Woodstock Independent 3/27/24

The Woodstock

COMMUNITY

Wild horses couldn’t keep her away from Woman of the Year

PAGE 14

SCHOOLS

Young authors recognized for their creativity in competition

PAGE 9

Lifelong friends from Mexico open new Woodstock salon

PAGE 13

New sales tax takes effect July 1

By Eileen Millard NEWS@THE WOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

McHenry County voters have decided mental health services should be funded by a new sales tax rather than a property taxes levy.

Although the final vote has not been certified, McHenry County Administrator Peter Austin said his office was

confident the March 19 referendum passed and that language for implementation was being drafted. The unofficial vote on Election Day was 18,004 for the 0.25 percent sales tax and 16,625 against, with late-arriving mailed ballots and provision votes yet to be counted.

According to McHenry County Deputy Administrator Scott Hartman,

FIRST SNOW OF SPRING

mental health funding has been flat for the past 10 years, hovering around $10 million a year. As costs for mental health services increased and the county’s property tax levy dropped from $78 million to $71 million in that same period, the County Board decided to put the question on the primary election ballot this year to try to

You can become patron of the arts

By Larry Lough LARRY@THE WOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

People who like the idea of a sculpture in the middle of Woodstock’s only traffic roundabout now have a way to support the project.

Private fundraising is underway to supplement the $50,000 the city committed to the project a year ago. City officials are looking for an additional $25,000 after members of the City

Council balked at putting any more public money into the budget for artwork at the circular intersection where Lake Avenue meets Madison and South streets.

Council members last week authorized a letter of intent to proceed with a proposal made last June by local sculptor Bobby Joe Scribner, who also created the sculpture of Orson Welles that was dedicated in 2018 in the “Woodstock on Film and on the Stage

and Sculpture Garden” walkway next to Classic Cinemas Theater on Main Street.

The proposal was approved by the council without discussion or dissent as part of the consent agenda at the March 19 meeting.

The city plans to pay its share of the project costs with funds from the tax increment financing district, which diverts growth in property tax revenue

INDEPENDENT

Mural

Primary 2024: No real surprises

By Larry Lough LARRY@THE WOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

Woodstock voters last week helped to fill out the Nov. 5 ballot, but they didn’t have many contested races to decide.

Still, unofficial totals showed more than 35,000 people voted in McHenry County, or 17.55 percent of registered voters. Totals do not include late-arriving vote-by-mail ballot or provisional ballots.

In the only strictly local contest, Republicans did choose Paul Thomas over Peter Suffield in Woodstock-centric County Board District 7 to challenge Democratic incumbent Louisett (Lou) Ness in the fall. Thomas won his party’s primary with nearly two-thirds of the vote. Ness won a two-year term in 2022, but the seat will revert to a four-year term with this November’s election.

Voters in the county went with the winners in the presidential and congressional elections.

President Joe Biden received 94.42 percent of the Democratic vote for renomination, and former President Donald Trump captured 78.46 percent of the local Republican vote. Because the county favors Republicans, Trump received more votes, 14,916 to Biden’s

Bill Foster

13,417.

Local Democrats supported the renomination of 11th District Congressman Bill Foster of Naperville, giving him nearly 74 percent of the vote over Qasim Rashid in McHenry County. Foster, a scientist and businessman, has been in Congress for seven terms, but this is only his second in the new 11th District, which includes Woodstock in a sprawling suburban district that is made up of parts of eight counties.

Challenging Foster will be music school owner Jerry Evans of Warrenville, who won a three-way race last week in his second campaign for the GOP nomination for Congress. He won 52 percent of the McHenry County vote.

The Republican runner-up was Susan Hathaway-Altman of Geneva, who captured more than 37 percent of the McHenry County votes as the only candidate to embrace Trump’s contention

that the 2020 president race was fraudulent.

Winners’ statements

Foster thanked his supporters in an election night statement.

“While we celebrate tonight’s victory, we have no time to waste to get back to work, especially with so much at stake for our nation,” he said. “Republicans are gearing up to target the district once again so they can pass a nationwide abortion ban, block sensible gun safety legislation, gut the ACA, pollute the environment and roll back so much of the progress we’ve made over the past few years. We can’t let that happen.”

Because the Democratic supermajority in the Illinois Legislature drew district lines to favor incumbents – 14 Democrats, three Republicans – political analysts don’t consider any of the 17 to be competitive.

In a “We won!” statement, Evans said he was “humbled” by the support he received.

“I will need your support and vote in November as we try to bring common sense change to a broken system in Washington, D.C.” his statement said. “My goal is to make our area the best place to live, work, and raise a family!”

Few upsets, few voters for primary election

By Peter Hancock Capital News Illinois PHANCOCK@CAPITOLNEWSILLINOIS.COM

SPRINGFIELD – With only a few exceptions, incumbent officeholders in Illinois cruised to easy victories in primary elections last week that were marked by historically low voter

REFERENDUM

Continued from Page 1

keep up the current level of care provided to county residents.

What the referendum means

The extra sales tax will be charged on retail purchases starting July 1, meaning that consumers will pay an additional 25 cents in sales tax for every $100 in purchases. Groceries and medications are exempt.

It also means that the $11 million for the Mental Health Board on the property tax levy will be removed Nov. 30.

Property owners will see the difference reflected on the first installment

Unofficial vote from March 19 primary in local contested races.

DEMOCRATIC BALLOT

President

Joseph R. Biden Jr. – 13,147 (94.42%)

Marianne Williamson – 395 (2.84%)

Dean Phillips – 258 (1.8%)

Frank ‘Frankie’ Lazade – 124 (0.89%)

Congress

11th District

Bill Foster – 5,555 (73.66%)

Qasim Rashid – 1,986 (26.34%)

REPUBLICAN BALLOT

President

Donald J. Trump – 14,916 (78.46%)

Nikki Haley – 3,128 (16.45%)

Ron DeSantis – 511 (7.69%)

Chris Christie – 380 (2.0%)

Ryan L. Brinkley – 75 (0.39%)

Congress

11th District

Jerry Evans 4,642 (52.02%)

Susan Hathaway-Altman – 3,359 (37.64%)

O Kent Mercado, Bartlett – 923 (10.34%)

McHenry County Board

District 7

Paul Thomas – 10,53 (65.94%)

Peter Suffield – 544 (34.06%)

SALES TAX REFERENDUM

turnout.

Although final numbers won’t be known for several more days, preliminary returns from many of the state’s larger counties showed turnout hovering in the range of 20 to 25 percent.

That compares to a statewide average of 47 percent in 2016, when the White House was an open race, and

of their property tax bill in 2025, on the line titled, “McHenry County.” Austin said that since the county levy amount will now be decreased by about 15 percent, property owners should see the McHenry County line item decrease by roughly the same percentage. However, that levy is only about 6 percent of the overall tax bill for Woodstock property owners, so the bill will decrease by less than 1 percent.

The change means that mental health services will now be supported by all county residents, not just property owners, and that people from outside the county will also contribute with their retail shopping done here.

As for the revenue the change might

28 percent during the pandemicimpacted primaries in 2020.

That may have been due to the fact that there were few truly competitive races, especially at the top of the ballot. Democratic President Joe Biden and Republican former President Donald Trump had already won enough delegates to win their nominations.

bring, Austin expects that the additional sales tax will generate between $12 million and $13 million a year, based on an analysis of retail sales tax revenue over recent years.

County Board Chairman Michael Buehler welcomed the change.

“With the success of the referendum, we will be able to fully fund McHenry County’s mental health initiatives with a sales tax, while delivering muchneeded property tax relief by eliminating the longtime levy,” Buehler said in a statement. “We gave the public the choice and provided them with the facts they needed to make an informed decision, and I am very pleased with this outcome.”

“To pay for mental health purposes, shall McHenry County be authorized to impose an increase on its share of local sales tax by one-quarter (1/4) percent and discontinue the current property tax levy funding mental health services and the mental health board?”

Yes – 18,004 (52.54%)

No – 16,265 (47.46%)

Voters: 35,124

Registered voters: 200,131

Turnout: 17.55%

The ayes have it by about 5 percentage points to create a countywide sales tax to fund mental health services, replacing property tax dedicated to that purpose.

Jerry Evans

SCULPTURE

Continued from Page 1

into incentives designed to drive growth and development.

14-gauge steel, painted

Scribner’s idea was one of three received last summer in response to a request for proposals. Because of the higher-than-budgeted costs projected, the city’s Arts Commission chose to seek additional proposals.

When the three original submitters revised their proposals in July, the costs were even higher, including Scribner’s $55,000. The commission in November voted to recommend the council approve that plan after a consensus that the proposed $30,000 artist’s fee was too low.

Preliminary fundraising to make up the difference is underway, according to a staff report by Garrett Anderson, the city’s director of Economic Development.

Anne Marie Lenzini, chairwoman of the Arts Commission, said that based on conversations with potential donors, she was “very confident” the $25,000 would be raised.

In a letter to the city, Scribner said the sculpture would be made of 14-gauge steel and painted a metallic bronze.

“The overall appearance would be tree-like, with the smaller figures representing growth or future generations,” he wrote. “As a side note, the gestures are derived from Mozart’s ballet ‘Idomeneo.’”

Although the sculptor said the piece would be about 13 feet tall by 10 feet wide, Lenzini said it was expected to be about 16 feet high when placed on the base. The Christmas tree there in December was 30 feet tall, she noted.

Scribner has told the commission the work would take six to eight months to complete, Lenzini said, saying the city wanted “to make sure we have it by the holidays if not before.”

Site work already done

About $9,000 of city money has already been spent on site costs, Anderson reported, specifically electrical wiring and a pedestal for the Christmas tree that was placed in the roundabout for the holidays. That leaves about $11,000 for additional site costs, such as landscaping.

Scribner’s budget includes $2,000 for design and $8,000 for materials, with labor of $38,000, plus costs for a concrete base, installation, and miscellaneous consumables as part of the work.

The Arts Commission tackled the sculpture project as part of a public art plan for Woodstock.

“The overall appearance would be tree-like,” sculptor Bobby Joe Scribner wrote, “with the smaller figures representing growth. ...”

GOODASNEW!

Spring Break Jewelry Repair Sale

25% o all in-house repairs through March 31st!

OBITUARIES

Dale L. Bye, 72

Dale L. Bye, 72, of Woodstock, passed away on Friday March 15, 2024, at his home in Woodstock.

He was born in Belvidere on July 22, 1951, to Raymond and Helen (Hyser) Bye. He married Connie Streit on May 23, 1970, in Woodstock.

Dale worked as a carpenter for Zimmerman Construction Co. for about 40 years. He enjoyed building classic cars and was known as a jack of all trades. He would help family and friends with anything. He loved to ride horses with his wife. He was loved and will be missed.

He is survived by his wife, Connie; a daughter, Tammy Popaeko; a brother, Maynard (Carol) Bye; four sisters, Betty Crain, Joyce “Toots” Ware, Nancy Hitzman, and Patty (significant other Dan Newman) Mullin; three grandchildren, Brandon Walsh, Taylor Raffaelli, and Camden Quiros; many cousins; a special niece, Susan Conro; and many other nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Jennie L. Bye; his parents; brothers and sister, Ronald (Bucky) Bye, Barbara McCulmon, and Wayne Bye.

A celebration of life will be held at the Woodstock Moose Lodge, 406 Clay St., in Woodstock on Sunday, April 7, 2024, from noon to 3 p.m. Interment services will be private.

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

PUBLIC SAFETY LOG

Woodstock Police Department

■ Edgar A. Ross, 28, Woodstock, was arrested March 8 at Donovan Avenue and Clay Street on charges of driving while license revoked and failure to signal when required. Released with notice to appear in court. Court date March 21.

Richard J. Cairns, 82

Richard J. Cairns, age 82, of Woodstock, passed away March 18, 2024, at Florence Nursing Home in Marengo.

Richard was born June 19, 1941, in Woodstock to George and Frances (née Foreman) Cairns. He was a “Blue Baby” and was mentally challenged for life from that.

He was a good mechanic and made special friendships with some kind people who took him under their wings, such as Harold Winkleman, Dan Raupp, Ben Widoff, and Riley’s Garage.

Richard is survived by his brothers, Robert, Terry (Janet), and Charles Cairns; sister, Ella (Richard) Davidson; eight nephews; one niece; five grandnephews; and 13 grandnieces.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Linda and Sylvia; all grandparents, aunts, uncles, and a sister-inlaw, Wilfrida Cairns.

Visitation will take place Wednesday, March 27, 2024, from noon until the funeral service at 1 p.m. at the Schneider, Leucht, Merwin & Cooney Funeral Home, 1211 N. Seminary Ave., Woodstock, IL.

Interment will be in Oakland Cemetery in Woodstock.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to Florence Nursing Home, 546 E. Grant Hwy, Marengo, IL 60152, would be appreciated.

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

Email obituaries to pr@thewoodstockindependent.com.

■ Luis M. Garcia Prado, 18, Woodstock, was arrested March 17 in the 1500 block of Scarlett Way on a charge of consumption of alcohol under 21. Released with notice to appear in court. Court date April 11.

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

Woodstock Fire/Rescue District

Ambulance runs March 14-20: 62

Fire runs

Structure fire: 3

Combustible spills/leaks: 1

Public service assistance: 11

Cover assignment/standby: 3

Wrong location/no emergency found: 1

Steam/gas mistaken for smoke: 1

System/detector malfunction: 1

Unintentional system/detector: 7

Total: 90

Dale L. Bye

Richard J. Cairns

STUDIO

Removal of this graffiti on the U.S. 14 overpass caused the Illinois Department of Transportation last week to plan the closing of the south side of the eastbound lane of West South Street in Woodstock. Flaggers were to provide traffic control while IDOT did the work during times that did not interfere with arrival or dismissal times at nearby Westwood Elementary School.

INDEPENDENT

PHOTO BY KEN FARVER

City Council shows Fire/Rescue District the door (funding)

By Larry Lough LARRY@THE WOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

Woodstock Fire/Rescue District will get new doors on the front of Station 1, with a little help from friends in city government.

The longest discussion of last week’s City Council meeting involved a proposal to spend $15,000 in TIF façade restoration funds toward a $60,000 project to install new doors – two entrances and three overhead doors –for station No. 1 at 435 E. Judd St. WFRD is a separate taxing unit from the city, unlike fire department in many communities, but they share

some services, such as IT.

“It doesn’t seem right to me that one taxing body is receiving funding from another taxing body,” Councilman Bob Seegers Jr. said. “... I’m uncomfortable with it.”

Mayor Mike Turner said Seegers raised a fair question, but that the project improved the look of Woodstock, which façade grants are intended to do.

“Although it’s unusual,” the mayor said, “I’m comfortable with it.”

City Attorney Ruth Schlossberg said the use of those funds was not prohibited by law, and City Manager Roscoe Stelford said guidelines for use of

façade grants “are not that rigid.”

Seegers voted with other council members to support the request, but warned he wouldn’t next time.

“I don’t want to do this anymore,” he said.

Opera House work approved

In other business last week, the council:

n Approved two projects as part of the Opera House renovation being funded by a $3.9 million state grant and $1.6 million in local funds; JRLX of Tinley Park will be paid $237,523 for LED lighting upgrades, and Thompson Electronics Co. of Peoria will

provide audio and visual upgrades for $537,000.

n Heard Stelford preview the March 25 public hearing and budget workshop; the proposed budget includes new city personnel for positions council members asked for as well as an increase in water and sewer rates to address projects such as replacing lead water lines as required by the federal government. The council is scheduled to approve the budget April 16.

n Renamed Merryman Fields ballpark No. 6 in honor of the late Arthur Thomas Brink, a longtime youth baseball volunteer and president of Woodstock Little League from 1979 to 1999.

Opinion

Woodstock, IL • 1987

Community liking ‘vibe’ at Hearthstone

When the Woodstock Moose Lodge had its regular charity burger night in late February, funds raised were given to Hearthstone Communities.

Those dollars, more than $1,800, couldn’t do much to help the financially troubled retirement and elder care community, Woodstock’s largest, for which expenses exceeded income by $2.5 million in 2022 after back-toback million-dollar losses the previous two years.

But it was the thought that counted, and it showed how much Hearthstone means to Woodstock.

That Feb. 22 fundraiser came two weeks to the day after management of Hearthstone was turned over to a new company with a history of rescuing troubled healthcare properties.

SAK Healthcare, according to the company’s website, “specializes in advising distressed healthcare facilities that require strategic redirection and turnaround management services.”

A week after SAK assumed control, residents welcomed the news during a meeting with the new management team.

“There were very positive vibes today,” said Suzanne Koenig, founder and CEO of SAK Healthcare, after meeting with residents.

Those good vibes surely spread

Pick more suitable site for new housing subdivision

Lucas Road, an east-west dividing line between Crystal Lake and Woodstock, has been targeted by both the city of Woodstock and a high-density housing developer to build 244 single-family homes and 76 duplexes for a total of 320 total units on 135 acres.

The planned density is about three homes per acre. A city neighborhood is four homes per acre. To achieve this level of crowding, the developer plans to separate the single family homes by 12 feetsix feet to your property line and another six to your next-door neighbor. Density is

throughout the community, which, like the residents, has had genuine concern for the past six months about uncertainty over the future of Hearthstone.

Much of that uncertainty grew out of the silence, and lack of information, from Hearthstone’s former managers.

The Independent first reported the financial troubles in August when writer Susan W. Murray wrote about the facility’s delinquent property taxes, unpaid bills, and neglected maintenance. Despite repeated requests for information, the community was kept in the dark – much like Hearthstone residents themselves were.

A big part of the reason for renewed optimism about Hearthstone is the result of Koenig’s willingness to discuss the issues involved.

“Residents and community will have a new beginning that will return Hearthstone to its glory days,” Koenig told The Independent in the days after she met with the residents.

And those were not just words.

As Murray reported in the March 6 edition, SAK announced it had paid $287,000 in overdue property taxes from 2020 and 2021. Although SAK had until May 2025 to pay those taxes, Koenig told The Independent it was important to settle that issue before

one obstacle with which to contend.

More serious obstacles are the consequences of building. The building site is highly flawed due to the projected degradation of the Kishwaukee River watershed, contamination of groundwater, and potential destruction of a sensitive aquifer recharge area. 100 percent of McHenry County’s drinking water, public and private both, is sourced from groundwater. Threequarters of that water comes from shallow sand/gravel aquifers (less than 100 feet deep).

Creating a large subdivision at the proposed site isolates the future home buyers from downtown Woodstock. It destroys remnant oak, each tree hundreds of years old. The site is on wetlands - wetlands

Hearthstone

residents

ing in the Village Fireside Café on March 20 for a check presentation from the Woodstock Moose Lodge 1329. The Moose hosted a burger night on Feb. 22 with a portion of the proceeds from sales and a 50/50 raffle donated to the senior living facility. The event, run by the Moose Lodge’s Margaret Cackler and Hearthstone’s dietary manager Jennifer Farrell and worked by a team of volunteers, raised $1,807.07. “The ongoing commitment to Hearthstone by the Woodstock community means the world to our residents and staff,” said Crystal Briggs, Hearthstone’s interim executive director, who accepted the check.

interest increased the amount due.

“We want every dollar to go to resident use rather than unnecessary penalties,” Koenig said.

Resident Carl Petersen welcomed that news as delivered by Crystal Briggs, Hearthstone’s interim manager. He shared with The Independent an email he and his wife, Charlotte, had sent to Koenig.

“Having Crystal personally deliver

serve as filters for water flowing into the shallow sand/gravel aquifer on which we depend for clean drinking water.

There are two sources of pollution to these sensitive waters. The first is pollution due to construction materials contaminating wetlands. Fine dust settles in the wetlands and choke outflow into the aquifer. The second is ongoing pollution due to the construction of 320 homesites and resultant runoff (think motor oil, antifreeze, windshield washer fluid, etc).

The city of Woodstock is justifiably attempting to monetize the open land with which we have been blessed. We are in agreement; Woodstock is a fine city in which we have lived and raised a family for more than three decades.

the good news today that the taxes have been paid nearly set off celebratory fireworks here in the Garden Homes,” the email said in part. “We are heaving a huge sigh of relief.”

Hearthstone has offered elder care in Woodstock for more than 120 years, which has solidified its bond with the community.

We join the Petersens in celebrating the promise of better days ahead.

Those of us following the Lucas Road proposal believe there is a much more suitable site – Apple Creek (off Dean Street south of U.S.14). This is an existing subdivision that is much closer to the city itself. It was envisioned as a housing development with more than 1,000 rooftops.

The first phase was built, and 900 more sites exist. Apple Creek is there and is shovel-ready with city water and sewer and schools close by. Why destroy sensitive soils, creeks, rivers and aquifers when you have land ready to go now?

Save the Kish – Build Out Apple Creek!

Louis Dolmon Woodstock

Rebecca

Larry

Sandy

INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY KEN FARVER

Communities

and staff applaud after gather-

You’re right; we got it wrong

Let me tell you something that is 100 percent accurate: The Woodstock Independent makes mistakes.

Each Tuesday morning when the printer delivers the papers to our office, the editor knows that somewhere within the thousands of words on dozens of pages he will find an error he and the staff did not catch.

It doesn’t often occur in the headline at the top of Page 1, but it did in the Feb. 28 edition.

Some readers let us know about it.

In one email, a reader merely used the headline as her text, “Where is school bullying occur?”

It was embarrassing.

We apologized in our response to her, explaining that in correcting one error we had noticed, we committed another. That’s not a good reason, but it is the truth.

I often say errors that show up in the paper are “team mistakes.” That is, seldom is one person responsible. But somehow the error escaped our editors and proofreader.

And to be honest, when pages are proofed and mistakes fixed, we’re not always good at having the proofreader check the corrected page. We have to do better.

When the story with the faulty headline appeared the next day on our website, the headline was fine: “Where does school bullying occur?”

That’s the advantage of digital media; mistakes can easily be corrected to erase errors. But once they appear in the ink-on-paper edition, they live forever.

Of course, you will rarely see a newspaper edition that is errorfree. The chairman of the journalism department where I once taught commented on a reader’s letter that

Continued from Previous page

Growth of city is good, but not just for sake of growth

In regards to the Lennar Riverwoods

Proposed Development:

I have others questioning me, as a real estate agent. Why am I against this development? Why do I not want growth for Woodstock?

As a real estate agent, my duty is to my clients. Knowing what I know about this proposed development, I could not in good conscience sell one of these homes. I know the soil, I know what the NRI states, I know what local experts have stated, and because of this I know that these homes will most likely have water in the basement as well as

took my newspaper to task for errors.

“It doesn’t surprise me that you make errors,” he told me. “I’m surprised you don’t make more.”

Newspaper editors often complain their staffs are asked to do too much in too little time with too few people – even weekly newspapers.

The Independent has a corrections policy, which we occasionally print. It notes that we take accuracy seriously and asks readers to call factual errors to our attention so we can set the record straight in the next week’s issue and make sure it’s correct in our online edition.

Factual errors include objective misspellings of people’s names, wrong dates and addresses, and things we reported inaccurately. We distinguish those from errors of judgment, which are subjective.

If readers want to disagree with the stories we publish (or don’t publish) and with our editorial positions, we urge them to write a letter to the editor, which we are happy to publish.

One reader, who identified herself as a retired local educator living in Florida, was as embarrassed as we were by the headline error.

“Imagine my surprise at reading your headline of the Feb. 28-March 5 issue!” she wrote. “I often share my paper here in [Florida], but won’t this time as the obvious question is ‘Doesn’t someone proof that paper?’ Oops!”

What a shame. Despite the prominent headline error, that edition had lots to like.

The story with the headline mistake was a good report (if the author says so himself) about the new antibullying program in District 200 schools to encourage students to report dangerous behaviors so they can be addressed by administrators and parents.

Also in the news section was a “good news” profile on twins Joseph and Robert Gerloff, Woodstock North High School students, who qualified as finalists in the prestigious National Merit Scholarship program. And we had a report on how local residents can get involved in the 20-year plan for growth and development of our city.

The most unique story was Susan W. Murray’s feature on the interior design business of Erin Nevel, who operates her traveling enterprise from a van! And in Schools, Jan Dovidio told us about the One Book, One School program in D-200, which promotes family involvement in a student’s reading assignment.

Writer Tricia Carzoli wrote in A&E about the novel of a Woodstock author who drew on his experiences in the Canadian bushland, and readers could get information in the Community section about next month’s annual Gardenfest.

Sports had details on the state championship won by Marian Central’s wrestling team.

We believe that content was worth reading beyond a headline error.

Larry Lough is editor of The Woodstock Independent. His email is larry@ thewoodstockindependent.com..

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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

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COLUMNISTS

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

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CORRESPONDENTS

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

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foundation issues. Who will these problems fall on? The homeowners. Once they have these issues, they will have difficulty reselling these homes because they will have to disclose those issues.

These homes will also be selling around $350,000 to $400,000. That is not affordable for Woodstock residents as the average price for a three-bedroom home sold in Woodstock over the last year was $316,000.

I am not against growth for Woodstock. I’m against growth for the sake of growth. I’m against the location of the subdivision, the size of the subdivision, the density of the subdivision, the safety of surrounding roads. I’m against

putting duplexes in the middle of nowhere. I’m against the environmental impact that the development will have in many ways – the city’s drinking water, potentially killing the Kish, displacement of wildlife, destruction of thousands of trees, the effects on surrounding wells.

This development does not feel like Woodstock to me. I am not going to go along with something because I think that it will better my career and make me money. I have integrity, and I’m encouraging the city of Woodstock to have some as well.

Megan Liebetrau Woodstock

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By Kevin Lyons DISTRICT 200

‘Finding their voice’

D-200 Young Authors winners recognized for storytelling skills

Most 6-year-olds don’t know many literary devices yet, but Olson first-grader Jack Nenni sure knows the alphabet. Jack turned those letters into colorful characters who starred in his award-winning Young Authors manuscript.

Jack’s book “Letters to Numbers” was one of 10 student works chosen by a judges panel of current and retired educators in the 2024 Woodstock School District 200 Young Authors competition.

In the story, the letters were trapped on an island, and each selected ways to escape the island with things that represented their letter. For example, the letter A wanted to make an airplane, B wanted a boat, C suggested a canoe, while D wanted to ride a dolphin.

“Jack’s manuscript was so creative,” said Kristen Sauber, a district instructional coach who oversees the Young Authors program. “It was very apparent that Jack spent a lot of time coming up with all the different ways the letters could get off the island. We had several judges mention how much they enjoyed his story.”

41 students entered

Jack said he thought of the book concept at home and that his mom encouraged him to keep going with the manuscript even when he got a little tired.

“Some of the letters were hard to come up with ideas for,” he said.

Jack said he was also challenged to draw the illustrations for each letter. When he was stuck, his mom would draw a picture that he would try to copy.

In Jack’s story, the letters eventually arrived at a new island, but this one was populated with numbers, leaving open the possibility of a sequel.

“It might take a little while to write all of the numbers,” he said, “because I think there might be more numbers than letters.”

First-grader Jack Nenni shows the cover of his win ning manuscript in the Young Authors compe tition of School District 200. He was one of the 10 winners from among 41 submissions.

William Triplett’s artwork is shown is shown at right. Story about his work on Page 10.

Sauber said judges read 41 student works submitted for districtwide judging by grade level according to provided rubrics measuring creativity, sentence structure, and other literary criteria.

“We had a variety of manuscripts – fantasy, realistic fiction, historical fiction, informational, and true stories sharing important people, animals and events in the children’s lives,” she said. “We also had manuscripts submitted in both English and Spanish.

“It was wonderful to see the students finding their voice and sharing stories that are important to them with a larger audience.”

Winners are ...

The 2024 Young Authors competition winners are:

n Jack Nenni, “Letters to Numbers,” Olson Elementary, first grade

n Declan Di Guido and Alexander Levato, “Two Swordless Warriors,” Westwood Elementary, fourth grade

n William J. Triplett, “The Night of the Missing Queen,” Verda Dierzen, kindergarten

n Dawsyn Sheahan, “The Cheer Pup,” Mary Endres Elementary, first grade

n Declan Burley, “Rory the Dog,” Prairiewood Elementary, second grade

n Uriel Jasso-Gonzalez, “El Ático Embrujado,” Dean Street Elementary, third grade

n Maggie Bonham, “The Titanic –Corresponding Story,” Greenwood Elementary, fourth grade

n Eric Smith, “Tales From the Pizza Guy,” Clay Academy, eighth grade

n Violet Levato, “World’s End,” Northwood Middle School, sixth grade

n Vivienne Gwaltney, “New Days,” Creekside Middle School, sixth grade

Kevin Lyons is communications director of School District 200.

D200 PHOTOS

Library great source of help for young author

By Janet Dovidio NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

Kindergarten student William J. Triplett has already experienced success as an author at the age of 6.

The dual-language student attends Verda Dierzen Early Learning Center, with Spanish teacher Jessie Justice and English teacher Kirsten Zadlo. He is the son of Jeff and Jennett Triplett.

“He handed me a paper from school about the Young Author’s contest,” his mother said. “William was so excited, telling me that he could write a book for school and enter it in a contest.”

And he knew what he wanted to write.

“I have a story in my brain I want to use,” William told her.

He sought the help of Woodstock Public Library’s Kate Tripp, who is head of Youth and Young Adult Services. William is a regular patron who talks with Tripp about what he

Alexander Odahowski, a senior at Marian Central Catholic High School, is the son of Carol and Mitch Odahowski, McHenry. He was nominated by his guidance counselor, who referred to him as one of the kindest young men at Marian. ”His quiet confidence is endearing and he is a pleasure to be around,” his counselor wrote. “He has a great way of not taking things too seriously.”

A high honor roll student, Alexander is also on the Principals list. A member of the Spanish Honor Society, he earned the AP Scholar academic improvement awards.

Alexander is one of the founders of the Green Club at Marian. He also plays varsity

reads.

“He has been friends with Kate since the first time we walked into the Woodstock Library with him dressed as Batman years ago,” Jennett added.

William dictated his story on his mom’s phone with voice to text technology. His mother sent that to Tripp, who copied and pasted the text into a Microsoft Publisher document and fixed only minor grammatical errors. He also drew and colored all of the illustrations.

“The best parts were making the pictures, telling the story, picking out the color of the cover, and working with my library friend Kate,” William said. “She helped me a lot. The experience was awesome!”

Just the beginning

Tripp said William wanted to do it right.

“He wanted a title page, copyright

Woodstock dental hygienist Diane Messman catches up on local news in The Woodstock Independent while in Negril, Jamaica, on a medical/dental mission trip with the Joshua Mission of Cary. Take The Independent on your next vacation, take a photo, and send it to pr@thewoodstockindependent.com to be featured.

COURTESY PHOTO

Librarian Kate Tripp celebrates kindergartner William Triplett’s success in the District 200 Young Authors competition.

COLLEGE CURRENTS AUTHOR

Ashley Janeczko invited for scholars visit at Dubuque

Ashley Janeczko, a student at Woodstock North High School, was among about 60 high-achieving high school seniors who attended the University of Dubuque’s annual Second Century Scholars Day Feb. 16 on the Iowa campus.

The program awards two renewable full-tuition scholarships and several onetime Distinguished Scholar awards to incoming first-year students who have a GPA of 3.75 or higher. Students completed a series of interviews and a writing exercise, learned about UD’s ScholarLeader Honors Program, and met with UD faculty and students.

Laura Wolf student teaching in Crystal Lake District 47

Laura Wolf from Woodstock, who is studying elementary education at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, is a student teacher in elementary and middle school in School District 47 in Crystal Lake during the spring 2024 semester.

Wolf, a student in the College of Education and Professional Studies, is among 176 UW-Whitewater students who are doing student teaching.

COLLEGES AND CAREERS

About 600 Woodstock and Woodstock North high school students attended the What’s Next Expos, a College and Career Fair at WNHS on 14. Tanya Thomas, district college and career counselor, said 50 colleges were represented, along with nine trades and military organizations and 55 businesses and organizations.

Continued from Page 9

page, biography page, and a synopsis of the book on the back cover,” she said. “We decided he couldn’t have a real copyright page, so we added a ‘Williamright’ page at the front of his book, which is titled ‘The Night of the Missing Queen.’”

William couldn’t wait to tell Tripp that he was one of five winners at his school and would soon advance to the final district judging. He finished as the overall winner from his class.

Jennett indicated that the experience has definitely given William’s writing confidence a boost. He is already talking about doing it again next year.

“This was a really fun experience,” Tripp said. “William is one of my favorite ‘little patrons,’ as I like to call them, and I am super honored that he asked me for help. When I posted our process on the library’s Facebook page, I wasn’t expecting over 300 people to react to it!”

William has the last word

“Yes,” he confirmed, “I hope to keep writing stories in the future more and more times.”

Young Authors is a districtwide program coordinated by instructional coach Kristen Sauber. The Young Authors recognition will take place at the April 9 Board of Education meeting.

D200 PHOTO

‘What were you thinking?’

Woodstock native’s recently published memoir recalls adventures from his youth

By Tricia Carzoli

NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

Woodstock High School graduate Joe Svoboda had a story to tell, a story of coming-of-age at a time when cellphones were not the norm and important mail came to the door and not from a computer.

Svoboda said his recently published book, “Brothers, Bears, and Beers,” has resonated well with those of his generation, but the tales themselves remind a younger generation of a simpler time and that young people are the same –no matter when they were “young.”

“I think most people of a certain age can relate,” he said. “There is a time when you live experiences where, when you look back, you wonder, ‘What were you thinking?’ And then, you usually say, ‘I wasn’t.’”

It was that spirit of reckless freedom that allowed Svoboda to embrace adventures that included big-game hunting in Alaska, Canadian fishing expeditions, and canoeing in Missouri, among others.

“After graduation from Woodstock High School [class of 1971], I went to Monmouth College,” he said. “I was really into Jacques Cousteau and underwater exploration at the time.”

He spent his time studying marine biology and forming lifelong bonds with his fraternity brothers. He and his friends went on vacations together, enjoying both good beer and making memories.

Unprepared for adventure

Not to be deterred, he undertook his plan B with vigor. He left Illinois and headed to Alaska with his college roommate, and for six months, the pair explored the vast state. At the time, more than 85 percent of the land had been untouched by human footsteps.

Exciting anecdotes arose from those six months. One storied tale from his book recounts his first time caribou hunting. The two friends set out with no experience and ended up in an awkward situation with a grizzly bear in the Alaskan wild.

The bush helicopter pilot left them in the wilderness where “it became evident that we were unprepared probably 10 minutes into our excursion,” Svoboda recalled.

exploration, hunting, fishing, and helicopter rides dominated this time in his life. It is where his love of geology became the core of his passion.

Documenting adventures

Svoboda went on to earn a master’s degree in geology and proceeded to work in oil exploration, spending time in Denver working for Chevron, Colorado and Texas working for Union Pacific Resources Tesoro Oil Co., before building his own company, Freedom Natural Resources Pipe Management, before he retired to Washington – where his book started to take shape.

“I had friends who enjoyed the stories I had,” Svoboda said. “They were saying I should write them down.”

within his grasp.

Memoir moves around

What transpired, after some encouragement from his wife and others, is a book that embraces a time that memoirs are built on.

For Svoboda, it is a story that hearkens back to time spent with friends – who are still alive – and who have enjoyed reading about the past escapades that had built such strong bonds and unimaginable adventures.

After graduating with a degree in marine biology, Svoboda applied to graduate school.

His initial rejection ultimately led to the experiences that would form the crux of “Brothers, Bears, and Beers.”

While they lacked the aptitude necessary to hunt or endure the environment well, the college graduates survived the ordeal – which set them on a course that not many are fortunate enough to experience.

They enjoyed Tom Sawyeresque adventures with similar boyish energy – albeit with adult responsibility. Volcanoes, scientific

He tried to document some of his adventures, but Svoboda found that he didn’t really enjoy sitting and writing.

“I much preferred going on hikes,” he said. “I had other things I wanted to do more.”

When the pandemic hit, Svoboda found himself in a different position – and writing a book seemed well

“Brothers, Bears, and Beers” is a memoir that launches in Woodstock, moves to Missouri, travels to Canada, and tackles the Alaskan wilderness. The book covers a time period from 1972 to 1975, when strong friendships, exciting adventures, and the freedom of the beginning of the third decade in Svoboda’s life are fleshed out with perfect hindsight and humor.

“Brothers, Bears, and Beers” is available locally at Read Between the Lynes as well as through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or any bookstore.

Proceeds from the book will go to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.

Joe Svoboda

INDEPENDENT

PHOTO BY KEN FARVER

Author Joe Svoboda is shown in this 1975 photo with Ray Gillen, his best friend from college, as they hold a 65-pound Kenai River salmon they caught in Alaska.

Holy Week Schedule

• Maundy Thursday, March 28, 5 p.m.

• Good Friday, March 29, 5 p.m.

• Easter Sunday, March 31, 9 a.m.

401 St. Johns Road Woodstock, IL stjohnswoodstock.com

PICTURE THIS

The McHenry County Historical Society’s Museum, located at 6422 Main St., Union, is now open for the season. New exhibits include, “Wired! Electrifying Rural McHenry County.” This exhibit tells the story of the J. R. Beard farm, which was electrified in 1938 in collaboration with the Public Service Company of Northern Illinois. Located near Woodstock, this farm was open to the public to demonstrate the conveniences gained through utilizing electrical devices for farm and farm home tasks. Also on display are early electrical appliances from the MCHS collection. Museum hours are Tuesday - Friday from 1 to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Please visit mchenrycountyhistory.org for more information.

Ed Hall of the Woodstock Elks Lodge dresses up as the Easter Bunny and visits the pediatrics department at Woodstock Memorial Hospital on South Street in 1965. Hall dressed up as the Easter Bunny for more than 30 years. Bonnie Granger is the only identified nurse on the far left.

Don Peasley Photo Collection, McHenry County Historical Society

Business

Transactions filed in the McHenry County Recorder’s Office March 5 to 8

■ Residence at 8508 White Oaks Court, Wonder Lake, was sold by CalAtlantic Group LLC, Schaumburg, to Celina Loredo, Wonder Lake, for $338,300.

■ Residence at 8509 White Oaks Court, Wonder Lake, was sold by CalAtlantic Group LLC, Schaumburg, to Indre Aleksaite, Wonder Lake, for $328,570.

■ Residence at 1009 Heron Way, Woodstock, was sold by The Walter J. Martino Revocable Trust, Woodstock, to Michael Eesley, Woodstock, for $420,000.

■ Residence at 2153 Sweetwater Drive, Wonder Lake, was sold by Scott I. Jacobson, Crystal Lake, to Jason Donat, Woodstock, for $326,500.

■ Residence at 749 N. Sharon Drive, Woodstock, was sold by Joseph E. Balhut, Plainfield, to The Cassidy S. Kurkiewicz Revocable Trust, Woodstock, for $410,500.

■ Residence at 509 E. Lake St., Woodstock, was sold by Jeanenne C. Smith, Rock City, to Mario Rivera Hernandez, Woodstock, for $98,000.

■ Vacant land, approximately 47.5 acres, on Fleming Road, Woodstock, was sold by Kelarney LLC, Woodstock, to The Kelly N. Johnson Trust, Elkhorn, Wis., for $949,460.

■ Residence at 1613 Bull Valley Drive, Woodstock, was sold by Kristine N. Anderson, Woodstock, to Teodulo Mendoza Sanchez, Woodstock, for $770,000.

■ Residence at 1512 Rhett Place, Woodstock, was sold by The Dawn M. Baitman Irrevocable Trust, Palatine, to Pedro Rivera, Woodstock, for $215,000.

Designing space to pamper customers

Antaria Beauty Salon & Barber Shop opens on Calhoun

By Susan W. Murray NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

On March 1, The Woodstock Independent got new neighbors, adding some welcome hustle and bustle to the east end of Calhoun Street.

Antaria Beauty Salon and Barber Shop offers a wide range of services, including men’s and women’s haircuts, styling, highlights, updos, extensions, keratin treatments to smooth the hair, waxing, facials, permanent waves, lash lifts, brolamination (reshaping of the brows), and make-up applications.

The shop has four stations, with the addition of a fifth planned, and co-owner Lety Juarez said that she hopes to add manicures and pedicures to the list of services down the road.

Two more cosmetologists and one more barber will eventually join Juarez, co-owner Mary Diaz, and barber Cecilio Gomez.

Lifelong friends

Juarez and Diaz grew up together in Mexico, sharing a love for cutting and styling hair.

Juarez practiced cutting hair on her dolls as a child, while Diaz had a real-life test subject in her sister.

“I would style my sister’s hair all the time,” she said.

The two graduated from high school in 2006 and finished cosmetology school together the next year.

For eight years, they taught classes at a beauty academy in Mexico before immigrating to the United States in 2018.

Because cosmetology licensing requirements differ between the two countries, Juarez and Diaz went back to school. They studied and completed their licensing requirements at the ABC School of Cosmetology in Cary from 2021 to 2023.

At that point, they decided to open their own salon and settled on the name “Antaria,” which translates to “the artist’s place,” Diaz said.

Four months of work

The former location of True Blue Dogs, at 667 E. Calhoun St., was the right price, came with a parking lot, and sees plenty of traffic that is headed to or from Eastwood Drive.

Because the unit was largely a blank canvas, “we liked that we could design our own space,” Juarez said.

That did not mean that the work was easy.

Concrete had to be ripped up to put in plumbing lines. Walls were built to divide the front of the salon from the back and to create a restroom for customers and employees. Cabinets, new flooring, and paint set the stage for a sleek, modern design infused with natural light from the south-facing windows.

The two added a children’s table and set of chairs where “the little ones can color and have fun,” Juarez said.

Putting the salon together ended up consuming four months before the door could be opened for business every Monday through Saturday.

Treating the customer nicely

Within the salon’s wide range of services, Juarez and Diaz agreed that they most enjoy doing highlights and applying make-up for their customers.

On the customer side, Juarez said that their patrons appreciate that “we treat them nicely.”

“We have received a lot of support from the community,” she said.

INDEPENDENT PHOTOS BY KEN FARVER Co-owner Lety Juarez (left), barber Cecilio Gomez, and co-owner Mary Diaz stand behind the chairs and shampoo bowls at Antaria Beauty Salon and Barber Shop. The shop offers a range of services, from men’s and women’s haircuts to make-up applications.

Antaria Beauty Salon and Barber Shop opened on March 1 at 667 E. Calhoun St., just west of Eastwood Drive.

Community

Patti Gruber gets the goods after being named Woman of the Year for 2024 by the Woodstock Professional and Business Women. Making the presentation during a dinner March 18 at Oliver’s was Kim Keefe, immediate past-president of WPBW and its Woman of the Year chairwoman.

‘She always puts veterans first’

Operation Wild Horse combines Patti Gruber’s two loves – veterans and wild horses

By Tricia Carzoli NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

Patti Gruber called it “such a huge honor” to be named by Woodstock Professional and Business Women as the WPBW Woman of the Year 2024.

Gruber, the founder and program director of Operation Wild Horse in Bull Valley, was presented the honor during a dinner March 18 at Oliver’s on Main Street.

A visibly overwhelmed Gruber said, “When I started this in 2017, I had no idea where it would be today.”

Gruber, whose family has military ties, is an accomplished dressage trainer and former dressage competitor. She made history with her wild mustang stallion Padré, who was the first and only wild horse to qualify, compete, and win at Dressage at Devon, the most prestigious

dressage show in the United States.

In 2017 she found a way to tie together her two great loves – veterans and wild horses – and Operation Wild Horse was born. Shortly thereafter OWH introduced her to a new love, Marine Corps veteran Jimmy Welch, who believed in Gruber and, subsequently, her mission.

When she turned Welch into a horse-lover, she knew she could find a way to reach a plethora of veterans and she sought to bring a sense of mission and purpose to both activeduty and veteran military members.

“Military veterans and wild mustangs and burros understand each other on an organic level,” Gruber said. “They utilize the same life skills to survive in the wild as in the military – with fight or flight. They were both owned by the government at one point and have no say over where they are sent and what becomes of them.”

Wild horses and burros are forced to learn to survive on their own. They often escape difficult, life-threatening circumstances on Bureau of Land Management Herd Management Areas and overcrowded holding pens.

Military veterans often find themselves struggling to fit into civilian life after many months deployed in intense situations.

Building strong bonds

Operation Wild Horse provides an environment in rural McHenry County to naturally allow the two to work together at their own pace and build strong bonds while encouraging barriers to break down.

“The bond between wild horses and veterans is truly magical,” Gruber said. “The mustangs are our therapists at Operation Wild Horse. They teach veterans about what their body language is saying to

those around them, how their emotions affect one another, and how to let down their walls and build relationships, starting with the mustang-veteran bond, then the veteran-veteran bond, and finally, the veteran-family/friend bonds.”

Kim Keefe, WPBW’s immediate past president and Woman of the Year Committee chairwoman, shared that Gruber instinctively knew many years ago that this would be a perfect pairing, but that it was fortunate for Woodstock and Bull Valley that she chose this area to be home to Operation Wild Horse.

“[We recognize her for] helping to enhance the community,” Keefe said.

Keefe went on to read portions of nomination letters, overwhelmingly crediting Gruber with providing “a safe haven for veterans,” “a safe space for women veterans,” and

INDEPENDENT

PHOTO BY TRICIA CARZOLI

‘Dive, dive, dive!’

Scouts experience WWII submarine, sleep in torpedo room

By Seth Rowe NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

In February, with the stars glistening in the sky, Boy Scouts from Woodstock Troop 329 slept and toured inside the Yerkes Observatory in Williams Bay, Wis.

Two weeks later, Troop 329 members traveled to Manitowoc, Wis., to sleep on and tour the USS Cobia, a submarine that fought in World War II.

At the Yerkes Observatory, the troop completed the astronomy merit badge and got to move the 55-foot-long world’s largest refractor telescope that Albert Einstein used to look at the stars. The Cobia is on the Manitowoc River at the Wisconsin Maritime Museum. Troop 329 has been going to the USS Cobia “for at least 20 years every other year,” said Critchell Judd, assistant scoutmaster and founder of 329. As for the Yerkes Observatory, this is the first time Troop 329 has done a tour and lock-in.

Hands-on activities

One activity troop members liked was being in the sub’s control room, where six Scouts all do different tasks. The first Scout would shout out where he sees the enemy vessel, then another Scout would shout “dive, dive, dive!” Then the remaining four Scouts in the control would do their tasks as quickly as they can.

Another thing troop members liked was climbing down into the bottom floor of the submarine and seeing just how cramped the sailors were in the submarine. The boys also tried deciphering words using Morse code.

Early in the night the troop got the opportunity to climb into the torpedo tubes in the USS Cobia.

When the tour was over and the troop got ready for bed, the boys slept on the beds that the sailors slept on in WWII. They slept in the torpedo room, and every time someone moved on a bed, everyone could hear the Scout trying to find a comfy spot on his bed.

In the morning the troop got a better look at the top of the submarine. They especially liked looking at the guns that were mounted to the sub and used in WWII.

When the troop went to Yerkes Observatory, members got to see how scientists made photographs of

BRIEFS

Marian fundraiser brings over $164,000 for school

More than $164,000 was raised during Marian Central Catholic High School’s annual dinner auction fundraising event.

The event March 9 at Starline Factory in Harvard was organized by Marian’s Advancement Office, led by the director, Kaitlin Bordeaux, and the auction volunteer committee.

The school’s alumni, parents, staff members, and community partners pitched in, Superintendent Mike Shukis said.

“Our Marian Central Catholic community is the epitome of generosity,” he said in a news release. “Their investment gives inspiration and provides for our students of today and plans for the generations of students of tomorrow.”

The evening debuted a “Meaningful Moment,” a testimonial video that highlighted one of Marian’s senior students, who spoke about the positive experience the school has had in his life and expressed gratitude for the donors who provide tuition assistance that enabled him to attend Marian.

Land Conservancy sale online through April 17

the stars on glass plates. Troop 329 was the first group to sleep in Yerkes Observatory rather than the cabin on the Yerkes property.

As the Yerkes cabin “is under renovation currently, … Troop 329 was our guinea pigs as to how a lock-in inside the observatory will work in the future” said Bill Brownell, astronomy merit badge counselor and Yerkes Observatory treasurer.

While doing the activities, the boys are learning about the history of these places.

“The Cobia and Yerkes are fun outings,” Judd said, “but they have some historic and educational activities.”

Scout-led trips

Almost every event and campout is planned by the Scouts at a Green Bar meeting- which is their meeting to prepare for the next 6 months to a year.

“Just the fact that they make the decisions on what they want to do gives them experience and the ability to ... come up with good options and how to do what they plan,” Judd said.

Scouts who made one or both trips are Donnie Andrews, Andrew Brown, Gavin Brown, Jasper Damiano, Jett Damiano, Brayden Fay, Cobin Fay, Connor Ryan, Rocco Mrozek, and Ben Webb.

Scoutmasters who accompanied the Scouts are Don Andrews, Josh Brown, Nick Damiano, Josh Fay, and Seth Rowe.

Seth Rowe, a writer for The Independent, is a member and assistant scoutmaster of Troop 329.

Native plants, shrubs, trees, rain barrels, and composters are available for preorder through April 17 during the Spring Sustainability Sale of The Land Conservancy of McHenry County.

Items can be purchased on TLC’s website, at store.conservemc.org/.

The sale offers a variety of native plants and shrubs. Oak trees in sizes ranging from 3-gallon to 10-gallon containers are also available to order. Plants start around $3.50, shrubs start at $39, and trees start at $42 and are listed as appropriate for sun, shade, or wet areas. The sale features some unique and unusual native plants in addition to more common varieties.

Items are available for pickup May 10 and 11 in Woodstock. Customers will be contacted regarding the pickup location and times.

TLC members receive a 10 percent discount with a special member code. A portion of the sales from the sale supports TLC’s land preservation work in McHenry County.

For more information or advice regarding native plant gardening and restoration, email Sarah Michehl at smichehl@conservemc.org or call 815-337-9502.

COURTESY PHOTOS

Members of Boy Scouts from Troop 329 gather around a gun mounted on the USS Cobia and used in World War II. They are (from left) Gavin Brown (behind gun barrel), Jett Damiano, Brayden Fay, Cobin Fay, Andrew Brown, Connor Ryan, Rocco Mrozek, and Jasper Damiano.

Brayden Fay lies in a torpedo tube aboard the USS Cobia.

Metra in town to explain plans for ‘modern yard’

Julian Senn-Raemont NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

Even without much publicity or promotion, plenty of townspeople filed into the Woodstock Opera House Community Room last week for an open house discussion with representatives from Metra about moving the Crystal Lake rail yard to Woodstock.

The presentation was for the Woodstock Layover Project, an initiative that plans to consolidate operations across multiple existing yard locations to a larger, more modern maintenance facility northwest of town.

The Union Pacific Northwest Line is Metra’s second busiest and one of the most capacity constrained, Metra officials report. Today, trains are parked in McHenry, Crystal Lake, Harvard, and Barrington. Those existing locations are surrounded by residential and commercial developments, significantly limiting yard expansion, as well as polluting pedestrian heavy areas and congesting traffic.

“We’ll be more efficient with a modern yard,” said Michael Gillis, media relations manager for Metra. “And a low cost for Metra means a low cost for riders.”

Woodstock is the second-to-last stop on the UP-Northwest Line. Nearly twice as many trains leave from Crystal Lake, a mere 12 minutes southeast by track. One of the Layover Project’s goals is to provide more rail service to the Woodstock area, which would be expected to boost the city’s economy and promote more sustainable travel patterns for McHenry County.

The number of train commuters is reportedly recovering after a steep dive during the pandemic.

“We’re steadily moving up,” Gillis said. “But we haven’t plateaued, and we don’t expect to. The challenge is to find new riders.”

More trains into town means more opportunities, but also more people, a prospect that is not so attractive for some residents.

“This is a small town,” one citizen told a representative for Metra. “We want to keep it that way.”

The Layover Project began its Phase 1 in the third quarter of 2023 after a lengthy gestation period as McHenry County’s first priority to enhance Metra service. It foresees preliminary engineering and the National Environmental Policy Act process being completed by the second quarter of

2025.

Several environmental considerations need to be assessed before proposed actions can take place, Metra officials say. Those include, but aren’t limited to, impacts on the community such as noise and light, cultural resources, and emergency response access.

A preliminary study also addresses potential obstacles concerning negative effects on Woodstock’s wetlands and rich biodiversity.

The noise and light, in particular, raised alarms for some residents at last week’s open house.

“This is a historic district,” one person said. “They’re gonna love that.”

Two sites have been recommended by the screening process: Site 1, to the east of Lamb Road, and Site 2, to the west. At the open

forum, one of the representatives for Metra explained that Site 1 is preferred, but that the decision is “still up in the air.”

Site 1 is reportedly favored because construction would have less of an effect on critical habitats and sensitive biological areas.

A tentative timeline shows construction through Phase 3 of the project, actual construction, slated to begin in 2028 and finish sometime through 2030, depending on labor readiness and available funding. Phase 2 involves land acquisition and design engineering.

A grant of $850,000 has been obtained by 11th District Congressman Bill Foster for some preliminary engineering in Phase 1, which is underway.

For more details regarding the Woodstock Layover Project, visit metra.com/woodstockyard.

BRIEFS

Fox Valley Rocketeers plans model launch

A sport model rocketry launch is planned by Fox Valley Rocketeers from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, April 14, at the Hughes Farm Field off Dimmel Road, west of Woodstock.

The local club of model rocketry enthusiasts will host its monthly virtual meeting at 7:30 p.m. Monday, April 1, via GoogleMeet.

Visit foxvalleyrocketeers.org for a map to flying fields, launch safety protocol, and the latest launch information.

INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY KEN FARVER

Charles Gross listens to Woodstock citizens’ comments about a plan to move Metra’s rail yard to the west of Woodstock, which would increase train traffic to the city and promote growth, city officials believe.

creating programs and camps that “reduce the veteran suicide rate.”

“When in need,” Keefe said, “this person comes to aid.”

‘She is there’

Welch, who is actively involved in veterans programming through Veterans R&R, spoke about Gruber’s determination and commitment.

“She always puts veterans first,” he said. “I’m proud, [speaking] as a Marine veteran, that [Patti] always puts veterans first. She is there – always.”

He continued to emphasize her dedication, sharing that Gruber regularly assists veterans in areas that go beyond the scope of OWH, such as getting to appointments, making sure they have groceries, and being there to listen when veterans need to talk.

“I’m so honored that veterans tell their stories to me,” Gruber said.

Part of that trust allows veterans to come to her with ideas. She recalled how a veteran approached her with a desire to have a space just for women because they experience different things than their male counterparts.

“We made that happen,” Gruber said. “I saw that there was a need, and now we host two nights of women veterans camps every week.”

PBS featured OWH’s women veterans camps as an initiative to honor women veterans and bring awareness to their unique military experiences.

“Everything she does,” Welch continued, “Is for veterans and supporting them.”

Reducing veterans suicides

In the presence of several previous Woman of the Year recipients, Gruber said, “I appreciate this more than you know.”

In addition to the Woman of the Year award, Gruber also was presented with the Angela Burden Award, which includes a check for $500 that Gruber asked to be donated to OWH.

OWH, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, focuses on reducing the national veterans suicide rate and saving at-risk wild horses and burros through programming, riding, volunteering, and fostering bonds between horses and humans.

To learn about or to support OWH, visit veteransrandr.org/ operation-wild-horse.

With many thanks to Photo Detectives Jen Aellig and

Parrish, we have information for

March 20 photo. These three players were members of

9-year-old All Stars, and the picture might have been from opening day at Merryman Fields on April 21, 2010.

On the left, Jackson Parrish played Little League ball and is a graduate of Woodstock High School.

On the right, Jake Aelig played Little League for a few more years and then with a travel team for a couple of years. He graduated from Woodstock North High School. Jake lives in Woodstock and is the owner/operator of Top Notch Lawn Care.

Jackson Parrish thinks that the boy in the middle was named Grant, and his dad, Steve, remembers that the family moved away not too long after the photo was taken.

If anyone can add any information, please contact our Intrepid Photo Detective Maggie Crane at MaggieC@woodstockil.info .

Susan W. Murray

Betty came from a shelter in southern Illinois and has been at Helping Paws for about a month. Her unique coloring is a combination of tabby and calico. Another marking that makes her unique is that one of her ears is smaller than the other due to an ear infection. She is all healed now and the infection is gone. Betty is sweet and quiet as well as curious and mellow. If you are looking for a kind and relaxed companion, Betty is your kitty! Call HP to make an appointment to meet her.

COURTESY

Happenings calendar

28 THURSDAY

SLC TRIVIA NIGHT - PUB TRIVIA USA

Stage Left Café

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

29 FRIDAY

JORDAN RAINER

Woodstock Opera House

121 W. Van Buren St.

7:30 p.m.

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

CINEMA SIPS‘THE PRINCESS BRIDE’

Stage Left Café

125 W. Van Buren St.

8 p.m.

$10 woodstockoperahouse.com

30 SATURDAY

INDOOR WOODSTOCK FARMERS MARKET

McHenry County Fairgrounds 11900 Country Club Road

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

EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA

Park in the Square

11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

OPEN JAM

The Blue Lotus Buddhist Temple 221 Dean St

4 to 5 p.m.

31 SUNDAY EASTER

APRIL

2 TUESDAY

WOODSTOCK CITY COUNCIL

Woodstock Opera House 121 W. Van Buren St. 7 p.m. woodstockil.gov

4 THURSDAY

SLC TRIVIA NIGHT - PUB TRIVIA USA

Stage Left Café 125 W. Van Buren St. 7 p.m.

woodstockoperahouse.com

5 FRIDAY

CLAUDIA SCHMIDT

Stage Left Café 125 W. Van Buren St. 7 p.m.

$20

offsquaremusic.org

MITCH ROSSELL

Woodstock Opera House 121 W. Van Buren St. 7:30 p.m.

$35 A seats; $30 B seats woodstockoperahouse.com

6 SATURDAY

GENEALOGY RESEARCH ASSISTANCE

Woodstock Public Library 414 W. Judd St. 10 a.m.

Kishwaukee Trail Chapter DAR 815-245-6944

CHICAGO COMEDY TAKEOVER

Stage Left Café 125 W. Van Buren St. 8:30 p.m.

$15 online, $20 at the door

8 MONDAY

COFFEE WITH THE CHIEF

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

9 TUESDAY

DISTRICT 200 BOARD OF EDUCATION

Woodstock High School 501 W. South St. 7 p.m. woodstockschools.org

11 THURSDAY

SLC TRIVIA NIGHT - PUB TRIVIA USA

Stage Left Café 125 W. Van Buren St. 7 p.m.

woodstockoperahouse.com

12 FRIDAY

OPEN MIC NIGHT

Stage Left Café

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

To sign up, email keith@offsquaremusic.org

‘MEAN GIRLS’

WHS & WNHS Theater production

Woodstock High School 501 W. South St. 7 p.m.

$10 whst.booktix.net

THEATRE 121 - ‘STEEL MAGNOLIAS’

Woodstock Opera House

121 W. Van Buren St. 7:30 p.m.

Adults: $26 A seats, $20 B seats

Seniors: $24 A seats, $18 B seats

Students: $16 A seats, $10 B seats woodstockoperahouse.com

To submit calendar items, email pr@thewoodstockindependent.com

13 SATURDAY

INDOOR WOODSTOCK FARMERS MARKET

McHenry County Fairgrounds

11900 Country Club Road

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

STAGE LEFT BEATS

FEATURING EDM

Stage Left Café

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

$15 adults, $5 students

‘MEAN GIRLS’

WHS & WNHS Theater production

Woodstock High School 501 W. South St. 7 p.m.

$10

whst.booktix.net

THEATRE 121 – ‘STEEL MAGNOLIAS’

Woodstock Opera House

121 W. Van Buren St. 7:30 p.m.

Adults: $26 A seats, $20 B seats

Seniors: $24 A seats, $18 B seats

Students: $16 A seats, $10 B seats woodstockoperahouse.com

14 SUNDAY

THEATRE 121 – ‘STEEL MAGNOLIAS’

Woodstock Opera House 121 W. Van Buren St. 2 p.m.

Adults: $26 A seats, $20 B seats

Seniors: $24 A seats, $18 B seats

Students: $16 A seats, $10 B seats woodstockoperahouse.com

‘MEAN GIRLS’

WHS & WNHS Theater production

Woodstock High School 501 W. South St. 2 p.m.

$10

whst.booktix.net

15 MONDAY

COMMUNITY FREE DAY AT RECREATION CENTER

820 Lake Avenue 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.

16 TUESDAY

WOODSTOCK CITY COUNCIL Council Chambers, City Hall 121 W. Calhoun St. 7 p.m.

woodstockil.gov

17 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

18 THURSDAY

CREATIVE LIVING SERIESBRUCE IGLAUER

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

19 FRIDAY

‘MEAN GIRLS’

WHS & WNHS Theater production

Woodstock High School 501 W. South St. 7

$10

whst.booktix.net

Woodstock,

FLASHBACKS

35 years ago – 1988

■ The village of Bull Valley sponsored a discussion to address the city of McHenry’s plans to develop land close to Bull Valley’s eastern border.

■ Three Woodstock junior wrestlers, Jim Aberle, Brian Weiskopf, and Jay Hansen, finished in the top rankings of the Illinois Kids Wrestling Federation tournament.

30 years ago – 1994

■ The Woodstock City Council unanimously approved an additional $2,500 for the Plan Commission to complete an update of the city’s comprehensive plan.

■ By a vote of 1,554 to 840, voters rejected a measure that asked, “Shall the city issue $5 million in bonds to improve storm water drainage?”

■ The baseball diamond (the Dream Field) at Emricson Park rebuilt by a volunteer group – the Woodstock Baseball Association – won third place in the BEAM CLAY Baseball Diamond of the Year Awards.

25 years ago – 1999

■ As part of The Woodstock Independent’s Newspaper in Education program, Woodstock grade-school students created advertisements for local businesses. The ads were featured in a special NIE section of the newspaper.

■ The City Council approved placement of a $3.9-million bond issue on the ballot to fund the construction of a family aquatic center in Emricson Park.

20 years ago – 2004

■ Voters rejected referendums for tax increases for the Woodstock Fire/Rescue District and the Wonder Lake Fire Protection District.

■ Northwood Middle School hosted an all-school art show consisting of more than 1,000 drawings, paintings, and sculptures created by more than 800 students.

15 years ago – 2009

■ The Groundhog Days Committee donated the proceeds of its wine sampling event to Family Health Partnership Clinic. Providing wine for the event were La Petite Creperie, Chardonnay Bay, Cobblestones on the Square, Pirro’s Restaurante, Tarts & Truffles, and Armanetti’s.

■ Three Illinois National Guard soldiers assigned to Company D, 1st

Battalion, 178th Infantry based in Woodstock, were killed in eastern Afghanistan. The soldiers were Sgt. Christopher Abeyta, 23, Midlothian; Spc. Robert Weinger, 24, Round Lake Beach; and Spc. Norman Cain III, 22, Mount Morris.

■ The Woodstock Morning Rotary Club announced its upcoming Great Outdoors Expo, the first of its kind in McHenry County. The two-day event was to feature more than 50 exhibitors, including lead sponsors L.L. Bean, Gary Lang Chevrolet, Broken Oar Marina, and Illinois Outdoor News.

10 years ago – 2014

■ The City Council approved three change orders totaling about $16,000 to replace rotting wood and make additional repairs to the Old Courthouse cupola. Funds for the restoration of the roof – a total of $775,000 – were approved the previous October.

■ Woodstock Musical Theatre Company was in final rehearsal for its production of “Annie.” Samantha Erne and Alyssa St. John were starring alternately as Annie. Also featured were

Larry Breidenbach as Oliver Warbucks, Christy Johanson as Grace Farrell, and Mary Barrett as Miss Hannigan.

■ Scott Commings, executive chef and gardener at the Loyola University Chicago Retreat and Ecology Center campus in Woodstock, was making his way through a third round of the Fox TV reality show “Hell’s Kitchen.”

5 years ago – 2019

■ Woodstock had five candidates –Darrin Flynn, Tom Grell, Lisa Lohmeyer, Wendy Piersall, and Michael Stanard – running for three seats on the City Council. And, the Woodstock Fire/Rescue District had a referendum on the ballot asking for a property tax increase of $56.86 on a single-family home with a fair market value of $100,000.

■ District 200’s orchestra programs started a Big Buddy lesson program.

D.C., presented “Music and Politics” as part of the Woodstock Fine Arts Association’s Creative Living Series.

1 year ago – 2023

■ More than 27,000 registered voters had asked for vote-by-mail ballots for the April 4 consolidated election. Of those, about 23,000 had applied for permanent mail voting through the McHenry County clerk’s office.

■ Sandra Pierce, president of Phoenix Woodworking, was named Woman of the Year by the Woodstock Professional & Business Women. Her exemplary community involvement included the Family Service and Community Health Board, a founding member of the Foundation of the Northern Illinois Medical Center, the McHenry County College Foundation Board, and the McHenry County Workforce Network.

■ The Chicago Bears named Hunter

INDEPENDENT FILE PHOTO BY DENNIS MATHES

APRIL 5, 1994 – Kari Hoff (left) and Tammy Dodd get ready for takeoff. Hoff, a student at Northwood Middle School, and Dodd, who attends Olson Middle School, still years away from getting their pilots’ licenses, already have flown more planes than some experienced pilots. Note: the two girls were training in a Cessna Skyhawk at Galt Airport, but they had flown in all kinds of planes, helicopters and gliders.

CRYPTO FUN SUDOKU

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

AIR PRESSURE ALTERNATOR

ANTIFREEZE BELT

BRAKES

CABIN

CAR WASH

DIESEL

WORD SEARCH

ENGINE FLUIDS

HOSES

INTERVALS

MECHANIC OIL CHANGE

PLUGS

PUMP

ROTATION

ROTORS SERVICE

STEERING

TIMING

VEHICLE

WINDSHIELD WIPERS

WORD SCRAMBLE GUESS WHO?

PUBLIC NOTICE

TAX DEED NO. 2024TX000028

FILED February 26, 2024

TAKE NOTICE

TO: JOSEPH J. TIRIO, MCHENRY COUNTY CLERK; OCCUPANT; MARCY NIEHOFF; UNKNOWN OWNERS OR PARTIES INTERESTED; AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS.

This is NOTICE of the filing of the Petition for Tax Deed on the following described property:

Parcel 1: Lot 114 in Applewood Unit II Re-Subdivision, being a Re-Subdivision of Out-Lot “K” in Applewood Unit I Re-Subdivision, a Re-Subdivision of part of the East One Half of the Northwest Quarter and the Southwest One Quarter of Section 15, Township 44 North, Range 7, East of the Third Principal Meridian, according to the plat thereof recorded October 22, 1991, as Document No. 91-R40613, in McHenry County, Illinois;

Parcel 2: Easement for Ingress and Egress as set forth in Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, Restrictions and Easements recorded 12/20/91 as Document No. 91R49380 in McHenry County, Illinois.

Parcel Index Number 13-15-176-082

On July 15, 2024 at 11:00 a.m., Courtroom 202 the Petitioner intends to make application for an order on the petition that a Tax Deed be issued. The real estate was sold on November 1, 2021 for general taxes of the year 2020. The period of redemption will expire July 8, 2024.

Heather Ottenfeld, Attorney for

Petitioner

(847) 721-4996

Cert. # 2020-00614

9877-940682

(Published in The Woodstock Independent March 20, 2024, March 27, 2023)L11751

PUBLIC NOTICE

ASSUMED NAME

Public Notice is hereby given that on MARCH 1, 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 BEST OF MEG located at 1610 ARQUILLA DR. ALGONQUIN, IL 60102. Owner Name & Address: MEGAN HERRERA 1610 ARQUILLA DR. ALGONQUIN, IL 60102.

Dated: MARCH 1, 2024

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

(Published in The Woodstock Independent March 13, 2024, March 20, 2024, March 27, 2023)L11757

PUBLIC NOTICE

CHANGE OF BUSINESS/OWNER(S)

ADDRESS

Public Notice is hereby given that on March 15, A.D. 2024, a Certificate was filed in the Office of the County Clerk of McHenry County IL concerning the business known as IRON R FARRIER SERVICE located at 1504 LEE LN., SPRING GROVE, IL 60081 which certificate sets forth the following BUSINESS/OWNER ADDRESS change in the DBA thereof: Wyatt

PUBLIC NOTICES

Rowan Raisor changing business and residential addresses for IRON R FARRIER SERVICE from 7705 S. Oak Rd., Wonder Lake, IL 60097 to 1504 Lee Ln., Spring Grove, IL 60081.

Dated this 15th day of March, A.D., 2024

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

(Published in The Woodstock Independent March 20, 2024, March 27, 2023)L11760

PUBLIC NOTICE

ASSUMED NAME

Public Notice is hereby given that on MARCH 18, 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 JLW CONSULTING located at 3829 MCCABE AVE. CRYSTAL LAKE, IL 60014. Owner

Name & Address: JENNIFER WEISNER 3829 MCCABE AVE. CRYSTAL LAKE, IL 60014.

Dated: MARCH 18, 2024

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

(Published in The Woodstock Independent March 27, 2023)L11764

PUBLIC NOTICE

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

Case No. 2024PR000070

In the Matter of the Estate of JAMES L. LESMEISTER

Deceased

CLAIM NOTICE

Notice is given of the death of JAMES L. LESMEISTER Of: CRYSTAL LAKE, IL

Letters of office were issued on: 3/13/2024

To Representative: JOAN DAVIS 12984 TALL GRASS TRL. HUNTLEY, IL 60142 whose attorney is: MCARDLE, STEVEN J., LAW OFFICE OF 75 E. CRYSTAL LAKE AVE. CRYSTAL LAKE, IL 60014

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

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

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

(Published in The Woodstock Independent March 27, 2024)L11765

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notification is hereby given that JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., 1111 Polaris Parkway, Columbus, Ohio 43240 has filed an application with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (the “OCC”) on or about March 27, 2024, as specified in 12 CFR Part 5, for permission to establish

a domestic branch at the southwest corner of the intersection of East South Street (aka Country Club Rd) and South Eastwood Drive, Woodstock, McHenry County, IL 60098. If you have any additional comments, you can send them to the Director for Large Bank Licensing, Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, 7 Times Square, 10th Floor Mailroom, New York, New York 10036 or LicensingPublicComments@ occ.treas.gov., within 30 days of the date of this publication. The public portion of the filing is available upon request from the OCC.

The public may find information about the filing (including the closing date of the comment period) in the OCC’s Weekly Bulletin available at www.occ. gov.

(Published in The Woodstock Independent March 27, 2024)L11766

PUBLIC NOTICE

ASSUMED NAME

Public Notice is hereby given that on MARCH 22, 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 NATIONAL TREE SERVICE located at 3325 S. RIVERDALE RD. MCHENRY, IL 60051. Owner Name & Address: JAMES BIEL 3325 S. RIVERDALE RD. MCHENRY, IL 60051.

Dated: MARCH 22, 2024

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

(Published in The Woodstock Independent March 27, 2023)L11767

Sports

The boys track contingent March 23 at the Illinois Top Times Indoor Championship in Bloomington. Competitors, alternates, and support crew (from left) are Head coach Lisa Kunzie, Braedon Schwanke, Milo McLeer, Nick Erickson, Charlie Baker, Sam Tafoya, Cohen Shutt, Jakob Crown, Ishan Patel, Aryan Patel, Ellery Shutt, and coach Jay Fuller.

Athletes rep WHS at Illlinois Top Times

Blue Streaks qualify 11 athletes, bringing home two top-tens

By Sandy Kucharski NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

Woodstock High School concluded a brief indoor track and field season March 23 with select athletes participating in the Class 2A Illinois Top Times Indoor Championship in Bloomington.

The Blue Streaks made a strong showing with several athletes qualifying for the event and two medaling.

The boys team competed in four indoor meets before Top Times, while the girls logged in three. The equivalent to the indoor state meet, qualification for Top Times was based on verified performances submitted between Jan. 1 and March 18.

Top girl

The top finisher of the weekend was senior Hallie Steponaitis, who finished second in the high jump with a leap of 1.62m. Steponaitis finished her track season last spring with a trip to the IHSA Class 2A state championships, where she finished 7th in the high jump.

Versatile boys

A career volleyball player, Steponaitis committed in November to play collegiate volleyball at D-I Jacksonville University in Florida. Senior Anna Crenshaw also qualified, finishing 11th in the shot put.

The varsity boys team entered nine athletes to cover a variety of events, including sprints, relays, long distance, middle distance, and a field event.

Senior Ishan Patel medaled in the 1,600m run, taking 6th with a personal best time of 4:24.08. That was Patel’s second appearance at the Illinois Top Times meet. Though he ran in only two, Patel qualified in four events, including the 4x400 and 4x800 relays, as well as the 800m and 1600m runs. Last year he competed in the 3200m run.

The 4x400 relay team of senior Cohen Shutt, sophomore Braedon Schwanke, junior Sam Tafoya, and Patel finished 9th; senior Tyler Moon took 11th in shot put (13.92m); and the 4x800 relay team of senior Aryan Patel, sophomore Ellery Shutt, Cohen Shutt, and senior Charlie Baker, took 12th. Senior Nolan Van Hoorn ran in the prelims of the 60m dash, competing against a tough field of 24 qualifiers.

“Qualifying for this meet was a big deal for our athletes, many of which are seniors who have been putting in a ton of their own work during the off-season,” WHS boys head coach Lisa Kunzie said. “We don’t

Blue Streak senior Ishan Patel took sixth in the 1,600m.

COURTESY PHOTOS

Senior Hallie Steponaitis shows off her second-place high jump medal.

HEAD AND SHOULDERS

Ellie Thurow contributes to nine in a row for Coe College

The Coe College softball fans have known for a long time: Thurow can Go.

The Woodstock North graduate, long a mainstay for the Coe College Kohawks, recently helped the team to improve to 13-3. They have won \ nine in a row.

For Ellie Thurow, now a fifthyear player, she earned either a win or save in three of the four games played in the past 10 days.

facing the righty. In the American Rivers Conference, before the conference season starts, Thurow has the second-most victories.

Coe is currently ranked fourth among NCAA Division III teams.

TRACK AND FIELD

In the first of her three pitching performances, Thurow pitched a complete game seven innings as Coe dumped Greenville University, while the two Midwest teams were playing in Fort Myers, Fla. Thurow held the Lady Panthers to just one hit. Of the 24 batters she faced, 23 of which were credited with an at-bat, she fanned six. She did not walk a single batter.

A few hours later on March 15, she strode to the pitcher’s mound to appear in relief. Once again, she worked the last 1 2/3 innings in a 4-3 victory over Westfield State University, once again on Fort Myers soil. She did not allow an earned run or a hit. She fanned a pair and walked two. With those two wins in one day, she improved to 7-1 on the year,

Eight days later, the former Thunder hurler earned her first save of the year. She worked two innings in a 5-4 victory over College of Saint Benedict. She allowed one hit and fanned one in the appearance.

With 16 games in the books, Thurow has had a win, loss, or save in nine of those. She has started six games and completed five. She has worked 44 1/3 innings. allowing nine earned runs on 26 hits for a 1.42 earned run average. She has fanned 42 batters and walked 17. Opponents have hit only .161, when

Anthony Carney (Marian Central Catholic) competed in two events at the American Rivers Conference Indoor Track and Field Championships, which were hosted by Carney’s college home, the University of Dubuque. It was held at the A. Y. McDonald Indoor Track in Dubuque, Iowa. Carney finished 11th in the 5,000-meter run and 18th in the 3,000-meter run. He ran respective times of 15 minutes, 27.61 seconds, and 9:02.51. Dubuque took third with 123.50 points. Loras College won the meet with 145.50 points.

MESSAGE FROM CHAMNESS

Names make the news. I am looking for names to fill out the column for the spring months. There are only two rules to be included in this column. One is the athlete must be a resident of an area normally covered by The Woodstock Independent or be a graduate of Woodstock, Woodstock North, or Marian Central Catholic. Anyone else must get special permission from the newspaper. Second, the athlete must be involved in intercollegiate athletics, meaning the chosen college/ university competes against other schools.

If you want to submit a name, please put “Woodstock Independent” in the subject line of the email, which should be sent to Dan62801@aol.com. I will need not only the name of the athlete, but the former high school or the town of residence, the college/university attended, and of course, the sport involved.

Dan Chamness writes The College Report for The Independent.

ATTENTION YOUTH TEAMS:

Please share your results with The Woodstock Independent and be featured in our weekly scoreboard.

NN SCOREBOARD NN

BASEBALL

■ March 18 – Marian (2-0) defeated Dakota (1-1) 4-0.

■ March 19 – Marian (2-1) fell to Richmond-Burton (4-1) 11-0.

■ March 19 – Woodstock (2-2) fell to Crystal Lake South (3-0) 8-14.

■ March 19 - Woodstock North (0-3) fell to Grant (2-0) 16-0.

■ March 21 – Woodstock North (0-3-1) tied with Belvidere (1-3-1) 5-5.

■ March 21 – Marian (2-2) fell to Richmond-Burton (6-1) 12-2.

SOFTBALL

■ March 19 – Woodstock (0-3-1) tied with Belvidere (0-3-1) 16-16.

■ March 19 – Marian (2-3) fell to Richmond-Burton (3-1) 11-1.

GIRLS SOCCER

■ March 14 - Woodstock North (0-2) fell to McHenry (1-1) 4-1.

■ March 15 – Marian defeated Genoa Kingston 1-0. The lone goal was scored by Adriana Wrzos, with an assist by Zeda Deaver.

■ March 19 – Marian (1-0-1) tied with Huntley (0-1-1) 0-0.

■ March 19 – Woodstock (1-2-1) fell to Hampshire (2-1) 4-1.

■ March 20 – Woodstock North (1-2) defeated Marengo (0-5) 6-2.

■ March 20 – Woodstock (2-2-1) defeated Harvard (0-3) 1-0.

■ March 21 – Woodstock (2-3-1) fell to Lakes (2-1) 5-0.

■ March 21 – Woodstock North (1-3) fell to Wauconda (3-1-1) 3-0.

BOYS TRACK AND FIELD

■ Mar. 23 - Woodstock senior Ishan Patel finished 6th in the 1600m (4:24) at the 2A Illinois Top Times Indoor Track & Field Championships.

GIRLS TRACK AND FIELD

■ Mar. 23 - Woodstock senior Hallie Steponaitis finished 2nd in the high jump (1.62m) at the 2A Illinois Top Times Indoor Track & Field Championships.

Dan Chamness

The College Report

INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY KEN FARVER Blue Streaks girls soccer player Veronica Baker gets her head in the game March 19 when WHS hosted Hampshire.

Blue Streak soccer, planning for success

New coach Brian Thomas to lean on senior strength and tap freshman starters

By Juel Mecklenburg NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

Just like the changing seasons that include days rangng from 60 degrees and sun to snow and temperatures that dip into the 30s, the Woodstock girls soccer team is experiencing change this year as well.

New head coach Brian Thomas has begun his first season with the program. Planning for success, Thomas is focused on meeting the goals he and the team set before the season started. In his first year, Thomas hopes to achieve most of those goals, but he won’t complain if he ticks all of the boxes.

The players

The top returning players for the Streaks this year are seniors Valerie Sardelli and two-time Kishwaukee River Conference keeper-of-the year Natalie Morrow, whose contributions to the team go further than the stat sheet. Juniors Keira Bogott – who had 19 goals last season – and Lily Novelle, a defensive anchor for Woodstock, will also be tapped for their experience.

All four of the athletes are captains, designated by the outgoing senior captains last year.

A tradition that started a few years back, being chosen by their peers means more to the girls than being chosen by the coach.

TOP TIMES

Continued from Page 24

have a full-length indoor program, so having this many guys top the 2A lists only four weeks into the season is very exciting. We have a pretty large team this year with a lot of talented, hardworking, and goal-oriented kids, so I’m looking forward to seeing what we can do!”

Ready to move outdoors

Track and field will now begin the regular outdoor season after spring break, when the Blue Streak boys and girls teams head to Harvard April 2 for a triangular meet against Harvard and Woodstock North.

New starters

Thomas said three freshmen have been named varsity starters: Kendall Pope, Alyssa Fetzer, and Julia Morrow. A fourth freshman, Liana Balderas, also plays varsity.

“Watching these four ladies become part of a veteran roster has been very insightful,” Thomas said.

Got game

Morrow offered some insight of her own on the Streaks’ regular season outlook. She is hopeful that Woodstock will have a good shot at placing high in conference this year. She said the team has developed a lineup that works best for everyone on the field. Keeping opposing teams to under two goals will be important as well.

“When we do that,” Morrow said, “we do better at holding out for wins.”

As always, finishing on goal will also be important to the Streaks. Their biggest strengths are their energy and desire to get better, a true definition of a Woodstock Blue Streak. The girls are excited to see what the season holds for them.

Competitors in the Illinois Top Times Meet, senior Tyler Moon

Woodstock senior Natalie Morrow (left) and junior Lily Novelle are among the top returning players for the Blue Streak girls soccer team.

(left) took 11th in shot put, and teammate Nolan Van Hoorn ran in the prelims of the 60m dash.

Thunder baseball rebuilds through learning, experience

By Julian Senn-Raemont NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

John Oslovich gathered Woodstock North’s varsity boys baseball team March 19 for a windy home game against Grant High School. This year’s team sees a lot of new faces filling important roles.

“We’re still learning,” Coach Oslovich said, “and have a lot of work experience to gain before conference.”

Trevor Mark and Cade Blaksley are the sole returning starters from the previous season, and they are sure to be fired up after placing second in the Kishwaukee River Conference last year.

“Definitely one of our better seasons,” Oslovich said.

The coach remained steadfast in spite of the challenges facing a practically brand new team. Despite the fresh faces, the Thunder varsity team is made up of hard workers who make contact with the ball.

“Offensively, we’re good to go,” Oslovich said.

Promising new players to watch for are catcher Shane Buening, pitcher and left fielder Parker Neff, and starting pitcher Aiden Sofie.

Play ball!

Colin Kowalsky opened up the Marian Central Catholic 2024 baseball season with a complete game, seven innings pitched on 94 pitches. He allowed two earned runs on nine hits with 14 strikeouts.

Colin proved dominant in the bottom of the zone by allowing only one extra base hit. His lanky frame is not only deceptive, but allows his pitching skills to really shine.

His coaches are excited to see how the season plays out for him along with the rest of his high school career. He has a tremendous competitive drive and work ethic, setting him up to be one of the best pitchers in the area.

Woodstock North baseball players look on from the dugout during the Thunder’s home opener March 12 against Belvidere.