Woodstock Independent 3/6/24

The Woodstock

COMMUNITY

McHenry County nursing home Valley Hi is ‘a rarity’

PAGE 13

A&E

Board of Education honors student art show winners

PAGE 9

BUSINESS

Will local grocery shoppers ever get to go ‘Krogering’?

PAGE 22

INDEX

‘Changing for the better’

Hearthstone takes step forward by paying 2021, 2022 property taxes

By Susan W. Murray NEWS@THE WOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

This past week, Hearthstone residents who live in the independent living Prairie and Garden Home duplexes received welcome news. SAK Healthcare, Hearthstone’s new management company and courtappointed receiver, has redeemed the 2021 and 2022 property taxes on eight

parcels that had not been paid when Heritage Ministries of New York managed the senior living facility on Seminary Avenue.

The amount to redeem the taxes, about $287,000, was covered by a line of credit that accompanies the receivership, said Suzanne Koenig, SAK’s founder and CEO.

In addition to the Prairie and Garden homes, two single-family houses

and one of Hearthstone’s original duplexes are subject to property tax.

After the property taxes went unpaid, they were sold to investors. In the state-managed process for unpaid property taxes, investors pay the tax, hold a lien on the property, and can charge interest. The state allows the property owner 30 months to pay the property tax, a fee, and interest that is

See HEARTHSTONE, Page 2

CHARLES LEVY, OFFICER OF THE YEAR

Patrolman wins award for his ‘courage to act despite danger’

By Tricia Carzoli NEWS@THE WOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

Woodstock Police Department’s Officer Charles Levy is the 2023 McHenry County Chiefs of Police Officer of the Year.

“Knowing that I made a difference in the community and kept the community safe feels good,” Levy said. “[It is nice that] my actions were observed by others and recognized. I’m glad that I was given training by the Woodstock Police Department to act appropriately and keep everyone safe.”

Levy, a 2007 graduate of Marian Central Catholic High School, was recognized for his “actions that exhibited conspicuous gallantry, poise in the face of danger, phenomenal police work, and actions that preserved the peace and well-being of the community on two separate occasions,” WPD Chief John Lieb wrote in his nomination letter.

Both occasions occurred during Levy’s regular patrol shifts.

INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY TRICIA CARZOLI

Woodstock Police Department officer Charles Levy poses with a patrol vehicle after McHenry County Chiefs of Police named him Officer of the Year for his handling of two weapons-related incidents in 2023.

Continued from Page 1

charged every six months.

While the 30-month period gave Hearthstone until May 2025 to redeem the property taxes, Koenig said it was important to make sure the taxes were paid now.

“We want every dollar to go to resident use instead of unnecessary penalties,” she said.

Residents who attended a meeting on Feb. 28 were promised that the taxes would be paid soon. The next day, residents received a visit from Crystal Briggs, Hearthstone’s interim campus manager, to let them know that the taxes had been paid that day. Residents not home received a phone call. The gesture did not go unappreciated.

“I am so pleased by this one simple act,” Garden Home resident Carl Petersen told The Woodstock Independent.

Petersen shared an email that he and his wife, Charlotte, had sent to Koenig.

“Having Crystal personally deliver the wonderful 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.”

For the Petersens, resolving the unpaid property tax issue is a sign of better days ahead.

“The entire atmosphere is changing for the better, and things are already improving,” they said in their email to Koenig.

Close community relationship

Garden Home residents Donna Freeman and Carol Greenawalt were at last Wednesday’s meeting when the announcement was made that Hearthstone could soon cross the unpaid property taxes off the list of concerns for the facility.

“I thought it was wonderful,” Freeman said. “I knew it would happen.”

The two have lived next door to one another for nearly a decade, share a love for bingo at Hearthstone Village, and “are more like sisters,” Freeman said. “We even have disagreements occasionally.”

Hearing of Hearthstone’s financial struggles has been difficult for the two friends, and they want the community to know not only how much they appreciate where they live, but how important they believe Hearthstone is for Woodstock.

Hearthstone took root in Woodstock in 1891 as an orphanage called the Woodstock Children’s Home. Care for the elderly was added in 1903.

Given Hearthstone’s century of service to the community, many

Carol Greenawalt holds friend Donna Freeman’s dog, Cricket, while the two discuss their years living in Hearthstone’s Garden Homes and their hopes for the future. “My main priority is to stay living here,” Greenawalt said,”and to do it for a long, long time.

Woodstock residents - like Freemanhave multiple ties to the facility.

When Freeman was a child attending Clay Street School, some of her classmates lived at the nearby Children’s Home. One of Freeman’s uncles was cared for at The Manor. Later, her father-in-law lived in the Village until he passed away. Freeman’s daughter and her husband live in one of the Prairie Homes.

Freeman and her husband, Russ, attended an open house at Hearthstone in 2014. After 62 years of marriage and raising four children, Russ was no longer able to keep up with the heavy work on their five-acre property. The couple bought a Garden Home unit that was under construction and were able to choose their cabinetry and flooring. Hearthstone’s maintenance department took care of shoveling snow and scraping ice off driveways.

“I didn’t miss any of it,” Freeman said of moving out of her home. “I feel safe and comfortable here.”

For the first couple of years, she and Russ continued their habit of traveling south in the winter. Russ died in 2020, after the couple had been married 68 years.

Greenawalt had moved into the unit next door to Freeman in 2015 after she had been a widow for 20 years. Still living in her own home, she couldn’t afford to keep the property.

After seeing the duplexes when she attended a luncheon at Hearthstone, Greenawalt returned with a niece and a nephew to look the place over before putting money down on a unit.

“It had just what I needed,” Greenawalt said. “I had my own home, I had a yard, and I could work outside if I wanted to.”

Later, Greenawalt’s sister and brother-in-law would move into the Village, residing there until they passed away.

“We have very nice people living here,” Greenawalt said. “We all seem to get along. I just feel very comfortable.”

She recalled having to undergo eye surgery.

“I was unable to drive to any appointments,” Greenawalt said. Members of Hearthstone’s transportation department came to her rescue.

“They took me to every appointment, waited there for me, and took me home,” she said.

Community pitches in

On Feb. 22, the Woodstock Moose held a charity burger night for Hearthstone. Freeman and Greenawalt attended the event, and Hearthstone employees pitched in to work. A portion of the proceeds from burger sales and a 50/50 raffle raised several thousand dollars for Hearthstone.

“I’ve never seen so many people there,” Freeman said.

“It gave us a good feeling,” Greenawalt said, “to know that the community was there to back us up.”

Freeman and Greenawalt have stayed positive about Hearthstone’s future amid the facility’s financial challenges. They sense that others now share their optimism.

“A lot of people who wouldn’t listen to us are very happy now,” Freeman said.

Residents

INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY KEN FARVER

INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY KEN FARVER

of Woodstock's largest senior housing complex are breathing easier after months of uncertainty because of mounting financial challenges

OFFICER

Continued from Page 1

The first occurred on Jan. 18, 2023, when Levy was made aware of an armed robbery in Wonder Lake where the suspects were headed southbound on Route 120, where he was on patrol.

Levy said he saw the vehicle and witnessed erratic driving before he activated his lights.

“The vehicle inadvertently turned town Gracy – a dead-end street,” Levy said. “I fully expected a foot chase.”

Levy noted that there was movement in the vehicle and, knowing that backup was coming within seconds, he got out of his car without hesitation to approach the suspects.

According to Lieb, Levy drew his service weapon and issued orders with “command presence.”

“I ordered them to stop moving,” Levy said. “Thankfully, they complied, and I was able to safely take the suspects into custody.”

Lieb wrote, “Due to Officer Levy’s quick thinking, decisiveness, and courage to act despite the heightened level of danger, all four suspects, and one firearm, were safely secured.”

Gun involved again

The second incident occurred on July 7 while Levy was on foot patrol in

the area of Benton Street.

“I observed an altercation outside of a tavern,” Levy said. “I went over to break that up, and as I got ready to announce my presence, one took off on foot and went to a car, retrieving a handgun.”

The suspect chambered a live round as he returned to the area.

Levy drew his own weapon and “issued clear and concise orders for the subject to drop the firearm,” Lieb said.

“The suspect saw that I was a law enforcement officer and listened and complied,” Levy explained. “The suspect was taken safely into custody and the firearm was secured.”

Felony criminal charges were filed in both incidents.

Levy expressed appreciation for his partners in the department who came to assist him, especially Officer [Hector] Meza, who alerted other officers of the armed robbery suspects trying to escape through Woodstock.

Levy’s courage, calm disposition, and critical thinking under pressure are qualities that WPD Deputy Chief Ray Lanz sees as characteristics that make Levy a good officer.

As a high school student, Levy played football at Marian and enjoyed the camaraderie developed through the team. Levy attended Western Illinois University, where he graduated with a degree in law enforcement and

justice administration. While there, he joined the ROTC program, which provided a similar sense of camaraderie. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the Army and spent 10 years as a field artillery officer. While stationed in Ukraine, his unit trained Ukrainian forces in mission planning and decision-making strategies.

After being honorably discharged from the Army, as a captain, he was a corrections officer at the Juvenile Justice Center in St. Charles before joining the Chicago Police Department. His district earned the 2022 Crime Reduction Award for that year. During his four years with the CPD, he was a patrol officer and was on the tactical team dealing with violent crimes and drug activity.

“I got experience with all types of people,” Levy said. “I had experience with felony arrests and making good decisions.”

New program hire

Levy was hired by the WPD three years ago as the first hire out of the department’s lateral-hire program.

Lanz, who was Officer of the Year in 2010, said Levy was among many applicants.

“We noted his previous experience and invited him to an in-person meetand-greet …” Lanz said. “We were very impressed and hired him in November

of 2021.”

Levy has enjoyed the lateral move.

“I was looking for a safer environment for my family,” he said. “And this area fits the bill.”

Having graduated from Marian, Levy said he still has good friends in the area, which made the move easier.

“Woodstock is an excellent mix,” he said. “I love the community and enjoy the people. I enjoy working here.”

Since his hire, he applied to be a field training officer so he can share the experiences and strategies he has learned.

“I know that I have learned things that can help other officers,” Levy said. “I’ve been trained well, and I want to pass that on.”

Levy now is one of the officers who cultivate camaraderie among officers.

“It is great to be able to work with other officers,” he said. “It was a positive experience when I was in training, and I want to provide the same for others.”

It is his commitment to the profession that Lanz – who has been a deputy chief for nearly seven years – said impresses him.

“You don’t choose to be a police officer,” Lanz said “This profession chooses you. It is a calling. Policing chooses officers for situations like this. The career chose correctly with Officer Levy.”

“I’m an Independent person because of Editor Larry Lough. I also like the Editorials, Letters to the Editor, Flashbacks, Don Peasley’s pictures, Community, and the A&E page. Eileen Millard’s story about Laura Dowling, former White House chief floral designer, is a good example!”

"I read three papers; The Independent is my favorite.”

-Bob Anderson

OBITUARIES

Mark Mindrum, 77

We mourn the loss of Mark Mindrum of Woodstock and previously of Stoughton, Wis., who passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family on Feb. 22, 2024.

Born on Nov. 18, 1946, in Stoughton, Mark’s journey through life was one marked by ambition, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

Mark Mindrum

High school sweethearts, Mark and Linda were married on Aug. 30, 1969. This date marks the beginning of their nearly 55-year journey together, a testament to their enduring love and partnership. They met in high school in Stoughton after Linda’s family relocated from Beloit, Wis.

Mark was a devoted family man, survived by his beloved wife, Linda; his son, Matthew; his daughter, Kristen; and four grandchildren. His love for his family was evident in every aspect of his life, always placing them at the forefront of his priorities.

Mark’s legacy is not only in the success he achieved in his career but in the values he instilled in his children, the love he shared with his wife, and the countless lives he touched both professionally and personally. His legacy, embodied in his cottage in Stoughton, on Shadyside Drive, was his paradise, open to all family and friends and is a centerpiece to his life.

Mark’s professional career was largely

PUBLIC SAFETY LOG

Woodstock Police Department

■ Lionel Esquivel, 24, Woodstock, was arrested Feb. 26 in the 600 block of Lake Avenue on a charge of violation of sex offender registration. Released with notice to appear in court. Court date June 1.

■ Samantha G. Mikeworth, 28, Woodstock, was arrested Feb. 27 at Hutchins and Madison streets on charges of driving while license

spent at Wallace Computer Services, where he served with distinction as vice president of sales and administration. His visionary leadership and strategic foresight were instrumental in steering the company through periods of significant growth and transformation. Mark was not just a leader but a mentor and a source of inspiration to many, embodying the values of hard work, perseverance, and ethics.

Mark’s absence leaves a void in the hearts of those who knew him, but his spirit will continue to inspire. As we bid farewell to a remarkable individual, we celebrate the enduring impact of his life. Mark Mindrum’s journey through life serves as a beacon of leadership, integrity, and love. His memory will forever be cherished and his legacy will continue to influence future generations.

Mark’s life story is a testament to the fact that true success is measured not just by professional achievements but by the love shared, the lives touched, and the legacy left behind. He will be profoundly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

In honoring Mark’s memory, the family requests that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to either the American Lung Association via the website lung.org or The American Heart Association via the website heart.org/en.

Visitation was held Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024, from 2 p.m. until the 4 p.m. funeral service at Grace Lutheran Church, 1300 Kishwaukee Valley Road, Woodstock, IL 60098, gracewoodstock.us.

Friends and family may sign the online guestbook at saundersfhc.com

For more information, call Saunders Funeral Home at 815-420-3030

suspended and driving with suspended registration. Released with notice to appear in court. Court date March 21.

■ Jacob R. Caso, 27, McHenry, was arrested Feb. 29 in the 200 block of Main Street on a charge of possession of drug paraphernalia. Released with notice to appear in court. Court date March 28.

Woodstock Fire/Rescue District

Ambulance runs Feb. 22-28: 75

Fire runs

Fire Runs

Structure fire: 1

Natural vegetation fire: 1

Extrication/rescue: 1

Public service assistance: 11

Unauthorized burning: 1

Cover assignment/standby: 1

Dispatched/canceled en route: 2

Wrong location/no emergency found: 1

Controlled burning: 1

Steam/gas mistaken for smoke: 1

System/detector malfunction: 1

Unintentional system/detector: 4

Total: 101

Grants to renovate Recreation Center, add to Nature’s Way

wrote in an award-notification letter.

Woodstock is getting even more millions in grants to upgrade facilities, this time $2.79 million to renovate the city’s 35-year-old Recreation Center plus $50,000 toward an outdoor fitness court in a new inclusive playground as part of an intergenerational complex in Emricson Park.

The bigger grant will come from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, which is working with city officials to complete details to fund work on the aging rec facility at 820 Lake Ave.

The National Fitness Campaign is contributing toward the $212,000 Nature’s Way Park, a project that will begin this spring with completion expected by late summer. That will include an inclusive playground, social area with shelter and picnic tables, and an exercise area for teens 14 and older and adults of all ages and abilities.

According to a news release from the city, work at the Rec Center will update locker rooms, renovate the sauna, replace the gym roof, add an ADAcompliant restroom in the multipurpose room, and make exterior doors comply with ADA requirements, among other features.

The city announced the grants last week in a news release. The Rec Center grant comes through IDNR’s Park and Recreational Facility Construction program, to which the city applied last June.

“The quality of your plans is recognized by the approval of your project in this year’s very competitive selection process,” IDNR Director Natalie Finnie

The funding follows a $2.96 million grant the city received last year as part of $106 million the state is spending in its Downtowns and Main Streets Capital Program, part of capital project funding through Rebuild Illinois. That state grant, which will be matched by about $1.6 million from the city, will pay for restoration and renovation of the Opera House.

More than 1,400 members

Renovations will occur in phases to keep indoor recreational activities accessible throughout the two-year grant term, which begins this month, the release said. Plans include:

n Containment of humid air generated by the pool area

n Upgrade exterior doors to be ADA-compliant

n Renovate sauna

n Replace gymnasium roof

n Install security camera and key fob system for future service to club members

n Update locker rooms

n Add ADA restroom in yoga/multipurpose room

n Remodel entranceway and front desk/office area

n Improve exterior drainage to fix flooding in the parking lot after heavy rains and pave gravel parking lot area

The recreation center serves more than 1,400 members and over 1,200 residents each week, the city reported. It offers numerous recreation opportunities daily – from drop-in pickleball to group fitness classes, indoor swimming, and free fitness

assessments.

The release said a survey of rec center members gave positive grades to classes, instructors, trainers, and staff. But because of high use, signs of wear and tear have appeared on the building’s façade and in its interior spaces despite regularly scheduled maintenance. Membership plans start at $35 a month. The center offers punch-card, daily rate, and senior programs. A one-week free trial membership is also available. Call 815-338-4363 for more information.

INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY KEN FARVER

A member works out at the 35-year-old Woodstock Recreation Center.

What do you want our city be in 2044?

Just call Woodstock “The City That Plans.”

You can see proof via the Comprehensive Plan link on the city’s homepage, woodstockil.gov.

Open that link and prepare to be impressed – and overwhelmed.

The draft document itself is 101 pages, with numerous supporting maps and information found throughout the table of contents.

Click “Other Plans and Studies” to find 14 earlier community planning studies since 2008 involving Woodstock, from the now-outdated 14-year-old Comprehensive Plan to the Parks Master Plan that is now underway.

Houseal Lavigne and Associates, a Chicago consulting firm, was paid $138,000 to guide the extensive process. That firm also is working to update the McHenry County Comprehensive Plan, which will impact the Woodstock area, so you could say that makes 15 planning efforts.

The current draft of Woodstock’s plan was prepared for presentation at two events this week. An open house is scheduled from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the Opera House, where planning materials will be on display and planners on hand to discuss them. That will be followed by a public hearing

» YOUR VIEW

Mental health problem bigger than you think

Primary elections are notoriously known for low voter turnout. However – whether you vote red or blue, the primary election on March 19 has a referendum measure that impacts all McHenry County residents. A 2020 study conducted by Northwestern Medicine reported over 12 percent of McHenry County residents suffer from a mental health-related issue. That means for every 100 people in the county – 12 of them suffer from a mental health issue!

The referendum on this year’s primary ballot will remove the property tax levy that is currently provided by the Mental Health Board and add a countywide sales tax of 0.25 percent (one-quarter percent!) to fund mental health services instead. This is 25 cents more on a $100 purchase. And, qualifying food, drugs, and medical appliances are exempt from the proposed mental health sales tax! This shift in funding is expected to add an additional $2 million to the mental health budget at the Mental Health Board in the first year. This measure was passed with bipartisan support, proving that mental

at 7 p.m. in City Hall, where the Plan Commission will hear a presentation on the proposal.

What is a Comprehensive Plan?

“A comprehensive plan is a document that provides a unified vision for the city’s future,” the document explains. “Established through a collaborative community planning process, it lays out goals and strategies that guide the city’s long-term growth and development.”

This document takes a 20-year look at the community. Can you imagine Woodstock in 2044? Just think how much the city has grown and developed in the past 20 years.

Widening and improvements to Route 47, Woodstock “uptown” as a complement to its downtown

health issues are a human issue – not a political issue!

For the referendum specifics, visit mchenrycountyil.gov/ and click on the FAQ link. And remember that you can ask for a nonpartisan referendum-only ballot so you have no reason not to cast your vote for this referendum on March 19.

Vote yes for Mental Health on March 19.

Rusty Foszcz

Mental Health Resource League for McHenry County

Why the new language in tax referendum question?

If the new sales referendum passes March 19, McHenry County Board is NOT required to replace the property tax levy with the sales tax.

The original draft question was worded so the sales tax would “replace” the property tax, but the question was amended during the [Dec. 7, 2023] Finance and Audit Committee meeting.

Why would the county board amend the question? Except to have the ability to keep the previously levied taxes on the property tax!

on the Square, promise to spur further growth and development, and construction on that project begins this year.

Imagine the possibilities.

But you can do more than just imagine by joining the conversation. Check out the Comprehensive Plan web page, and if you can, attend one or both of the feedback sessions this Thursday.

Residents of Woodstock have things to say, and we have no shortage of issues that invite public discussion. Just read all of the recent letters to the editor in the weekly Your Voice feature on The Independent’s Opinion page.

And plan to add your voice on this long-range look at what Woodstock might be.

I recently learned from a League of Women Voters discussion the county has budgeted only the maximum property tax levy for the Mental Health Board in 2012-2015.

Since 2016 the county has diverted property tax revenue that could have supported the Mental Health Board, instead choosing to budget the funds for other county expenditures.

In February the County Board approved “emergency appropriation“ for state’s attorney office pay raises. $720,000+ in additional personnel expenses annually. How will these raises be funded in the future? “I don’t know, …” was Republican Patrick Kenneally’s response to the question.

Also approved in January was a 10-year lease for an “election center” in Woodstock. $3.2+ million in rent over 10 years, not including costs for renovations, relocation, maintenance or annual salaries for employees and security needed for the new building. Mentioned was ARPA (COVID) funds possibly funding the center for five years, but no long-term funding solutions.

Ask yourself again, Why would the county board amend the sales tax referendum question?

Vote no! to a Mental Health Board sales tax!

Kelly Liebmann Wonder Lake

Referendum can help fund urgent mental health needs

In 2023 we suddenly found ourselves thrust into the mental healthcare system, and we were shocked at the state of the system. As an analytical mind, I felt compelled to understand better why this was the case. I began to examine the entire system, how it’s funded, and who is doing the gatekeeping. It quickly became apparent that the United States, while ahead of many countries, has a long way to go in constructing a mental health system that properly reflects our commitment to our citizens in the Constitution.

Human society is still on the journey toward fully understanding the brain –accurately assessing how it works, deciphering what causes behavior, and how to augment the natural systems to produce better outcomes for both the individual as well as society. The pandemic has

People want to know what you think

You ought to think about writing a letter to the editor. Everybody should.

There is so much in Woodstock to write about.

When people call the editor to complain about something, or ask that The Independent investigate an issue they feel strongly about, my response often is, “You should write a letter to the editor.”

That is how readers can help to set the agenda of public discussion in Woodstock. Lots of people will read it, and it might even prompt a letter in response. If a particular issue is of concern to you, others probably feel the same. Why not talk about it?

You don’t have be against something to write for the Your Voice feature on the Opinion page, though that is a popular motivation for many letters. We’re certainly open to publishing letters that are for a project or program.

Why write a letter to the editor? To share your opinion (pro or con) with fellow citizens, to talk in a public way with your neighbors, to participate in the public debate/discussion on matters that affect lives of the people in Woodstock, and to exercise your First Amendment right to free speech through what is probably the most effective communications network in the community. You might also have different reasons.

And a letter in the newspaper gets noticed. In terms of popularity with readers, it’s right up there with arrests and obituaries.

Readership studies have consistently shown that the opinions of readers are better read than the opinions of the newspaper as

Continued from Previous page

wreaked havoc on our children as well as adults. We have a tremendous opportunity and great obligation to increase our commitment to our citizens through improving our mental health care. On March 19, we can t ake a step forward toward that goal.

I wanted to encourage your readers to vote yes on the upcoming McHenry County Board’s unanimous bipartisan referendum to increase funding for Mental Health Services. This will support prevention and care instead of enduring the costs that result from ignoring it. This is the next frontier in human society’s development, and we need to fund it in a way

reflected in editorials and columns. That doesn’t surprise us. Citizens are always curious about what others are concerned about.

We publish editorials with The Independent’s opinions as a matter of community leadership, to help set that agenda of public debate, and to let citizens know we’re trying to keep an eye on things around here, among other reasons.

Declarations

Editorials in The Independent are discussed in advance during our weekly meeting of editors and reporters before the editor puts pen to paper (figuratively) to reflect the opinion of our editorial board, whose members’ names appear at the top of the Opinion page.

It’s not important that everyone (or anyone) agrees with us. We hope it helps people to understand local issues a little better, to think about what is important in Woodstock – and to maybe write a letter to the editors in agreement or disagreement.

Because the letters are so well read, Your Voice also is a good way to promote a public project, program, or event. Of course, we also sometimes report such things in our In Brief columns or a listing in Happenings, our weekly calendar of local events.

Giving deserving residents or organizations a shout-out for work

that reflects the American commitment to securing the right for our citizens to pursue happiness.

Ryan Krajecki

Hampshire

Tax assessment freeze should raise income limit

Most, if not all, senior citizens living in McHenry County live mainly on their Social Security check.

The $65,000 [income] limit has been in effect from at least 2019 for the Senior Citizen Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption.

The Social Security increase from

well done also is a reason to write a letter. Good news is always welcome, and a pat on the back through a letter is a nice reward.

Sharing a slice of life in Woodstock is also important to Your Voice. Did you see the letter last week from the local resident who tried to save the life of a stray cat he saw lying on the side of Calhoun Street? The story had a sad ending; a car had hit the cat, and it didn’t make it to the pet clinic despite the writer’s effort. It was a touching tales of humanity by a fellow resident.

Of course, news generates letters to the editor. We have published several in recent weeks about the proposed Riverwoods subdivision south of the hospital, the financial struggles of Hearthstone Communities, idea on possible changes on the Square, and the referendum on March 19 to fund the Mental Health Board with a new county sales tax rather than through property taxes. And Bob Anderson of Wonder Lake can always be counted on for the occasional update on his efforts to reform township governance.

Among our guidelines for Letters to the Editor is that they must contain the writer’s name and phone number for verification only. The number will not be printed.

Also, please limit letters to 400 words. When it comes to newspaper content, shorter is usually better for readers. That’s one reason letters are so well read.

Think about it. Then write.

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

2019 through 2023 is 20.7 percent. This means that most senior citizens no longer qualify for the exemption. They should increase the $65,000 limit by 20 percent, or $78,000.

My property tax went from $4,202.36 in 2021 to $7,013.15 because of the Social Security increases.

Cost of living has increased at least 10 percent during that time, which means that senior citizens have at least 30 percent less money to spend for necessities, like food.

Why is it so important to hurt senior citizens?

Per Torling Woodstock

OUR POLICY: Email letters to pr@thewoodstockindependent.com, or send them to or drop them off at The Independent’s office, 671 E. Calhoun St., Woodstock, IL 60098. • Please limit letters to 400 words. • All submissions are subject to editing for length and content. • If questions, call 815-338-8040.

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Corrections

We strive for accuracy. To suggest corrections or clarifications, email news@ thewoodstockindependent.com.

Staff

PUBLISHER EMERITA Cheryl Wormley c wormley@thewoodstockindependent com

PUBLISHER Rebecca McDaniel rebecca@thewoodstockindependent com

EDITOR Larry Lough larry@thewoodstockindependent com

ADVERTISING Jill Flores jill@thewoodstockindependent com

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Sandy Kucharski sandy@thewoodstockindependent com

PHOTOGRAPHER Ken Farver ken@thewoodstockindependent com

COLUMNISTS

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

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Vicky Long

CORRESPONDENTS

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

EDITORIAL CARTOONIST

Jim Mansfield

PROOFREADER

Don Humbertson

CIRCULATION

Beverly Meuch, Dennis Micheletti, Bill Schwerdtfeger, John Wickham

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Schools

‘Grease’ a good fit for Marian

Three performances set for ‘school version’ of popular musical

By Tricia Carzoli NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

“It’s the one that they want,” Marian Central Catholic theology instructor Kristen Riedelsperger said about this year’s school musical, playing off one of the popular musical’s hits.

“Grease” will come to the high school stage for the first time in the school’s history.

“It is the school version,” said Riedelsperger, Marian Central’s musical director. “However, we worked to secure the rights to use some of the songs that appear in the movie so that it is more recognizable for the students and their parents.”

“Sandra Dee,” “Hopelessly Devoted,” and “You’re the One that I Want” – staples in the movie – will find their way onstage while the musical will go to a new level with choreography led by lead student choreographer Stephanie Schaefer and assisted by student choreographer Sophie Gallien.

“The choreography is really intense,” junior Colin Zecchin, Woodstock, said. “I’m really excited about it.”

The St. Mary Catholic School graduate plays Danny Zuko, and “Grease” marks his 17th lifetime production. He has performed in theater at St. Mary, Marian, and the Woodstock Opera House through Theatre 121.

Zecchin said he has appreciated the help that vocal coach Stephen Noon, Marian parent, has been able to provide. He is a Julliard graduate, earned his master’s degree in Voice at Northwestern University, has sung extensively in operas and concerts around the world, and has been a cantor soloist for the Archdiocese of Chicago for 25 years.

“Mr. Noon has really helped me,” he said. “He’s an amazing teacher, and this has been a great learning experience for me.”

Sister act

Zecchin performs alongside sisters Madeleine Noon, a senior, and Sabrina Noon, a sophomore.

Madeleine takes on the role of Zecchin’s character’s love interest, Sandra Dee.

“I can kind of identify with [Sandra’s] character,” Madeleine said. “I think vocally and acting, this is a good fit for me.”

Her sister takes on the role of the brash Betty Rizzo.

“She’s a good role for me,” Sabrina said. “I’m really excited that we get to perform in this together. This being Maddie’s senior year and having two female leads that work well for each of us, it is fun.”

Sabrina also teased that some of the rivalry

onstage comes easier because of their sisterly bond.

“We can really play that up,” she said.

Riedelsperger said the combined cast, crew, and tech involves more than 40 students, something Madeleine said she is proud of.

“We’ve really worked hard to help grow our theater group,” Madeleine said. “And this year, our cast and crew doubled its numbers!”

Behind the scenes

That excitement has spilled over into the crew side of things where, Riedelsperger said, this year the sets are student-driven and student-built under supervision by social science instructor Glenn Pinnau.

Spencer Ross, a freshman, said this was his first time working sets for a production.

“It has been exciting,” Ross said while he was working on the “Greased Lightning” car. “It is fun, and I really enjoy being a part of a show.”

Rounding out the show is pit band director Andrew Ossler, music instructor at Marian.

“We’ve worked hard on this show,” Ossler said. “The students are dedicated and are excited about the upbeat music. We have excellent musicians in the pit, the music is great, and I think the audience will really enjoy it.”

Senior Reese Eckstein plays bass in the pit.

“I’ve really only been playing bass for two years,” he said. “I’ve really enjoyed it – and I found that I’m pretty good at it.”

Eckstein’s favorite song, “Greased Lightning,” is a cast and crew favorite, too.

Zecchin said the music and the choreography in the number are lively and engaging. The car that Ross has been working on is the talk of the cast and crew because of the detail and removable engine, and the number is expected to be one of the many highlights of the show.

“Grease” hits the stage at 7 p.m. March 15 and 16 and 7 p.m. and 2 p.m. March 17 at Marian Central, 1001 McHenry Ave.. Tickets are available at the door only: $7 students/children/seniors, $13 adults.

INDEPENDENT PHOTOS BY TRICIA CARZOLI Marian Central High School students Colin Zecchin (Danny) and Madeleine Noon (Sandy) dance along with the song “We Go Together” during rehearsal for “Grease,” which Marian will stage in three performances March 15 to 17.

Pink Ladies and T-Birds strike a pose during rehearsal for the popular musical “Grease.”

COLLEGE CURRENTS

Woodstock students named to dean’s list at Augustana

Two students from Woodstock were among more than 1,100 students who were named to the dean’s list for a GPA of 3.5 or higher during the 2023-24 fall semester at Augustana College.

They are John Bigler, a Spanish, mathematics, computer science major, and Haley Chellberg, a business administration-international business major.

Dean’s list at Drake names four Woodstock students

Four students from Woodstock have been named to the dean’s list for the fall 2023 semester at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, which requires a GPA of 3.5 or higher.

They are Tyler Butler, Maggie Gillaspie, and Kelsey Perkins, all in the College of Arts & Sciences, and Tyler Schroeder, Journalism & Mass Communications.

UW-Platteville honors six locals for fall grades

Alli Fansler, an English major from Wonder Lake, was named to the chancellor’s list for the fall semester for earning a perfect 4.0 at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville.

Five other local students were named to the dean’s list for grades. They are:

Wonder Lake – Cole Lanci, mechanical engineering, and Taylor Termanas, environmental horticulture

Woodstock – Riley Basaran, cybersecurity; Ireland Dunnett, criminal justice; and Kaleb Robey, construction management

Joseph Weinberger chosen for special sales curriculum

Joseph Weinberger of Bull Valley has been chosen for the Undergraduate Certificate of Sales Excellence Program at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

With the special professional sell ing credential from the Center for Sales Excellence, students hone the commu nication, problem-solving, and decisionmaking skills that employers seek. Wein berger is a freshman majoring in business administration.

Kayla Konieczny makes Costal Carolina dean’s list

Kayla Konieczny of Wonder Lake was among more than 3,000 undergraduate students who were named to the dean’s list for the fall 2023 semester at Coastal Carolina University in Conway, S.C.

Student of the Week Sierra Baumann

Sierra Baumann, a senior at Marian Central Catholic High School, is the daughter of Ed and Nancy Baumann, Algonquin.

She was nominated by her guidance counselor, who wrote, ”Sierra is a kind and easy-going young lady who has really blossomed the past two years. She has a quiet confidence about her and is a pleasure to be around.”

An honor roll student, Sierra has received the Marian discipleship, academic excellence and service awards. She is involved in Key Club, Friends of Rachel, Campus Ministry, Green Club, and the mentor program.

Levi arrived at Helping Paws from an animal shelter in Kentucky, moving up here for a second chance. He’s neutered, microchipped, and vaccinated. A happy and energetic boy, Levi would be happiest in a home that is active as well. Like a true hound, he enjoys exploring his surroundings with his nose. Though he’s a little socially awkward at first, he plays well with the other puppies, and they always figure it out. Levi is very treat and food motivated, so training should be a breeze. If you are looking for a friendly and playful boy, this is your guy! Call Helping Paws to meet him.

SPRING REFRESH for your home

GOODASNEW!

Spring Break Jewelry Repair Sale 25% o all in-house repairs through March 31st!

In-Stock Carpet Ready for Install

Hours: Mon-Thurs 10-6, Fri 10-5, Sat 10-4

Sundays by appointment only

2020 S. Eastwood Drive (Rt. 47) Woodstock, IL 815-334-5985

PICTURE THIS

The McHenry County Historical Society’s Museum, located at 6422 Main St., Union, reopens for the season March 16. Last year, the McHenry County Historical Society celebrated 60 years of collecting, preserving, and sharing its county’s history with the public. To commemorate this anniversary, our featured exhibit, “60 Years, 60 Objects: Stories from McHenry County,” remains on display through October 2024. This exhibit highlights sixty objects from the historical society’s collection to tell the story of McHenry County. 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.

Chester Gould (1900-1985), creator of the Dick Tracy comic strip, at his home in Bull Valley in 1969.

Don Peasley Photo Collection, McHenry County Historical Society

Winner was a shoe-in

Student artists honored in District 200 Winter Art Show

Woodstock High School junior

Giavanna Kozlow was the winner of the Superintendent’s Award in the 2023-24 Winter Art Show in School District 200.

Hundreds of pieces of original work created by students at all levels were included in the exhibit displayed from Dec. 11 through Jan. 8 at the Woodstock Public Library.

District 200 art teachers selected one piece from a student at each school to receive an award. Each piece will be purchased from the artist for a small fee and permanently displayed in the artist’s school. Kizlow’s detailed drawing, showing the bottom of a sneaker, was chosen by Superintendent Mike Moan for display in the District 200 Administrative Services Center.

The winning artists’ works were displayed at the Board of Education meeting Feb. 27, when each winning artist was recognized with a certificate.

Winners at each building were:

n Zoe Baeza, fourth grader, Mary Endres Elementary

n Maya Dababneh, second-grader, Prairiewood Elementary

n Brantley Doyle, third-grader, Olson Elementary

n Giavanna Kozlow, 11th-grader, Woodstock High School, Grade 11 (Superintendent’s Award Winner)

n Miles Levault, 11th-grader, Clay Academy

n Andrew Libonati, eighth-grader,

Northwood Middle School

n William Mairet, second-grader, Dean Street Elementary

n Mara Ornstein, 12th-grader, Woodstock High School

n Rebecca Pollack, fourth-grader, Westwood Elementary

n Emmaline Skelton, seventhgrader, Creekside Middle School

n Sedona Suchor, fifth-grader, Greenwood Elementary

n Alexandria Tyranski, 10thgrader, Woodstock North High School

Giavanna Kozlow (left), a junior at Woodstock High School, poses with her drawing that won the Superintendent’s Award in the 2023-24 Winter Art Show in School District 200.

Winners in the Winter Art Show in School District 200 (below) includes these students, who were honored during the Feb. 27 meeting of the Board of Education.

DISTRICT 200 PHOTOS

FARM ART

Acclaimed landscape artist Rodger Bechtold’s painting of the Thompson Farm is unveiled Friday at Bull Valley’s Stickney House, where it will be on permanent display. Bechtold, a long-time resident of Bull Valley, donated the painting to the village of Bull Valley in memory of botanical illustrator Glory Bechtold, his late wife.

Business

Transactions filed in the McHenry County Recorder’s Office Feb. 21 to23 .

.

■ Residence at 2326 Aspen Drive, Woodstock, was sold by The Judicial Sales Corporation, Chicago, to Dean Real Estate Group LLC, Palatine, for $135,586.

■ Residence at 4017 W. Lake Shore Drive, Wonder Lake, was sold by GMAG Properties Inc., Arlington Heights, to Courtney Clark, Wonder Lake, for $205,000.

■ Residence at 359 Vine St., Woodstock, was sold by Tricia Cho, Saint Charles, to Santos Bustillo Herrera, Woodstock, for $185,000.

■ Residence at 741 Regina Court, Woodstock, was sold by 741 Regina Court Land Trust, Mineral Point, Wis., to Phyllis Nelson, Woodstock, for $170,000.

■ Residence at 1319 Clay St., Woodstock, was sold by The Zachary J. Martin and Maggie A. Martin Joint Revocable Trust, Frankenmuth, Mich., to Stephanie A. Loser, Woodstock, for $165,000.

■ Residence at 1829 Butterfield Road, Woodstock was sold by The Estate of Thomas Bley, McHenry, to Eric A. Bierman, Woodstock, for $297,500.

■ Residence at 10107 Illinois Route 120, Woodstock, was sold by Domanique Cuellar, Lincolnwood, to Quantum Soup Properties LLC, Woodstock, for $691,000.

■ Residence at 2004 Greenview Drive, Woodstock, was sold by Robert David Lindsay, Sycamore, to Brandon T. Meyer, Woodstock, for $353,000.

■ Farm at 13919 Perkins Road, Woodstock, was sold by Rolling Ridge LLC, Evanston, to Chang Family LLC, Lake Forest, for $1,611,800.

Woodstock’s Jewel grocery store would be affected by a merger of Albertsons, which owns Jewel, and Kroger in a $24.6 billion deal, but the Federal Trade Commission has sued to block the deal, alleging it would be “anticompetitive.”

FTC wants merger DOA

Will Woodstock residents get to go ‘Krogering’?

By Susan W. Murray NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

In the 1980s, the Kroger company could look back on 100 years of history as it grew from a single modest grocery store on Pearl Street in Cincinnati, Ohio, to operate food, drug, and convenience stores from coast to coast.

Shoppers were invited in with a jaunty jingle, “Let’s go Krogering,” now a minor YouTube hit with nearly 41,000 views.

Mergers with other supermarket chains in the past 25 years further increased Kroger’s size to “nearly 2,800 stores in 35 states under two dozen banners and annual sales of more than $132.5 billion,” according to the company’s website.

In October 2022, Kroger and Albertsons agreed to merge in a $24.6 billion deal that the two companies said would help them compete with Amazon, Costco, and Walmart.

Over 2,200 stores in 34 states fall under the Albertsons umbrella, including 183 Jewel grocery stores in Illinois – one in Woodstock.

When concluded, Kroger and Albertsons would operate more than 5,000 grocery stores and 4,000 retail pharmacies in 48 states and employ 700,000 people. The transaction was expected to close early

this year.

Not so fast, said the Federal Trade Commission on Feb. 26.

A litany of objections

The FTC sued to block what would have been the largest supermarket merger in U.S. history, according to a press release, alleging that the deal would be “anticompetitive.”

A host of reasons for the action are cited in the press release, including the elimination of competition between the two chains, resulting in “higher prices for groceries and other household items.” The FTC also claims that loss of competition would lead to “lower quality products and services” and would threaten employees’ ability “to secure higher wages, better benefits, and improved working conditions.”

With Kroger and Albertsons working together, the FTC said, there would be a diminished incentive to compete on quality and customer service.

The FTC essentially declared itself unimpressed with Kroger and Albertsons’ proposal to divest themselves of several hundred stores in order to win approval of the merger. The federal agency suggested that C&S Wholesale Grocers, which would operate the divested stores, would face tough sledding to

survive.

“C&S would face significant obstacles stitching together the various parts and pieces from Kroger and Albertsons into a functioning business – let alone a successful competitor against a combined Kroger and Albertsons,” the press release said.

In its own press release, Kroger countered that its business model is to reduce prices for the customer, saying that it has “reduced prices every year since 2003.”

The company also argued that if the FTC successfully blocks the merger, the decision would “only strengthen larger, non-unionized retailers like Walmart, Costco and Amazon by allowing them to further increase their overwhelming and growing dominance of the grocery industry.”

Next steps

The offices of attorneys general in eight states and the District of Columbia are joining the FTC’s federal lawsuit.

Kroger and Albertsons have 14 days to respond to the FTC’s administrative complaint. A hearing will take place on July 31.

Until then, the status quo reigns, and “Krogering” is just a word in a jingle.

INDEPENDENT

PHOTO BY KEN FARVER

‘It is a rarity’

County-owned

By Eileen Millard NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

When McHenry County’s Valley Hi Nursing & Rehabilitation facility broke ground last October for its new $3.99 million memory care wing, there was no tax referendum or bond sale sought to fund the project.

The money was already there, part of a healthy Valley Hi reserve fund that is standard operating procedure for the facility.

In fact, in 2019, when the reserve was around $40 million, the County Board set aside a pool of $15 million and gave taxpayers a chance to file for a tax rebate.

Several factors explain how a countywide social service provider such as Valley Hi maintains that kind of healthy bottom line without a huge tax-funded budget.

Currently, Valley Hi is listed as only a $10,000 line item on the county property tax levy that is more than $70 million, said Theresa Meshes, chairwoman of the

nursing

home ‘considered a gem in the state of

McHenry County Valley Hi Operating Committee.

The self-sustaining home has also been recognized for its award-winning patient care, receiving the Silver National Quality Award from the American Health Care Association and the National Center for Assisted Living in 2023 for performance and quality standards of nursing care and assisted-living organizations. Valley Hi had also previously earned the organization’s Bronze Quality Award.

A rare breed

A 2022 survey published by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services showed that skilled nursing facilities owned by a governmental entity in the U.S. represent only 5.7 percent of all facilities, compared to 22.5 percent not-forprofit facilities and 71.7 percent forprofit facilities.

“It is a rarity,” Meshes said. “Many government [entities] want to get out of the business, [but] there should be more. … There is

Valley Hi administrator Tom Annarella snaps a few photos amid ongoing construction of a new memory care wing at the countyowned nursing home. Only 5.7 percent of nursing care facilities in the U.S. are owned by governmental entities.

Illinois for elder care’

a great need in the county, and in the nation, for more nursing home beds. Governments should be filling this need.”

Board Chairman Michael Buehler said McHenry County had bucked a trend.

“Quite a few counties over the last few years have shifted to private management firms,” he said. “We have no intention to do that, as it is well run, a great success for

residents.”

Ownership can affect the bottom line, Buehler added.

“[Valley Hi] is not publicly traded,” he said. “[There are] no shareholders that we are beholden to.”

He said that breaking even, or even ending a year at a slight loss, is acceptable, as Valley Hi has the reserves to deal with that.

INDEPENDENT PHOTOS BY KEN FARVER

Valley Hi Nursing & Rehabilitation facility at 2406 Hartland Road northwest of Woodstock is a rare government-run nursing facility.

HI

History of board support

Brian Sager, one of two County Board members for District 7, which includes Woodstock, said Valley Hi has had many advocates.

“Fortunately, there have been some extraordinary proponents for Valley Hi over the past many years who have heeded the call for good, quality care for McHenry County seniors,” he said. “With their logical planning and financial oversight, they have been able to ensure that McHenry County does have a facility to provide high-quality care by an extremely strong professional staff.”

Michael Skala, chairman of the County Board’s Finance and Audit Committee, said different factors make Valley Hi a success story.

“We have conscientious staff and a very good bed mix that allows [care for] everyone,” he said, “from the most indigent to the people that can afford good healthcare. That bed mix allows the county to basically break even every fiscal year [for Valley Hi].”

“Bed mix” is the term the facility uses to describe what percentages of Valley Hi residents are using Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance. Since Medicare and Medicaid can often lag in reimbursing the facility, keeping a balanced mix helps to

PHOTO DETECTIVE

keep a constant revenue stream.

“After we build the memory care unit, we should have about $6M left,” Skala said. “That is a healthy fund reserve to have, as the last few years have had a deficit.”

Buehler said that formula is under constant scrutiny.

“We are always re-evaluating the bed mix, based on certain criteria, … ” he said. “This year it is beneficial to have more Medicare and Medicaid patients, because benefits have increased.

“Our original mission was to help those that can’t help themselves,

ideally more lower income people. They are the ones that struggle to find resources. This year we want more Medicare and Medicaid than private.”

New unit on track

Sager said the new memory care unit meets a demand.

“Over the years, there has been a call for a memory care unit because of the concern about the ability for patients with Alzheimer’s to be cared for, …” he said. “So the county board prioritized this as a need for our residents.”

Buehler said the County Board looks for areas where the mission can be expanded.

“We look for opportunities to add services, …” he said. “The memory care unit is a perfect example. Many years ago, [we saw] an aging population needing to be served, and we are ready and able to serve that population soon.

“We are very proud of the work [Valley Hi does], a fantastic job, amazing, award-winning, comparable to private pay [facilities]. Valley Hi is considered a gem in the state of Illinois for elder care.”

Denise Graff Ponstein, co-founder of The Woodstock Independent and a vice president of Gavers Community Cancer Foundation, provided identification of most of the people in February’s Photo Detective, published Feb. 21. The group is pictured in 2010 celebrating a $500,000 donation from the Gavers Community Cancer Foundation to Centegra Health System’s Gavers Breast Center. They are, with their 2010 titles: Front row – unknown; Andy Hartlieb, foundation vice president; Dave Roberts, board member; Steve Gavers, foundation president Back row – Denise Graff Ponstein, foundation vice president; Lori Geske, foundation board member; Laura Reschke, foundation board member; Sue Pearson, foundation board member; Scott Fisher, foundation board member; Iz Fisher, foundation board member; unknown; Mike Easley, Centegra CEO.

That leaves a couple of people unidentified. Keep digging, Photo Detectives!

INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY KEN FARVER

A new memory care unit at Valley Hi is under construction to meet a demand, County Board member Brian Sager of Woodstock says.

Chamber gala will honor individuals, businesses

Staff Report NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

Eight categories have 26 finalists for the annual awards presented by the Woodstock Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

Winners of those awards, along with the Harold Buschkopf Community Service Award, will be announced during the chamber’s annual awards gala March 15 at the Woodstock Opera House.

The chamber accepted public nominations for the awards from Jan. 17 through Feb. 13.

The finalists are:

n 2024 Retailer of the Year: Artisans on Main/Clayworkers’ Guild of Illinois, Hempstock Pharms, Kingston Lanes, Sparrow’s Nest

n 2024 Professional Service Provider of the Year: Family Eye Care of Woodstock, Northern Illinois Foot & Ankle Specialists, Todd’s Mastercoat

n 2024 Manufacturer of the Year: Boss Straw, Claussen Pickles/ Kraft-Heinz, EMTECH Machining & Grinding, Phoenix Woodworking Corp.

FUN DAY

n 2024 Nonprofit of the Year: Home of the Sparrow, Theatre 121, Woodstock Farmers Market

n 2024 Entrepreneur of the Year: Darrin Flynn & Alberto Perez, Julienne Samuels, Stacy McCaskill

n 2024 Leadership Excellence Award: Anne Marie WhitmoreLenzini, Ashlynn Drach, Melissa McMahon

n 2024 Volunteer of the Year: Ed Zurawski, Joe and Lynn Fiala, Mike Lenzi

n 2024 Community Event of the Year: Food Shed Co-Op Groundbreaking Ceremony, Lighting of the Square, Woodstock Ale Fest

The chamber, as an advocate for the local business community, provides programs and services to help create a favorable business climate and acts as the vehicle to promote the area’s economic and social progress.

Its offices are in the Old Courthouse Center, 101 N. Johnson St., Unit 1A.

For more information, email woodstockilchamber.com or call 815-338-2436.

SIDEWALK SELLING

BRIEFS

More early voting sites open for primary election

Ten additional early voting locations opened across McHenry County this week for the March 19 presidential primary.

People who are registered to vote in McHenry County now have 11 sites where they may cast their ballots early, regardless of where in the county they live. Only one is in Woodstock, at the county clerk’s office in the Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, where early voting began Feb. 8.

A complete list of locations and hours of operation is on the clerk’s office website, mchenrycountyclerkil.gov, and then clicking on “Elections” and “Voter Information.”

Early voting will be available until 7 p.m. the night before the primary at six of the locations. People wishing to vote in person on Election Day must do so at their assigned voting precinct; they can also vote at the clerk’s office, which is a universal polling site.

To find a polling place, call 815-3344242 or use the polling place locator on the county clerk’s website, which also can generate a sample ballot.

People who wish to vote by mail have until March 14 to ask for a ballot for the primary using the form on the website. Vote-by-mail ballots can be mailed in, delivered in person, or dropped off any time at the ballot drop box in front of the Administration Building.

People who are not registered to vote, or who have changed address since the last election, can register in person while they vote at the polls.

New city branding tools

Coffee With Chief topic

City marketing and communications

Director Heather Arnold will be the guest speaker for the monthly Coffee With the Chief program at 7 p.m. Monday, March 11, at the Woodstock Police Department, 656 Lake Ave.

Chief John Lieb invites the public for coffee and conversation about the new city logo and website. For more information, call Beckie Cox at 815-338-6787.

INDEPENDENT

PHOTO BY KEN FARVER

Girl Scout Troop 22 members sell cookies to hungry customers outside the Jewel/Osco store in Woodstock. Lucy, Emma, Madelyn, and Madi, as well as Girl Scouts throughout the area, will be selling the sweet snacks in-person around town through March 10.

INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY KEN FARVER

Sunday under sunny March skies, Cody and Noah pop a wheelie while riding at Grandma Hamand and Papa Ron’s farm.

Happenings calendar

7 THURSDAY

SLC TRIVIA NIGHT - PUB TRIVIA USA

Stage Left Café

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

woodstockoperahouse.com

8 FRIDAY

OPEN MIC NIGHT

Stage Left Café

125 W. Van Buren St.

7 p.m.

To sign up, email keith@ offsquaremusic.org offsquaremusic.org

9 SATURDAY

FROM BROADWAY TO OBSCURITY

Woodstock Opera House

121 W. Van Buren St.

7:30 p.m.

$50 VIP; $35 A seats; $25 B seats woodstockoperahouse.com

10 SUNDAY

ROMANTIC PIANO QUARTETS

Woodstock Opera House

121 W. Van Buren St.

3 p.m.

$25 A seats; $20 B seats woodstockoperahouse.com

11 MONDAY

COFFEE WITH THE CHIEF

Woodstock Police Department

656 Lake Ave.

7 p.m.

815-338-6787

14 THURSDAY

SLC TRIVIA NIGHT - PUB TRIVIA USA

Stage Left Café

125 W. Van Buren St.

7 p.m.

woodstockoperahouse.com

16 SATURDAY

INDOOR WOODSTOCK FARMERS MARKET

McHenry County Fairgrounds 11900 Country Club Road

9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

woodstockfarmersmarket.org

SHAMROCKED STREET FESTIVAL

219 N. Benton St.

Terry Byrne:, Noon to 1:30 p.m.

Interstate 90: 2 to 4 p.m.

Wild Fire: 5 to 7 p.m.

Bella Cain: 7 to 10 p.m.

DJ Marc Esses and Danny Vintage: 10 to 11 p.m. $15

BOY BAND REVIEW

WoodstockOpera House

121 W. Van Buren St.

7:30 p.m.

$50 VIP; $35 A seats; $25 B seats woodstockoperahouse.com

JAZZ NIGHT

Stage Left Café

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

woodstockoperahouse.com

17 SUNDAY

OPEN MIC STORYTELLING

Stage Left Café

125 W. Van Buren St. 2 to 4 p.m.

Hosted by Jim May

19 TUESDAY

DISTRICT 200 BOARD OF EDUCATION

Woodstock High School

501 W. South St. 7 p.m.

woodstockschools.org

20 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

21 THURSDAY

SLC TRIVIA NIGHT - PUB TRIVIA USA

Stage Left Café

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

woodstockoperahouse.com

22 FRIDAY

ORIGINAL OPEN MIC NIGHT

Stage Left Café

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

offsquaremusic.org

‘BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY’ - A MOVIE SING-ALONG

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

$10 all seats woodstockoperahouse.com

23 SATURDAY

A TRIBUTE TO THE RAT PACK

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

$43 all seats woodstockoperahouse.com

STAGE LEFT PRESENTS FEATURING AMY YORE

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

$10

To submit calendar items, email pr@thewoodstockindependent.com

woodstockoperahouse.com

26 TUESDAY

WOODSTOCK FIRE/RESCUE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

2900 Raffel Road 7 p.m.

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

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.

APRIL

2 TUESDAY

WOODSTOCK CITY COUNCIL

Council Chambers, City Hall 121 W. Calhoun 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

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

11 THURSDAY

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FLASHBACKS

35 years ago – 1988

■ Incumbent Jim Shoemaker and George “Pete” Corson won the city of Woodstock mayoral primary with 648 and 387 votes, respectively.

30 years ago – 1994

■ The Woodstock High School Theatre Arts Boosters presented “The Face on the Barroom Floor” as a fundraiser for the WHS theater program. The cast was composed entirely of adult booster members, parents, and teachers.

■ Jim Kamin and John Winzenried each bowled a perfect 300 game at Edgetown Bowl.

25 years ago – 1999

■ The Woodstock City Council approved placing a $3.9 million bond issue on the ballot to fund the construction of an aquatic center.

■ Adult & Child Rehab Center celebrated its 50th anniversary and set a fundraising goal of $100,000.

■ WHS senior Wendy Nicole Kazlusky was The Independent’s Student of the Week. Wendy said the secret to her success was “learning how to manage time wisely.” She had been a member of the student council for four years, had been president of her class as a sophomore, junior and senior, a member of the jazz choir, a drum major for the WHS marching band, and a member of the soccer team for four years.

20 years ago – 2004

■ Jim Campion and Denise Graff Ponstein received the Harold Busckopf Award for service to the community at the Woodstock Chamber of Commerce and Industry annual dinner.

■ The new Jewel/Osco was set to open on Route 47.

15 years ago – 2009

■ Taylor Reyes won the St. Mary spelling bee. Thomas Rodriquez was runner-up.

■ Fifty-four Woodstock High School seniors were named Illinois State Scholars by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission. The honor was reserved for students who rank in the top 10 percent of their class and/or whose SAT, ACT, and/or Prairie State Achievement Exam scores met strict selection standards.

visit the district and attend open community forums.

■ In her column The Nature of Things, Lisa Haderlein suggested “simple changes … to reduce runoff from the next big snow.” Woodstock’s snow accumulation by mid February 2014 was 67 inches – fifth highest on record. The 1978-79 total of 90 inches was first.

■ The congregation of First Presbyterian Church, Woodstock, held a mortgage burning after paying off the mortgage on its new church, 2018 N. Route 47, completed in 2007. The Rev. Paul Nelson, pastor, and former pastors Hal LeMert, Steve Plank, Mary Harris, and Melinda Hinners led a service of worship.

5 years ago – 2019

■ TownSquare Players was performing the 1994 Broadway adaption of Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast.” William T. Roberts of Libertyville played the Beast, and Cassidy Reich of Union was Belle. Director Billy Seeger said cast members were “delivering on all fronts – dancing, singing and acting.” Performances were schedule for all four March weekends.

■ Marian Central Catholic High School alum Darren Fortin was named the school’s new head football coach. Fortin brought more than 30 years of coaching and playing experience to his new role, including having played on Marian’s first football state championship team in 1983.

■ Among topics discussed at the McHenry County State of Addiction forum was the growing popularity of vaping among high school students. Even though cigarette smoking had declined among 10th- and 12th-graders, a quarter of 10th-graders and more than a third of 12th-graders reported using electronic cigarettes or electronic nicotine delivery systems.

■ The City Council voted unanimously to award the concession lease for Woodstock Water Works for 2009, 2010, and 2011 to James Baker of Napoli Pizza. In addition to selling pizza, Baker planned to sell hot dogs, nachos, chips, candy, ice cream, pop corn, drinks, and a variety of healthy snacks.

10 years ago – 2014

■ Woodstock School District 200 named Woodstock native and 1991 WHS graduate Michael Moan its new superintendent of schools. “It’s a dream come true to come back to a district that gave me so much,” Moan

1 year ago – 2023

■ Woodstock North High School senior Amy Cerritos was named winner of the District 200 Winter Art Show Superintendent’s Award. Her work, chosen by Superintendent Mike Moan, was hung in the D-200 Admin

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PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE OF CHANGE TO DBA CLOSING THE BUSINESS

FILE #21617

Public Notice is hereby given that on FEBRUARY 12, A.D. 2024, a Certificate was filed in the Office of the County Clerk of McHenry County IL concerning the business known as THE PET SITTER OF CRITTERS located at 6813 CHILLEMS DR. SPRING GROVE IL 60081 which certificate sets forth the following change: CLOSING THE BUSINESS in the DBA thereof: WENDY G. GREEN CLOSING BUSINESS OF THE PET SITTER OF CRITTERS LOCATED AT 6813 CHILLEMS DR. SPRING GROVE, IL 60081.

DATED this 12TH day of FEBRUARY, A.D., 2024

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

(Published in The Woodstock Independent February 21, 2024, February 28, 2024, March 6, 2024) L11743

PUBLIC NOTICE

ASSUMED NAME

Public Notice is hereby given that on

FEBRUARY 20, 2024 An Assumed

Name Business Certificate was filed in the Office of the County Clerk in McHenry County, IL under the following business name and address, and setting forth the names and addresses of all persons owning, conducting and transacting business known as IDLE MIKE located at 1008 HARROW GATE DR. WOODSTOCK, IL 60098.

Owner Name & Address: MICHAEL

GUSTAFSON 1008 HARROW GATE DR. WOODSTOCK, IL 60098.

Dated: FEBRUARY 20, 2024

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

(Published in The Woodstock Independent February 28, 2024, March 6, 2024)L11748

PUBLIC NOTICE

STATE OF ILLINOIS IN THE CIRCUIT

COURT OF THE TWENTY-SECOND

JUDICIAL CIRCUIT MCHENRY COUNTY, ILLINOIS-IN PROBATE

Case No. 2024PR000036

In the Matter of the Estate of MARY T. MCFARLAND

Deceased

CLAIM NOTICE

Notice is given of the death of MARY T. MCFARLAND

Of: CRYSTAL LAKE, IL

Letters of office were issued on: 2/21/2024

To Representative: ANTHONY C. SIGO

2301 HAYDN ST. WOODSTOCK, IL 60098

whose attorney is: MICHLING LAW FIRM

101 N. THROOP ST. WOODSTOCK, IL 60098

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

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

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

(Published in The Woodstock Independent February 28, 2024, March 6, 2024)L11749

PUBLIC NOTICE

ASSUMED NAME

Public Notice is hereby given that on

FEBRUARY 28, 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 Chico’s Small Engine Repair located at 403 Airport Rd. Harvard, IL 60033. Owner

Name & Address: Andres Herrera Diaz 1002 N. Jefferson St. Harvard, IL 60033.

Dated: FEBRUARY 28, 2024

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

(Published in The Woodstock Independent March 6, 2024)L11750

PUBLIC NOTICE

TAX DEED NO. 2024TX000028

FILED February 26, 2024

TAKE NOTICE

TO: JOSEPH J. TIRIO, MCHENRY COUNTY CLERK; OCCUPANT; MARY 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:

PUBLIC NOTICES

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

(Published in The Woodstock Independent March 6, 2024)L11751

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice of Self-Storage Sale

Please notice Red Dot Storage 6 - Woodstock located at 2105 S. Eastwood Dr, Woodstock, IL 60098 intends to hold an auction of the goods stored in the following units in default for non-payment of rent. The sale will be an online auction via www. storageTreasures.com on 3/25/2024 at 9:30 am. Unless stated otherwise the description of the contents is household goods and furnishings. Hans Labude Unit #926; Ed Delli Unit #717; Keri Smith Unit #930; Ivy Sagrado Unit #214. All property is being stored at the above self-storage facility. This sale may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Certain terms and conditions apply. See manager for details.

(Published in The Woodstock Independent March 6, 2024)L11752

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice of Self-Storage Sale

Please notice Red Dot Storage 78Woodstock located at 740 Washington Rd., Woodstock, IL 60098 intends to hold an auction of the goods stored in the following unit in default for

non-payment of rent. The sale will occur as an online auction via www. storageTreasures.com on 3/25/2024 at 9:30 AM. Unless stated otherwise the description of the contents is household goods and furnishings. Lisa Derer Uni #079; Darby Brown Unit #099; Robert Birdsell Unit #123; Lakeia Graham Unit #260. All property is being stored at the above self-storage facility. This sale may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Certain terms and conditions apply. See manager for details.

(Published in The Woodstock Independent March 6, 2024)L11753

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

City of Woodstock Plan Commission Notice is hereby given in compliance with the City of Woodstock Unified Development Ordinance that the City of Woodstock Plan Commission will conduct a public hearing on Thursday, March 21, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers, 2nd Floor at 121 West Calhoun Street, Woodstock, Illinois. The hearing will be in regard to a petition submitted by MEV MGOBLUE LLC, owner, for approval of variations to allow, following anticipated acquisition of portions of the property by IDOT: 1) a drive aisle to be 14.15 feet from the front property line instead of the required 30 feet; and 2) a drive aisle to be 0.70 feet from the south side property line instead of the required 10 feet; both of which are existing improvements. The real estate is generally located at 631 S. Eastwood Drive, Woodstock, Illinois and bearing Permanent Index Number 13-09-102-017.

A copy of the petition which is the subject of this public hearing is on file and available for public viewing at Woodstock City Hall. Anyone wishing to comment may attend the meeting and be heard. Written comments may be submitted to the Department of Building & Zoning Department at City Hall on or before 5:00 p.m. on the day of the hearing, or during the hearing and prior to its close.

/s/ Cody Sheriff, Plan Commission Chairman (Published in The Woodstock Independent March 6, 2024)L11754

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

City of Woodstock Notice is hereby given in compliance with the City of Woodstock Unified Development Ordinance that the City of Woodstock Plan Commission will

conduct a public hearing on Thursday, March 21, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers, 2nd Floor at 121 West Calhoun Street, Woodstock, Illinois. The hearing will be in regard to a petition submitted by City of Woodstock, owner, for approval of a variation to allow a six-foot non-privacy fence in a required front yard of the Woodstock Police Department located at 656 Lake Avenue, Woodstock, Illinois and bearing Permanent Index Number 13-08-256-005.

A copy of the petition which is the subject of this public hearing is on file and available for public viewing at Woodstock City Hall. Anyone wishing to comment may attend the meeting and be heard. Written comments may be submitted to the Department of Building & Zoning Department at City Hall on or before 5:00 p.m. on the day of the hearing, or during the hearing and prior to its close.

/s/ Cody Sheriff, Plan Commission

Chairman

(Published in The Woodstock Independent March 6, 2024)L11755

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

City of Woodstock Plan Commission Notice is hereby given in compliance with the City of Woodstock Unified Development Ordinance that the City of Woodstock Plan Commission will conduct a public hearing on Thursday, March 21, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers, 2nd Floor at 121 West Calhoun Street, Woodstock, Illinois. The hearing will be in regard to a petition submitted by HEATHERS HOMES LLC SERIES 327 EAST JACKSON, for approval of a REZONING from the current classification of B3 to B2-C to allow the renovation of the existing building into two residential units at the real estate generally located at 327 EAST JACKSON STREET, WOODSTOCK, ILLINOIS and bearing Permanent Index Number 13-05-391-022.

A copy of the petition which is the subject of this public hearing is on file and available for public viewing at Woodstock City Hall. Anyone wishing to comment may attend the meeting and be heard. Written comments may be submitted to the Department of Building & Zoning Department at City Hall on or before 5:00 p.m. on the day of the hearing, or during the hearing and prior to its close.

/s/ Cody Sheriff, Plan Commission

Chairman (Published in The Woodstock Independent March 6, 2024)L11756

Sports

North’s Ellie Thurow resumes perfect form early for Coe College

Ellie Thurow is 2-for-2, even though the Woodstock North graduate has not logged one plate appearance

In the first two Coe College softball games, the coaching staff put the ball in her hands, once as a starter and once in relief. She logged two victories to improve to 2-0 on the young season. The fifth-year player worked the first two softball games of the year. Therefore, Coe is 2-0 as well.

In a 2-1 victory over Bethany Lutheran College, Thurow worked a complete seveninning game. She allowed the opposition only one earned run on five hits while fanning five and walking four. That was the first win of the year for the hurler.

The Falcons seventh-grade basketball team celebrates winning the Fox Valley Conference endof-season tournament championship Feb. 29.

The players are Alex Nawacki, Rylee Zawisza, Charlie Sivore, Reese Zawisza, Kate Foss, Aiyana Fourdyce, Anna Fifer, Ellody Jackson, Noelle Gay, Audrey Wedoff, Angelina Lott, Evie Rick, Emalyn Blue, Sophia Dymek and Sara Dougherty. Managers: Quincey Beard and Chloe Dix.

Seventh-grade celebration

Creekside Middle School claims Fox Valley Conference tournament title

Later the same day, she got the ball in relief against Saint Mary’s University. In a 5-4 Coe victory, Thurow worked 1 2/3 innings, allowing only three hits and one walk while fanning one.

Both games were held at the Bethany Lutheran Dome Invite in Mankato, Minn.

Meghan Nixon (Woodstock) was 1-for-3 as her college team, Augustana College, downed Loras College 2-1. Nixon scored both of the Lady Vikings’ runs. In a 7-5 loss to Edgewood College, the AC junior walked and scored one run. Augustana is 2-2 in the first four games, all played at the Mount Mary University Slugger Series, held at the Louisville Slugger Sports Complex in Peoria.

WRESTLING

Dylan Connell (Marian Central Catholic) helped the University of Illinois top Purdue University 19-18. The 184-pound redshirt sophomore downed his Boilermaker counterpart, James Rowley, 5-3. In the Illini’s 21-20 win over Northwestern University, the Marengo resident lost a 4-1 decision to Troy Fisher. It went into overtime, when Fisher earned a sudden

By Sandy Kucharski NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

Winning is fun, and the Creekside seventh-grade girls basketball team had a lot of fun this season, highlighted by winning the endof-season Fox Valley Conference tournament.

“It was a very special and memorable season,” said Steve Beard, seventh-grade girls basketball head coach.

With an overall record of 15-1, the Creekside A team enjoyed a nearperfect season.

Competing in the Fox Valley

Conference North division, the team had a 9-1 conference record, sharing the regular season championship title with Nippersink Middle School.

The FVC North division includes Creekside, Northwood, Johnsburg, Nippersink, McHenry, and Parkland middle schools. At the end of the season, the North and South divisions faced each other in a four-day FVC tournament. Winning their way into the finals among 12 teams, the Creekside girls defeated Heineman Middle School 42-32 on Feb. 29 to claim the FVC tournament title.

“We had a great crowd,” Beard said, referring to fan support for the

final game.

The victory made school sports history for Creekside, as it was the first time the seventh-grade girls team has won the end-of-season tournament. The team also caught the attention of the Woodstock High School girls coaching staff, as most of the girls will potentially move on to play for the Blue Streaks.

The team was led in scoring by Alex Nawacki, who was the top scoring player in the championship game.

Also enjoying a successful season, the Creekside B team had a record of 8-1.

■

INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY VICKY LONG

Dan Chamness The College Report

The Woodstock Hoops seventh-grade basketball team won the Hampshire HoopFest Tournament Feb. 24.

Pictured are (front) Niko Johnson; (row 1) Collin Campbell, Jaxon Lenzi, Jaiden Fischer, Bresden Shutt; (row 2) Ben Fawbush, Nick Morrow, Luke Faehndrick, Coach Marc Hinderlider; (back row) Coach Brian Campbell, Henry Noble, Daniel Ofosu, Amiriyon Harper, Gavin Indurante, and Sean Thompson.

SHIRT-SLEEVES AND SHORTS

COLLEGE

Continued from Page 22

victory. Connell is 5-9 overall and 2-5 in Big 10 Conference matches. Illinois is 5-9 overall and 2-6 in the Big 10 Conference.

TRACK AND FIELD

Reagan Kelly (Marian Central Catholic), a Butler University track athlete, competed in two relays for the Lady Bulldogs in the Big East Conference Indoor Championships, held at Gately Indoor Track and Field Center in Chicago. She was a member of the Butler 1,600-meter relay (3 minutes, 51.45 seconds) and the distance medley relay (11:55.49). She helped Butler take sixth in both races. Butler took eighth as a team with 22 points. The University of Connecticut won the team title with 168 points. Nine women’s teams posted a team score in the conference meet.

Anthony Carney (Marian Central Catholic) did double duty at the Kenneth “Moco” Mercer Challenge, hosted by the University of Dubuque. The Dubuque sophomore, a Woodstock resident, took fourth in the 3,000-meter run, finishing the race in 9:39.22. He was also ninth in the mile run, breaking the tape at 4:33.37. In the Spartan Shootout, which was also held at Dubuque, he finished fifth in the 3,000-meter run with a time of 8:57.69. Both meets were held at the A.Y. McDonald Indoor Track in Dubuque, Iowa.

Dubuque finished second to Loras College in both meets. In the Kenneth “Moco” Mercer Challenge, Dubuque finished with 161 points; Loras had 163. The Dubuque Spartans finished with 177 points in the Shootout; Loras had 189.

Sophia Raymond (Woodstock)

competed in the weight throw in two meets at Grand Valley State University in Allendale, Mich. In the Mike Lints Alumni Meet, she finished sixth with a throw of 40 feet, 10.5 inches. In the Bill Clinger Classic, she took 10th in the weight throw with a toss of 12.82 meters. Neither meet was scored on the team level.

Adam Zinn (Woodstock North) finished fifth in the 400-meter dash at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point-hosted Big Dawg Invite. The Wisconsin-Stevens Point junior finished the race in :53.46.

Jacob McConnell (Woodstock North) and Jorge Aragon (Woodstock North), also Wisconsin-Stevens Point track athletes, each finished ninth in their events. Aragon finished the 5,000-meter run in 17:07.59, while McConnell finished the weight throw with an effort of 46-3.25.

More recently, Zinn and McConnell, as well as Aidan Schleutermann (Woodstock), also a Wisconsin-Stevens Point track athlete, competed at the Midwest Elite Invitational, which was hosted by the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.

Zinn was 22nd in the 400-meter dash, running a time of :53.21. McConnell finished 27th with a throw of 47-9. Schleutermann competed in the 5,000-meter run with a time of 15:46.61, which was good for 47th.

Wisconsin-Stevens Point took fifth of the nine teams, finishing with 48.5 points. The University of WisconsinLaCrosse took first with 170 points. At the Big Dawg Invite, WisconsinStevens Point took second with 166.5 points. Wisconsin-Whitewater won the team title at the Big Dawg with 181 points.

Dan Chamness writes The College Report for The Independent.

Woodstock North spring season athletes enjoy shirtsleeve weather for practice Feb. 27. The mild temperatures have made outdoor practices possible all over Woodstock.

Dan French capped off a phenomenal sophomore year at Marian Central Catholic High School, securing the first dual meet state championship in school history for the Hurricane wrestling team.

Coming off a state qualifing finish at the individual state tournament, French went 3-0 in the dual meet portion of the state series.

He defeated an opponent from Leroy/Tri-Valley in the quarterfinal. In the semifinals, French pinned his opponent in the 190-pound match sending the ’Canes to the state title match.

In the finals, Marian held a 30-15 advantage heading into 190 pounds. Coaches elected to bump French up to 215, where he scored a major decision victory 11-0, defeating Coal City.

“Being able to count on a sophomore in those big situations was paramount to our success this season,” said co-head coach Jordan Blanton. “[He’s] a gamer and as clutch as they come.”

“The best part is, we still have two more years with him,” added co-head coach Ryan Prater.

COURTESY PHOTO

Pictured are Jude Suay (top) and Hannah Widmeyer.

INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY KEN FARVER