 2024, December 4, 2024) L11870

PUBLIC NOTICE

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

Case No. 2024PR000319

In the Matter of the Estate of FRANKLIN

J. DORN

Deceased

CLAIM NOTICE

Notice is given of the death of FRANKLIN J. DORN

Of: CARY, IL

Letters of office were issued on: 11/12/2024

To Representative: KIMBERLY ROZNER 1334 TEAKWOOD LANE CRYSTAL LAKE, IL 60014 whose attorney is: MICHLING LAW FIRM 101 N. THROOP ST. WOODSTOCK, IL 60098

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

(Published in The Woodstock Independent November 20, 2024, November 27, 2024, December 4, 2024) L11871

PUBLIC NOTICE

STATE OF ILLINOIS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE TWENTY-SECOND JUDICIAL CIRCUIT MCHENRY COUNTY, ILLINOIS-IN PROBATE Case No. 2024PR000324

In the Matter of the Estate of CHERYL A. KLINGENBERG

Deceased

CLAIM NOTICE

Notice is given of the death of CHERYL A. KLINGENBERG Of: WOODSTOCK, IL

Letters of office were issued on: 11/12/2024

To Representative: WENDY M. KLINGENBERG

906 OAK ST. WOODSTOCK, IL 60098

whose attorney is: MICHLING LAW FIRM

101 N. THROOP ST. WOODSTOCK, IL 60098

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

(Published in The Woodstock Independent November 20, 2024, November 27, 2024, December 4, 2024) L11872

PUBLIC NOTICE

IN THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, CIRCUIT COURT

MCHENRY COUNTY

PUBLICATION NOTICE OF COURT DATE FOR REQUEST FOR NAME CHANGE (ADULT)

Request of JILL DIANE MEYER

Case No. 2024MR000233

There will be a court hearing on my Request to change my name from: JILL DIANE MEYER

To the new name of: JULIAN AVERY MEYER

The court date will be held on January 13, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. at 2200 N. Seminary Ave. Woodstock, McHenry County in Courtroom 201.

Dated at Woodstock, IL November 18, 2024

/s/ Jill Diane Meyer

(Published in The Woodstock Independent November 27, 2024, December 4, 2024)L11873

PUBLIC NOTICE

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

Case No. 2024PR000302

In the Matter of the Estate of ANN M. REESE

Deceased

CLAIM NOTICE

Notice is given of the death of ANN M. REESE

Of: CRYSTAL LAKE, IL

Letters of office were issued on:

11/13/2024

To Representative: ROBERT YAZEL

31 JOHN ST. CRYSTAL LAKE, IL 60014 whose attorney is: WAGGONER LAW FIRM 4 N. WALKUP AVE. CRYSTAL LAKE, IL 60014

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

(Published in The Woodstock Independent November 27, 2024, December 4, 2024)L11875

PUBLIC NOTICE

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

Case No. 2024PR000302

In the Matter of the Estate of JAMES A. FORBES

Deceased

CLAIM NOTICE

Notice is given of the death of JAMES A. FORBES

Of: CRYSTAL LAKE, IL

Letters of office were issued on: 11/12/2024

To Representative: LINDA FORBES 1317 BEHAN ROAD CRYSTAL LAKE, IL 60014 whose attorney is: WAGGONER LAW FIRM 4 N. WALKUP AVE.

CRYSTAL LAKE, IL 60014

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

(Published in The Woodstock Independent November 27, 2024, December 4, 2024)L11876

PUBLIC NOTICE

ASSUMED NAME

Public Notice is hereby given that on NOVEMBER 25, 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 STERILEXCELLENCE located at 5002 CASSANDRA CT. RINGWOOD, IL 60072. Owner Name & Address: MICHAEL J. SADOWSKI 5002 CASSANDRA CT. RINGWOOD, IL 60072. Dated: NOVEMBER 25, 2024 /s/ JOSEPH J. TIRIO (McHenry County Clerk)

(Published in The Woodstock Independent December 4, 2024)L11877

PUBLIC NOTICE

IN THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, CIRCUIT COURT

MCHENRY COUNTY

PUBLICATION NOTICE OF COURT DATE FOR REQUEST FOR NAME CHANGE (ADULT)

Request of COLLEEN JENNIFER ANN CINCINNATI

Case No. 2024MR000243

There will be a court hearing on my Request to change my name from: COLLEEN JENNIFER ANN CINCINNATI

To the new name of: COCO JENNIFER ANN CINCINNATI

The court date will be held on January 16, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. at 2200 N. Seminary Ave. Woodstock, McHenry County in Courtroom 201.

Dated at Woodstock, IL November 26, 2024

/s/ Colleen Jennifer Ann Cincinnati (Published in The Woodstock Independent December 4, 2024)L11878

By Leigh Rubin

By 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

ASSISTIVE BATHROOM CAREGIVER CHAIR CHORES CUSTODIAL DIRECTIVE FALLING

GRAB BARS GUARDIAN HAZARDS HOMEBOUND HOME HEALTH AIDE INDEPENDENCE LIGHTING MEALS

WORD SCRAMBLE GUESS WHO?

Sports

COLLEGE REPORT

Anthony Carney competes in first D-III championships

By Dan Chamness

Anthony Carney, a Marian Central Catholic graduate and Woodstock resident, has been bitten by the national championship final bug.

It happens. The University of Dubuque runner recently competed in the NCAA Division III Cross Country Championship. For most runners, when they experience that atmosphere and realize what they are competing for, they want to return as much as they can.

‘Crazy little hyper dog’

English Setter Jess Lea Tonge exhibits her game face. The dog, owned by former Woodstock resident Erik Tonge, competes in AKC FastCAT competitions.

For his first time at nationals, the Spartan junior completed the course in 25 minutes, 58.3 seconds, which was good for 229th.

“It was a great experience and a fun time,” the former Hurricane harrier said of the national meet. “Next year, I want to put myself in a better position from the beginning of the race/firing of the starter’s pistol. I would like to work my way up in the race and pass runners during the race.”

His national time is the sixth fastest 8,000-meter run ever run by a Dubuque Spartan. He was less than one second from the top five. That time of 25:57.8 was run by Carney’s former teammate a year ago, Joey Wohlers.

Before he runs his senior year of cross-country, he will compete in indoor track during the winter months

Woodstock native owns the first English setter to be clocked at over 27 mph

By Sandy Kucharski SANDY@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

It’s official.

The fastest English setter in the history of the AKC FastCAT Invitational Championship belongs to former Woodstock resident Erik Tonge.

FastCAT is a timed, straight 100yard dash for dogs. The classes are divided by breed, and dogs run singularly to receive points based on their height and speed.

Last summer, Tonge brought his speedy pup – Jess Lea Tonge – to the McHenry County Fairgrounds in Woodstock to compete in a Fast Coursing Ability Test at the fairgrounds.

“She’s a crazy little hyper dog,” he said.

At the time, he and Jess were fairly new to the sport and enjoying learning the ropes. Admittedly competitive, however, Tonge soon had his sights set on qualifying for the 2024 FastCAT Invitational championship to be held in Wilmington, Ohio, in early October.

The top five from more than 250 breeds were invited, and Tonge and Jess were among the finalists. See COLLEGE REPORT, Page 27

“Jess was the No. 1 seed coming into the event,” Tonge said. “In 2023 she finished first out of 54 English setters throughout America.”

Competition results

Her championship performance did not disappoint. Tonge reported that Jess won her breed and set the record for the fastest time for an English setter in the history of the AKC FastCAT invitational. She became the first English setter to run more than 27 mph at this event. Her times for two runs were 27.542 seconds and 27.121, setting the bar for all English setters to come.

“The experience we had at the AKC Invitational championship was amazing,” Tonge said. “The camaraderie between owners was great.”

A new challenge

Jess’s lifetime record was beaten earlier this year by her younger sister, Mabel, so Tonge is hoping to earn a rematch.

“Next year [Jess will] be a year older, but as of right now we hope to repeat,” he said.

At age 4, Jess is currently ranked No. 2, so it looks likely he’ll get a chance.

COURTESY PHOTO

Former Woodstock resident Erik Tonge and his speedy partner, Jess Lea Tonge, at the AKC FastCat Invitational in October.

Anthony Carney

month-old Jack Russell terrier mix Wishing you all a purrrrrrfect holiday season!

Daisy has a sweet personality and is about 15 pounds of pure love, smarts, and a touch of charm. Her beautiful markings make her eyes look like she’s always wearing eyeliner. She knows “sit” and is working on “lay” and “sit pretty.” She loves treats and is great at making humans smile. Daisy loves walks and playing around the jungle gym in the yard.

Jadyn is a four-year varsity athlete for the Woodstock co-op girls swim team. She has been one of the strongest members on the team in her four years. She has been a true asset to the team and the sport of swimming. In her senior year, Jadyn finished the Fox Valley Conference season as a four-time All-Conference athlete in the 200-medley relay (she is also part of the team record in the relay), 50free, and 100-back. Jadyn qualified for sectionals in the 50-free and 100-free and medaled in the 50-free at sectionals, missing the state cut by just .3 seconds. Jadyn will be continuing her swimming career with Illinois College next fall.

HOOPS FOR HEALING

Varsity boys basketball teams from Woodstock High School and Woodstock North (right) participated in the annual Hoops for Healing tournament last week.

On Nov. 25, WHS defeated Grayslake North 46-41 and WNHS defeated Warren Township 58-54.

Anthony Grzetic (left) looks to pass the ball inside.

INDEPENDENT PHOTOS BY ANDREW ROUSEY

(From the top): North defenders converge on the basketball.

Colin Brodzik elevates over the defender for a score.

Jack Wollpert splits the defense for a layup.

Max Dennison goes in for a layup.

Peter Muschong shoots up and over the Grayslake defense. Max Beard (right) drives strong to the hoop. Beard led the Streaks with 22 points.

COLLEGE

and outdoor track in the spring months. He will run events from the 1,500-meter run to the 5,000-meter run. But, his main track event in outdoor track will be the 3,000-meter steeplechase.

“I want to run faster than 8:55 in the steeplechase and make it to nationals,” said Carney.” I like outdoor track, but I like cross country a little better, because of the distance camaraderie. The distance runners all have a chance to run together and we are all competing in the same event. I like that dynamic and being around the guys all the time.”

Ryan Jones (Marian Central Catholic) ran a time of 25:00.67 at the Great Lakes Valley Conference XC Championships. The University of IllinoisSpringfield cross-country runner took 26th. UIS hosted the outing and held it on their cross-country course in Springfield. The UIS Prairie Stars took third in the 13-team conference final. UIS finished with 70 points and was one of three teams to score under 100 points. Lewis University won the meet with 34 points.

Charlie Baker (Woodstock) finished 60th in the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference Cross Country Championships. The Manchester University freshman ran the 8,000-meter course at Blue River Cross Country Venue in Shelbyville, Indiana in 28:48.69. The outing was hosted by and won by Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. They finished with 30 points. Manchester was second of the 10 teams, scoring 57 points.

Alexander Wickersheim (Woodstock) and Robert Carroll (Woodstock North), runners for North Central College and Carthage College respectively, both competed in the open race at the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin Cross Country Championships. Wickersheim finished 39th in 27:58.8, while Carroll was 67th in 29:08.8. The men raced 8,000-meters in the open race. The meet was hosted by North Park University and held at St. James Farm in Warrenville.

Brooke Kashmier (Woodstock), an Augustana College freshman, competed in the 6,000-meter women’s race at the conference finals. She also ran in the open division. The Lady Viking finished the race in 30:06.1.

VOLLEYBALL

Maddie Moan (Woodstock) pounded down seven kills for Valparaiso University as they dumped Indiana State University 3-1. Moan, who hit .375 in the contest, also had four blocks (one solo) and three digs. In Valpo’s 3-0 win over the University of Evansville, Moan had three kills and three block assists. She had two block assists in a 3-2 loss to the University of Illinois-Chicago. Valparaiso is 17-13 overall and 9-9 in the Missouri Valley Conference.

Brooke Amann (Woodstock North), a Tennessee Tech University volleyball player, had three kills and three digs in a 3-2 loss to Lindenwood University. The match occurred in the Ohio Valley Conference, which was hosted by regular season winner Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau, Mo.

The loss in the conference tournament ended the Golden Eagles’ season at 24-8 overall. They were 12-6 in the Ohio Valley Conference, which tied Morehead State University. SEMO posted a record of 15-3 to win the overall season title, while Lindenwood (14-4) was second.

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

Lacey Schaffter (Woodstock North) scored eight points in 17 minutes of court time, but it was not enough to power Dominican University beyond Kalamazoo College. In the 76-46 Dominican loss, she also had two rebounds. In a 70-49 loss to North Park University, Schaffter, who played 18 minutes, finished with two points and two rebounds. Dominican is 1-3.

FOOTBALL

John Herff (Marian Central Catholic) helped Loras College split the last two games of the regular season. In the 32-22 victory over Nebraska Wesleyan University, Herff had two assisted tackles. He was also in on a tackle for one yard of loss. In Loras’ 69-14 loss to Wartburg College, the Wonder Lake resident had one assisted tackle. At the time of the game, Wartburg was ranked 11th in the country among NCAA Division III teams. Loras finished the regular season with a 2-8 mark. They were 2-6 in the American Rivers Conference.

Dan Chamness writes The College Report for The Independent.

NN SCOREBOARD NN

BOYS BASKETBALL

■ Nov. 25 - Woodstock (1-0) defeated Grayslake North (0-1) 46-41.

■ Nov. 25 - Marian (0-1) fell to North Boone (1-0) 71-62.

■ Nov. 25 - Woodstock North (0-1) lost to McHenry (1-0) 91-36.

■ Nov. 26 - Woodstock (1-1) fell to CaryGrove (2-0) 68-41.

■ Nov. 27 - Woodstock (1-2) lost to Kaneland (2-1) 73-38.

■ Nov. 27 - Woodstock North (0-2) fell to Grayslake North (2-1) 67-34.

■ Nov. 29 - Marian (0-2) lost to South Beloit (2-0) 72-40.

■ Nov. 30 - Marian (0-3) fell to Marengo (1-2) 60-57.

■ Nov. 30 - Marian (1-3) defeated Milledgeville (0-3) 64-54.

GIRLS BASKETBALL

■ Nov. 23 - Woodstock (1-2) fell to Crystal Lake South (1-1) 56-34.

■ Nov. 25 - Woodstock North (0-4) lost to Wauconda (3-0) 62-25.

■ Nov. 25 - Marian (3-1) defeated Harlem (0-2) 33-27.

■ Nov. 26 - Woodstock (1-3) fell to St. Edward (4-1) 57-33.

■ Nov. 25 - Woodstock Co-op (5-0) defeated Johnsburg 7-2. Woodstock junior Devin Haggerty rolled a 639 series. Woodstock North junior Levi Perrotta rolled a team high 244 in game two.

■ Nov. 26 - Woodstock Co-op (6-0) defeated Belvidere North 7-2. Woodstock North junior Max Haggerty rolled a 246 in game one with a 672 series. Woodstock senior Noah Rodriguez rolled a 607 series.

www.arosecleaning.com

EPA Begins Five-Year Review of Woodstock Municipal Landfill Superfund Site

Woodstock, Illinois

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is conducting its fifth five-year review of the Woodstock Municipal Landfill Superfund Site. The Superfund law requires regular checkups of sites that have been cleaned upwith waste managed on-site - to make sure the cleanup continues to protect people and the environment. A summary of the cleanup activities and an evaluation of the protectiveness of the implemented cleanup remedies will be included in the five-year review report.

Cleanup actions at the site included removing contaminated wetlands and installing a landfill cap.

During the five-year review EPA will be conducting a site inspection, reviewing the status of the cleanup, and conducting a review of the current data. The review is expected to be completed in September 2025. Site information is available at www.epa.gov/superfund/ woodstock-muni-landfill.

You may comment on the site conditions and any concerns you have. Submit comments by July 1, 2025 to: Levi Crooke, EPA Remedial Project Manager, at crooke.levi@epa.gov or 312-886-4581; or Amelia Holcomb, EPA Community Involvement Coordinator, at holcomb.amelia@epa.gov or 312-886-6242.

(Published in The Woodstock Independent Dec. 4, 2024)L11879