Woodstock Independent 5/29/24

The Woodstock

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BIZ BUZZ

Find out what’s new in town this summer

City to separate street/sewer repair funds

Council also approved tennis and pickleball lighting

By Sandy Kucharski SANDY@THE WOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

The Woodstock City Council tackled the topic of ensuring that street repair funds are not used for expensive water/sewer repairs at the May 21 meeting.

Before the vote to award the $5.6 million contract for the 2024 Enhanced Streets Improvement Program to low bidder Peter Baker & Son Co. of Lake Bluff, Illinois, CouncilmanBob Seegers Jr. wanted to clear the air on what funds pay for what work.

“It’s unclear to me … the portion of

the water main construction under Pleasant Avenue - is that chewing up any of the $10 million we’ve dedicated for the streets? I do not want to take from one fund, road proceeds, to fix water/sewer mains. I have great concerns that the $50 million that we

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

Phone: 815-338-8040

Fax: 815-338-8177

Thewoodstock independent.com

‘It’s super positive that we made the first cut’

Request for $4M of $10M shortfall for Route 47 expansion clears first hurdle

By Eileen Millard NEWS@THE WOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

On May 22, U.S. Congressional Representative Bill Foster announced he is including Woodstock’s $4 million request on his list of 15 projects going to the House Appropriations Committee for Fiscal Year 2025 as part of the Community Project Funding (CPF) program.

Under the program, each representative may request direct funding for up to 15 projects in their area. Woodstock asked Foster for $4 million to offset a $10 million shortfall for relocating water, sewer, and utility lines

INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY TRICIA CARZOLI

CPF PROGRAM

Continued from Page 1

for the upcoming project to widen Route 47 from two lanes to four lanes between U.S. Route 14 and state Route 120.

Cause of the shortfall

The shortfall results from water/ sewer relocation costs tripling over recent years, said Woodstock City Manager Stelford. When the city received original water and sewer line relocation estimates in 2014, the price was between $3 and $3.5 million. By 2019, the Illinois Department of Transportation’s cost estimate was up to $6 million. In January of 2024, that figure was quoted at $12 million, and by February 2024, had risen again to $13.2 million.

Stelford added that the dramatic cost increase could stem from higher demand after the American Rescue Plan Act was passed in 2021. The act helped communities rebound after COVID, and many chose to use the funds for water and sewer-related projects.

Benefits for 11th district

“Ever since I was first elected to

PUBLIC SAFETY LOG

Woodstock Fire/Rescue District

EMS calls for May 16 to 22: 80

Fire runs

Outside rubbish fire: 2

Electrical wiring/equipment problem: 2

Public service assistance: 8

Cover assignment, standby at station, move-up: 1

Dispatched and canceled en route: 2

Steam, other gas mistaken for smoke: 1

System or detector malfunction: 1

Unintentional system/detector operation (no fire): 6

Total: 103

Congress, it has been one of my top priorities to ensure the communities I represent receive their fair share of federal resources,” said Foster in a press release. “It wasn’t easy choosing only 15 projects from the many worthy submissions we received, but I’m confident that these initiatives will directly benefit the residents of the 11th district and strengthen our communities for decades to come. I look forward to working with the Appropriations Committee to deliver this important funding.”

The release also stated that Foster believes Woodstock’s road widening

IN BRIEF

More funding requests are still in the works for Route 47 widening from Route 14 to Route 120.

the Illinois budget is passed, possibly around the end of May. The federal budget deadline is later in the year, so Woodstock won’t hear back on those requests until then.

The list of funding gap requests totals up to more than the $10 million needed. When asked what would happen if more than $10 million came back, Stelford said, “That would be a great problem to have!” and added that the different taxing bodies would decide among themselves what funding would come from what budget. “But it’s super positive, that we made the first cut, so to speak, on the next level for consideration,” Stelford added.

project will “improve road safety and enhance opportunities for regional economic development and tourism in McHenry County.”

Other funding requests

Stelford said the city has reached out to other governmental bodies to fill in the funding gap, including a $4 million request to Illinois Senator Dick Durbin and a $4 million request to Illinois Senator Tammy Duckworth, sent as water and wastewater infrastructure requests.

Stelford said Woodstock won’t hear back on the state request until after

Other area projects included:

• A $1.4 million request from the McHenry County College Healthcare Program for remodeling and lab equipment for training students going into the healthcare industry

• A $4 million request for Crystal Lake lead service line replacement

Funding requests from other communities also included: computers and tech equipment for police and firefighters; an additional fire station; a Fox River bike path; library renovation funds; forensic lab equipment; and homelessness prevention.

Car vs. Woodstock business storefront

The Woodstock Fire/Rescue District responded to the 100 block of Cass Street, on the Woodstock Square May 23, for a report of a vehicle that struck a commercial building. Firefighters arrived within three minutes and observed a vehicle that had jumped the curb and struck a commercial

storefront. Both the brick facade and vehicle sustained minor damage in the collision. An adult female driver was transported by ambulance to Northwestern Medicine Woodstock Hospital with minor injuries.

The Woodstock Police Department is investigating the crash.

The City Council approved a mural design by Crystal Lake artist Amy Chott, to be used in the Emricson Park Fitness Court, part of the upcoming Intergenerational Inclusive Playground. The theme of the 32 x 7-foot mural is “Bloom Where You Are Planted.”

COUNCIL

Continued from Page 1

allocated over a five-year period isn’t going to get everything done that we wanted to get done. And I sure don’t want to be reducing that by other projects, that should be funded from their own funds.”

Staff provided background on how overlaps can occur. At times it becomes apparent that a street scheduled for normal repair turns out to need unforeseen water and sewer work that was not anticipated in the current water/sewer budget.

After the meeting, Woodstock City Manager Roscoe Stelford said that the city has a mechanism in place for reimbursing the street repair fund from the water/sewer fund at a later date.

Stelford added that all streets on the current repair list for fiscal year 2024-2025 will be fixed and that when the street renovation bids came in for this year, there was actually money left over. Staff is currently working to see if there will be time for engineering to be done so additional streets can be fixed this year before the construction season is over.

TIF Inducement Resolution passes

The council unanimously approved a request for a TIF Inducement Resolution for a property within the TIF district, located at 221-231 Calhoun Street. A Woodstock-based property investor had expressed interest in renovation and commercial development within the existing commercial building at that address.

According to staff meeting notes, an Inducement

Defenders hosts session on energy incentives May 30

The Environmental Defenders of McHenry County are hosting a free inperson informational session on tax credits and rebates available to residents for improving the energy efficiency of their

Resolution allows a developer to start keeping track of expenses that might become eligible for future TIF funding if a redevelopment plan is presented and approved as meeting TIF funding requirements.

The city would not be liable for upfront costs, and the potential developer understands that a TIF Inducement Resolution does not necessarily guarantee development approval or TIF reimbursement.

According to Woodstock Economic Development Director Garrett Anderson, TIF inducements are a common practice. ”It starts a ‘legal clock,’” he said, for a developer acquiring a property to start tracking expenses that could be TIF reimbursable in the future.

Additional lighting for tennis and pickleball

The council unanimously approved additional lighting for tennis/pickleball in the north courts at Emricson Park, as heightened interest in pickleball will mean a high demand for court time.

However, there was some debate about a $52,000 request to order black fencing for the north and south courts in Emricson Park and for a court in Olson Park. Although the fencing for the tennis/pickleball courts was originally budgeted at $52,000 for higher-end black fencing to improve the appearance of the new courts, a less expensive silver fencing, costing $40,000, had been ordered in error, arrived, and could not be returned.

Council members discussed whether it would be more beneficial to simply use the less expensive silver fencing for the courts. City staff noted that there were several park projects in the works where the silver fencing could be used in the near future. They also noted that since the $52,000 was already in the

homes and switching their appliances and cars to electricity. The session will be held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 30, in the Multipurpose Room at the Lake in the Hills Village Hall, 600 Harvest Gate. Marina Minic from the Citizens Utility Board will lead the session. Between the Inflation Reduction Act

budget, the black fencing represented no additional cost.

The council voted 5-2 to order the black fencing, with council members Tom Nierman and Melissa McMahon voting no. Staff was directed to store the silver fencing indoors until it was time to use it in other park projects.

Other business

• Council members unanimously approved a request for $9,000 from the Historic District Residential Assistance Program fund to assist with facade improvements for the residential building at 346 Lincoln Avenue, owned by St. Mary Church. The fund is open to all qualifying residential properties in the historic district.

The Woodstock Historic Preservation Commission has asked the applicant to use a more costly, historically appropriate wood siding for the facade instead of the planned vinyl siding. The assistance request was made because that change put the project over budget.

• The council approved the Arts Commission recommendation for a mural design sent in by Crystal Lake artist Amy Chott to be used in the Emricson Park Fitness Court Mural, part of the upcoming Intergenerational Inclusive Playground. The mural theme was “Bloom Where You Are Planted.” The winning design, one of 18 submissions, will be 32 feet long by 7 feet tall when installed in the fitness court. The artist will receive a $5,000 grant and will be invited for the playground’s grand opening. Councilwoman Melissa McMahon said, “What Amy put forth is beautiful, and I’m excited to see that in the park.”

(IRA), federal legislation passed in 2022, and the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA), a state act passed in 2021, several tax credits and rebates are available for energy efficiency and electrification for residents in our county. Low and medium income (LMI) residents can often receive higher incentives. This includes tax credits

for weatherization, renewable energy, battery systems, electric vehicles, and rebates for electric appliances.

To learn more, visit the Defenders resources page at https://tinyurl. com/4energysavings. For future sessions, sign up at https://tinyurl.com/ signup4energysavings

OBITUARIES

Dale Allan Austin, 81

Dale Allan Austin, 81, passed away on May 21, 2024. He was born on May 4, 1943, to the late Kenneth and Noreen (Fanning) Austin in Janesville, Wisconsin. He had fond memories of growing up on the family farm in Janesville, surrounded by his brothers, sisters, cousins, and friends. He married Connie (Delorenzo) Austin, the great love of his life, on June 3, 1976.

Dale was stationed in Alaska while serving in the United States Army and worked in farming and trucking upon his return home. He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially at the many poolside parties he and Connie hosted at their Wonder Lake home. He also enjoyed driving his Corvette, cruising the Chain of Lakes in his boat, and cheering on “Da Bears.”

Dale is survived by his son Christopher Austin (Christina) of Woodstock; step-son Joseph Niehaus (Becky) of Maryland; grandchildren Chuck and Constance Austin and Robbie, Tommy and Connor Niehaus; siblings Jack (Jean) Austin, Barb Gosh, and Janet (the late Kenny) Stevenson; and many loving cousins, nieces, and nephews. He is preceded in death by his wife, parents, and brother Warren.

A celebration of life will be planned at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to any animal shelter or charity of your choice.

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

Joan Donna Butenschoen, 80

Joan Donna Butenschoen, 80, died peacefully on May 19, 2024, after spending a few hours outside enjoying the beautiful sunshine and the birds chirping at JourneyCare Hospice, Barrington.

Joan was born November 4, 1943, to Donald and Elinor Augustine in Milwaukee, WI. She met Bill Butenschoen at Maine West High School, and they were married September 8, 1962.

Joan was a stayat-home mom while the family lived in Hoffman Estates. After moving to Woodstock to a 5-acre farmette, besides being a mom, she worked at McDonald’s and Woodstock High School, and she retired from Woodstock Memorial Hospital/Centegra Woodstock Hospital/Northwestern after many years of service.

Bill made sure he took Joan to as many bodies of water as they could visit. She loved spending time by the water, especially in Door County and in Maine. Her favorite times were spending a week in Conover, WI, with her family each year, and she loved anytime family stopped by to play at the farm.

Joan is survived by her children, Cathy (Tim) Buhrow, Cully (Kerrie) Butenschoen, Eric Butenschoen and Jason Butenschoen; her grandchildren, Matthew (Caitlin) and Andrew (Kelsy) Buhrow, Gunnar (Lauren), Gretchen and Gavin (Bobbi Prehn) Butenschoen, Brennon and Allison Butenschoen, and Kamryn Butenschoen; her great-grandchildren, Grayson and Kinsley; her sisters, Nancy (Rich) Plahutnik, Aileen (Don) Henderlight and Linda (Charlie) Califf; her sister-in-law, Ardis Ash; her brother-in-law, Butch Flynn; and many, many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill, in October 2022; her parents; her sister, Jean Flynn; her mother- and father-in-law, Esther and Ralph Hughes; and her brothers-in-law, Thomas Ash and Jack Butenschoen.

A celebration of Joan and Bill’s lives will be held from 1 to 4 p.m., Sunday, June 2, at the Woodstock Moose. Arrangements were made by Schneider-Leucht-Merwin & Cooney Funeral Home, Woodstock..

Linda S. Eissing, 68

Linda S. Eissing, age 68, passed away peacefully surrounded with love by those who became her second family.

Treasurer’s Office open

Saturday, June 9, for taxes

The McHenry County Treasurer’s Office will be open the Saturday before the first property tax installment is due, to offer more options for those wishing to pay in person.

She was born to Henry and Audrey Eissing in Harvard, IL.; they raised her at the family farm on Franklinville Road. She was an only child, but relatives from Chicago often visited. Linda attended area grade schools; her mother ensured that she was a good reader and writer. Linda kept Hallmark in business by faithfully sending greeting cards to her family and friends.

Linda lived many years in a Pioneer Center group home in McHenry, where she became friends with the residents and staff. She worked at the Pioneer Center Workshop. She participated in the Northern Illinois Special Recreation Association and the Special Olympics where she won several medals. For the last three years she has been living at Sheltered Village in Woodstock; enjoying her favorite activities as well as going to Rail Workshop. Linda’s wonderful sense of humor endeared her to many people.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and several uncles, aunts, and cousins.

Her second family, consisting of the Lockingers and the Stallmans, will miss her deeply.

Visitation was at the SchneiderLeucht-Merwin & Cooney Funeral Home on Thursday, May 23rd from 11am – 1pm; followed by a Funeral Service at 1pm. Interment was at the McHenry County Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Sheltered Village, 600 Borden Lane, Woodstock, IL 60098.

For information, contact the Funeral Home at 815-338-1710 or visit www. slmcfh.com

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

For more information, call The Independent at 815-338-8040

The Treasurer’s Office at 2100 N. Seminary Ave., Woodstock, will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, June 8 – two days before the Monday, June 10 due date for the first installment. Taxpayers can pay in the lobby, or through one of the office’s four drive-thru lanes. The Treasurer’s Office accepts check, cash, and debit/credit card payments.

Also, the office will hold the same hours on Saturday, Sept. 7, prior to the Sept. 10 due date for the second and final installment.

“Last year was the first time we offered Saturday hours before the installment due date. Our goal is to provide our taxpayers with the payment flexibility they deserve,” Treasurer Donna Kurtz said.

The VIP Taxpayer program unveiled earlier this month allows property owners to register to schedule electronic payments, get reminders of due dates, and sign up to receive next year’s bill electronically. Taxpayers still can pay by electronic check (E-Check) without paying any processing fees as a VIP Taxpayer, or as a one-time online payer. To sign up as a VIP Taxpayer or simply make a one-time payment, you can scan the QR code on the upper right of your property tax bill or visit treasurer. mchenrycountyil.gov.

To pay property taxes electronically via E-Check, visit treasurer.mchenrycountyil.gov and click on “Look Up/Pay Your Tax Bill.” Once you look up your tax bill, you can click on “Pay Taxes” to begin the process. To pay by phone, call 877-220-2247 and follow the prompts. When you pay via E-Check, write down the payment confirmation code you will receive so you have this for your records.

To pay by mail, send the payment (do not send cash) along with the payment coupon to: McHenry County Collector, PO Box 8730, Carol Stream, IL 601978730, or use the payment envelope provided. If paying by check, please write your property parcel number on it.

Many local banks accept walk-in property tax payments. A list of participating McHenry County banks, can be found at treasurer.mchenrycountyil.gov.

Linda S. Eissing

Dale Allan Austin

Joan Donna Butenschoen

GREAT GIFTS FOR GRADS, BY GRADS.

Our grads picked out the perfect gift for your grad. Stop in and pick it up!

Right on the Square!

Woodstock, IL • 1987

When was the last time you rode Metra?

Most of us seldom use the suburban Chicago commuter rail service. But for many people it’s a convenient, relatively inexpensive, mostly hassle-free ride into “the city” to work, shop, or take advantage of the many arts and entertainment features available only in a large metropolitan area.

Metra, of course, is still in recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. After “shelter in place” locked down most of Illinois and the nation in 2020, ridership plummeted more than 90 percent.

“We’re steadily moving up,” according to Michael Gillis, media relations manager for Metra, who was in town last month for an open house to give local residents details on consolidating the service’s area railyard operations on Woodstock’s west side. “But we haven’t plateaued, and we don’t expect to. The challenge is to find new riders.”

That Woodstock Layover Project, creating a maintenance hub and overnight train parking area, is expected to increase commuter service to Woodstock, making our city more attractive to riders and giving the community an economic boost.

When Metra officials were in Woodstock in April 2021 to dedicate our renovated train station, they predicted the project would eventually make our city the largest — by population — in McHenry County.

The commuter service is rather bullish on its future.

Metra saw the largest yearover-year ridership increase at 37

» OUR POLICY

percent, providing more than 32 million rides as it worked toward a new regional rail vision. This vision calls for providing more consistent, predictable service outside of peak work commute times. That could come in a suggested merger with Pace bus service and CTA downtown.

Early in 2023, Metra rolled out a new train tracking website, providing real-time tracking for the first time and allowing customers to see exactly where their train is. The agency also added service around major events like holidays, music festivals, and other special events. Various station rehab projects were completed in 2023,

n The Woodstock Independent welcomes letters of general interest to the community.

n We reserve the right to edit for clarity, content, and length.

n Include a phone number for verification of authorship only.

making the experience of waiting for a train safer and more welcoming for riders.

In Crystal Lake, where a railyard sits inconveniently in the middle of the downtown, nearly twice as many trains leave that city as they do in Woodstock. Can you imagine doubling the number of trains in and out of our city on the Union Pacific Northwest line, the second busiest for Metra?

Some people would rather not, fearing, among other things, increased traffic tie-ups — four of the five street crossings in Woodstock are in the downtown area.

Amid all the big plans for growth stands the uncertainty of the future

n Please limit letters to 400 words.

for commuter rail service.

While use has seen growth since the depth of the pandemic, ridership in January 2024 was still only about 42 percent of what it was three years ago, during January 2021, months after the virus crisis set in.

That fact is certainly less a matter of riders’ reluctance to re-engage with society as it is in restructured thinking about how and where people do work. Do they really need to be in an office cubicle in an expensive downtown Chicago space to do essentially the same work they did from home during the height of the pandemic?

The answer has spilled into the desirability — and value — of that metro office space.

“[H]azards tied to commercial real estate — namely offices — still loom,” the Washington Post reported last week. “Buildings nationwide sit empty as companies rethink how much in-person space they need, settle for smaller spaces, or go completely remote.”

Despite the uncertainty, the Layover Project proceeds. Congressman Bill Foster recently obtained a $850,000 federal grant to help with Phase 1 engineering.

But nothing is going to happen tomorrow.

Metra’s timeline sees a start to construction no sooner than 2028 — after the necessary site selection, land acquisition, preliminary engineering, environmental studies ... it’s a big deal.

In the meantime, maybe Metra will find those new riders.

n Email letters to pr@thewoodstock independent.com, or mail or drop them off at our office, 671 E. Calhoun St., Woodstock, IL 60098.

n For more information, call 815-338-8040.

INDEPENDENT FILE PHOTO

Visitors learn about Metra’s proposed Woodstock Layover Project during an open house in Woodstock in March.

Growing a heart for veterans

The Woodstock Independent is a weekly newspaper, which means that sometimes, our print deadlines don’t coincide with news.

Such is the case with this week’s edition.

An early print deadline means that we went to press on Friday, but the Splash Bash and Memorial Day would have happened after that.

Our staff will have been busily covering those events, but our readers won’t get to see that in print until next week.

Memorial Day is close to my heart. It was through The Woodstock Independent and its former sister paper – the Harvard Mainline – that my connection with the veterans and active-duty military began. When I was sent out to report on a U.S. Marine Corps veteran injured in the Afghanistan War over a decade ago, it was my first time knowingly interviewing a veteran.

But that one veteran experience led to a friendship that led to more veteran interviews, which, ultimately led to a decade of being immersed in their lives and enveloped by their history. I feel blessed to be able to count many veterans as dear friends. I feel blessed to have been trusted by veterans to tell their stories in the Independent and in other publications – many of them difficult to tell. And I’ve been even more blessed to be asked to document the stories

U.S. Sen. Richard Durbin

Chicago office

230 S. Dearborn St. Suite 3892 Chicago, IL 60604 312-353-4952

U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth Chicago office

230 S. Dearborn St. Suite 3900 Chicago, IL 60604 312-886-3506

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

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

of those who have lost their lives in service to our country.

Because of that, Memorial Day was forever changed for me.

My children have grown up knowing that sacrifice because our military friends talk about it often.

Tricia Carzoli Declarations

One year, when the traveling Vietnam Wall was coming, my children each chose a name at random and researched them. Then, we found their name on the Wall, created a pencil etching, and left a note in plastic that shared some of the person’s life and photos so that others might be able to read about them.

Another year, my children and my husband and I went out to our local cemeteries to locate the graves of the four men from Woodstock who were killed in Vietnam. We photographed each of the gravestones and put them in the paper.

And, on another year, we helped put flags on headstones.

This year, I was once again asked to photograph The Wall that Heals during its time in West Dundee over Memorial Day weekend. The semi pulling the Wall stopped into Woodstock Harley-Davidson, where it

OFFICIALS

Gov. J.B. Pritzker

Chicago office 555 W. Monroe Chicago, IL 60661 312-814-2121

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.w Woodstock, IL 60098 815-455-6330

would leave with a police escort along with over 150 motorcycles last Wednesday.

The Wall embodies the full weight of Memorial Day – and, when it comes to somewhere near you, it is an opportunity for everyone to see the magnitude of the sacrifice.

I met a Vietnam veteran who played Taps at the Woodstock Harley-Davidson send-off ceremony. He said he doesn’t talk much about his time in Vietnam, but he told me that the Wall is about the names inscribed there – not him.

But I believe The Wall that Heals and Memorial Day is as much for the living is it is for the names on the Wall and those who have lost their lives defending the freedoms of the United States of America. It is not a day of celebrations, rather it is a day to remember the great sacrifices made. For the veterans who returned, when I say, “thank you for your service” on Memorial Day, I know this is not Veterans Day, but I also know that this day represents the loss you’ve experienced and the grief that comes with it. And that is why I thank you – because your life was changed the moment you signed those papers. The losses you experienced are deep – and you carry them with you. But you also carry their stories with you and keep their names alive. Thank you for continuing to tell their stories so we never forget that sacrifice.

McHenry County Board

Chairman Michael Buehler 1630 Quail Way Crystal Lake, IL 60014 815-334-4224 mjbuehler@co.mchenry.il.us

Woodstock Mayor Mike Turner 121 W. Calhoun St. Woodstock, IL 60098 815-338-4302 mayor@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

PHOTOGRAPHER Ken Farver ken@thewoodstockindependent com

COLUMNISTS

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

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Vicky Long

CORRESPONDENTS

Tricia Carzoli, Janet Dovidio, Susan W. Murray, Megan Ivers, Lydia LaGue, Eileen Millard, Ruth Raubertas, Juel Mecklenberg, Seth Rowe, Julian Senn-Raemont

EDITORIAL CARTOONIST Jim Mansfield

PROOFREADER Don Humbertson CIRCULATION

Beverly Meuch, Dennis Micheletti, Bill Schwerdtfeger, John Wickham

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A career built on collaboration and compassion

By Susan W. Murray

While most teachers gravitate to one age group or a particular grade level, Connie Happ’s job as a certified school nurse has meant working with students from

Week

Elvis came to Helping Paws when his owner couldn’t take care of him anymore. He’s been waiting for a home for 71 days. He was a little shy when he first arrived, but he’s really come out of his shell, revealing his friendly and laid back personality. He plays occasionally, but loves to nap on fluffy beds and watch birds on the catio, his favorite place. He’s learning to get along with the other kitties in the room. He does well with being picked up. If you are interested in adopting this handsome boy, call HP to set up an appointment!

prekindergarten through high school.

School nursing comes with its share of record-keeping and responding to emergencies, but it’s the interactions with students and staff that animate Happ as she talks about her career in D-200.

For one pre-kindergartener with special needs, Happ was on hand to evaluate the child’s walking and to supervise swallowing, ensuring that the student did not aspirate food.

At the Verda Dierzen Early Learning Center, she helped create a fair so students could gain an understanding of healthy eating habits, having them build a nutritious plate of food by combining foods of

Continued

Amanda Clarkson, a senior at Marian Central Catholic High School, is the daughter of Alan and Claudia Clarkson, Algonquin.

The guidance counselor who nominated Amanda described her as a highly motivated person. “She is always focused on achieving goals and is relentless in her pursuit to succeed.”

A recipient of the Presidential Award and National Hispanic Recognition from College Board, Amanda is an Illinois State Scholar, in the top 10 percent of her class, and an AP scholar with

INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY KEN FARVER School nurse Connie Happ is surrounded by stuffed patients that help put her student patients at ease.

Northwood student to speak at national AVID conference

By Kevin Lyons DISTRICT 200

Like any seventh-grader, or any adult, Cate Bigler sometimes doubted herself.

But negative inner voices are increasingly part of her past and less of her future, especially as she prepares to take the stage this summer to speak to more than 4,000 educators at the national AVID Summer Institute in San Diego this summer.

The Northwood Middle School soon-to-be eighth-grader wrote an essay in her AVID class that was selected as the winner among more than 150,000 students from across the country, earning her a spot as a convention speaker.

Cate’s NMS teacher Tucker Wilson explained that AVID is a class that helps students dig deeper and achieve higher in their current core academic classes and develop a plan for their future.

“We have weekly tutorials on what students are confused about in their classes and complete projects on colleges and careers,” WIson said.

In her essay, Cate explained what her first year of AVID has meant to her.

“I used to struggle with believing in myself and telling myself to just try. And most of that

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different colors.

“It was teaching how to eat healthy in a fun way,” she said. With high school students, she stressed safety and appropriate gear for sports, talked about the importance of wearing sunscreen, and showed the right clothing to wear to keep ticks away on a walk in the woods.

More than a decade ago, Happ helped create and implement the Certified Nursing Assistant program, as a dual credit with McHenry County College, creating a career pathway for those interested in pursuing a nursing degree.

And at MCC, Happ has taught, run labs, tutored, and worked in clinical settings with students.

“I’ve taught at every grade level and loved it,” she said.

A rich background

When Happ joined D-200 in 2001, she had already put her nursing skills to use in a variety of settings. Prior to moving back to the Midwest to be near family, she had been an oncology nurse at a teaching medical center in Utah.

was because of how scared I was of being judged, by others and even more by myself. I’ve always wanted the best for others and for myself, but I used to let the fear take over and worry about negative comments.

“Until I realized that the fear of judgment kept

She worked in a step-down cardiac care unit at Highland Park Hospital, and then for five years as an emergency room nurse at Lake Forest Hospital.

She holds two master’s degrees - one in nursing and one in education.

Treasured memories

The moments that stand out in Happ’s D-200 career reflect the range of experiences that her job offered.

She was called in to meet the mom of a Pre-K student who was deaf and had no language skills.

Happ and the school’s special education team arranged for the child to receive a cochlear implant. That Pre-K student now attends community college, she said with a smile.

One elementary school student had a condition that required medical attention every three hours. Happ accompanied the student to an overnight camp to administer the medical treatments so that the child could have the experience of being away from home.

Again working alongside D-200’s special education team, Happ

me from even trying. And that’s what I appreciate about AVID – since I’ve been in AVID, my confidence has grown. A lot,” Cate wrote.

The essay earned Cate and a parent an allexpenses-paid trip to the San Diego convention to be held June 10-12.. She’s bringing her dad, John, a teacher in a neighboring school district. She also won a $500 scholarship.

Wilson said he told Northwood Principal Bethany Hall that one day a student from Northwood would represent the school at an AVID event.

“Seeing the student speakers is the most exciting part of the convention. Ever since my first AVID summer institute in Tampa in 2019, it was my goal to have a student speaker represent D200,” Wilson said.

Wilson said Cate is an excellent AVID student and will be an outstanding ambassador for Northwood and for Woodstock.

“Cate is a great choice because she is so smart and yet so coachable,” Wilson said.

“She is deeply dedicated to her studies and listens well to feedback. She is very kind to all students, and it is great to see someone so talented who works so hard be showcased for her abilities.”

secured community services and palliative care so that a high school student with a degenerative disease could continue in school.

Besides those heavy responsibilities were the experiences that were just plain fun.

Happ was one of the chaperones when Woodstock High School’s chorus members traveled to Italy, and she chaperoned another group of high school students to New York City.

She remembers one group of CNA students who worked at Valley Hi and became very attached to the residents. Knowing this, one student’s boyfriend arranged for his promposal to take place at the nursing home. His girlfriend was especially fond of one of the men in her care who was a military veteran. Alerted in advance, he donned his veteran’s cap for the occasion.

The community’s lifeblood

What she’ll miss most, Happ said, is the people she works with, “from the administrators to the janitors. They all make connections with the kids.”

She appreciates the importance

of those connections as the school district serves a wide range of students - newly arrived immigrants, those in special education classes, and those who are gifted in a particular discipline.

“There’s nothing better,” she said, “than looking down the hall and seeing kids working together.”

Having been in hospital settings and in schools, it’s obvious where Happ’s heart lies.

“Education is the lifeblood of your community,” Happ said. “We have to work together to help people make our community better.”

Retirement plans

After her last day of work, Happ plans to do more of what she has always loved - spending time outdoors hiking, biking, and kayaking.

She’s thinking of learning something new, maybe taking art classes, and wants to “reconnect with people I haven’t seen in a long time.”

Using her nursing skills, she might volunteer to work in a clinic with disadvantaged clients.

“I’m just so lucky,” she said. “What a fun run, what a good school district, what a great community!”

D-200 PHOTO

Cate Bigler will represent Northwood at the AVID Summer Institute in San Diego in June.

A & E

Marian Central Catholic High School senior Maja Tryba (left) will be taking on the role of Carabosse in “Sleeping Beauty.” Tryba is pictured performing for the Woodstock Fine Arts Association Scholarship Award night earlier this month.

‘A historic ballet, in a historic theater’

Judith Svalander Dancer Theatre to perform Sleeping Beauty June 8

By Tricia Carzoli NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

Judith Svalander Dance Theatre will perform “Sleeping Beauty” next weekend at the Woodstock Opera House directed by Svalander.

As the historic Opera House prepares to close for renovations beginning in July, this will be one of the last times to view a traditional ballet before the closure.

Svalander has overseen the direction of the cast, which includes professional dancers, preprofessional dancers, and select students from Woodstock to Chicago coming together to present this classic work to a local audience.

“[It’s] a historic ballet, presented in a historic theater, with new costumes and an exciting all-new Act Two Forest Scene,”

Svalander added. “Lighting design was created by Nicole Weber of Woodstock and costumes [were designed] by Cassady Wille.”

The ballet will include original 1889 choreography from Mauris Petipa and the new Act Two choreography by Assistant Director Julie Fiore Hirsch. Rehearsal Master and former Pittsburgh Ballet principal dancer Greg Begley has personally rehearsed the Woodstock Opera House resident dance company.

Svalander, artistic director and owner of Judith Svalander School of Ballet and director of “Sleeping Beauty,” said that over 70 dancers worked together to create, “this fairy tale in a magical setting [for audiences to enjoy].”

The original choreography, “was handed down from dancer to dancer beginning in the 1800s,”

Svalander explained. “And Julie [Fiore Hirsch] has worked daily with the cast to prepare them for this magical performance.”

Very similar to the familiar Sleeping Beauty story, audiences will enjoy a recognizable, yet different plot including six fairies, one evil fairy, a curse, and a beautiful princess – Aurora – who is subject to a spindle-prick that would sentence her to death.

“Over 70 dancers worked together to create this fairy tale in a magical setting.”

- Judith Svalander

Thankfully another fairy intervenes, but, while she lacks enough power to reverse the curse, she is able to alter it. One hundred years later, Aurora is awakened by a kiss,

and her new journey begins. Kenneth Bieschke returns to the stage as a guest artist in the role of the Prince. Marian Central Catholic High School senior and recipient of the 2024 Woodstock Fine Arts Association Scholarship Maja Tryba performs the role of Carabosse.

Woodstock’s Laura Bobowski has worked with student dancers for years at the ballet studio. She once again works her magic as she guides the student dancers along with Chesney Murphy.

Svalander encouraged audiences of all ages to attend the performance of “Sleeping Beauty” and to enjoy the, “magic of ballet.”

Performances are on June 8 only, at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on the main stage at the Woodstock Opera House. Tickets are available at the box office online. Cost is $25.

INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY TRICIA CARZOLI

Business

BUSINESS BUZZ:

Well ahead of when their incubator space lease in the Old Courthouse Center would have expired in February, Michael Sacco and Kelly Kempf are moving The Records Store to 216 Main Street in July. With the need for more space, the two had been looking for a permanent home on the Square when Crisiswear’s former location became available. “We just couldn’t wait,” Kempf said. “We jumped on it.”

REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

Transactions filed in the McHenry County Recorder’s Office April 23 to 26.

■ Residence at 697 Pleasant St., Woodstock, was sold by Geoffrey M. Walkington, Garden Prairie, to Patricia Boyd, Woodstock, for $285,000.

■ Residence at 225 Macintosh Ave., Woodstock, was sold by Fernando Olivas, Woodstock, to Cassandra J. Krupa, Woodstock, for $245,000.

■ Residences at 1841 Havens Drive, 290 Wild Meadow Lane, 3039 Courtland, 3091 Courtland and 3073 Courtland, Woodstock, were sold by Rainy Properties 1 LLC, Elgin, to Elston Townhomes LLC, Chicago, for $1,211,100.

■ State Fish Wildlife Area, Woodstock, was sold by Kelarney LLC, Woodstock, to The People of the State of Illinois, Department of Natural Resources, Springfield, for $1,783,908.

■ Residence at 131 Sunshine Lane, Woodstock, was sold by Clyde R. Hauck, Black River Falls, Wis., to Peter Andrew Manzano, Woodstock, for $305,000.

Old Courthouse launches one, loses one

The Records Department moving to Main Street, Makity Make closes

By Susan W. Murray NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

Nine months after its ribbon cutting, tenancy on the Old Courthouse Center’s three floors is in flux.

With sales exceeding what owners Kelly Kempf and Michael Sacco had anticipated, the pair are moving The Records Department to 216 Main Street. The location most recently housed Crisiswear Clothing and was the longtime home of Ray Wolf Jewelers

“We are out of space,” Kempf said. “The incubator space wasn’t big enough for the business we created.”

Although it means that the Old Courthouse Center loses a tenant,

Woodstock’s Economic Development Director Garrett Anderson said that the city is “thrilled with the success of The Records Department. They are doing exactly what the incubator program was designed for.”

Kempf said that she and Sacco are busy painting, wallpapering, and building fixtures for their new location and hope to open by the first Tuesday in July with the same, and possibly expanded, hours.

Kempf said that the required hours to be open for the incubator space taught the two owners that they could sell records on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings.

“The incubator space helped us

understand what we’re capable of,” she said.

A larger loss is Makity Make, which occupied approximately 1,700 sq. feet on the Old Courthouse Center’s first floor.

In a May 3 Facebook post, owner Julie Callahan announced that the DIY craft studio would close its Woodstock location on May 25. Makity Make’s Algonquin studio will remain open.

In her post, Callahan called shutting the doors “one of the hardest decisions I ever had to make.”

She said that there were multiple reasons behind the studio’s closing, citing the need to close “for me, my

See BIZ BUZZ Page 12

■ Residence at 1306 Redtail Lane, Woodstock, was sold by Jennifer A. Westfallen, Huntley, to Lance R. Stahlberg, Woodstock, for $365,000.

■ Residence at 8605 Pebble Creek Court, Wonder Lake, was sold by CalAtlantic Group LLC, Schaumburg, to The Montana C. Hayes Trust, Wonder Lake, for $347,195.

■ Residence at 606 N. Fleming Road, Woodstock, was sold by The Estate of Robert D. Peterson, Barrington, to Christopher Leonard, Elmhurst, for $500,000.

INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY KEN FARVER

BIZ BUZZ

health, and my family.”

Makity Make was open for three Saturdays: May 11, 18, and 25 for crafting and picking up finished pieces. Callahan said that gift certificates would be honored at the Algonquin location.

The departures leave the Old Courthouse Center with the Ethereal-run Courthouse Square on the Old Courthouse Center’s top floor; Seleta Scents and the Woodstock Chamber of Commerce and Industry on the first floor; and an ongoing search for a restaurant to replace the shuttered Woodstock Public House on the ground level. Mobcraft Taproom occupies the former Sheriff’s House next door.

Anderson said that the city is preparing to announce another round of availability for the Old Courthouse’s incubator spaces.

“We are reevaluating the space on the first floor of the Courthouse to see if we can provide three or more incubator spaces, rather than the original two,” Anderson said.

More food on the Square

After the Woodstock Public House moved from 201 Main Street to the Old Courthouse, the lower level under Berkshire Hathaway Starck Real Estate has sat mostly vacant.

Planned for a June 7 opening, Popa-Doodle-Doo is the brainchild of Dan and Ashley Annen.

The gourmet popcorn and milkshake shop will feature “more than 20 flavors of popcorn - including the classics like butter, caramel, and cheese - but also flavors such as pizza, loaded baked potato, dill pickle, and birthday cake.”

The shop’s made-to-order, handdipped milkshakes come with “enormous garnishes,” Annen said, including “whole doughnuts, doughnut holes, brownies, cupcakes, and cookies.”

In the fall, Pop-a-Doodle-Doo will offer cinnamon-roasted almonds and pecans.

“We are striving for a nostalgic, cozy, and fun vibe,” Annen said. “A place where families can come celebrate a milestone over a milkshake and a place to grab a new flavor (or an old favorite) of snack while they stroll the Square.”

for the past 35 years, Szatkowski said, but “Mike will be with me for the next year to keep things going in the right direction.”

On the market

The building at 229 Main Street that houses PARADOXsquared and Jessica Ditore Photography is for sale for $499,000.

In its history, the building has housed a blacksmith shop, a five-anddime store, an automobile garage, a grocery store, and a dry cleaners.

Owner Patrick O’Rourke purchased the building 20 years ago from the late Alan Cornue, who served as mayor of Woodstock for eight years, beginning in the late 1990s.

The current tenants have oneto two-year leases. O’Rourke said that the building could be kept as is, rented out to four to six tenants, or could be used by a single owner/ tenant as a commercial space or as headquarters for a nonprofit.

The south side of the building features the Woodstock Community Mural.

“I enjoy having that mural on the side of the building,” O’Rourke said.

In brief . . .

Paul Letizia, who recently opened La Vie en Rose in the Sweet Reds Patisserie location at 110 N. Benton Street, said that the pastry shop and cafe has new summer hours, opening at 8:30 a.m. and closing at 6:00 p.m.

Letizia is also opening Paulie’s Italian Bakery and Deli at 132 Cass Street. The process has been delayed by the need to install a small dropped ceiling. The work is on schedule, Letizia said, to allow for a June 1 opening.

The craft paper on the door of the former Swiss Maid Bakery at 122 N. Benton Street is down, allowing passers-by to peek in and see work in progress for the opening of By the Dozen’s third location, joining its original bakery in Machesney Park and the Harvard location, once the home of Swiss Maid’s baking operation and retail shop.

Under new ownership

Jason and Ashley Szatkowski began renting from Ralph’s General Rent-All seven or eight years ago

and purchased the business from Mike and Laurie Wenzel on March 1.

“My wife and I looked at it as a great opportunity,” Jason Szatkowski said.

Szatkowki worked in the rental industry out of high school, specializing in large equipment.

He has added Bad Boy lawn mowers and Stihl Equipment to the store’s rental inventory.

The Wenzels were looking to retire from the business they had operated

The former Hoyne Savings Bank at 400 St. John’s Road has been sold to Juana Zarate, who plans to turn the building into “multi personalservice business suites,” according to the zoning map amendment request that the Woodstock City Council approved at its May 7 meeting.

Ms. Zarate did not respond to a request for more information.

Tidal Wave Auto Spa is now open at 1260 Lake Avenue.

INDEPENDENT PHOTOS BY KEN FARVER Pop-a-Doodle-Doo owners Dan and Ashley Annen stand in front of the shop’s location at 201 Main Street. Ashley came up with the fun name for the gourmet popcorn and milkshake shop, set to open on June 7. “It should be a pretty fun place,” Dan said.

The former Hoyne Savings Bank on St. John’s Road was sold to Juana Zarate. Plans are to use the building as business suites.

WOODSTOCK NORTH HIGH SCHOOL 2024 GRADUATES

Owen Clay Bonnett

Isabella Rose Borta

Kayden James Bracken

Carter James Brey

Caden Allen Bronson

Jaiden Jerimiah Brooks

Aaron Banushi Selah Cheyenne Barnett

Derek A. Beristain Guajardo

Fernando Abraham Bermudez

Cade William Blaksley

William B. Bohrnell

Isabela Rose Almanza

Ethan Marcus Anderson

Cindy Lizette Arellano Cruz

Kayleigh Evelyn Armstead-Eddy

Cristian Ayala

Ellie Ann Baker

Oluwafunmilayo Abejide

Alex Adams

Alexis N. Adams

Evelyn Aguilar

Kylie Aitken

Jack Allen

Woodstock North High School Class of 2024

A commemorative section brought to you by The Woodstock Independent and other generous community sponsors

Seniors not pictured in the portrait section

Brandon Devon Alexander

Eddie Alvarez

Sofia Castaneda-Dominguez

Casie Evelyn Fawkes

Evangeline Ferguson

Ryan Matthew Hauck

Darnell William McMiller

Garrett Anthony Norton

Stephanie Susunaga

Taiden Nathaniel Tillman

WOODSTOCK NORTH HIGH SCHOOL 2024 GRADUATES

Jesus Cruz Christopher Cruz-Perez

Dylan Salvador Cuellar

Colt Lucas Davidson

Kamryn Michelle Davis

Hilder Rafael Diaz

Skylar Rayne Congdon

Alexis Monique Conley

Trevor Joseph Corrao

Trinity Cox

Landan Zacrey Creighton

Aaron Elijah Fernandez

Robert Thomas Carroll Meah Melissa Carson

Enrique Castaneda Flores

Jackson Nicolas Caven

John Reno Cecchini

Kaden Nohr Combs

Ian Brown Alayna Rose Buckley

Shane William Buening

Rafaella Elise Burkhart

Mackinzee Aubreigh Carpenter Kirsten Cynthia Carroll

WOODSTOCK NORTH HIGH SCHOOL 2024 GRADUATES

Colin Andrew Given Kennyth Jaimes Grimes

Alexis Suzanne Hansen

Danielle Jay Hansen

Kailee Lynn Haupt

Justin Ronald Hedke

Dylan Yahir Flores

Luis Martin Garcia Prado

Damian Isiah Garcia

Joseph Roger Gerloff

Robert Brian Gerloff

Patricia Diana Gianopulos

Kevin Eismueller

Brianne Grace Emond

Yeritza Estrella Sanchez

Victoria Olamide Falade

Josue Benjamin Figueroa

David Alexis Flores

Hilder Rafael Diaz

Elisa Marie Dominguez

Hailey Grace Drach

Brayden Bradley Dulin

Joseph Bryan Dulleck

Trace William Edwards

WOODSTOCK NORTH HIGH SCHOOL 2024 GRADUATES

Clara Klapperich

Abigail Marie Kleinschmidt

Matthew R. Kovach

Benjamin Walter Lagerhausen

Jack P. Lanci

Dylan Christopher Lasorso

Harmon Fee Jones

Nicholas John Paul Keisling

Brock Allen Keith

Erika Lauren Kelly

Teagan Evans Kirk

Trinity Jean Inks

Ashley Marie Janeczko

Daniel Hoyin Jansen

Rachael Marie Jeschke

Vincent Jiworsky

Dustin Johns

Joseph Henry Paulino Hernandez Anacleto

Alexandra Hernandez

Joseph James Hodges

Madeline R. Hunt

Trevor Layne Hyrkas

Christian Samy Isiah Lemus

WOODSTOCK NORTH HIGH SCHOOL 2024 GRADUATES

Alisha Gisel Martinez

Leah Noemy Martinez Destiny Rose Martyne

Kate Elizabeth Massouras

Addison G. Mauck

Lucille Lynn McAlevy

William Nicklaus Madigan

Alexandra Rose Malinski

Madeline Grace Manke

Trevor James Mark

Emilia Katharyna Markuson

Francisco Martinez Bernal

Omar Lopez

Brenda Lopez Quintero

Matthew Aaron LopezPogorzelski

Estefania Lopez-Leon

Alexis Josephine Lowry

Samuel Joseph Madaus

Parker Thomas Leonard

Elisa Kate Lerias

Nickolas James Lewandowski

Mikayla Elizabeth Lichey

Hesston Lohse

Erin Alexandra McCann

WOODSTOCK NORTH HIGH SCHOOL 2024 GRADUATES

Lina Nottbohm

Samuel Anthony James Obenchain

Edgar Alejandro Ocampo

Azalea Olague

Addison Mae Olson

Alejandro Ortiz Ayala

Kylie Lynn Moan

Dillon Kendall Morrison Emily J. Muckerheide

Lukas Roman Myshkowec

Christian Isaiah-Anthony Nanstiel

Taylor Rayne Nickrand

Paola Mendez-Hernandez

Paola Mendoza

Hunter Richard Menzel

Parker Edward Menzel

Hannah Lauren Meyers

Claire Marie Miranda

Ella Ann McClurg

Kaitlin Elizabeth McCoy

Dominic Jordan McKinley

Jalen Armon Means

Daniela Medina

Jaedan Than Ortiz

WOODSTOCK NORTH HIGH SCHOOL 2024 GRADUATES

Kathryn Virginia Roberts

Oscar Rodriguez Delaney Faith Rogge

Maribel Rojas Gonzalez

Logan Anthony Romano

Samara Ann Romero

Sebastian Alonso Raya

Debbi Marian Reynoso Garcia Ronaldo Rico

Myra Elliana Ridley

Angelo Jake Guerrero Ringpis

Addison Elizabeth Rishling

Aiden Christopher Parsons

Fatima P. Bernal

Christopher Perez

Alexander Ponce Romero

Dequavion Shevel Prude

Guillermo Ramirez-Nova

Naydelene Ortiz

Mikhi Leland Parker

Emerich James Parpart

Malaika Susan Parpart

Maxwell Truman Parrish

Alexandra Rose Roske

WOODSTOCK NORTH HIGH SCHOOL 2024 GRADUATES

Take pride in how far you've come, have faith in how far you can go.

John Wilfred Detablan Suay

Kyle Tackett

Kate Addis Tapia

Kathryn Arden Thomas

Jazmin Olivia T hompson

Devan W Thomsen

Emilia Theresa Smuda

Aiden Joseph Sofie

Alexandria Rose Sorg

Katlyn Rose Speciale

Caylin Stevens

Julian John Strey

Nicholas M Schiavone

Waylon Brody Schnulle

Logan Schwoch

Georgia Raeanne Sedlack

Ian Robert Simonds

Justin Jim Smiley

Addison Marie Salazar Angeles Santos

Adelynn Elizabeth Saunders Mason Dylan Schalund

Christian James Scharwath

Troy Nathaniel Thorp

WOODSTOCK NORTH HIGH SCHOOL 2024 GRADUATES

The Woodstock

Elizabeth Kathleen Ziolko

Jacob Michael Wiedemann

Semajay Wiley

Rylee Olivia Williams

Abigail Paige Young

Robert James Young

Emily Rae Zapfe

Zechariah Sebastian Vasquez

Andrew Vega Casey Jo Vermett

Kevin Viveros-Zarate

Kellin Elizabeth Walsh

Tyler James Ward

Marine Laura Magalie Tignon

Morgan Frances Tolentino-Siazon

Alexander Louis Treadway

Dariana Urbina

Jacob Raymond VanAcker

Community

St. John’s Preschool students enjoy an art project in their classroom in the final session of school. Pictured (from left), are Everly Bates, Peyton Smith, Harrison Learman, Adelyn Kuchenmeister, and Isaiah Marvel.

St. John’s Lutheran Church preschool closes

Plans are to reopen with a grade school for 2025-26 school year

By Jan Dovidio NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

St. John’s Lutheran Church members have had a year of celebrations, anniversaries, and changes coming soon.

The church’s preschool celebrated its 40th anniversary this year. The current director Jamie Czischki served as a substitute teacher in 2007 before becoming the director in 2009. She has been involved since the preschool’s founding in 1983 as her son was in the first class.

“In January of 1983 the congregation voted to approve the establishment of a preschool which would begin that fall,” current St. John’s Chairperson of Education Barb Menge said. “The three-day-a-week operation served 22 3- and 4-yearolds with Betsy Papp as the first director and teacher.”

Dorothy Larson was instrumental in developing the preschool program in her position as chairperson of the board in 1981-1982.She indicated that the congregation included many young families, so she and

her board worked with Director of Christian Education Bill Ash to begin the process.

“Bill Ash worked on securing proper equipment,” former St. John’s church secretary Sheila Beu said. “My son Jason was in the initial class. Teachers and aides at that time were Diane Broman, Janet Schroeder, Paulette Babchak, Sue Heider and Joy Glenn.”

Closing announced

The successful 40 years of preschool operation are sadly ending this year. President of the Church Council at St. John’s Lutheran Thomas Johnson explains the change.

“St. John’s has been extremely fortunate to have had Jamie Czischki heading our preschool in its 40th year. She has been doing a terrific job for the 16 years she has been here. Unfortunately for us, her family is moving out of state at the end of this school year, which leaves us without a preschool director. To date we have not found a replacement. Therefore, we are forced to

temporarily close our preschool for the upcoming 2024/2025 school year.”

The school staff and children celebrated their 2024 preschool graduation ceremony with a pizza picnic and refreshments on May 14, which was the last day of school.

This past year included many special activities that have endured through the years. During National Lutheran Schools Week the children performed many community acts of kindness. They made blankets, blessing bags, and Valentine cards for the church’s homebound members. Each year also included donations for charities like CASA, KIN, Turning Point, JourneyCare, TLS, and Phils Friends.

“I think it’s important to teach children at a young age to give back to others because there is always someone worse off than you are especially in today’s society,” Czischki said.

A special tradition from the opening year to this last year was a Polar Express field trip at Christmas time on the train from Woodstock to

Harvard and back. Boyd Kastning , whose son was a member of the first class, generously played Santa Claus on this annual trip.

The current teachers and the years they began at the preschool are Tricia McCann (2018), Carrie McDevitt (2021), Shawna Hovlid (2022) and Yvonne Morrison (2023). Czischki’s main assistant Zofia Czapla retired last year after serving since 2007.

COVID challenges

Czischki and her staff faced the challenges of the Covid years with dedication and creativity. Since they knew that preschoolers do not adapt well with remote learning, they created activity bags with crafts and curriculum items that were delivered door to door to each family so the children could develop the skills needed for kindergarten. That meant driving to Harvard, Union, Huntley, Crystal Lake and all over Woodstock. A drive-through graduation concluded that year.

The following year they reopened

See PRESCHOOL Page 24

COURTESY PHOTO

PRESCHOOL

in person learning by working closely with MCDH and DCFS to prepare with all the safety precautions.

“It was so important to open for the sake of the children,” Czischki said. “They need socialization and quality learning experiences to develop.”

Special experiences

Many families will attest to their special experience including those who had more than one generation of family members attend the preschool.

Sandy Kucharski’s two oldest children attended, as did her grandson, noting, “As my first experience with school for my kids, I was blessed by the kind and loving atmosphere at St. John’s. Each day before we went to our car we had to climb the hill to the crosses and run back down. My grandson Landry made his first friends there and he also insisted on climbing the hill to the crosses.”

Recent school parent Corinne Smith’s daughter attended the preschool from 2021-2023.

“My daughter said she loved it because her whole class was nice and the teachers too,” Smith added. “I loved that along with learning more about basics like letters and sounds, she learned more about God . St. John’s preschool had her very prepared for kindergarten. I cannot

St. John’s Preschool teachers and aides (from left): Tricia McCann, ChaunaHovlid, Danae O’Connor, Madison Czischki, Jamie Czischki, Yvonne Morrison, and Carrie McDevitt.

At right, Finley Romme, Lincoln Kunash, and Lincoln Honea play with Witch’s Brew fluffy slime.

say enough good things about the school.”

Czischki indicated that some parents have mentioned that it’s sad that St. John’s is closing because they like the small class sizes and sense of community. They also mentioned that there are few preschool options in the community.

Menge added, “Jamie’s family has been ardent supporters of the preschool throughout the years. They were always available in so many different ways. Their contributions helped the day-to-day operation as well as special activities achieve their high quality.”

Johnson now has good news for the congregation and the community.

Good news for the future

“Currently St. John’s intends to reopen with a grade school by the 2025/2026 school year. We initially intend to offer PreK, kindergarten and first grade upon opening. We recognize that moving ahead is our current intention, but we also recognize that it is going to be an uphill battle. We hope that our reputation as a preschool will help us as we move forward. We think that having educational choices is healthy for our community.”

The congregation members will have one more reason to celebrate next year, as 2025 marks the 150th year of St. John’s Lutheran Church serving the Woodstock community.

Johnson concluded, “I would like to thank Jamie and her dedication to our students, as well as our teachers, aides, congregation members and local businesses that served our preschool over the past 40 years. We look forward to St. John’s continuing to serve God and the members of the Woodstock Community.”

Maja Tryba wins Notre Dame Alumni Club scholarship

By Janet Dovidio NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

The Notre Dame Club of McHenry County (NDCMC) named Marian Central Catholic High School graduating senior Maja Tryba as its 2024 scholarship recipient. She is the 30th McHenry County student to receive this award which is financially supported by University of Notre Dame alumni. She plans to study finance.

“Maja Tryba was selected by the club’s scholarship committee based on her application, resume and written essay,”

NDCMC Scholarship Chairperson Dan Wernham said. “It is a four-year scholarship offered only to Notre Dame freshmen from McHenry County.”

Tryba’s high school years were filled with involvements in many activities. She was a retreat leader on the campus ministry team; in Spanish National Honor Society all four years and president in her senior year; National Honor Society member; four year member of Key Club; and member of the Mentor Club, Mental Health Awareness Club and Friends of Rachel.

“My favorite classes at Marian were my AP classes, especially AP Literature and AP Language, where I saw my confidence grow as a student,” Tryba said. “I approached the class with much more faith in myself and my work.”

Tryba’s English teacher Chris Connell added, “Maja is highly respected by her peers who often

looked to her for guidance and viewed her as a leader in both the classroom and her activities. It has been a joy and an honor to be Maja’s English teacher for these past three years.”

Outside of school time Tryba has trained for 15 years as a pre-professional dancer at the Judith Svalander School of Ballet in Crystal Lake. This commitment of 30 hours a week yearround resulted in her rise to principal and soloist status and a qualified substitute teacher and mentor.

“As my time at Marian Central comes to an end, the last four years have taught me what it means to be a part of a community,” Tryba concluded. “The feeling of community is what awaits me as I go on to attend Notre Dame. I feel confident that the university will be an extension of such a community.”

Maja Tryba

COURTESY PHOTOS

INDEPENDENT

PHOTOS BY KEN FARVER

Students at Mary Endres Elementary School are loaded down with full backpacks, leaving only chalk drawings behind on May 23, the last day of the 2023-24 school year. Summer has officially begun!

Judith Svalander Dance Theatre

The Sleeping Beauty

Happenings

woodstockoperahouse.com

JUNE

29

WEDNESDAY

PRE-RENOVATION OPEN HOUSE

Woodstock Opera House

121 W. Van Buren St.

5 to 7 p.m. Free woodstockoperahouse.com

30 THURSDAY

SLC TRIVIA NIGHT - PUB TRIVIA USA

Stage Left Café

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

woodstockoperahouse.com

31 FRIDAY

SINK OAR SWIM - CARDBOARD CUP REGATTA

Woodstock Water Works

1313 Kishwaukee Valley Road

5 - 9 p.m.

$20 per entry

NOODLE NIGHT

Woodstock Water Works

1313 Kishwaukee Valley Rd.

5 to 9 p.m.

CINEMA SIPS - ‘MONTY PYTHON AND THE HOLY GRAIL’

Woodstock Opera House

121 W. Van Buren St.

8 p.m.

$10 - movie and 1 bag popcorn

$20 VIP - premium seating, table service and unlimited popcorn

1 SATURDAY

WOODSTOCK FARMERS MARKET

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

woodstockfarmersmarket.org Music: Nick Lee

SUMMER READING KICKOFF BRIGHT STAR TOURING THEATRE

Woodstock Public Library

414 W. Judd St. 2 to 3 p.m.

OPERA HOUSE TOURS

Woodstock Opera House

121 W. Van Buren St. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Free woodstockoperahouse.com

MAX HAPPY FEST

Judd Street, Jefferson to Benton streets Noon to 11 p.m.

3RD ANNUAL FOOD TRUCK FESTIVAL

Woodstock Square 4-9 p.m.

ELTON DAN AND THE ROCKET BAND

Woodstock Opera House

121 W. Van Buren St.

7:30 p.m.

$40 A seats, $35 B seats woodstockoperahouse.com

CHILL MURRAY COMEDY SHOW

Stage Left Café

125 W. Van Buren St.

8 to 10 p.m.

$15 online, $20 at the door

2 SUNDAY

SUNDAY ART IN THE SQUARE

Woodstock Square 4 to 7 p.m.

OFF SQUARE MUSIC PRESENTS SUNDAYS ON THE SQUARE

Featuring Hot Lagarto Woodstock Square 5 to 7 p.m.

4 TUESDAY

WOODSTOCK FARMERS MARKET

Woodstock Square

8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

woodstockfarmersmarket.org

Music: Thingamajig, W.T. Newton

WOODSTOCK CITY COUNCIL

Council Chambers, City Hall

121 W. Calhoun St. 7 p.m. woodstockil.gov

5 WEDNESDAY

TLC’S TREE AND SHRUB IDENTIFICATION

Ryders Woods

750 Kimball St.

10 to 11:30 a.m.

$10 https://conservmc.org/ tree-and-shrub-identification-3/

WOODSTOCK CITY BAND

Park in the Square “Sail the Ocean Blue” Ice cream social 7 p.m.

6 THURSDAY

SLC TRIVIA NIGHT - PUB TRIVIA USA

Stage Left Café

125 W. Van Buren St.

7 p.m. woodstockoperahouse.com

8 SATURDAY

WOODSTOCK FARMERS MARKET

Woodstock Square

8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

woodstockfarmersmarket.org Music: TBA

WOODSTOCK PRIDEFEST

Rainbow Run, 9 to 11 a.m. Emricson Park

Pub Crawl, 6 to 10 p.m. Woodstock Square

JUDITH SVALANDER DANCE THEATRE - ‘THE SLEEPING BEAUTY’

Woodstock Opera House

121 W. Van Buren St.

2 and 7 p.m.

$25 woodstockoperahouse.com

WARP CORP YOUTH OPEN MIC

Stage Left Café

125 W. Van Buren St.

7 p.m.

$5

Resurrection Catholic Church

9 SUNDAY

WOODSTOCK PRIDEFEST

Woodstock Square Parade and festivities 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

10 MONDAY

COFFEE WITH THE CHIEF Woodstock Police Department 656 Lake Ave. 7 p.m. 815-338-6787

11 TUESDAY

WOODSTOCK FARMERS MARKET

Woodstock Square

8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

woodstockfarmersmarket.org Music: TBA

12 WEDNESDAY

WOODSTOCK CITY BAND Park in the Square “Danzas Latinas” Ice cream social 7 p.m.

13 THURSDAY MOVIES IN THE PARK “STRANGE WORLD” Woodstock Square

7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

14 FRIDAY CLASSIC CAR SHOWANNIVERSARY PARTY All day

FLASHBACKS

35 years ago – 1989

■ Community leaders expressed concern over the possibility that Memorial Hospital, landlocked at its South Street location, might move out of Woodstock. Memorial and Sherman Hospital in Elgin had conducted a preliminary study to determine the financial feasibility of building another hospital in McHenry County.

■ For the third consecutive year, the Woodstock Jaycees was named Most Outstanding Chapter in Illinois.

■ Woodstock High School building trades students were putting the finishing touches on the school’s 17th building trades house.

30 years ago – 1994

■ The Woodstock School District 200 Board of Education unanimously approved the hiring of a police liaison officer for WHS.

■ The Blue Streak freshman softball team won the Fox Valley Conference with an 18-3 record.

25 years ago – 1999

■ The WHS sophomore softball team finished its season with an 18-0 record.

■ Independent columnist and retired University of Illinois Extension Home Economist Nancy Moore welcomed spring with a column about asparagus and rhubarb. From her column, readers learned asparagus was the fifth most popular vegetable in the U.S. and rhubarb was “a fair source of vitamins A and C.”

20 years ago – 2004

■ Robert Knechtel and Doreen Paluch began four-year terms as members of the Woodstock Plan Commission.

■ St. Mary School students buried a time capsule near the school’s flagpole, to be opened in 2054.

■ The Marian Central Catholic High School varsity girls soccer team won an IHSA regional crown and finished the season 15-7-1. Coach Jose Arias said Lupe Proa, Dana Taradash, Kailey Husby, and Kellie Black were the

MAY 25, 1994 – Marian Central’s 800-meter relay team finished the preliminary round of the state track meet with a time of 1 minute, 50.7 seconds, just two seconds off qualifying time for finals. Members of the team are, left to right, Jenny Klos, Elizabeth Schaffer, Cynthi Parker, and Katie Huinker.

“heart of the team.”

15 years ago – 2009

■ The McHenry County Board reversed the recommendation of its zoning board of appeals, voting 17-6 in favor of a Resurrection Retreat Center proposal to build a 123-unit assistedliving community on its property on Country Club Road.

■ Five WHS students advanced to the Canon Envirothon national competition at the University of North Carolina, Asheville, N.C. Kim Lucke, Jon Peschke, Anna Woodruff, Chelsey Belt, and Brian Clow topped the Illinois competition, outscoring second place Triad High School 434.5 to 433.25. Bill Donato was the team’s adviser.

■ Marian girls soccer teams had exceptional seasons. The JV team finished the season 13-0. The varsity finished 14-5, after a disappointing loss to Wauconda 3-1 in an IHSA Class 3A Regional. Junior Kathleen Patterson scored the Lady ’Canes’ goal in the

first minute of the second half.

10 years ago – 2014

■ Willis Johnson, president of Classic Cinemas, dedicated the recently restored auditorium and new addition to Woodstock Theater. The auditorium, which had been divided into two theaters decades earlier, was returned to one, revealing the original dome from its days as The Miller Theater. With the restoration and addition, Woodstock Theater increased to eight screens.

■ Bethany Bucci and Anthony Fitzpatrick were co-valedictorians of Marian’s Class of 2014, which totaled 159 graduates.

■ The WHS 4x800 relay team, seniors Maura Beattie and Lacy Heaver, sophomore Grace Beattie, and freshman Kate Jacobs, took fifth in the IHSA

■ Woodstock became the 360th member of the global Age-Friendly Community Network – the seventh in Illinois. The goal of the program is to ensure local infrastructure, services, programs, and public amenities suit the needs of a growing senior population.

■ The Independent featured three retired brothers by the last name of Luckey who were delighting in making sure Woodstock school children in their care crossed streets safely going to and from school every day. The oldest of the three, Harry, started working as a crossing guard in 2005. Dale, the youngest, was hired next, in 2014; Bob had a regular spot by 2015.

■ The WNHS boys track and field team won its IHSA 2A sectional meet, scoring 105 points in the 14-team event. Four school records were broken.

Advancing to the state meet were the 4x100 relay of Brandon Walker, Colin Zinn, Aidan Filetti, and Keith Web, and the 4x200 relay of Walker, Zinn, Luke Duenas, and Web. Austin Zieman and Duenas qualified in long jump; Elijah Pena qualified in triple jump, 110 high hurdles, and 300 intermediate hurdles; and Feletti advanced in the 400.

1 year ago – 2023

■ Michael Sbarounis was valedictorian of the Marian Central Catholic High School Class of 2023. Marian had 89 graduates, 96.7 percent of whom were going on to a two- or four-year college. Class salutatorian was Samuel Manaois.

■ Wages for bus drivers and other noncertified employees of District 200 were increased in what administrators called “market adjustments” to remain competitive in hiring amid a shortage of applicants.

■ The Independent reported the “Business Buzz” around town, including the expected opening of Rocket Fizz “soda and candy shop,” the announcement of Expressly Leslie Vegetarian Specialties’ new owners Fernando and Sandra Tatia, and the construction of Tropical Smoothie Café.

INDEPENDENT FILE PHOTO BY DENNIS MATHES

PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICE

ASSUMED NAME

Public Notice is hereby given that on APRIL 30, 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 STONEY LAKE LANDSCAPING located at 21011 ROUTE 14 HARVARD, IL 60033. Owner Name & Address: LUZ SANTIAGO 21011 ROUTE 14 HARVARD, IL 60033.

Dated: APRIL 30, 2024

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

(Published in The Woodstock Independent May 15, 2024, May 22, 2024, May 29, 2024)L11792

PUBLIC NOTICE

ASSUMED NAME

Public Notice is hereby given that on MAY 8, 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 SK LEATHER located at 24317 ANTHONY RD. MARENGO, IL 60152. Owner Name & Address: STEVE KOELM AND JESSICA KOELM 24317 ANTHONY RD. MARENGO, IL 60152.

Dated: MAY 8, 2024

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

(Published in The Woodstock Independent May 15, 2024, May 22, 2024, May 29, 2024)L11794

PUBLIC NOTICE

ASSUMED NAME

Public Notice is hereby given that on MAY 10, 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 SARAH FAITH PHOTOGRAPHY located at 4707 JOYCE LANE MCHENRY, IL 60050. Owner Name & Address: SARAH FAITH 4707 JOYCE LANE MCHENRY, IL 60050.

Dated: MAY 10, 2024

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

(Published in The Woodstock Independent May 15, 2024, May 22, 2024, May 29, 2024)L11795

PUBLIC NOTICE

ASSUMED NAME

Public Notice is hereby given that on MAY 20, 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 ISO HAIR STUDIO located at 276 CARY ALGONQUIN RD. CARY, IL 60013. Owner Name &

Address: RACHAEL COSTLEY 1565

DRIFTWOOD LN. CRYSTAL LAKE, IL 60014.

Dated: MAY 20, 2024 /s/ JOSEPH J. TIRIO (McHenry County Clerk)

(Published in The Woodstock Independent May 29, 2024)L11796

PUBLIC NOTICE

To Whom It May Concern: Esser Automotive 370 E. Prairie St Unit #14 Crystal Lake, IL 60014 intends to enforce a mechanic’s lien under Chapter 770 ILCS 50/3 against Jessica Bahl for repairs and storage of a 2004 Ford Explorer with the VIN#1FMZU73K84ZA28949 and license plate CU22723 for the repair amount due of $1992.69 plus storage fees of $50 per day beginning May 20, 2024. (Published in The Woodstock Independent May 29, 2024)L11797

PUBLIC NOTICE

Budget Hearing Notice

The Seneca Township Board of Trustees will be meeting to conduct a hearing on the proposed budgets for the 2024-2025 fiscal year for the Seneca Township Road District and Town Fund. The hearing will take place on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at 6:15 p.m. at the Seneca Township Building located at 16506 Garden Valley Road, Woodstock, Illinois. The proposed budgets are on display until the June 11th meeting. If you wish to see the proposed budget, please call

Seneca Township Clerk, Dawn Seemann at 815-814-6585 to arrange a time to view them.

Dated: May 20, 2024 /s/ Dawn M. Seemann, Seneca Township Clerk

(Published in The Woodstock Independent May 29, 2024)L11798

PUBLIC NOTICE

STATE OF ILLINOIS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE TWENTY-SECOND JUDICIAL CIRCUIT MCHENRY COUNTY, ILLINOIS-IN PROBATE Case No. 2024PR000141

In the Matter of the Estate of PAULINE P. JOHNSON

Deceased

CLAIM NOTICE

Notice is given of the death of PAULINE P. JOHNSON

Of: CRYSTAL LAKE, IL

Letters of office were issued on: 5/8/2024

To Representative: MARY VALENTINE

75 SYCAMORE LN. CRYSTAL LAKE, IL 60014

HECTOR BARAJAS 793 VILLAGE CIRCLE MARENGO, IL 60152 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 May 29, 2024)L11799

PUBLIC NOTICE

IN THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, CIRCUIT COURT

MCHENRY COUNTY

PUBLICATION NOTICE OF COURT

DATE FOR REQUEST FOR NAME

CHANGE (ADULT)

Request of DARREN ELLIS DEPPE

Case No. 2024MR000078

There will be a court hearing on my Request to change my name from: DARREN ELLIS DEPPE

To the new name of: DARREN ELLIS

RIVCHIN

The court date will be held on July 24, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. at 2200 N. Seminary Ave. Woodstock, McHenry County in Courtroom TBD.

Dated at Woodstock, IL May 22, 2024 /s/ Darren Ellis Deppe

(Published in The Woodstock Independent May 29, 2024)L11800

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.

Sports

COLLEGE REPORT

North’s Ellie Thurow leads Coe College to tournament victories

By Dan Chamness

People traditionally have a right arm and a left arm.

In Woodstock North graduate Ellie Thurow’s case, one has to wonder if she has a left arm and a right arm that might be made of steel.

The Coe College pitcher has been the Lady Kohawks pitcher of record for both victories in the American Rivers Conference Tournament in Pella, Iowa, as she put in seven innings of work, which is a complete game, in the 3-2 win over Luther College and 5-3 triumph over Central College.

In the title win over the top-ranked Central, who won the regular season title, the former Thunder hurler held the opposition to just four hits. She fanned a pair and walked only one. The win was her 15th of the year.

“My teammates have my back, both offensively and defensively, and they always have,” said the fifth-year player.

“They are great. Whenever, I am out there, no matter the score, I know that they will make some fantastic defensive plays and they will hit and score runs.”

In the conference tournament opener, she allowed one earned run on four hits. She walked three Luther batters and fanned one.

While the two conference tournament wins would be the highlight of most pitchers’ careers, Thurow was hardly done and would top even that within a few days. With the conference tournament title, they entered

See COLLEGE REPORT, Page 35

2009 Crossfire soccer seeks crown

By Juel Mecklenburg NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

Strong ties are always made in the community of Woodstock. Clubs, travel teams, and extracurricular activities allow for bonding and lifelong memories. The 2009 boys Crossfire team is looking to make more memories together as they make a competitive run in the Illinois Cup Tournament in the coming weeks.

These kids go way back

The team knows a thing or two about sticking together. Starting from a young age, the group of boys stuck together through middle school. Each player went to their respective high school; Woodstock, Woodstock North, and Marian. The Crossfire team competed throughout high school in the spring, summer, and indoor seasons, with the expectation that the players would continue to build on their craft and skill.

Head Coach Matthew Kretowicz mentioned that a few roster spots were filled with newcomers, but the majority of the spots were left open for the returning boys to keep their chemistry, and continuation of their passion for the sport.

Challenges over the years

As many athletic programs can relate, COVID had created struggles for the team. The team was whittled down to just a couple core players, but Woodstock has a great recreation program in place and Kretowicz developed an indoor rec team. His hope was to bring on a couple of boys to fill the 2009 team with enough players to field a roster.

The team would have to go to other states that didn’t have COVID play restrictions just to be able to play games. They also added new players over the years.

The challenge in that is trying to maintain the existing culture the original group was built on: hustle, muscle, heart, intense passion, and a “teamfirst culture.”

This group of boys and parents are not only best friends on the pitch, but off of it as well. The challenges they’ve faced along the way have brought them closer.

Play like winners

The 2009 Crossfire boys have made the championship game in seven straight tournaments and events over the years; 10 finals in the last four-andhalf years.

Kretowicz explained that they’re a club that consistently plays against

Coach: Matthew Kretowicz

Players: Jorge Ayllon, Alex Carbajal, Ruben Carreno, Giovanni Cruz, Christopher Flores, Giovanni Flores, Giovanni Hernandez, Joaquin Jasso, Luca Kozlow, Noe Lopez, Diego Najera Mercado, Angel Ochoa, Jacob Schug, Brock Sciame, Ivan Shoulders, Jayden Tapia, Jorge Tapia, Samuel Ulanowski.

clubs not only double their size, but also double the residents in their respective towns.

“They’re a group that expects nothing less of themselves than to be playing in the finals at the end of each event,” he said.

The players are not only winners on the field, but off the field as well. The boys are high honor roll in school, participate in extracurriculars within the community, and are multi-sport athletes, something that the club encourages.

Going for the crown

The Illinois Cup Tournament is a statewide championship that’s open to Illinois Youth Soccer member travel teams. It consists of the highest level teams in Illinois, hoping to get crowned as the “best of the best” in their respective age groups. The final is hosted at Mercy Health Sportscore fields in Loves Park. This is the ultimate crown that teams work toward achieving one day. It’s a crown this group of boys hope to bring to Woodstock.

In the Illinois Cup, the team is currently positioned third in their group. They won May 18 with a score of 4-2 against the Chicago Knights, which was enough to send them through to the state semifinals and finals on June 1 and 2.

PHOTO BY VICKY LONG

Ellie Thurow

COLLEGE

the NCAA Division III Tournament Regional at DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana.

She was the pitcher of record in all three regional victories, and Coe is now in the NCAA Division III Super Regional against Case Western Reserve University. To win the regional, they defeated Baldwin Wallace University (4-2), Saint Mary’s University (6-3), and DePauw University (12-9).

In the slugfest win over DePauw, which hosted, Thurow only worked 4 1/3 innings to put her record to 18-4 on the season. She allowed seven earned runs on eight hits. She walked three.

She opened with the win over Baldwin Wallace. In seven innings of work, Thurow allowed two earned runs on five hits. She struck out four and walked one. In the triumph over Saint Mary’s, she allowed three earned runs on 12 hits. She walked two and fanned one.

Coe enters the Super Regional with a record of 34-9 overall. They were 12-4 in the American Rivers Conference.

“I do not think about how weary I am,” said Thurow. “I just go out there, enjoy the chance to pitch, and help my team win.”

Meghan Nixon (Woodstock) recently finished her softball season at Augustana College. Nixon, a junior infielder, played in 18 games and made 16 starts. The former Blue Streak player, who played shortstop most of the time, had five hits, one of which was a double. She crossed the plate five times, drove home a pair of runs and walked one. In the field, she made 26 putouts, 28 assisted putouts and six errors. Augustana finished 26-15 overall and 12-4 in the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin. They were second in the league only to Illinois Wesleyan University, who was 13-3.

TRACK AND FIELD

Ryan Jones (Marian Central Catholic) ran to a second-place finish in the 3,000-meter steeplechase at the Great Lakes Valley Conference Track and Field Championships. The Marengo native, running for the University of Illinois-Springfield, finished in 9 minutes, 12.87 seconds. Jones scored eight of the 27 points his team scored. UIS

STATE TRACK IN PROGRESS

2A State Track and Field Championships May 24.

took 10th in the meet. Missouri University of Science and Technology took first with 226 points.

BASEBALL

Mason Hege (Marian Central Catholic) was 2-for-5 as his college team, Carroll University, lost a 7-4 decision to Augustana College. The McHenry resident drove home one of the runs in the contest. In Carroll’s 5-3 win over Wheaton College, Hege was 1-for-3 with a walk. Carroll is 15-21 overall and 7-11 in the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin.

Dan Chamness writes The College Report for The Independent.

MESSAGE FROM CHAMNESS

If you have a son/daughter who

finished their career during the 20232024 school year, please alert me as soon as possible and we will get a career completion article done on them.

In dealing with the remnants of COVID, there is a bit of confusion about who is done and who is not. Athletes were afforded an extra year of eligibility. The aforementioned Ellie Thurow is a prime example. The Woodstock North graduate took advantage of a fifth year of eligibility given to her by the NCAA. She took the opportunity to play on and further her education.

I am also collecting names for the 2024-2025 school year. If you want to submit names in either case, please e-mail me (Dan62801@aol.com).

Due to the Memorial Day holiday, The Woodstock Independent has an early deadline. Full results of this weekend’s State contests will run June 5.

INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY LISA KUNZIE Woodstock High School’s Tyler Moon competes in shot put at the IHSA