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Enjoy a night of ‘Movies

Third annual Resident Survey open now to August 15

By Eileen Millard NEWS@THE WOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

Woodstock’s annual Resident Survey is available online until Aug. 15. It’s the place to let elected officials know what your priorities are for focus and spending, and to weigh in on the city

services and facilities you most regularly use.

Ways to access survey

Access is easy, through the tab on the city’s webpage, www.woodstockil. gov, or by using the QR code available in this article. The code for quick

LADY OF THE LAKE

access can also be found on flyers around town and on posters at city locations such as the library, Recreation Center, Opera House, Stage Left and City Hall. Info and the code can also be found on Woodstock’s Facebook page and on yard signs around

, Page 4

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

Phone: 815-338-8040 Fax: 815-338-8177 Thewoodstock independent.com

D-200 school board wraps up one year, looks to next

By Caryl Dierksen NEWS@THE WOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

The July 23 meeting of the District 200 school board was its final and—at 20 minutes long— probably briefest one of the 2023-24 school year. Summer meetings are often shorter than

those held when school is in session. Those meetings begin with students and/or staff being honored for recent accomplishments. Board members and district administrators often refer to those presentations as the highlight of the meetings.

While there was no one physically

present to be recognized, Supt. Mike Moan shared news of the death of Sharon Barger, a retired Woodstock High School English and French teacher who served the district for 40 years. Two board members also commented on her contributions:

See BOARD, Page 2

INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY ANDREW ROUSEY A swivel skier lights up the wake with a graceful performance July 26 during the Friday night Wonder Lake Water Ski Show Team Home Show.

BOARD

County, realtors team up for property tax workshop

The McHenry County Treasurer’s Office, the County Clerk and Recorder’s Office, and the Heartland Realtor Organization are teaming up to hold a property tax workshop to educate the public about tax breaks and protections available to them.

The workshop will take place at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Aug, 6 at the Realtor organization’s offices at 405 E. Congress Pkwy., Crystal Lake. The event is free, but attendees must RSVP.

Treasurer Donna Kurtz and County Clerk and Recorder Joe Tirio will discuss the many property tax exemptions available, the many convenient and safe ways to pay McHenry County property taxes, ways to protect property deeds, and new programs designed to give new property owners tax relief. The workshop is geared not just toward homeowners, but real estate, legal, and financial service providers as well.

Changes include the elimination of processing fees for paying by electronic check and the creation of the VIP taxpayer Program, which allows property owners to schedule electronic payments, get reminders of due dates, and sign up to receive next year’s bill electronically. The Treasurer’s Office also has been working to raise awareness of the state’s lowering of the interest rate for the Senior Tax Deferral Program from 6% to 3%. Tirio and Kurtz have recently partnered their offices to create the Welcome Home Program, which provides new property owners with their tax bills when they otherwise might not have received it due to their closing date.

Reservations for the free workshop can be made by calling 815-459-0600 or emailing info@Heartlandro.com; a Zoom link will be made available upon request for people wishing to attend remotely.

Jake Homuth, whose wife is Barger’s granddaughter, and John Headley, who was a longtime teaching colleague.

In his superintendent’s report, Moan informed the board that preparations for the upcoming school year were mostly complete, with the remaining work expected to be finished by the opening day, Aug. 14. He added that he was very excited for the return of the students and staff.

Under the new business section of its agenda, the board took the following action:

• approved upgrades to the Siemens ventilating systems in use at

PUBLIC SAFETY LOG

Woodstock Police Department

■ Michael A. Grzyb, 22, Woodstock, was arrested July 11 at Church and N. Jefferson streets on charges of no drivers license, operating an uninsured motor vehicle and suspended registration. Released on notice to appear. Court date August 1.

■ Luiz A. Carrion, 42, Woodstock, was arrested July 11 at N. Benton St. on charges of disorderly conduct, aggravated assault and 3 counts of unlawful use of a weapon. Transported to McHenry County Jail. Court date July 19.

■ Edmund Moi, 64, Woodstock, was arrested July 12 at Poplar Lane and St. Johns Road on charges of violation of order of protection. Transported to McHenry County Jail. Court date July 19.

■ Louis J. Romero-Lopez, 39, Woodstock, was arrested July 11 at N. Benton St. on charges of 2 counts of battery. Released on notice to appear. Court date July 19.

■ Gary D. Lechner, 58, Woodstock, was arrested July 13 at Clay St. on charges of disorderly conduct. Cited and released. Court date August 8.

■ Leonardo Fulks, 22, Woodstock, was arrested July 14 at Leah Lane on charges of 2 counts of domestic battery. Transported to McHenry County Jail. Court date August 14.

■ Jennifer M. Ratcliff, 46, Woodstock, was arrested July 14 at Kishwaukee Valley Road and Illinois Route 14 on charges of operating uninsured motor vehicle, expired registration, and

Creekside, Prairiewood, Northwood, and Woodstock North schools. The upgrade is necessary because Siemens is phasing out support for the current systems, and the technology needs to be updated to perform efficiently. The total cost of the upgrades, $196,040, will be covered by Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER III) federal grant funds. The district’s other schools are equipped with different systems that do not require upgrades at this time.

• approved a proposal to hire Wold Architects and Engineers to perform a comprehensive 10-year Health/Life Safety Survey of the district’s 12 schools for a lump sum fee of $98,252. Illinois school policy

requires this inspection every 10 years. Wold will begin work in October and will present the initial report to the board in October 2025. Wold performed the last survey in 2015.

• received a routine quarterly report from Chief Financial Officer Julie Dillon on the status of the district’s budget. The report, which focused on the three operating funds of educational, operations and maintenance, and transportation expenditures, found no significant concerns in any of the areas.

The board’s next regularly scheduled meeting will be at 7 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 13, in the Woodstock High School Learning Resources Center.

revoked driver’s license. Released on notice to appear. Court date August 15.

■ Patrick S. O’Farrell, 56, Woodstock, was arrested July 15 at Lake Ave. on charges of grooming and 2 counts of aggravated criminal sex abuse. Transported to McHenry County Jail. Court date TBD.

■ Peter B. Lundborg, 60, Woodstock, was arrested July 16 at the 1100 block of Queen Anne St. on charges of failure to restrain an animal. Cited and released on notice to appear. Court date August 16.

■ David W. Currier, 69, McHenry, was arrested July 16 at Lake Ave. on charges of 1 count of child pornography and 21 counts of aggravated child pornography. Transported to McHenry County Jail. Court date July 26.

■ Julio C. Arias, 26, Woodstock, was arrested July 16 at McConnell Road and Courtaulds Drive on charges of speeding - 15-20 mph. Released on notice to appear. Court date August 22.

■ Taurean L. Kennedy, 38, Elgin, was arrested July 18 at N. Seminary and Greenwood avenues on charges of driving on expired driver’s license and operating an uninsured motor vehicle. Released on notice to appear. Court date August 15.

■ Mario A. Gomez-Carmona, 33, Milwaukee, was arrested July 18 at N. Madison St. on charges of retail theft. Cited and released on notice to appear. Court date August 22.

■ Emilio A. Villegas, 28, Woodstock, was arrested July 18 at Country Club and Club roads on charges of driving

while license suspended, improper lane usage and unlawful possession of cannabis by driver. Released on notice to appear. Court date August 22.

■ Jerman O. Hernandez, 22, Woodstock, was arrested July 19 at E. Kimball Ave. on charges of improper lane usage, driving while license suspended, reckless driving, operating an uninsured motor vehicle and aggravated assault with a motor vehicle. Released on notice to appear. Court date July 26.

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

Woodstock Fire/Rescue District

EMS calls for July 18 - 24: 76

Fire runs

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

Structure Fire: 1

Combustible/fire, spills and leaks: 2

Electrical wiring/equipment problem: 3

Person in distress: 3

Water problem: 1

Public service assistance: 8

Cover assignment, standby at fire station: 2

Dispatched and canceled en route: 1

Wrong location, no emergency found: 1

Controlled burning: 1

HazMat release investigation: 1

System or detector malfunction: 3

Unintentional system/detector (no fire): 8

Total: 111

DIGGING UP THE PAST

In mid-July, crews began to demolish the 150-year-old Opera House stage floor.

Opera House Director Daniel Campbell explained that the structural support beams had not been seen from the top for 150 years. In the 70’s crews looked at the stage from underneath, but no one had seen the top.

The original floorboards had not been seen since the 1970s. That original floor can be seen in the background. In the foreground, the support beams have been found to be in excellent condition according to Campbell.

Opera House workshop/ garage with cement torn up. After soil testing it was decided that extra support would be needed to support the weight of the third story annex.

Tuesday, July 30

Miss McHenry County Fair Pageant

Wednesday, July 31

Draft Horse Pulls

Veteran’s Salute

Thursday, August 1

Monster Truck Rally

Friday, August 2

Bull Riding

Saturday, August 3

38 Special w/ Special Guest Tommy DeCarlo

Sunday August 4

Tractor & Truck Pulls Demolition Derby

INDEPENDENT PHOTOS BY TRICIA CARZOLI

SEEKING SALES

SURVEY

Continued from Page 1

town, as well as on the city’s digital signs.

“The survey consists of 23 questions and takes about 15-16 minutes to complete,” said Woodstock Marketing and Communications Director Heather Arnold by email. “It is encouraged for all Woodstock residents to participate.”

She explained how the survey is updated each year from resident suggestions. “This year’s survey is shorter due to feedback indicating that previous surveys were too lengthy,” she said. “Last year we focused a great deal on customer service and responsiveness in each department as a benchmark (for improvement).”

Shoppers paw through racks of clothing in front of Hattie & Myrt’s July 26 in search of good deals. Woodstock’s annual Sidewalk Sales ran for two days, bringing out bargain hunters.

But since many responses were marked “Not Applicable” by people who had little need to interact with staff directly, Arnold said that feedback for that is now handled on other targeted surveys sent out throughout the year

Information posters with a QR code can be found at city sites all over town, such as this one at the Opera House.

“This is our second year offering the

This QR code goes to the Resident Survey

survey in both English and Spanish,” Arnold added, “with questions combined in one survey for streamlined data collection.”

Arnold said that one of the new features in this year’s survey is aligning residents’ priorities with the city’s current strategic plan. “This will help us identify which aspects of the plan are most important to residents and track

changes in priorities over time.”

There are 23 questions on the survey, including seven that gather demographic info and offer a chance to enter a raffle. The remaining 16 questions use comment boxes, multiple choice, priority ranking and sliding scales to show preferences.

Topic areas include:

• Likelihood to recommend Woodstock as a good place to live

• Rating city parks and recreation activities

• Top source to get Woodstock news

• Rating city communication methods

• Areas you want Woodstock to focus on right now

• Woodstock’s track record on supporting diversity, equity and inclusion

• What the city can do to improve resident experience

The direct link to the survey is: www. surveymonkey.com/r/F6JLZ9X

INDEPENDENT PHOTOS BY ANDREW ROUSEY

BRING HOME THE GOLD!

Or the Silver. Or the Bronze.

A chance to win a gold or silver piece of jewelry, or personalized bronze golf ball markers.

3 WAYS TO ENTER

• Subscribe to our new website

• Like, Share, and Comment on Facebook

• Fill out an entry form in our store

WINNERS ANNOUNCED AUGUST 9!

Let’s All Go to the Flower Show!

Let’s All Go to the Flower

Presented by The Bull Valley Garden Club

“It’s About Time”

Friday, August 9th, 2024, from Noon until 7:00 pm.

Saturday, August 10th, 2024, from 9:00 am. until 2:00 pm.

Woodstock Public Library, 414 West Judd Street, Woodstock,IL FREE ADMISSION

Woodstock, IL • 1987

Fill out the survey, it’s as easy as pie

Woodstock’s Annual Resident Survey is here, for a limited time only, as the saying goes. It’s a painless way to weigh in on your priorities for the next year and your views on how we are doing as a city right now. Woodstock’s City Council has stated that they refer to survey results when making decisions for the coming year.

It’s easier than a phone call, a letter to City Hall, or attending a City Council meeting. Take the total of 23 questions, subtract the seven demographic questions, and you are down to 16. Most people will complete the survey in 15 minutes.

Some of the topics include

• Rating city parks and recreation activities

Reader objects to letter against Pridefest

This letter is in response to an opinion letter in the July 24, 2024 edition of The Independent.

I am surprised that The Woodstock Independent chose to publish an opinion letter written by Stephen McKenzie, explaining why he objects to the annual Woodstock Pride Parade and Festival. The arguments made by Mr. McKenzie were harmful and uninformed. He points to dictionary definitions and his own judgement as evidence for why Pridefest should not occur. He references the Bible without mentioning any specifics, repeating the common misconception that the Bible condemns the LBTQIA+ community. The Bible does no such thing, as is explained very well on the website for the Human Rights Campaign.

The overall tone of Mr. McKenzie’s letter is hateful, despite his statement that he doesn’t hate the queer community. He repeats untrue statements and perpetuates

methods

• Ranking areas you want Woodstock to focus on right now

• Rating Woodstock’s track record on supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion

• Your thoughts on how Woodstock can improve your day-to-day experience

• Your thoughts on how the city can encourage use of the Opera House, Stage Left, Recreation Center, Aquatic Center, Library, and Old Courthouse. You can find the survey at: www.surveymonkey.com/r/ F6JLZ9X

EDITORIAL CARTOON BY CHIP HUMBERTSON

• Choosing your top source for Woodstock news (hint: you’re reading it)

• Rating city communication

But to save time, you can use the QR code shown in the article starting on page one.

stereotypes that hurt queer people, especially queer youth. By publishing his opinion, The Independent lends credence to his uninformed arguments and further perpetuates these harmful stereotypes. I wish the letter had not been published, as I am sure Mr. McKenzie thinks he now has some legitimacy.

Pride is not about sexualizing children. Pride is about showing children that if their preference or identity “deviates” from some perceived norm, they can still be accepted and live a happy, fulfilling life. Pride is a protest, and protest is meant to make people uncomfortable. Mr. McKenzie doesn’t have to like Woodstock’s Pridefest, but his opinions cannot stop Woodstock from being the beautiful, open, and accepting community it is. As long as there are people like Mr. McKenzie to object to our existence, we will keep celebrating Pride.

Brandy Schratter Woodstock

homeowner and member of the LGBTQIA+ community

Bill Foster issues statement on Netanyahu’s address

Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) issued the following statement on Prime Minister Netanyahu’s address to Congress:

“I chose to attend the speech out of respect for the country of Israel and its people at a particularly challenging moment, but let me be clear: I oppose the incompetent, self-destructive, and anti-democratic actions and policies of the current Prime Minister.

“While I support Israel’s right to defend itself, including dismantling Hamas and taking measures to ensure the safety of Israeli citizens, Prime Minister Netanyahu’s handling of the war in Gaza has been disastrous. The manner in which the Israeli government has conducted this war has led to an unacceptable civilian death toll, an avoidable humanitarian crisis, a tragic loss of Israel’s standing in the world, and a nearly complete failure to achieve its avowed goal of safely freeing all the hostages.

“America’s voice must be used to urge the Israeli government to pursue a long-term peace founded upon a sustainable two-state solution that respects international law and the interests of both the Israeli and Palestinian people.”

Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL)

» OUR POLICY

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

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

n Include a phone number for verification of authorship only.

n Please limit letters to 400 words.

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

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

Teamwork makes the dream work

It’s always fun to add someone new to The Woodstock Independent team. New faces come with new ideas, new perspectives, and new enthusiasm and this helps keep us current and moving forward.

For most of the summer, we have had the pleasure of working with Amanda Burr. A 2024 graduate of Marian Central High School, Amanda has been on the Inde team this summer freelance scoring a variety of community stories. She has covered sports, music, karaoke, and other happenings on the Square, doing a lot of event coverage.

Her infectious smile and go-getter attitude has served her well as a reporter and will no doubt benefit her in future endeavors.

Amanda will be leaving us soon as she prepares to head off to Loyola University-Chicago to study entrepreneurship. We wish her the best of luck.

Camera coverage

We’ve recently hired a new staff photographer to fill the position Ken Farver held for many years.

Woodstock native Andrew Rousey is soon to be the new familiar faceabout-town as he covers a myriad of community and sporting events, capturing images of Woodstock and its residents.

Andy was born and raised in Woodstock, the son of a Woodstock police officer and a beautician with an inhome salon. He attended Northwood Elementary and Junior High (when they still called it junior high), and graduated Woodstock High School in 1986.

“The thing about growing up here that I remember the most, even with all the complaining that I am quite certain I did about there being nothing to do in Woodstock, was that we were always doing something. And given Woodstock’s location, there really was a lot to do in the area [beaches such as Crystal Lake, Fontana, Lake Geneva; concerts at Alpine Valley and Poplar Creek; movies, the fair, city park] ... just growing up so close to friends in a small town.”

Andy brings a variety of skills, including graphic design, art direction and marketing experience, awardwinning photography, and a drone license. He’s currently the owner and independent contractor for AR

avisuastudio.

He and his wife, Kelene, moved from the area and lived in the South San Francisco Bay Area and in Morrison, Colorado, for a few years, but returned home about eight months into the pandemic to be near family and friends.

When he’s not working he enjoys spending time with his wife, and dogs Wrigley and Finn. He can also be spotted running, cycling, mountain biking, and playing golf.

“I’m really looking forward to this new adventure in and around Woodstock. Even after living here at different points in time in my life, it’s exciting to get out and make new connections and relearn and reimagine days in the life of Woodstock through other peoples’ experiences,” Rousey said.

Sports starters

In an effort to increase the depth of our sports coverage, we have added more sports writers to our team who understand the value of youth and high school sports.

We are pleased to continue working with Juel Mecklenburg, a Woodstock High School graduate and athlete. She brings her knowledge and passion for sports to her coverage while also working on her undergraduate degree at Northern Illinois University.

An exciting recent recruit is new to TWI, but definitely no stranger to the Woodstock sports scene.

Blue Streak basketball standout Jen Nichols has spent most of her life playing, coaching, and enjoying sports, and now she’s looking forward to immersing herself into everything sports-related here in Woodstock, and sharing it with our readers.

A 2006 graduate of WHS, Jen is in the WHS Hall of Fame for her outstanding basketball career which included recognition as the all-time leading scorer for girls and boys (1742 points), top rebounder (780), and top free-throw shooter (548), among other recognitions. In 2005 she was the runner-up for Illinois 3-point

Queen of the Hills, and in 2006 she won the title. She then went on to a successful college career at the University of Dubuque where she was a 4-year-starter and 3-time Iowa AllConference player.

Following college she began her coaching career, which included assistant-coaching at Woodstock North High School and varsity coaching stints at Hebron High School, WHS, and North Boone High School. She also owned, operated, and coached the Chicago Vizion, an AAU travel basketball program.

Her coaching career was halted in 2022 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She has been in remission since 2023. In early 2024 she was diagnosed with inflammatory myofibroblastic neoplasm lung cancer and is currently in recovery and working with preventative cancer doctors.

“Becoming part of The Woodstock Independent has been a pleasant surprise in my life when I needed it the most. [I like being] part of a great team, doing what I love to do – sports and writing,” Nichols said.

She has two children, Hudson, 10, and Rayne, 5, who have become her little assistants, and Hudson is especially excited to attend games with her.

Super subs

Finally, we’ve benefited from two summer substitute players returning from past seasons. Emily Berna returned from last season to contribute graphic design coverage. In August she will be heading back to UW-Whitewater, where she will be a starter in her her sophomore year.

Another valuable summer sub, Woodstock High School English teacher Lisa Kunzie, has been assisting the team for a couple of month during her summer break. The writing, editing, and graphic design duties she contributed came back to her quickly, as she was a former associate editor of The Independent about 10 years ago. As a highly productive mom/daughter duo, I truly enjoyed our late night Sunday deadline sessions.

I can honestly say that we have scored with every one of our newly signed players and our experienced subs. We look forward to an exciting fall season of The Independent!

I NDEPENDENT

Subscription rates/year

$80 in Woodstock, Bull Valley and Wonder Lake. $82 in McHenry County. $87 for snowbirds and $95 outside McHenry County.

Corrections

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

Staff

PUBLISHER EMERITA Cheryl Wormley c wormley@thewoodstockindependent com

PUBLISHER Rebecca McDaniel rebecca@thewoodstockindependent com

EDITOR Larry Lough larry@thewoodstockindependent com

ADVERTISING Jill Flores jill@thewoodstockindependent com

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Sandy Kucharski sandy@thewoodstockindependent.com

COLUMNISTS

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

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Andrew Rousey, Vicky Long

CORRESPONDENTS

Tricia Carzoli, Janet Dovidio, Susan W. Murray, Megan Ivers, Lydia LaGue, Eileen Millard, Ruth Raubertas, Caryl Dierksen, Juel Mecklenburg, Seth Rowe, Amanda Burr, Lisa Kunzie, Jen Nichols

EDITORIAL CARTOONISTS Jim Mansfield, Chip Humbertson

PROOFREADER Don Humbertson

CIRCULATION

Beverly Meuch, Dennis Micheletti, Bill Schwerdtfeger, John Wickham

Deadlines & contacts

NOON WEDNESDAY Press releases and photos pr@thewoodstockindependent com

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR pr@thewoodstockindependent com

NOON THURSDAY Display advertising ads@thewoodstockindependent com

NOON FRIDAY Legal notices subs@thewoodstockindependent.com

Classified Ads classifieds@thewoodstockindependent.com

Schools

New Olson Elementary principal

Veteran educator is excited about return to District 200

By Kevin Lyons DISTRICT 200

A veteran Woodstock Community Unit School District 200 educator is excited to return this fall as the new principal of Olson Elementary School.

Jennifer Malecke taught first and fourth grade, special education and was an instructional coach at Westwood and Prairiewood elementary schools before taking on an assistant principal role in Round Lake in 2021.

“I started my journey in education here 18 years ago, and I am so proud and honored to be the new building leader for Olson. District 200 is student focused and provides incredible opportunities for the students who attend our schools,” Malecke said.

Malecke earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Roosevelt University in 2007 and later a master’s degree from Concordia University. She is currently pursuing her doctorate in instructional leadership.

Mike Moan, District 200 superintendent of schools, said he’s enthusiastic about Malecke’s return.

“She was an excellent teacher and coach here for many years, and we’re excited to have her back to join our leadership team,” he said.

Malecke said she hopes her breadth

of experience has prepared her well to lead the team of educators at Olson.

“I have had the opportunity to work as a teacher in many different types of classrooms such as a special education teacher and a dual-language teacher, so I understand the unique challenges and needs that our diverse learners have. I feel as though those experiences as a teacher will be valuable as I support the staff, students, and families in all of our educational programs at Olson,” she said.

“She was an excellent teacher and coach here for many years, and we’re excited to have her back to join our leadership team.”

- Mike Moan District 200 superintendent of schools

Career goals

Leading a school has been one of Malecke’s career goals, and she said her three years as an assistant principal broadened her perspective on leadership. One of Malecke’s most important responsibilities is ensuring that Olson staff and students have a safe and supportive working and learning environment.

Malecke said she also plans to

continue growing the vital relationship between Olson families and their school through frequent communication.

Interactive philosophy

Her educational philosophy is that elementary students learn best through interaction with their teacher and their classmates.

“The more engagement and real world experiences we can provide for students that incorporate different content areas and skills through projects and hands-on learning, show students the purpose behind what they are learning and provide engagement opportunities to strengthen their learning and application,” she said.

Malecke and her husband are celebrating their 25th anniversary this year. They have two daughters, one who is an ICU nurse in Milwaukee and another who plays softball and is a senior studying education at Wisconsin Lutheran College.

“I am so excited to be back. The staff at Olson are so talented and put forth a great amount of effort to ensure their students are provided quality instruction in a supportive and fun environment. I can’t wait to be part of the great things that will happen here this year,” she said.

COLLEGE CURRENTS

Drake University announces dean’s list

Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, announced its dean’s list for the spring 2024 semester. Recipients earning a 3.5 GPA or higher include William Conlon, Zimpleman College of Business; Kelsey Perkins, arts & sciences; Tyler Schroeder, journalism and mass communication; and Eli Woodson, arts & sciences.

George Chase and Avery Thompson graduate from Western Illinois

George Chase, of Woodstock, and Avery Thompson, of Wonder Lake, graduated this spring from Western Illinois University in Macomb/Moline, Ill. Chase graduated with a Bachelor of Science in fire science, and Thompson graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in sports broadcasting.

MCC internship offers construction management experience

Several area high school students are getting on-the-job construction management experience this summer thanks to a partnership between McHenry County College Workforce Development and the College’s Construction Management Advisory Committee.

Through the partnership, ten high school students are participating in a 10-week internship experience June 3 through August 9. During the internship, designated company mentors support each student as they explore the various career opportunities available in the

Continued on NEXT page

Veteran teacher Jennifer Malecke will head up Olson Elementary School in the role of principal.

COURTESY PHOTO

construction management field. The student interns work up to 29 hours per week and earn $16 per hour.

“Through these high school internships, employers are playing a pivotal role in building the local workforce pipeline,” said Catherine Jones, Associate Vice President of Workforce Development at MCC. “They introduce students to real-world work experiences and teach employability skills.”

Interest in the construction internships exceeded the available positions, so the college added a fourday camp to allow more students to participate. The camp launched June 17 and welcomed 25 campers. During the week, students engaged in career exploration activities, learned about career opportunities from local employers, completed technical and employability skills training, and participated in industry tours.

Participants completed training in blueprint reading, workplace professionalism, and earned OSHA credentials for completing the 10-hour OSHA for Construction course. Afternoon activities included visits

Old Courthouse Center to students attending the Construction Management camp,” said Christina Betz, Executive Director – Operations for the City of Woodstock. “It was delightful to witness such a large group of young individuals who were engaged and enthusiastic towards learning about such an important construction project for the city. We look forward to hosting again in the future to help students explore a career in construction management.”

Funding for both the internships and the camp was provided in part by the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) Taking Back the Trades grant, which aims to provide access and strengthen pathways to careers in the trades for young adults.

The interns will be celebrated at a reception for them and their families August 9 at MCC.

to Aldridge Electric and KBI Custom Case production facilities, a tour of the Foglia CATI work site, and a focus on adaptive reuse of existing buildings through visits to the Old

Courthouse Center, University Center, and Emerson Lofts in Woodstock.

“The City of Woodstock thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to provide a tour of the newly renovated

Construction Management is among the many skilled trade programs being offered at MCC’s new Foglia Center for Advanced Technology and Innovation (CATI) this fall. Students interested in enrolling or learning more about the program should visit www.mchenry.edu/cati.

COURTESY PHOTO

Local high school students visit Aldridge Electric as part of MCC’s Construction Management Camp. The camp included career exploration activities, technical and employability skills training, and industry tours.

A & E

Zingrone enjoy a picnic while watching the movie

the idea of free movies for families.”

‘Better than the Drive-In’

Residents enjoy ‘Mrs. Doubtfire’ during Movies in the Park

By Amanda Burr NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

The Opera House has once again united the Woodstock community with their summer-long Movies in the Park event. Many families and couples gathered with their blankets, lawn chairs, and picnic baskets to enjoy “Mrs. Doubtfire” outside in the Square. Five minutes before the show, the audience played some trivia about the movie in which nearly everyone participated.

“We’ve been coming here for three years now and we just love it,” audience member Madonna Vorderer said. “We like to make a picnic out of it by coming two hours early to unplug with family time, especially in good weather like today.”

“It’s better than the drive-in,” added Mike Vorderer. The Vorderer family of five continues to travel from Harvard and Cary to Woodstock for relaxing time in the Square’s homey atmosphere.

“I love how the Square keeps doing new things for us to spend time together,” Madonna Vorderer said.

“My family and I like the picnic feel and the opportunity to walk around to the local businesses before or afterwards,” audience member Frank Schnitzler said. “This is the first time we’ve come to see a movie here, but we saw a part of the movie when we were walking around the Square a couple weeks ago. We love walking around here, and I think Woodstock is one of the few towns that can keep their downtown alive.”

“The square is a beautiful place to spend time together like this,” said Schnitzler’s girlfriend Franci Zingrone, as they were all comfortably sitting on blankets with snacks and a basket full of food.

“Originally, Movies in the Park took place at Emricson Park, but for the last three years, the movies have been in the Square,” said assistant production manager Jason Lovett. “This event is sponsored by local businesses and the city. We all love

The night’s team also included Cheryl Cox, who ran the trivia, and Max Roby and Hunter Johanson working the projector.

Two of the businesses that sponsor the event, RC Juggle and POPa-doodle-do were present to further show their support for Movies in the Park and entertain the audience. RC Juggle made balloon creations for nearly all the kids in the park as families lined up in front of the balloon cart the entire night.

“We all love the balloons,” said Little Miss Woodstock Gia Galli. “And the guy tells you stories when he makes them for you,” added her mom, Cameon Galli. “We’ve been coming for years, even when it was back at Emricson,” the Galli family said. “It’s fun to be outside with the community and you always see a friend.”

Many bought popcorn from POPa-doodle-do. This new popcorn business is owned by Dan Annen and his family, who hope to open their store soon. They also donate their night’s profit to the Opera House.

The Square will be showing its last movie of this summer, “Lilo and Stitch,” next Thursday, August 1, at 8:30 p.m. Next March, the Opera House will post a poll on Facebook for fans to vote for twelve different movies that will be shown over the summer.

INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY AMANDA BURR

Kensie Bole (front row), Ellen Galli, Jamison Bole, Gia Galli (back row), and Cameon Galli settle in for the show.

Frank Schnitzler, Franci Zingrone, and Thalia

Families gather on the Square for Movies in the Park, watching ‘Mrs. Doubtfire’ July 25.

REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

Transactions filed in the McHenry County Recorder’s Office July 8 to 11.

■ Residence at 11516 Country Club Road, Woodstock, was sold by The Frank L. Burg Living Trust, Denver, Colo., to Eric Klug, Woodstock, for $485,000.

■ Vacant land at Lots 1 and 2, Ginny Lane, Woodstock, was sold by The Yogeshkumar R. Patel and Shobhana Y. Patel Joint Living Trust, Fitchburg, Wis., to Nicholas Carozza, Lake In The Hills, for $25,000.

■ Residence at 1533 N. Seminary Ave., Woodstock, was sold by The Thomas L. Labelle Trust, Woodstock, to Roman Ramirez Ramirez, Woodstock, for $228,500.

■ Residential and commercial properties at 1000 S. Eastwood Drive, 1057 E. Kimball Ave. and 1059 E. Kimball Ave., Woodstock, were sold by Marcy Piekos, Woodstock, to MEM LLC, Woodstock, for $285,600.

■ Residence at 150 Meadow Ave., Woodstock, was sold by Francisco O. Castaneda, Crystal Lake, to Sinai Cervantes Arellano, Woodstock, for $70,000.

■ Residence at 2103 Sweetwater Drive, Woodstock, was sold by Larry Ihnatiukl, Woodstock, to Roberto Ortiz, Woodstock, for $380,000.

■ Residence at 14111 Windsor Court, Woodstock, was sold by James A. Elsinger, Dayton, Ohio, to Cameron Calabrese, Woodstock, for $440,000.

■ Residence at 2670 Verdi Street, Woodstock, was sold by Kenneth E. Farver and Julia M. Farver, Woodstock, to Douglas A. Henning, Woodstock, for $285,000.

A good time to sell, challenging time to buy

High prices and interest rates, low inventory the continuing story in real estate

By Susan W. Murray NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

Janet Lindner remained in her longtime home near the intersection of N. Seminary Ave. and Route 120 after her husband, Ron, passed away in 2018.

Still, she said, “I knew I was not going to be able to take care of the house forever.”

When issues with her heart made once-easy tasks, such as snow shoveling, an impossibility, she listed her home for sale with Kim Keefe’s Team Open Doors, part of Compass Real

Estate.

Over the course of two days in mid-March, 50 people toured her home.

She received five offers and took the highest one, which came in over asking price. On May 1, the house was sold.

“[Ron and I] sold two other homes, and it was nothing like this,” Lindner said.

A great time to be a seller

For sellers, these are heady times. Some, like Lindner, are looking for a smaller space with less

maintenance, realtor Kim Keefe said. Others are growing families who need more room.

“A lot of sales are investor clients who are cashing out,” she said.

According to Redfin, a residential real estate brokerage and mortgage origination service, the median sale price of a home in the 60098 zip code in June 2021 was $244,500.

Just three years later, in June 2024, the median sale price was $319,900, a 31% increase.

Lindner, who was in her home for 32 years, saw the value of her home

INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY ANDREW ROUSEY

Janet Lindner sits in her new, downsized home after selling her previous home over the asking price in less than two months.

Pet Week of the

SAVING

Lailani came to Helping Paws from Kentucky with her mother and six siblings. She and her littermates were very sick, but now have a clean bill of health. She has silky fur, and sweet brown eyebrows. Lailani is friendly and loves meeting new dog and human friends. She’s a very playful girl who loves running around the yard, playing in the pool, and tug of war. She is still working on leash manners and potty training, but she is a smart girl and catches on very fast! She would thrive in a household with other dogs or kids, but would also be happy as the only pet where she can get all the love, attention, and snuggles! If you’re interested in meeting an active, loving, sweet girl, look no further! Call Helping Paws to make an appointment to see Lailani!

To see this pet or others or to volunteer to help walk dogs, call the shelter at:

M/F/SA/SU 12 - 4 PM W 12 - 7PM by appointment only

2500 Harding Lane, Woodstock (Off Rt. 14 at the Lake Shore Dr. traffic light)

our

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

Sundays by appointment only

Contractors

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

vinyl

Hours: Mon-Thurs 10-6, Fri. 10-5, Sat 10-4 Sundays by appointment only Contractors

Sales down, prices up

01/01/23 to 06/30/23 01/01/24 to 06/30/24

As the number of detached, single-family homes available for sale continues to decline, prices in Bull Valley, Greenwood, and Woodstock go up.

Numbers for the 60098 zip code were compiled by Midwest Real Estate Data, provided by Tessa Jania, real estate agent with Berkshire Hathaway Starck Real Estate.

HOME SALES

Continued from Page 12

double.

Even homes priced above $500,000, once considered highend in the local market, are moving quickly, Keefe said.

On July 24, 10 homes priced above $500,000 were under contract in the 60098 zip code, Keefe said. None of the 10 were on the market for more than 22 days.

‘A lack of inventory’

“The market is still being driven by a lack of inventory,” said Rick Bellairs, realtor for Berkshire Hathaway Starck Real Estate.

Interest rates that stood around three percent in the spring of 2022 and have risen to nearly seven percent are often cited as the reason for the falling number of home sales.

But that’s a problem on one side of the equation.

“Interest rates are mostly not holding buyers back,” Keefe said.

Resigned to having to pay seven percent, buyers who are downsizing or upsizing, want to be close to family, or are prospective first-time homeowners, are out looking.

Instead, it’s homeowners who have low-rate mortgages who are sitting tight, rather than having to find a home from among limited inventory and more than double their interest rate in the process.

Silent hammers

In addition to content-to-stay-put sellers, the lack of new construction

is pushing prices up.

“We’re not building any homes,” Bellairs said.

In neighboring Wonder Lake, two new subdivisions - Stonewater and the Meadows of West Bay - have made the rural suburb the fastestgrowing town in Illinois, with a 23% population increase from 2020 to 2023.

And while the Woodstock City Council recently greenlighted Lennar’s proposal to build 320 units, a mix of single-family and duplex homes, on 135 acres off Lucas Rd, substantial infrastructure work must be done before construction can begin.

Settling for less than perfection

Once Lindner’s home was sold, she had the more challenging task of being a buyer.

Seeing a property in the Maples at the Sonatas in Keefe’s newsletter to her clients, she asked to see it.

The unit had been on the market for two weeks without an offer and needed TLC.

“That does not scare me,” said Lindner, who is having her home’s interior painted and the floors cleaned.

Keefe said that she now asks her buyers, “Does this property mostly fit your needs?”

Often, she said, her clients ask for referrals to contractors.

“It’s easier to make changes than to find the perfect place,” Keefe said.

With homes generally “selling fast and selling high,” Bellairs said, “buyers have to be patient but be ready.”

That means knowing what they want, what they can accept, being preapproved for a mortgage, and possessing a letter from the lender to prove it.

Without that letter, Bellairs said, “the house you want will be sold by the time you get your necessary documents.”

Big change is coming, but what does it mean?

On March 15, the National Association of Realtors announced that it would pay $418 million to settle more than a dozen antitrust lawsuits that contended that NAR’s rules had inflated real estate commissions.

On August 17, the fallout from those lawsuits will reach homebuyers and sellers.

For decades, homesellers paid their real estate agents a commission. When the home was sold, the seller’s agent split the commission with the buyer’s agent.

Going forward, said Rick Bellairs, realtor for Berkshire Hathaway Starck Real Estate, all buyers will have to sign an agreement with a buyer’s agent outlining how the agent will be paid in order to tour a home.

That might mean that buyers will pay a flat or hourly rate to have an agent show them houses.

Conceivably, buyers can ask the sellers to cover part or the whole cost for their agents as part of a home offer.

Sellers’ agents will still receive a percentage of the home’s sale price as a commission when the home is sold, but whether that percentage remains at the typical five to six percent is anyone’s guess.

An exception to the new way that realtors will do business is the Open House, when a realtor opens a property for several hours to anyone who wants to view it.

“When people walk through an Open House, they are not a client yet and don’t need agency agreement,” Bellairs said.

But the rules that take effect on August 17 might spell the death of the “Lookie-loos,” people who make a hobby of looking at forsale homes with no real intention of buying.

“Before showing a home, a realtor is supposed to have a buyer agency agreement with the client,” Bellairs said. “Buyers who are not serious may not bother.”

INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY ANDREW ROUSEY

Janet Lindner’s new home is cute and comfortable.

Community

Woodstock residents seek Jesus

10th National Eucharistic Congress convenes in Indy after a pilgrimage stop in Mundelein

By Tricia Carzoli NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

Twenty parishioners from Saint Mary Catholic Church and Saint Patrick Catholic Church in Hartland traveled to Indianapolis to be a part of the 10th National Eucharistic Congress held at Lucas Oil Stadium.

The group traveled along with parishioners from Saint Mary Church in Huntley while at least ten other Saint Mary parishioners traveled on their own.

The multi-day event was held July 17-21 and drew a crowd of 60,000 Catholics. The Eucharistic Renewal was initiated to increase awareness and appreciation for the meaning of the Eucharist, which the Catholic Church believes is the Real Presence of Jesus Christ. The three years of planning was in response to a PEW Research Center study that

found just one-third of Catholics believe that during Mass, the bread and wine become the body, blood, soul, and divinity of Jesus Christ.

A tradition of gathering

The last National Eucharistic Congress was held 83 years ago in Minnesota.

More than eight decades later, this tenth National Eucharistic Congress was prefaced by a Eucharistic Pilgrimage which invited people to join in a pilgrimage from the north, south, east, and west of the country as several perpetual young adult pilgrims walked with the Eucharist from May 18 until they united in Indianapolis on July 17, opening the Congress.

In 1926 the 28th International Congress was held in the Chicago area, with a few sessions being held at the Saint Mary of the Lake

Seminary in Mundelein. Because of its history, the Eucharistic Pilgrimage made a stop at the seminary on June 26.

Two local men were able to be a part of that experience.

Local representation

Woodstock High School graduate Ian Ordoñez, who was ordained as a transitional deacon earlier this year and is entering his final year of studies at the seminary before he is ordained a priest was able to accompany the monstrance which carried the Eucharist throughout the campus.

Rev. John McNamara, now pastor at St. Catherine Parish in Dundee, was able to concelebrate Mass with numerous priests of the Archdiocese of Chicago on the campus of Saint

See CONGRESS Page 16

INDEPENDENT PHOTOS BY TRICIA CARZOLI

The Eucharistic Pilgrimage Marian Route that originated by foot from Minnesota travels through the Saint Mary of the Lake Seminary.

Woodstock High School Graduate Deacon Ian Ordoñez watches as the Eucharistic Pilgrimage travels through the Saint Mary of the Lake Seminary that he attends.

CONGRESS

Continued from Page 15

Mary of the Lake. The Mass was said ahead of the Procession for Youth, where several hundred pilgrims walked around the 1.5-mile trek around the campus.

After leaving the Archdiocese, the pilgrimage continued on until it reached Lucas Oil Stadium, where the many Saint Mary parishioners were awaiting the beginning of the Congress.

Marian Central Catholic High School ’02 graduate Katie Wanamaker attended the event.

“It was almost ineffable,” Wanamaker said. “It is hard to find the words to express the joy and the love that surrounded us there.”

The Congress opened on Wednesday evening with keynote speakers and Eucharistic Adoration.

“[It was] a mixture of relief and excitement as we arrive[d] in Indianapolis,” Marengo resident and St. Mary parishioner Sussan Kehoe said. “I felt emotional at times praying and worshiping Jesus with so many joyful pilgrims.”

As pilgrims walked in from the four routes names after saints, including St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Saint Junipero Serra, Saint Juan Diego, and the Marian Route – which traveled through the Mundelein campus, their miles walked and cities passed through were announced.

Wanamaker said that the Eucharistic monstrance processed in to cheers, “as though we were cheering at a sporting event. It was incredible.”

Messages

Many keynote speakers and breakout sessions were available to the group.

On the first night, the pilgrims listened to Monsignor James Shea, president of the University of Mary in Bismarck,who grew up on a dairy farm in North Dakota, as he spoke about the Eucharist’s capacity to satisfy.

“He explained that science has given satiety scores to various foods we all eat,” Joanne Sotiroff, Woodstock, said. “… scores range from 1 to 100 with 100 being the foods that will keep a person from feeling hungry the longest … Then he said, ‘The satiety score of the Eucharist is infinity!’”

Sotiroff said Msgr. Shea said, “For all who believe in the true presence of Jesus in the Eucharist, stop living for Jesus and start living from him! … That gives me so much to ponder.”

Sotiroff’s message embodied the mission of the Eucharistic Congress, which was to help others grow in love and understanding of the great

gift [of the Eucharist], according to the National Eucharistic revival website.

Reflections

Wanamaker appreciated many of the speakers but felt God impressing upon her that, “In the Eucharist, we find the greatest value of our worth” – a quote from Sr. Mary Grace Langrell.

“I also heard God saying to me over and over again that I am beloved,” she said. “And I can take that with me in all of my ministries and to those who are in the darkest places – to remind them of their dignity.”

Margie Kersten, Woodstock, also said she brought back a powerful message. “We are called to evangelize,” she said. “That doesn’t necessarily mean to preach, but a simple outreach of encouragement to a friend or a family member who has stepped away from the church. Nudge them with grace.”

She left Indianapolis with an increased fervor for the Eucharist.

“The Eucharist is more powerful than our human minds can fathom,” she explained. “[We can] experience this free gift through Mass and adoration.”

After five days of engaging speakers, breakout sessions, and time spent in prayer, area participants came back with not only stories, but practical ways to continue the mission of the Eucharistic Congress.

“I came to the Congress for myself,” Laure Foerster, Woodstock, said, “but then it was pointed out and became apparent that I came for Him.”

The 11th National Eucharistic Congress will be held in 2033.

COURTESY PHOTO

Fr. Michael Schmitz on the screen, inside of Lucas Oil Stadium.

INDEPENDENT PHOTOS BY TRICIA CARZOLI

Part of the pilgrimage procession (left) and Fr. John McNamara, with Woodstock ties, concelebrates Mass prior to the Eucharistic Pilgrimage for Youth at the Saint Mary of the Lake Seminary.

Katie Wanamaker

The last jumper of the night comes in for a landing July 26 at the Wonder Lake Water Ski Show Team Home Show. A 30-person pyramid and trick skier also performed.

PICTURE THIS

Tickets are now available for the McHenry County Historical Society’s Heritage Quilters Raffle Quilt, “Prairie Baskets.” This new handstitched quilt is a basket pattern which features red, pink, and white blocks. The basket was a staple item for pioneer women to carry eggs, fruit, vegetables, and flowers. It is featured prominently in quilting history. The raffle drawing will be held on November 6, 2024. Tickets are $5 each or six for $20 and can be purchased online at gothistory.org.

Harness racing at McHenry County Fair in 1955.

Don Peasley Photo Collection, McHenry County Historical Society

INDEPENDENT PHOTOS BY ANDREW ROUSEY

Aerobatic pilot Susan Dacy, who grew up at Dacy Airport in Harvard, talks with her brother, Phil Dacy, on the airstrip ahead of her performance.

Dacy (above) flies in her 450 hp Super Stearman during the 71st annual Experimental Aviation Association Airshow July 24 in Oshkosh, Wisc.

INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY TRICIA CARZOLI

Merit badges and trekking trips

Boy Scout Troop 153 continues to explore

By Jan Dovidio NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

Woodstock’s Grace Lutheran Church sponsors a very active Boy Scout Troop 153.

“We camp and have outings and events twelve months of the year,” Scoutmaster Carrie Fiorina said. “A favorite troop campout from the past year was definitely Starved Rock. The Scouts are looking forward to canoeing on the Mississippi backwaters and Kankakee River in the upcoming months.”

Summer camp, the Grant Pilgrimage in Galena, and the Klondike Derby in the winter are always at the top of the Scouts’ list.

The troop’s community efforts are meant to make their city, county, and country a better place. A favorite annual event is placing wreaths on graves as part of Wreaths Across America, a national effort to place a wreath on every veteran’s grave each December. The boys also help at local church Vacation Bible School activities and perform conservation work at McHenry County parks.

“This past summer we had 17 Scouts attend Ma Ka Ja Wan Scout Reservation in Pearson, Wisconsin, in June, where they earned 55 merit badges,” Fiorina added.

Two badges that are not often earned by Boy Scouts became very popular for members of Troop 153 this year. They are Railroading and Geocaching.

“We are fortunate to live near one of the largest railroading museums in the country,” Fiorina continued. “We have had a great working relationship with the Illinois Railway Museum in Union over the years and even had a Scout do an Eagle project with them to restore a portion of one of their

historic train cars.”

Fiorina is assisted by Committee Chairman Chris Riley and Assistant Scoutmasters Don Heelein, Tom Dillon, Steve Wirkuty, Jenry Klich, Jen Micho and John Fiorina.

“We are very grateful to our Chartered Organization of Grace Lutheran Church,” concluded Fiorina. “We have been a melting pot of all religions and nearby towns. We have helped with church projects over the years and have had many Eagle projects done for the church. We currently have four Scouts working on their Eagle rank.”

COURTESY PHOTOS

Boy Scout Troop 153 stays busy participating in many adventures near and far. The troop recently visited Ma Ka Ja Wan Scout Reservation in Pearson, Wisc.

From left, Zach Micho, Lawson Schmidt, Tim Nellessen, Logan Riley, and Cooper Brown visit the nearby Illinois Railway Museum in Union, Ill., to earn their railroading merit badge.

Cooper Brown (front), John Wroble, Kyle Klich, and Wyatt Bergbreiter enjoy fishing at Ma Ja Wan Scout Reservation in Pearson, Wisc.

From left, Lawson Schmidt, Tim Nellessen, Zach Micho, Charlie Burns, Logan Riley, Frankie Solis, James Wroble, Alex Sirens, Cooper Brown, Ben Wroble, Kyle Klich, and Kane Peters trek through the rain at Starved Rock, Oglesby, Ill

Happenings

11900 Country Club Road

7 a.m. to 1 p.m. mchenrycountyfair.com

31 WEDNESDAY

MCHENRY COUNTY FAIR

11900 Country Club Road

8 a.m. to 9 p.m. mchenrycountyfair.com

‘COME OUT SINGING’ KARAOKE COMPETITION

Stage Left Café

125 W. Van Buren St.

7 p.m. theatre121.org

WOODSTOCK COMMUNITY ORCHESTRA

Woodstock Square

7 p.m.

AUGUST

1 THURSDAY

MCHENRY COUNTY FAIR

11900 Country Club Road

8 a.m. to 10 p.m. mchenrycountyfair.com

SLC TRIVIA NIGHT - PUB TRIVIA USA

Stage Left Café

125 W. Van Buren St.

7 p.m. woodstockoperahouse.com

MOVIES IN THE PARK

‘LILO & STITCH’

Woodstock Square

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

2 FRIDAY

MCHENRY COUNTY FAIR

WONDER LAKE WATER SKI SHOW TEAM HOME SHOW

Wonder Center Beach

Wonder Lake

7 p.m.

3 SATURDAY

WOODSTOCK FARMERS MARKET

Woodstock Square

8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

woodstockfarmersmarket.org

Music: TBA

MCHENRY COUNTY FAIR

11900 Country Club Road

7 a.m. to 11 p.m. mchenrycountyfair.com

SHAKESPEARE IN THE SQUARE: A BIT O’ THE BARD

Woodstock Square 2 p.m.

CHILL MURRAY COMEDY SHOW

Stage Left Café

125 W. Van Buren St.

8 to 10 p.m.

$15 online, $20 at the door

4 SUNDAY

MCHENRY COUNTY FAIR

11900 Country Club Road

10 a.m. to 10 p.m. mchenrycountyfair.com

6 TUESDAY

WOODSTOCK FARMERS MARKET

Woodstock Square

8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

woodstockfarmersmarket.org

Music: TBA

WOODSTOCK CITY COUNCIL

Council Chambers, City Hall

121 W. Calhoun St.

7 p.m.

woodstockil.gov

7 WEDNESDAY

‘COME OUT SINGING’ KARAOKE COMPETITION

Stage Left Café

125 W. Van Buren St.

7 p.m.

theatre121.org

WOODSTOCK CITY GARBAGE CONTRACT CHANGES PUBLIC MEETING

Woodstock City Hall

121 W. Calhoun

7 p.m.

8 THURSDAY

SLC TRIVIA NIGHT - PUB TRIVIA USA

Stage Left Café

125 W. Van Buren St.

7 p.m.

woodstockoperahouse.com

WOODSTOCK CITY GARBAGE CONTRACT CHANGES PUBLIC MEETING

Virtual meeting Noon

Link available at : woodstockil.gov

9 FRIDAY

OPEN MIC NIGHT

Stage Left Café

125 W. Van Buren St.

7 p.m.

To sign up, email Keith@offsquare music.com

10 SATURDAY

WOODSTOCK FARMERS MARKET

Woodstock Square

8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

woodstockfarmersmarket.org

Music: TBA

12 MONDAY

COFFEE WITH THE CHIEF

Woodstock Police Department

656 Lake Ave.

7 p.m. 815-338-6787

13 TUESDAY

WOODSTOCK FARMERS MARKET

Woodstock Square

8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

woodstockfarmersmarket.org

Music: TBA

14 WEDNESDAY

‘COME OUT SINGING’ KARAOKE COMPETITION

Stage Left Café

125 W. Van Buren St.

7 p.m. theatre121.org

16 FRIDAY WONDER LAKE WATER SKI

Resurrection Catholic Church

SHOW TEAM HOME SHOW

Wonder Center Beach

Wonder Lake

7 p.m.

20 TUESDAY

WOODSTOCK FARMERS MARKET

Woodstock Square

8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

woodstockfarmersmarket.org

Music: TBA

WOODSTOCK CITY COUNCIL

Council Chambers, City Hall

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

21 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

22 THURSDAY

WOODSTOCK FIRE/RESCUE BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2900 Raffel Road 7 p.m.

SLC TRIVIA NIGHT - PUB TRIVIA USA Stage Left Café 125 W. Van Buren St. 7 p.m. woodstockoperahouse.com

FLASHBACKS

35 years ago – 1989

■ The Woodstock Chamber of Commerce and the Woodstock Jaycees cohosted Woodstock Round-Up Days, a three-day event that featured retail promotions, a chili cook-off, and water fights.

■ The city of Woodstock and Allied Signal agreed to share the costs of cleaning up the hazardous waste on the site of the former Woodstock Die Cast Factory.

30 years ago –1994

■ Memorial Hospital was renamed Memorial Medical Center. Its new $31 million building was scheduled to open on Doty Road Sept. 10.

■ Longtime Woodstock High School assistant football coach Ed Brucker was named the school’s head football coach.

25 years ago – 1999

■ The McHenry County Board voted 15-8 against a conditional use permit application for a peaker power plant south of Woodstock.

■ Woodstock Mayor Alan Cornue urged the creation of a policy regarding the issuing of building fee waivers by the City Council in order to avoid the appearance of favoritism. At its June meeting, the council had waived more than $11,000 in building fees for St. Mary Church, and the July agenda included fee waiver requests from The Assembly of God Church and First United Methodist Church. The budget included a $30,000 line item called “community support” for funding requests from nonprofit groups.

20 years ago – 2004

■ The McHenry County Historical Society received a certificate of accommodation from the American Association for State and Local History. The award was for The James, the historical society’s mobile museum.

■ Family Alliance broke ground for a 3,900-square-foot addition on the south side of its building on Route 47

near the McHenry County Govern ment Center. The addition would be a day room for people suffering from dementia. Carol Louise, executive director, said funds for the addition would come from a community block grant, foundations, and fundraising activities.

15 years ago – 2009

■ Forty-five soldiers from Woodstock-based National Guard Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 178th Infantry, were escorted from Fort McCoy, Wis., to the Woodstock Square by the Warriors’ Watch. The company had served in Afghanistan for eight months.

■ The Woodstock City Council voted to extend a demolition permit to Woodstock Christian Life Services for Harrison House in order to make way for new duplexes on the site. The move came after more than a year of meetings with the Historic Preservation Commission, Plan Commission, and City Council. Harrison House, formerly known as Grace Hall, was used as a Todd School Boys dormitory. Orson Welles had lived in Grace

10 years ago – 2014

■ The three-weekend Woodstock Mozart Festival was returning to the Opera House for its 28th season. Among the featured musicians were Igor and Vesna Gruppman, Grammy Award-winning violinists, pianist Igor Lipinski, and clarinetist Alexander Fiterstein. Anita Whalen was the festival’s artistic and general director.

■ Woodstock chef Scott Commings won season 12 of the reality cooking show “Hell’s Kitchen.” Commings watched the finale of the show at Main Street PourHouse with friends and supporters. The popular show featured celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay.

■ Woodstock native Dan Kremske was training with Team Run Eugene in Eugene, Ore. His goal: to qualify for the Olympics. “I’m fortunate to have the resources, great coaches and great teammates,” he said.

5 years ago – 2019

■ Athletes at all three high schools in Woodstock were preparing

JULY 20, 1994 –Photo

Jim Keefe, left, Maggie Field, center, and Joan Mansfield study historic photos of Woodstock during a photo identification session at the Woodstock Public Library. Field, library director, invited people to stop in to check photos kept for archival purposes at the library. Field said the turnout to help identify photos was “marvelous.”

for the start of their fall-season competitions.

■ Two teachers spoke to the District 200 Board of Education during the public comment time at the board’s July meeting. They questioned why co-curricular items that had been in the funding queue for a year or less received money ahead of requests dating back to 2016. For five years, both teachers had operated after-school clubs without a stipend or reimbursement for supplies. In a follow-up interview Board President Carl Gilmore said co-curricular funding decisions were based on student participation, the longevity of the program, and the “most urgent needs.”

1 year ago – 2023

■ Preliminary work was underway for extensive renovation of the historic Opera House, which was being funded by a $2.9 million grant and $1.6 million from the city’s capital improvements budget. Work on the city-owned theater was targeted for completion by the end of 2024.

Hall when he attended the school.

INDEPENDENT FILE PHOTO BY DON PEASLEY

AND SUFFERED A BACTERIAL INFECTION POSTOPERATIVELY and a Bair Hugger (BLUE BLANKET) forced- air warming blanket was used during the surgery, between 2020present time, you may be entitled to compensation. Call Attorney Charles H. Johnson 1-800-535-5727

PUBLIC NOTICE

ASSUMED NAME

Public Notice is hereby given that on JULY 5, 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 SEVEN MINES located at 1182 SWEETWATER RIDGE LAKE IN THE HILLS, IL 60156. Owner

Name & Address: GINA TIMBERLAKE 1182 SWEETWATER RIDGE LAKE IN THE HILLS, IL 60156.

Dated: JULY 5, 2024

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

(Published in The Woodstock Independent July 17, 2024, July 24, 2024, July 31, 2024)L11817

PUBLIC NOTICE

STATE OF ILLINOIS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE TWENTY-SECOND JUDICIAL CIRCUIT MCHENRY COUNTY, ILLINOIS-IN PROBATE Case No. 2024PR00076

In the Matter of the Estate of BART W. IVERSON

Deceased CLAIM NOTICE

Notice is given of the death of BART W. IVERSON

Of: CARY, IL

Letters of office were issued on: 3/25/2024

To Representative: LYNN A. IVERSON

220 RIVER DR. CARY, IL 60013 whose attorney is: WAGGONER LAW FIRM

4 N. WALKUP AVE.

CRYSTAL LAKE, IL 60014

Claims against the estate may be filed within six months from the date

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

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

(Published in The Woodstock Independent July 17, 2024, July 24, 2024, July 31, 2024)L11819

PUBLIC NOTICE

IN THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, CIRCUIT COURT

MCHENRY COUNTY

PUBLICATION NOTICE OF COURT

DATE FOR REQUEST FOR NAME CHANGE (ADULT)

Request of NATALEEN ROSE FRITZ

Case No. 2024MR000128

There will be a court hearing on my Request to change my name from: NATALEEN ROSE FRITZ

To the new name of: NEIL ROSE

The court date will be held on October 1, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. at 2200 N. Seminary Ave. Woodstock, McHenry County in Courtroom TBD.

Dated at Woodstock, IL July 2, 2024

/s/ Nataleen Rose Fritz

(Published in The Woodstock Independent July 24, 2024, July 31, 2024)L11821

PUBLIC NOTICE

ASSUMED NAME

Public Notice is hereby given that on JULY 19, 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 MAXINES ESTATE SALES located at 7306 DELAWARE RD. WONDER LAKE, IL 60097. Owner Name & Address: MARILYN GAZIKAS 7306 DELAWARE RD. WONDER LAKE, IL 60097.

Dated: JULY 19, 2024

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

(Published in The Woodstock Independent July 31, 2024)L11822

PUBLIC NOTICE

IN THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, CIRCUIT COURT

MCHENRY COUNTY

PUBLICATION NOTICE OF COURT

DATE FOR REQUEST FOR NAME

CHANGE (ADULT)

Request of JAYNE CHRISTINE STRANG

Case No. 2024MR000129

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

JAYNE CHRISTINE STRANG

To the new name of: CHASE MICHAEL STRANG

The court date will be held on January 4, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. at 2200 N. Seminary Ave. Woodstock, McHenry County in Courtroom 204.

Dated at Woodstock, IL July 23, 2024

/s/ Jayne Christine Strang

(Published in The Woodstock Independent July 31, 2024)L11823

PUBLIC NOTICE

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

Case No. 2024PR000212

In the Matter of the Estate of KATHLEEN

K. FREUND

Deceased

CLAIM NOTICE

Notice is given of the death of KATHLEEN K. FREUND

Of: CRYSTAL LAKE, IL

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

To Representative: RHONDA DITZEL 1028 GUNDERSON OAK PARK, IL 60304

CHRISTINE THORNTON 629 ORIOLE LANE MT. PROSPECT, IL 60056 whose attorney is: WAGGONER LAW FIRM 4 N. WALKUP AVE. CRYSTAL LAKE, IL 60014

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

(Published in The Woodstock Independent July 31, 2024)L11824

PUBLIC NOTICE

ASSUMED NAME

Public Notice is hereby given that on JULY 24, 2024 An Assumed Name Business Certificate was filed in the Office of the County Clerk in McHenry County, IL under the following business name and address, and setting forth

the names and addresses of all persons owning, conducting and transacting business known as LOLA’S BOUTIQUE located at 25 N. AYER HARVARD, IL 60033. Owner Name & Address: MARICELA ADAN 25 N. AYER HARVARD, IL 60033.

Dated: JULY 24, 2024

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

(Published in The Woodstock Independent July 31, 2024)L11825

PUBLIC 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, August 15, 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 Daniel and Mary Pauley for approval of a variation to allow a garage to be reconstructed with a zerofoot sideyard setback instead of the required three feet at 130 North Street. The Permanent Index Number (based on the most recent available records) is 13-05-328-028.

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 up to 5:00 p.m. on the day of the hearing. /s/ Cody Sheriff, Plan Commission Chairman

(Published in The Woodstock Independent July 31, 2024)L11826

By Peter Gallagher

TICKETS

Baseball, beisebol, and béisbol

Woodstock teams compete in international baseball tournament, families host athletes from abroad

By Jen Nichols NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

The McHenry County Youth Sports Association (MCYSA) hosted the 2024 Summer International Tournament, in which 99 teams competed. The tournament took place July 12-21, with teams traveling from all over the country and the world to compete, with rostered athletes from Illinois, Wisconsin, Montana, North Dakota, Brazil, and Puerto Rico. The Woodstock Heat had four teams take part in the competition: 8U, 11U, 13U, and 15U.

The 11U Heat, though young, had a successful experience in the 2024 Summer International Tournament. The team competed in the silver bracket championship game and

took second place to the GRB Rays of Illinois.

Though the outcome was not what they were hoping for, the Heat showed true skill. Their overall batting average was .448, with player Kane Johnson batting .643 with 7 RBIs. Jayden Davis also added 7 RBIs. Pitcher Enrik Smith performed with a 1.895 walk plus hits per inning.

A highlight of the tournament was that Woodstock families hosted the players from Brazil and Puerto Rico, allowing the players the opportunity to experience a different culture and connect with another family. Joe Ryan, the parent of Sawyer Ryan – the youngest player on the team at 10 years old – housed two players from the Brazil 13U baseball

team.

“These boys became our sons and siblings to our kids for the week,” Ryan said. “They were immersed into our crazy family baseball life.”

“We did have to use Google translate for certain words,” host Ashley Lorenzo said, who also hosted two boys from Brazil’s 13U Little League baseball team.

“They became a part of the family right away, big brothers to my daughter,” said Melanie Winters, who hosted two boys from Brazil’s 13U team. “They felt like part of me and we all miss them dearly.”

The boys from Brazil were most excited to experience some of America’s culture. The families said the boys from abroad had the opportunity to experience Kingston Lanes,

Pop Fizz, Jump Zone, Urban Air, Dairy Mart, and lots of shopping.

Many of the parents and coaches discussed how they and their children are already looking forward to next year’s International tournament to reunite with the boys from Brazil. The athletes enjoyed competing with and meeting children from abroad.

“Our experience playing the team from Puerto Rico was one for my boys to remember,” said 11U Heat coach Dave Johnson.

Memories will continue to be created as the 11U Heat concludes their summer season in August. The tournament is located in the Wisconsin Dells. Try-outs are being held for this tournament. Interested individuals can go to the 11U Heat Facebook page for additional information.

COURTESY PHOTO

Melanie Winters and her daughter, Skylar, host Brazilian youth baseball players Enzo, left, and Leo for the McHenry County Youth Sports Association 2024 International Tournament.

COURTESY PHOTO

Ashton, of Woodstock, stands with members of Brazil’s 13U team including Enzo (left), Leo, Ryu, and Yudi.

COLLEGE REPORT:

Ellie Thurow: A master of The Coe College Mound

Woodstock North graduate Ellie Thurow started her collegiate softball career at Coe College as the American Rivers Conference Pitcher of the Year.

That year, 2021, with a record of 13-7 and her first complete year of softball, she led Coe in wins, innings pitched and fanned batters.

And while she would not earn that honor again, she got better and better. The only year she would not have been the statistical leader of the Kohawk pitching staff was in 2022. During that season, Thurow was injured.

Dan Chamness

The College Report

“It was awful,” said Thurow of her second full season. “Not being able to contribute is a terrible feeling. I found other ways to contribute from the dugout. But, all I wanted was to be on the field with my team.”

But the Kohawk pitcher got better, and missing the 2022 season might have motivated her to return to have the favorite season of her career: 2023. She would help Coe post a 38-11 overall record. They would be 13-3 in the American Rivers Conference. Thurow would post a record of 15-5 with three saves, while reducing her earned run average to 1.31, which was the lowest on the team. In 133 1/3 innings on the hill, she allowed only 25 earned runs on 95 hits. She fanned 94 hitters and walked 31. Opponents only hit .193 off the then-senior. She led the team in wins, innings pitched and saves.

One year later, she was 18-5 with a 2.45 earned run average. The former Thunder hurler once again had three saves. She allowed 49 earned runs on 118 hits in 140 innings on the mound. She fanned 91 hitters and issued 51 walks. The opposition batters had a .228 batting average against her.

“I had a better mental approach to softball as I got older,” said Thurow.

“I learned how to embrace the pressure and rely on my teammates and their defense. I stopped trying to be perfect. I will miss the countless moments, where my teammates found ways to have fun and support each other when the game was highpressure and stressful. Playing in the national championship in 2023 was awesome and a memory that will stick with me forever. But, as far as a season, my 2024 season was my best. I am happy I took advantage of the COVID Year and returned.”

She finished her collegiate career with a 48-17 record and also had six saves. In 424 innings of mound time, she allowed 135 earned runs on 351 hits. She fanned 306 hitters and walked 114 hitters. Since 2020, Coe has posted an overall record of 12151. In the American Rivers Conference, they were 52-20.

Thurow finished on the Coe Top 10 Career Leaderboard in several categories. She was fourth in career saves. In addition, the former Thunder-turned-Kohawk hurler was eighth in batters faced (1,794), games started (63) and complete games (44). She was also ninth in career wins, innings pitched as well as 10th in career strikeouts. There were three other categories she barely missed top 10 standing: career appearances (82), career shutouts (10), and winning percentage (72.5 percent).

Individually, the five-year member of the Kohawk pitching staff was named to the all-conference team three times. She was also an NCAA Division III All-Region Selection in 2021, 2023 and 2024. In 2023, she was a finalist for Coe’s Barron Bremner Outstanding Athlete Award. In 2024, she earned the CoeSPE Award for Female Athlete of the Year. She helped Coe win the overall ARC title in 2023 and 2021. In 2023, the Kohawks would win the NCAA Division III Regional Championship as well as the NCAA Division III Super Regional. They would advance to the NCAA Division III Tournament in Marshall, Texas, before being eliminated. In 2024, they won the ARC

Tournament and were also the NCAA Division III Regional Champions.

The daughter of Erich and Kristin Thurow’s softball career is in the history books, but her education rolls merrily on. She earned a bachelor’s degrees in biology and neuroscience. In addition to earning two majors, she also earned a minor in Spanish.

“So many people helped me out during my career,” said the future graduate student. “I am most proud of the number of career victories I was able to achieve for Coe. It is the stat that shows that I helped my team to be successful regardless of how I felt about my performance. I loved being a pitcher and working with my catcher. Not only in games, but in practice and getting together with them and strategizing on how to win games and what pitches to throw when. My parents, the coaches and the teachers at Woodstock North put me on a path to pursue my athletic and academic dreams. They were all over the top supportive. I can never repay them, but they have my thanks forever.”

Dan Chamness writes The College Report for The Independent.