NDEPENDENT
BUSINESS
Thievery is a grave crime
Bronze vases stolen at McHenry County Memorial Park
By Tricia Carzoli NEWS@THE WOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM
When a family member visited a loved one’s McHenry County Memorial Park gravesite, something was off.
“I understand that she noticed that
the family’s bronze vase was missing and reported it,” Woodstock resident Steve Aavang said, “and my mother and I went out to check out our family’s plots.”
The Aavang family’s gravesites were not vandalized, but many in the cemetery were.
BAILANDO EN LA CALLE
“I can’t believe it,” Aavang said. “There must have been several perpetrators.”
According to an email response to a media request, a McHenry County Sheriff’s Office deputy responded to the cemetery in the afternoon on
See THEFTS, Page 2
Do you have to register your
Find out before the Oct. 1 deadline rolls around
By Eileen Millard NEWS@THE WOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM
With the rise in the number of people working from home since the COVID-19 pandemic, it might be difficult for home-based workers to figure
There was plenty of dancing in the street on the Square Sept. 15 during the Mexican Independence Day celebration. The cultural event featured authentic music, dance, and food.
home-based business?
out if they need to register by October 1 under Woodstock’s new Business Registration program.
The policy states that anyone doing business in the city, including homebased businesses, must register on the city’s website by October 1 or pay a $50 late fee.
New businesses have three months to register from the time they open
before incurring a late penalty.
Woodstock Economic Development Director Jessica Erickson provided some tips for residents who work from home to help determine if they need to register:
• A home business is defined as a business or commercial activity operated from a residential property within
See REGISTRATION, Page 3
INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY ANDREW ROUSEY
THEFTS
Continued from Page 1
September 3 and was informed by a cemetery administrator that several vases had been stolen the previous night in the south end of the memorial park.
Brenda Hoffman’s husband, John; her father; and her aunt and uncle are buried in that section of the cemetery. Each site lost a vase.
Hoffman visits her husband’s gravesite weekly. She spent a peaceful afternoon with him on August 28, but when she returned on September 6, everything was different.
She said the feeling she got when she walked in was unsettling.
“I came in, and all the flowers in that area were lying at ground level,” she said.
Then she got to her husband’s grave and looked around.
“The bronze vases were stolen from my family’s gravesites – and I can’t help but think that my husband and father watched this happening and could do nothing,” Brenda Hoffman said. “I felt victimized – I felt
violated. I’m angry.”
She said that she struggled to comprehend the situation.
“It is horrible,” she said. “What kind of person steals from the dead?”
Valuable commodity
“They obviously took them for the [monetary] value,” said Shawna Young, facilities manager at Behr
Iron and Metal. Behr is a division of Alter Metal Recycling. “Bronze is currently going for between $2.25 and $2.75 per pound. Some of those vases
are heavier than you might think.”
But Hoffman said the value is more than monetary.
“It is where I put flowers – it is a sacred space,” she said. “It doesn’t feel the same. It was something I had purchased and someone stole that from me – stole the vase and the peaceful feeling.”
Procedures in place
Tony Zoia, the fourth-generation owner of Zoia Monuments, said that he no longer offers bronze vases.
“The temptation to steal them is too great,” he explained. “Why tempt people?”
Zoia said he stopped offering bronze vases 15 years ago in part because of the retail expense.
“The vases were being sold for around $300,” he said. “And that is a significant cost.”
Zoia offers vases made of other metals, including zinc that doesn’t corrode but is much less valuable to recycling centers.
“There have been thefts like this before,” he said, “but never on this level.”
Some cemeteries do not allow bronze in the cemetery as a precaution to prevent stealing.
Young said that Behr Iron and Metal has measures in place to prevent criminals from being able to profit.
“If someone comes to us with anything that looks like it came from a cemetery – brass nameplates, urns, vases, anything that has cemetery markings on it, we require company letterhead indicating the release
of the property for the purpose of destruction,” she said. “We also take driver’s licenses, state IDs, and license plates of those who recycle with us.”
She indicated that the facility works often with the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office, as well as various police departments.
“We have not had anyone try to bring vases here,” Young said, “and I don’t think [the thieves] would stay local.”
Few answers
Hoffman has not heard how the vases will be replaced or who is responsible for the replacement.
“I don’t know what the next steps will be,” she said, “but they are saying over 200 vases have been taken.”
Ruth Anne Clinge, Marengo, was out looking at her family’s gravesites and noted that a plaque was missing. She was planning to file a report.
The Sheriff’s Office indicated that the incident is currently under investigation and that the cemetery administrator planned to provide the department with a list of affected gravesite-owners. The Sheriff’s Office instructed those impacted to call the cemetery administration.
A voicemail at the McHenry County Memorial Park indicates that due to staffing issues, the office is open by appointment only and to contact Windridge Memorial Park and Nature Sanctuary at (847) 639-3883.
Anyone with information relating to the incident or any other incident should call the Sheriff’s Office nonemergency number at 815-860-5684.
INDEPENDENT PHOTOS BY TRICIA CARZOLI
Flowers adorn the grave of a lost loved one in a bronze vase at the McHenry County Memorial Park. At right, numerous bouquets lie on the ground after multiple bronze vases were stolen from the memorial park in early September.
A grave marker with an empty hole where the brass vase should be. More than 200 vases were reported stolen from McHenry County Memorial Park.
Vases are attached to the grave marker with a chain. Chains were cut in the theft.
REGISTRATION
Continued from Page 1
Woodstock City limits where the primary office, workspace, or production area is located within the home or on its premises. This includes, but is not limited to, businesses that engage in online sales, consulting services, professional services, or arts and crafts production.
• Those who work from a home office but are W-2 employees (on a company payroll) for one or more businesses are not required to register, Erickson said.
• Individuals who are affiliated with, but not employed by, another business entity, such as a realtor affiliated with a local real estate office, are encouraged but not required to register.
• Independent contractors who operate within the city limits (from home or another location) and provide services to clients or companies under their own business name are required to register with the city, Erickson said.
• Erickson added that there are some nuances to business registration, such as people who are independent contractors who file a 1099 form, as there are many versions of how a 1099
contractor may be operating out of his or her home.
When in doubt, Erickson said, independent contractors should contact Economic Development Manager Cathleen Tracy at ctracy@woodstockil. gov .
Why registration is required:
“The City of Woodstock’s new business registration process is designed to strengthen our connection with the local business community,” said Erickson. “It’s about creating a reliable communication channel that will keep businesses informed about critical developments, from emergency alerts to major projects like the Route 47 improvements. By registering, businesses gain direct access to timely information and resources that support their success in Woodstock. Our goal is to ensure that every business in Woodstock thrives, and this registration process is a key step in that direction.”
Other goals include the transition to paperless permitting and licensing, as well as fueling economic development.
Annual renewals required
Starting in 2025, businesses that are already registered must renew their
registrations each year between January 1 and April 30, even if no information has changed. Once a profile is online with the city, the annual registration page info is auto-filled, so only the new information needs to be added.
Will there be email lists?
The city will use the business contact information to reach out in cases of city emergencies and construction alerts. Registrants can choose to be alerted for updates on the IL Route 47 expansion project; news and events on the Woodstock Square; and Real Woodstock visitor notifications about events, shopping, and dining opportunities.
Will contact info be shared?
“Phone numbers and email addresses marked as personal on the business registration form will remain confidential and will never be shared or published,” said Erickson. “Home addresses linked to home-based businesses will be kept private and will never be disclosed.
“The city may, in the future, publish the OpenGov portal on its website. If this occurs, only limited business information will be made publicly available. It will not include private or sensitive
information, and businesses will have the option to opt out.”
How to register
To begin the 10-to-15 minute process, go to ChooseWoodstock.com and click on “Business Registration,” or go to the city website homepage at woodstockil.gov and click on the “Business Registration” tab.
Information includes business name and address; year the business began; number of employees; square footage (for brick-and-mortar businesses); emergency name and contact info; whether the owner is considering relocating, expanding, or closing in the next year; and an opportunity to sign up for news alerts.
Once the form is signed electronically and submitted, the business owner will receive a confirmation email.
Future fees or taxes?
Woodstock Mayor Mike Turner was contacted by email to ask if the free registration and annual renewal process will ever have a fee attached to it. He was also asked if the registration process would be used to levy any taxes on home-based businesses. No reply was received.
All-Star Basketball Class Grades: 1-6
The focus of this class will be basketball fundamental techniques- dribbling, passing, shooting, rebounding, and defense, along with an introduction to the rules. Younger players will shoot at an eight or nine-foot basket to encourage proper shooting technique. Low student to teacher ratio ensures your child will receive adequate instruction. All participants will receive a basketball. Instructor: Dave Zinnen
OBITUARIES
Margaret E. Hahn, 84
Margaret E. Hahn, affectionately known as Peg, Peggy, or Maggie, born July 19, 1940, Greenwood, Illinois, to Wilbur and Florence Griswold. She passed away peacefully on September 10, 2024, in Marengo, Illinois.
Margaret
E. Hahn
Margaret was a devoted mother to her four children: Trent (Venerella) Hinkle, Lance (Tamara) Hinkle, Gwynne Rehaste, and Jeni (Ed) McBride. She cherished her role as a grandmother to Ashley (Hinkle) Dray and Zachary Dziekan and was a proud great-grandmother to Aiden, Sophia, and Melody. Margaret is survived by her siblings, Tom (Alice) Griswold, Beverly (Ken) Francis, Nancy (Marvin) Cairns, and Rita (Bill) Rudzena, her cousin Margaret Allen and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by eight siblings and her parents. Margaret had a profound love for
nature and animals, often found nurturing her flower garden while sipping coffee from her bench in the backyard. Her passion for life extended to her favorite pastime of exploring garage sales, where she could always uncover hidden treasures. An avid Chicago Cubs and Bears fan, Margaret enjoyed spending her afternoons in her big green recliner, cheering for her team until she occasionally dozed off.
Her career as a paraprofessional was her most treasured, allowing her to touch the lives of many children with her compassion and dedication. Loved ones recall her as a kind-hearted presence. Maggie’s spirit was especially felt by her granddaughter, for whom she provided unwavering support during challenging times. Her loving nature and kindness left a lasting impact on the hearts of her family and friends.
In honor of her memory, the family encourages everyone to plant a tree, flower, or any living tribute, or to donate to a local animal shelter, reflecting Margaret’s unwavering love for animals and nature. “Every step of the journey is the journey.” Margaret will be deeply
missed but forever remembered for her nurturing spirit and boundless love. Leaving behind a legacy of love and devotion that will be cherished forever. Lovingly written by her granddaughter Ashley.
Where to send obituaries
You may email obituary information to pr@thewoodstockindependent.com, or mail to or drop it off at our office, 671 E. Calhoun St., Woodstock IL 60098. Obituaries are published online immediately and in the next print edition. There is a charge for the publication of obituaries and accompanying photographs. For more information, call The Independent at 815-338-8040.
PUBLIC SAFETY LOG
Woodstock Police Department
■ Marco Olmos Cuevas, 22, Woodstock, was arrested August 30 at Highway 120 and Queen Anne Road on charges of improper lane usage and no valid drivers license. Cited and released on notice to appear. Court date September 19.
■ Syerra L. Rose, 22, Rockford, was arrested August 30 at Route 47 and Melody St. on charges of driving while license suspended. Cited and released on notice to appear. Court date September 26.
■ Wayne J. Christiansen, 78, Crystal Lake, was arrested August 30 at Lake Ave. on charges of unlawful possession of cannabis by driver and operating an uninsured motor vehicle. Cited and released on notice to appear. Court date September 26.
■ Chano G. Sanchez, 40, Woodstock, was arrested August 32 at W. Jackson and Throop streets on charges of possession of a controlled substance. Cited and transported to McHenry County Jail. Court date September 24.
■ Brandy A. Medley, 40, Harvard, was arrested August 31 at W. Jackson and Throop streets on charges of expired registration, operating an uninsured vehicle and no valid drivers license. Cited and released on notice to appear. Court date Sepember 26.
■ Brandon Cintron, 25, Wonder Lake, was arrested August 31 at Lake Ave. on charges of improper lane usage and driving under the influence. Cited and released on notice to appear. Court date September 19.
IN BRIEF
40 Days for Life campaign coming to town Sept. 25
For the first time, a 40 Days for Life campaign is coming to Woodstock. The campaign, which begins on Sept. 25, is a 40-day prayer vigil in the public right-ofway outside Walgreen’s, at 305 S. Eastwood Dr.
40 Days for Life is a peaceful, highlyfocused, nondenominational initiative that focuses on 40 days of prayer and fasting, peaceful vigil at abortion facilities, and grassroots educational outreach to bring about the end to abortion. The 40-day timeframe is drawn from the duration of significant events throughout Biblical history.
All prayer vigil participants are asked to sign a statement of peace, pledging to conduct themselves in a Christ-like manner at all times.
■ Yony J. Ortega-Sarate, 25, Butlerville, Ind., was arrested August 31 at Clay and Hutchins streets on charges of improper muffler and driving while license suspended. Cited and released on notice to appear. Court date September 26.
■ Jonvontae D. Robinson, 24, Maywood, was arrested August 31 at Country Club Road and Leah Lane on charges of head light violation and no valid drivers license. Cited and released on notice to appear. Court date September 26.
■ Jacob D Howard, 23, Beloit, Wis., was arrested September 3 at E. Jackson St. on charges of criminal damage to property and domestic battery. Cited and transported to McHenry County Jail. Court date September 10..
Charges are only accusations of crimes, and defendants are presumed innocent until proved guilty
Woodstock Fire/Rescue District
EMS calls for Sept. 5 to 11: 83
Fire runs
Outside rubbish fire: 1
Search for lost person: 1
Electrical wiring/equipment problem: 1
Person in distress: 1
Public service assistance: 17
Cover assignment, standby at fire station: 2
Wrong location, no emergency found: 1
Malicious, mischievous false alarm: 1
System or detector malfunction: 2
Unintentional system/detector (no fire): 8
Total: 118
“We are eager to join together with people of faith and conscience from over 600 cities from coast to coast – and beyond – to pray for an end to abortion,” said Mary Papke, who is coordinating the local campaign.
“Chemical or medication abortion takes a tremendous toll in our city,” Papke said, “but many people aren’t even aware of it. We will share the facts with as many people as possible during the 40-day campaign.”
“We’ve seen what 40 Days for Life has accomplished elsewhere,” Papke said. “We can’t wait to begin. It is our prayer that this campaign will help mark the beginning of the end of abortion in Woodstock.”
For information about 40 Days for Life in Woodstock, visit: www.40daysforlife. com/woodstock or contact woodstock40daysforlife@gmail.com
CARE 4
OCTOBER 20, 2024
Woodstock North High School Register
Race starts promptly at 8:30am! Roads close at 8:10am! Parking available at the High School and Merryman Park
Presented by:
Woodstock, IL • 1987
Can we watch too?
A heavy focus of Woodstock’s annual Community Survey involved what Woodstock could do to keep residents better informed of things going on inside and with city government. One suggestion that was not part of the survey was livestreaming Mayor Mike Turner’s State of the City address coming up on October 1.
The city routinely livestreams and records City Council meetings so that citizens can use their computers to observe the business of the city’s leg islative branch, either in real time, or by watching the video when it is posted online a bit later on. Some meetings are quite short; others can be very lengthy; but they all give residents of Woodstock an opportunity to follow what is going on in their city.
As of this date, the city has announced no plan to livestream and record the annual State of the City speech. That’s a shame. The speech is usually shorter than most City Council meetings, but it comes in the middle of the day at a ticketed lun cheon, which isn’t as convenient for working citizens as a night meeting such as those conducted by the City Council.
So it only makes sense, in the interest of transparent government, that arrangements be made so that the speech can be livestreamed and recorded from the second-floor banquet room of the Old Courthouse Center. It also would give city residents the opportunity to see the beautifully remodeled old courtroom, which Ethereal now uses for its events space.
It seems the technical challenges of livestreaming
and recording from the Old Courthouse Center could be easily overcome and would provide the protocol and the infrastructure for which more meetings from the Old Courthouse Center could be viewed via computer.
In fact, we can think of no good reason that the speech shouldn’t be broadcast. It would be one more step toward the city meeting its goal of communicating with citizens and transparency of city functions. Let’s do it. » YOUR VIEW
Frustration with Sept. 21 location change for farmers market
What is going on with the disrespect towards our farmer’s market?
The Woodstock Farmers Market has brought so much business and notice to our Square and our community. It has helped to keep it alive during some dark times.
Along with feeding us with good foods, the money stays locally…. Rather than to some other state, let alone another country.
Why is it being moved for an art fair?
The art fair could start after the farmers market.
Look at all the people that come for the farmers market that will not be staying for the art fair because they’re going to McHenry County College parking lot for the farmers market for the one
Saturday (Sept. 21).
Also, why have we not yet gotten news for the farmers market being at the fairgrounds for the winter?
Is this not a public property?
This is a great venue for the Woodstock Farmers Market and it brings in business to other local vendors year round, including during the winter months.
Would really like to see it there again.
Our Farmers Market serves the community with food, crafts, helps our food growers thrive, keeps the money locally, and encourages a friendly sense of community and pride.
Do not diminish this gem.
Eat well. Shop local.
Tricia Rachford Woodstock
Response from Roscoe Stelford on behalf of Mayor Turner:
The City intended to have both the Farmers Market and Art Fair on the Square on Sept. 21. We met with representatives from the Farmers Market in regards to layouts which would support both of the events. However, the Farmers Market decided to instead relocate to MCC, which I can assure you was not what the City wanted.
In regards to the fairgrounds, they are not located within the City of Woodstock’s corporate limits and are owned by the McHenry County Fair Association, a nonprofit group. This is not a public property and the City has no purview over the Fair’s decisionmaking.
Roscoe Stelford City Manager
The crucial importance of fact-checking
“There is no state in this country where it is legal to kill a baby after it’s born.”
– Linsey Davis, ABC News
If you saw this quote and didn’t know the context of when it was delivered and what was said before that, you might say, “Why would a journalist need to say something so obvious?” But Davis, an ABC news anchor who co-moderated a presidential debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump on Sept. 10, came under fire for making such a statement, because she did something CNN was widely criticized for not doing in the June presidential debate: fact-checking.
Davis and ABC news anchor David Muir were doing their best to ask insightful questions of both candidates, but when a candidate – in this case, Trump – said something that could easily be discredited or put into context without showing favoritism, they did so. Trump had just claimed about Harris that “her vice-presidential pick says abortion in the ninth month is absolutely fine. He also says execution after birth, it’s execution, no longer abortion, because the baby is born, is okay. And that’s not okay with me.” The comment by Davis made it clear it’s not okay with anyone. As stated in The Los Angeles Times article about the debate, “In an era in which misinformation spreads fast and furious, Davis’s real-time fact-check cut through the proceedings like a sharp blade.”
Fact-checking isn’t new, but it isn’t often that it’s able to be done by a moderator during the actual debate. Often, hours later – or the next day – articles will appear online or in print that provide significant detail on why a particular statement was either totally false or a significant exaggeration. For example, in the same debate last week, Harris stated that Trump “left us the worst unemployment since the Great Depression.” NPR’s subsequent fact-checking story (https:// www.npr.org/2024/09/11/gs1-21932/fact-check-trump-harris-presidential-debate-2024) said
that wasn’t true: “At the height of the Great Depression in 1933, the national unemployment rate was near 25%, according to the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library. At the start of the COVID pandemic, the unemployment rate peaked at 14.8% in April 2020, a level not seen since 1948, according to the Congressional Research Service. But by the time Trump left office, unemployment had fallen to a lower, but still elevated, level. The January 2021 unemployment rate was 6.3%.”
are not part of the survey.) But that involves elected officials from both parties being able to actually work with each other. We must move on from a society where lies and personal attacks are eagerly applauded by supporters of any candidate. To start, I don’t think it’s too radical to ask that we all consider the kind of leaders we want and to then do our own fact-checking on their statements before we vote. If something sounds outrageous (e.g., aliens eating pets in Ohio), it’s likely to be misinformation, but make sure: do your own Internet research. Then think about why the candidate didn’t care to fact-check it himself or herself before sharing that story with hundreds, thousands, or millions of people.
Woodstock
But the sheer number of falsehoods told by Trump during the roughly 105-minute debate was overwhelming. According to CNN fact-checking reporter Daniel Dale, there were at least 33 false claims by the former president compared to at least one by Harris. According to Dale’s analysis: “no major presidential candidate before Donald Trump has ever lied with this kind of frequency… A remarkably large chunk of what he said tonight was just not true, and this wasn’t like little exaggeration, political spin. A lot of his false claims were untethered to reality.” We also know that lying isn’t a new habit. In January 2021, the Fact Checker team at The Washington Post reported that “by the end of his term, Trump had accumulated 30,573 untruths during his presidency — averaging about 21 erroneous claims a day.”
I, for one, look forward to days when “Members of Congress” and “Senators” are not at the bottom of Gallup’s annual Honesty and Ethics poll of different professions, with only 6% and 8% of respondents in the most recent survey rating those professions as “high” or “very high” in terms of honesty and ethical standards. (Note: “President” and “Vice President”
Often just as important as facts are the vision and personality of candidates. I think those are evident in the final sentences of the closing statements of last week’s debate. Harris: “I intend to be a president for all Americans and focus on what we can do over the next 10 and 20 years to build back up our country by investing right now in you, the American people.” Trump: “What these people have done to our country, and maybe toughest of all, is allowing millions of people to come into our country, many of them are criminals, and they’re destroying our country. The worst president, the worst vice president in the history of our country.” Hmm. Have there been rankings for the worst president ever? Maybe it’s worth fact-checking whether it’s Biden or someone else, beginning with https://presidentialgreatnessproject.com/. Just a thought.
Paul Lockwood is a Communications Consultant at Health Care Service Corporation (HCSC) in Chicago, an enthusiastic storyteller, singer, constant punster, occasional local theater actor, active Grace Lutheran Church and Toastmasters member, theater reviewer, and more. Paul has lived in Woodstock for over 23 years with his wife, Diane.
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Corrections
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Staff
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EDITOR Larry Lough larry@thewoodstockindependent com
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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, Lisa Kunzie, Jen Nichols
EDITORIAL CARTOONISTS Jim Mansfield, Chip Humbertson
PROOFREADER Don Humbertson
CIRCULATION
Beverly Meuch, Dennis Micheletti, Bill Schwerdtfeger, John Wickham
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Paul Lockwood A Musing
D-200 Musicians of the Month
Follow us at: www.d200MusicBoosters.org Facebook: D200 Music Boosters • Twitter @d200mboosters
Christian Balgeman
Woodstock
High School, 12th Grade
Sarah Sites
What music activities are you involved in at school and what instruments do you play? I’m in every orchestra offered at WHS and have conducted music at WHS concerts. I play the violin.
What got you interested in music? My parents have played instruments and always been involved with music.
What is your favorite part of participating in orchestra? I enjoy being able to be with people and connect with them.
What do you plan to do with your talents in the future? I will be attending Northern Illinois University, majoring in music education.
Woodstock High School, 12th Grade
What music activities are you involved in at school and what instruments do you play? I’m in every orchestra offered at WHS and have conducted a piece at a Creekside Middle School concert. I play the violin.
What got you interested in music? My family has always been involved with music. Seeing my brothers perform pushed me to participate in music.
What is your favorite part of participating in orchestra and choir? I like the joy that orchestra and choir bring. I look forward to my music classes everyday.
What do you plan to do with your talents in the future? i plan to attend Brigham Young University-Idaho and major in music education.
Mackenzie Karr
Verda Dierzen School, Kindergarten
What is your favorite thing about school? I like learning math.
What is your favorite song? “Hello Sun.”
If you could play any instrument, what would it be? The flute.
What do you want to be when you grow up? A teacher because I like teaching my brother.
What is your favorite animal? Cats.
Callihan Rausch
Verda Dierzen School, Kindergarten
What is your favorite thing about school? I like gym and playing tag.
What is your favorite song? Shakira - “Try Everything.”
If you could play any instrument, what would it be? Electric guitar.
What do you want to be when you grow up? A police officer.
What is your favorite animal? A tiger.
Abigail Convey, a senior at Marian Central Catholic High School, is the daughter of Jacqueline and Kevin Convey of Algonquin.
Her nominating teacher said, “Abigail is an outstanding student and person. In all aspects of her life she holds herself to the highest standards. She is a role model to all of our studens and a gift to our Marian family.”
Abigail Convey
Abigail is on the high honor roll and the principal’s list. She is in the top 10 percent of her class, and is an AP Scholar of Distinction. She is a part of the National Rural and Small Town Recognition Program and has been awarded the Bausch and Lomb Honorary Science Award. Abigail is a 2024-205 inductee in the National Honor Society. Outside of school, Abigail volunteers at the D300 Food Pantry and works as a hostess at Randall Roadhouse in Carpentersville.
Schools
District 200 welcomes new staff for 2024-25 school year
NORTHWOOD MIDDLE SCHOOL
CREEKSIDE MIDDLE SCHOOL
COLORFUL CROSSING
The South Street crosswalk that leads from the parking lot to Woodstock High School got a spirited makeover with blue and white stripes and the Streaks’ logo. The idea came from WHS students Liam Hanson, Peter Muschong, Hunter Vassar, and Lucas Rubio, as part of their “Project Lead the Way” walkability project entry this year, which won the national High School Community Impact award.
Council Member Bob Seegers, Jr., said at the September 3 City Council meeting: “I live near Woodstock High School, and they got the new crosswalk painted, and it is fantastic. It’s not only more visible to the traffic, I think it embodies school spirit … so thank you to all involved to make that happen.”
PLTW is a national online curriculum focusing on developing young engineers, with more than 5,000 schools around the U.S. teaching the curriculum.
INDEPENDENT
DISTRICT 200 PHOTO
Left to right: Assistant Principal Tyler Carlson; Kylie Fahey, 8th Grade Literacy; Angela Chieco, Special Education; Isabelle Murillo Gonzalez, School Psychologist; Principal Bethany Hall
DISTRICT 200 PHOTO
Left to right: Assistant Principal Kristopher Nickolas; Sarah Winkelman, Adaptive PE; Diego Cruz, seventh-grade Dual-Language Science; Principal Ryan Doyle
PHOTO BY ANDREW ROUSEY
D200 Board of Education honors 52 individuals
By Caryl Dierksen NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM
The Woodstock District 200 school board began its Sept. 10 meeting by recognizing 50 students from Woodstock and Woodstock North high schools who have been honored by the College Board National Recognition Program for their academic achievements. Each student falls into one of these underrepresented categories: first-generation American; Black or African American; Hispanic or Latino; Indigenous; or a student who attends school in a rural area or small town.
The winners all scored in the top ten percent in Illinois on Scholastic Aptitude tests taken during the last school year or earned a score of 3+ on two or more Advanced Placement exams in the ninth and/or 10th grades; and earned a cumulative grade point average of B+ or higher.
Next up for honors were two Clay Academy staff members whom the board recognized as part of the District 200 Spotlight program. Clay Principal Dan Palombit spoke about the contributions of certified school nurse Janna Sankey and associate Carrie Jarnecke. As the school year progresses, each principal will choose one certified and one classified staff member to be honored.
In the business part of its meeting, the board approved a resolution adopting the district’s e-Learning Program for implementation through the 2026-2027 school year. This program details the plan for handling instruction on emergency closing days. Illinois law requires that the district repeat the approval process every three years. No members of the public, the board, or staff spoke on the issue.
There will be no changes to the program currently in place, which calls for the first two emergency closings to be traditional “snow days,” with pupils receiving no instruction. These days must be made up at the end of the school year. Beginning with the third emergency day, students will participate in e-learning from home. These days will count as official days and will not be added to the end of the year.
The Aug. 27 heat emergency early dismissal day will be not added to the school year because students were in attendance the minimum required hours.
selected
WHS – Front row (from left): Madelynne Zarnstorff, Reagan Zawisza, Luke Zimmerman, Krishna Patel, Abigail Pagnotta, Gabriela Luevano Galvez, Nevaeh Crogan, Kimberly Colin Estrada, and Taqiuldin Baker.
Back row (from left): Avelina Vosters, Eshaan Virani, Meghan Sullivan, Aidan Riak, Kiera Merrell, Luis Landa, Cody Hendrickson, and Hunter Hasan.
Not pictured: Owen Cunningham, Joseph Hernandez, Ryan Hughes, Lydia Johanson, Denzel Juarez, Jax Kozlak, Sophia Mendoza, Trey Neuhart, Itzel Ramos Carbajal, Juanjose Rodriguez, Meadow Roth, and Colin Seminara.
WNHS – Front row (from left): Ivan Negron, Grant Schnulle, Reagan Kottke, Samantha Hill, and Elise Abeyta.
Back row (from left): Alexandria Tyranski, Aileen Tapia, Brady Minner, Parker Hayes, Brenna McConnell, Cloe Hacker, and Tyler Chaney.
Not pictured: Anthony Bigler, Gianna Boege, Cooper Brown,, Alyssa Madigan, Caeden Roberts, Jose Sanchez, Olivia Sturtevant, Olivia Vinas, and Melanie Woodcock.
The board’s next regularly scheduled meeting will be at 7 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 24, in the Woodstock High School Learning Resources Center.
The Staff Spotlight shines on, from left, certified nurse Janna Sankey and associate Carrie
and thanks.
D200 PHOTOS
Students
for College Board National Recognition:
Jarnecke, both from Clay Academy, who were chosen by Clay Principal Dan Palombit for recognition
A & E
An update on the installation of the sculpture in the roundabout at South Street and Lake Avenue at the most recent meeting of the Arts Commission included the news that a Christmas tree will occupy the center spot this year. The 16-foot-high sculpture, titled “Whorled,” is expected to be finished and in place in spring 2025.
Six-foot groundhog to inhabit the Square?
The Arts Commission discusses possible groundhog statue, other topics
By Ruth Raubertas NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM
The Sept. 9 Arts Commission meeting at City Hall included an update on the Lake/Madison/South roundabout sculpture, details for the September 21-22 Woodstock Art Fair, plans for a new groundhog sculpture on the Square, and a possible scoring method for future projects to assign each a priority.
Roundabout sculpture
Questions about providing a base for the roundabout sculpture, which will be created by Woodstock artist Bobby Joe Scribner, included landscaping, footing, and a possible retaining wall, necessitating consultations with engineers and an architect. As more funds will be required
above what the city has committed, Compass real estate agent Kim Keefe and her husband, Steve Bois, are working on fundraising. For the time being, a Christmas tree has been ordered for the roundabout for the 2024 holiday season.
The new Woodstock Art Fair, to be held on the Square on September 21 and 22, will include the creations of 75 artists, food, music, and activities for kids. Arts Commission chair Ann Marie Whitmore Lenzini will be hosting the Artists on Main tent and said she would welcome anyone to talk to her about Arts Commission business. The Woodstock Farmers’ Market decided against setting up on side streets on Saturday, the 21st, and instead will be moving to a parking lot at McHenry County College for the day.
Groundhog art
Rick Bellairs, chair of the Groundhog Days Committee, has proposed commissioning a fiveto six-foot-tall groundhog statue to be erected on the Park in the Square. The renowned sculptor Erik Blome, who operates a studio locally, has been suggested as the artist. Arts Commission members agreed that the northwest quadrant of the Square would be the most suitable location. Funds would be provided by the Groundhog Days Committee.
New Economic Development Director Jessica Erickson called attention to the state’s Open Meetings Act which stipulates that if three or more members of a town committee are in private conversation, they may not discuss committee business. This will ensure that
the public always has the right to participate.
Representatives from the Artspace project, which is working on plans to provide living and working space to local artists, addressed concerns that the presentation made to the city did not make clear what the financial requirements would be, which are, in fact, minimal.
Commission member Mark Murray presented a proposed Art Project Evaluation Score Sheet, which would assign points to items such as timeline, budget, community impact, sustainability, and maintenance. Each proposed project would receive a score out of 100 points, resulting in the ability to prioritize the projects. Members agreed that safety should be added as a category for consideration.
INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY ANDREW ROUSEY
FALL DIDDLEY
Woodstock Opera House makes progress toward mid-October reopening
By Tricia Carzoli NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM
“From the beginning, we knew that the priority of this project was the historic building,” Woodstock Opera House manager Daniel Campbell said. “The South Annex, and even other areas, do not need to be complete for productions to go on.”
The Woodstock Opera House sold tickets to a Paranormal Conference scheduled for October 5; however, the event was canceled, and ticketpurchasers were notified.
“It was a mutually agreeable decision for both parties,” Campbell explained. “They had a health issue, and we were feeling the pressure of construction, so we both decided to reschedule.”
Other events scheduled for October include the KAIA String Quartet on October 12, followed by Yakov Smirnoff on October 13.
“We do not anticipate any issues with these performances,” Campbell said, “but if there are, we will certainly be letting our patrons know.”
As of the writing of this article, the stage floor has been laid and the HVAC has been relocated for the
expansion of the light beam port. As soon as the port is finished, the lighting and sound system can be installed. Heritage Restoration has installed all of the finished windows. Safe-Way Tuckpointing has begun working on painting the trim on the façade of the building.
“This is probably one of the most exciting jobs we’ve worked on,” SafeWay Tuckpointing technician Luke Cherney said.
“It is a historic restoration,” technician Dakota O’Neill said, “and you don’t get to do that often.”
As the next few weeks progress, the progress will be monitored, Campbell said.
“We are on track to open on the twelfth,” he said, “but we will continue to monitor and adapt.”
The scaffolding is in place for work on the south annex for roof removal. The micropile foundation supports have been installed. The cut-throughs have begun between the library door openings and the stairwell opening into the community room.
“There is something new every day,” Campbell said. “It is exciting to be a part of.”
INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY TRICIA CARZOLI Scaffolding surrounds the Opera House, ready to facilitate work on the south annex.
Business
Founder Connor Cummings rests on exercise equipment in front of artist Katie Chung’s mural at Divided Labs. The gym provides oneon-one personal training and nutrition support for clients.
“With fitness and wellness coaching, you can create lasting change,” Cummings said.
REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS
Transactions filed in the McHenry County Recorder’s Office July 30 to 31.
■ Vacant land, approximately 15 acres, on Riverwoods Drive, Woodstock, was sold by Midwest Land Partners, Prospect Heights, to Millrose Properties Illinois LLC, Schaumburg, for $1,026,000.
■ Residence at 2011 Aspen Drive, Woodstock, was sold by The Scott and Jennifer Purkey Living Trust, Crystal Lake, to Nancy Pimentel, Woodstock, for $295,000.
■ Residence at 664 Verdi St., Woodstock, was sold by The Gary J. Castaldo Trust, West Dundee, to Patrick Holt, Woodstock, for $391,000.
■ Residence at 1248 Bunker St., Woodstock, was sold by Ashley Rodgers, Rolling Meadows, to Mark A. Singer, Woodstock, for $275,000.
Divided Labs = scientific fitness
Woodstock gym offers scientific approach to fitness, wellness
By Susan W. Murray NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM
Divided Labs founder Connor Cummings firmly believes that “physiology is so important for mental health.”
After eight years of coaching clients on fitness and wellness digitally, he opened a gym at 710 S. Eastwood Dr. in June 2022 to provide local residents with one-on-one personal training and nutrition coaching.
“The passion of this,” Cummings said, “is giving people a baseline of fitness and wellness so that all the other areas of their lives can thrive.”
He cites examples of a mom who has more energy to run after her kids or a sales representative who goes into a meeting with more confidence.
Unique to his business, the gym is accessible to clients 24 hours a day, seven days a week, via an app on
clients’ phones.
A background in bodybuilding
In 2007, Cummings earned the title Mr. Natural Teen USA.
While he always had a love of fitness, what Cummings didn’t like about bodybuilding was its focus on the self.
He described himself as “service-minded.”
“I like to learn things and give them to others,” Cummings said. “That’s more rewarding for me.”
A Woodstock resident since 2007, Cummings started Divided Labs in 2014 as a combination of fitness coaching and supplement manufacturing. Five years ago, he kept the company name but got out of the supplement manufacturing business to concentrate on fitness coaching and nutrition support.
Build a personalized workout
Divided Labs has about 150 active clients, Cummings said, and three trainers on staff. Besides Cummings, Dakodah Mrkvicka and Jennifer Soos work with clients. Both came on board when the Eastwood Drive gym opened.
The three trainers are certified through the National Academy of Sports Medicine.
“The accreditation is really important,” Cummings said.
With it, he said, Divided Labs can provide an “evidence-based approach” to fitness.
New clients begin by talking with a personal trainer during a short “Fitness Assessment” call; after, they receive a free session to get familiar with the gym and comfortable with the trainer.
“People usually come in for
■ Residence at 8515 Dorr Road, Wonder Lake, was sold by The Broadus Family Revocable Trust, McHenry, to Edward Brady, Wonder Lake, for $135,000.
■ Residence at 502-504 W. South St., Woodstock, was sold by The Michael Bernstein Trust, Woodstock, to Darlene Kotovsky, Woodstock, for $275,000.
■ Residence at 221 Macintosh Ave., Woodstock, was sold by Blake Laibly, Oakwood Hills, to Ashley Doran, Woodstock, for $210,000.
■ Residence at 751 Roger Road, Woodstock, was sold by Anthony Garbis, Crystal Lake, to Lisa Krzeczowski, Woodstock, for $380,000.
■ Residence at 426 Summit Ave., Woodstock, was sold by John J. Jasper, Grand Rapids, Mich., to Genaro Ortiz Ayala, Woodstock, for $90,000.
INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY ANDREW ROUSEY
Alan Hafferkamp Blake Hafferkamp Brittany Hafferkamp
FITNESS
Continued from Page 13
exercise and are supported with nutrition,” Cummings said.
The nutrition component might be tips on how to add protein to the diet or general advice on healthy eating habits. It’s also possible to sign up at Divided Labs strictly for nutrition coaching.
For some people, the idea of getting started on a fitness program with a personal trainer produces some nervousness.
“A professional will meet you where you are and comfortably progress you forward,” Cummings said.
The trainer helps the client build a personalized workout program and create a calendar on a coaching app. If someone comes to the gym in the wee hours of the morning before the trainers arrive, the client can view videos that show how to execute the program.
Some Divided Labs clients meet with personal trainers one to three times a week, but half
don’t have scheduled meetings with coaches. Instead, the coaches oversee their programs digitally.
The advantage of location
Cummings decided to open a brick-and-mortar gym because giving one-on-one support and helping people with positioning was more effective in-person than when done online.
He chose the storefront just north of The UPS Store because the square footage was right, the buildout was simple, and there were plenty of parking places on the north side of the small strip mall.
It took just three months to knock down a wall, put in a floor, and paint the walls.
He commissioned artist Katie Chung to create the mural in the gym.
Energy without distractions
Cummings wanted to add something “visually stimulating, yet thought-provoking, which could brighten the studio and enhance the atmosphere without diverting attention from the
workout.”
He wanted to avoid the TVs that are the common entertainment in gyms for that reason.
He found Chung early in the process, through a search engine, and was immediately drawn to her “Locals Only” mural at the 360 Chicago Observation Deck.
At Cummings’ and Chung’s first meeting, she presented a draft that Cummings said “perfectly captured the essence of what we were looking for” and later completed the work in three days.
Cummings praised Chung’s mural for brightening the space, bringing energy to the gym, sparking conversation, and being unique to the community.
Increasing the success rate
“Behavioral changes are hard,” Cummings said.
He pointed out that in our digital age, “there is a bigger need than ever for health and wellness attention and support.”
The success rate, he said, is higher when people have professional support.
“If you have an appointment booked, you’ll go,” he said.
Dairy Queen update
By Susan W. Murray
In the September 4 issue of The Woodstock Independent, we reported on the Dairy Queen’s successful application to the Historic Preservation Commission for landmark status. Final approval needs to come from the City Council.
On our Facebook page, alert reader Julie Kiel LaGue, who grew up near the Dairy Queen, questioned if the years for the expansion of the building, addition of the barn roof, and installation of the drive-through window were correct in the article.
Doing some further research, we can report that 1968-69 is correct for the expansion and addition of the barn roof. A Daily Sentinel article dated August 1, 1968, announced that Larry Leuke would be the ice cream store’s new owner and that the planned building modifications would be complete by the beginning of the 1969 summer season. A September 30, 1974, photo from the Daily Sentinel shows the longer building and barn roof in place.
The drive-through window was, indeed, a later addition.
Barb Hahn, who owned the Dairy Queen with husband Dave from 1985 to 2020, remembers that the window was installed in 1994 on the day of their daughter Alyson’s wedding to the late Duane Pohlman.
The drive-thru window, then, has been in place for 30 years.
Thank you, Julie, for following up with us.
Community
St. Mary honors two for inspiring service
Magdalena Herrera and Melinda Strange, 2024 Women of Inspiration
By Jan Dovidio NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM
Each year, the Diocese of Rockford asks every parish to recognize a woman or women who demonstrate their passion for service and ministry at their churches.
This year, St. Mary Church in Woodstock has chosen to honor Magdalena Herrera and Melinda (Mindy) Strange as the 2024 Women of Inspiration.
“Here at St. Mary we select one recipient from our Hispanic community and one from our Englishspeaking community,” Rev. Father Burt Absalon said.
Herrera and her husband, Porifio, have been married 55 years and have six children and 21 grandchildren.
Born in Mexico, Herrera began her lifelong devotion to the role of catechist at the age of 14. She is a catechist for the Hispanic community and is always willing to help others. She shared that her passion is evangelizing the children and youth with whom she works.
“Magdalena is the epitome of faithfulness and love in marriage and family life,” Absalon said. “She always goes the extra mile in helping
be possible without the support and encouragement of my husband and family and the support of my parish and school family,” she added.
others and always greets you with a smile.”
Strange was born in Wisconsin and grew up in the Rockford area. She and husband Troy have five children and have been parishioners at St. Mary for the past 16 years. Among her school and parish activities, Strange chairs the annual Ladies’ Advent Tea, works with the Parent Project to support parents as they transmit the faith to their children,
serves on the Catholic Identify Committee for St. Mary School, helps with various functions, “and even touched up the paint in the church after the old speakers were removed,” Absalon said.
Strange said that she feels the St. Mary community has been blessed with many young families who sacrifice for the church and school and who desire a Christ-centered life.
“Any work I have done would not
“Mindy is truly an inspiration to mothers and young women,” Absalon said. “She does many little things with great love, working behind the scenes and getting things done without seeking attention for herself. Her faith in God is always behind everything she does.”
The Rockford Diocese recognized the Women of Inspiration honorees from the McHenry Deanery parishes at a banquet on September 15 at The Church of Holy Apostles in McHenry.
CXOURTESY PHOTO
Father Luis Guanipa (left) and Deacon Mel Gaytan (far right) stand with Magdalena Herrera and her husband, Porifio Herrera, as Magdalena was recognized for being one of St. Mary’s Women of Inspiration in 2024. Mindy Strange (right), and her husband, Troy. Mindy is also a Woman of Inspiration this year for her service in several parish ministries.
D-200 Musicians of the Month
Follow us at: www.d200MusicBoosters.org
Ellen Galli
Northwood Middle School, 8th Grade
What music activities are you involved in at school and what instruments do you play? Choir, Warhawk choir and theatre. I play piano and viola.
What got you interested in music?
I saw the musical “The Greatest Showman.” I loved singing the songs so much that I decided to join choir in 5th grade.
What is your favorite part of participating in choir?
I love being with my friends and singing amazing music. Choir is simply a fun and comfortable place to be and grow.
What do you plan to do with your talents in the future?
I would love to perform more on stage.
Tochtli Olivas-Gutierrez
Woodstock High School, 12th Grade
What music activities are you involved in at school and what instruments do you play? Varsity band (oboe/flute), varsity choir and Madrigals, school musicals.
What got you interested in music?
I was following an older sibling’s footsteps into choir and trying to make first flute in band. At first I thought I hated it, but I ended up loving it!
What is your favorite part of participating in choir?
The camaraderie between us as ensemble members. I would have quit a long time ago if we hadn’t bonded so easily.
What do you plan to do with your talents in the future?
A career in music composition.
Paige Montanye
Creekside Middle School, 8th Grade
What music activities are you involved in at school and what instruments do you play? 8th grade choir, treble choir, FVC Honors Choir and theatre.
What got you interested in music?
I became interested through involvement in theatre.
What is your favorite part of participating in choir?
I get excited about the concerts and the tour days.
What do you plan to do with your talents in the future?
I plan on doing choir and theatre in high school.
Jessica Mrowicki
Woodstock North High School, 12th Grade
What music activities are you involved in at school and what instruments do you play? Varsity choir, jazz choir, and Madrigals.
What got you interested in music?
I started because my older brother was in choir when he was in high school.
What is your favorite part of participating in choir?
I like the satisifaction of performing for an audience and hearing a piece come together.
What do you plan to do with your talents in the future?
I hope to become a choir teacher and help kids get the same joy out of choir that I do.
Reese Connor and her dog, Gracie, display their awards from the McHenry County dog show.
(Top center) Lauren, Abby, Eva, and Alison Piccolo are pictured at the state fair. Abby, Eva, and Alison each had a project entered in state-level competition.
(Lower center) Rainn Connor was the Grand Champion for Three Dimensional Paper Art at the Illinois State Fair competition.
Carzoli (left)
Keepers of the Clover shine at State Fair
4-H’ers compete, excel with multiple projects at Illinois State Fair
By Janet Dovidio NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM
Several Keepers of the Clover 4-H’ers qualified at the McHenry County Fair to compete on August 11 at the Illinois State Fair. Two earned the highest state score of Grand Champion.
3-D and good dog
Rainn Connor submitted a project in the Three-Dimensional Paper Art category. Using a quilling technique, she created a cup out of paper with flowers spilling out. She received the highest score and was designated Grand Champion for the category.
Her sister, Reese Connor, achieved high scores at a different competition. She and her dog, Gracie, competed at the July 27 McHenry County dog show where she and Gracie earned 98 out of 100 points
in the rally category for a secondplace win and 195 out of 200 points, achieving fourth place in obedience.
Both Connor girls are homeschooled, with Reese a high school senior taking dual-credit courses and Rainn a high school sophomore.
“They learn new skills in 4-H that challenge them to complete projects in many areas,” their mother, Tracey Connor, said. “They learn community is important by volunteering their time, and they learn how to be leaders by attending public speaking events.”
Sister act
Sisters Gianna and Miabella Carzoli both qualified for 4-H state competition. Gianna’s entry in the Small Engine category was a drawing demonstrating her knowledge of the pistons of a small engine and how the engine works.
“I learned by helping my dad fix the lawn mower,” Gianna said. “This was my fourth year going downstate.”
Miabella is a five-year member of 4-H, with four of those years in Keepers of the Clover. She qualified for state with her photography project of capturing motion, using different shutter speeds. Her photo was a water droplet falling into a bowl of water, which earned her Grand Champion for photography.
“I was Reserve Grand Champion last year for photography. Earning Grand Champion this year was a great end to my high school career,” Miabella said. “I want to thank our club leader, Denise Woolridge, for her constant dedication to our club.”
More state caliber sisters
Four girls in the Piccolo family participate in 4-H. Eva, Alison, and Abby have been in 4-H for three
years, while this is Lauren’s first year after participating at the Cloverbuds level. Eva is a freshman at Woodstock North High School, while her sisters attend Crystal Lake Montessori School in Woodstock. Eva, Alison, and Abby all were named as State Fair Delegates, due to the caliber of several of their projects, of which only one for each girl could be presented at state..
Eva’s Animal Science project was a presentation on the wild mustang population. Alison’s Family Heritage project detailed a family tree. Abigail’s entry in Clothing and Textiles was a bunny figure sewn onto an apron.
“The girls have explored many project areas that they otherwise would not have,” said their mother, Emily Piccolo.”They have also had leadership opportunities and learned from others who have mastered particular skills.”
COURTESY PHOTOS
Above: Miabella Carzoli displays the photo that earned her the Grand Champion award for photography.
Gianna
entered her drawing of how a small engine works in the small engine category.
Sad to say, our readers struck out as photo detectives in August. September offers a shot at redemption.
Little League was one of late photojournalist Don Peasley’s favorite organizations. This 2011 photo is titled “Little League Fall Ball.”
Photo Detectives, please let us know where this photo was taken, the occasion, and who is pictured. Is anyone in the photo still playing baseball or softball?
If you can identify anyone in this month’s photo, please contact our intrepid Photo Detective Maggie Crane at MaggieC@woodstockil.info.
-Susan
Earn a bachelor’s or advanced degree close to home (in downtown Woodstock) from one of our educational partners:
*pending final approval
Scan the QR code to check out the University Center’s full list of partnerships and opportunities, or visit www.mchenry.edu/ucenter.
Bachelor’s and advanced degree programs within reach. Live Here. Learn Here.
W. Murray
COURTESY PHOTO
Happenings
ART FAIR ON THE SQUARE
Woodstock Square 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
18 WEDNESDAY
MEMORY MAKERS STORYTELLING GROUP
Woodstock Public Library
414 W. Judd St. (in person)
9:30 a.m. to noon 815-338-0542, ext. 14125
19 THURSDAY
SLC TRIVIA NIGHT - PUB
TRIVIA USA
Stage Left Café
125 W. Van Buren St.
7 p.m.
woodstockoperahouse.com
20 FRIDAY
JAZZ NIGHT
Stage Left Café
125 W. Van Buren St.
8 p.m.
woodstockoperahouse.com
21 SATURDAY
WOODSTOCK FARMERS MARKET
LOCATION CHANGE FOR THIS DATE ONLY
McHenry County College 8900 Route 14
8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
woodstockfarmersmarket.org
Music: TBA
DORR TOWNSHIP FREE
ONSITE SHRED EVENT
Dorr Township Office 1039 Lake Avenue
9 to 11 a.m. Dorrtownship.com
LOVE & RESCUE FUNDRAISER
Ortmanns Red Iron Tavern 101 E. Church St. Noon to 4 p.m. $40 asgoodasgold.org
FAMILY-CENTERED EVENING WITH DINNER AND WORSHIP MUSIC
Benefitting Steven’s Home
McHenry County Fairgrounds 11900 Country Club Road 5 to 9 p.m.
For tickets, go to: https:// www.zeffy.com/en-US/ ticketing/7dad4140-dd93-411cbcc3-040ad5d3b06a
STAGE LEFT SESSIONS
FEATURING BOOGIE WOOGIE KID
Stage Left Café
125 W. Van Buren St.
8 p.m.
$10 in advance, $15 at the door offsquaremusic.org
22 SUNDAY
ART FAIR ON THE SQUARE
Woodstock Square 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
24 TUESDAY
WOODSTOCK FARMERS MARKET
Woodstock Square
8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
woodstockfarmersmarket.org
Music: Jim Green Guitar
DISTRICT 200 BOARD OF EDUCATION
Woodstock High School
501 W. South St.
7 p.m.
woodstockschools.org
26 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
27 FRIDAY
ORIGINAL OPEN MIC NIGHT
Stage Left Café
125 W. Van Buren St.
7 p.m. offsquaremusic.org
28 SATURDAY
WOODSTOCK FARMERS MARKET
Woodstock Square
8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
woodstockfarmersmarket.org
Music: TBA
STAGE LEFT PRESENTS
Stage Left Café
125 W. Van Buren St.
8 p.m.
$10 in advance, $15 at the door
To submit calendar items, email
woodstockoperahouse.com
29 SUNDAY
MCHENRY COUNTY FARM STROLL
Locations throughout McHenry County including Woodstock 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. mchenrycfb.org
OCTOBER
1 TUESDAY
DISTRICT 200 BOARD OF EDUCATION
Woodstock High School
501 W. South St. 7 p.m. woodstockschools.org
3 THURSDAY
SLC TRIVIA NIGHT - PUB TRIVIA USA
Stage Left Café
125 W. Van Buren St.
7 p.m.
woodstockoperahouse.com
5 SATURDAY
WOODSTOCK FARMERS MARKET
Woodstock Square
8 a.m. to 1 p.m. woodstockfarmersmarket.org
Music: TBA
HOOVES & HARMONY FUNDRAISER
Hooved Animal Humane Society 10804 McConnell Road 1 to 4 p.m. $150 per person
Resurrection Catholic Church
my.onecause.com/event/ hoovesandharmoney
10 THURSDAY
SLC TRIVIA NIGHT - PUB TRIVIA USA
Stage Left Café
125 W. Van Buren St.
7 p.m.
woodstockoperahouse.com
11 FRIDAY
OPEN MIC NIGHT
Stage Left Café
125 W. Van Buren St.
7 p.m.
To sign up, email Keith@offsquare music.com
12 SATURDAY
WOODSTOCK FARMERS MARKET
Woodstock Square
8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
woodstockfarmersmarket.org
Music: TBA
KAIA STRING QUARTET
Woodstock
2 p.m.
$10 woodstockoperahouse.com
13 SUNDAY YAKOV SMIRNOFF
$60 all seats; $85 VIP seats woodstockoperahouse.com
FLASHBACKS
35 years ago – 1989
■ Plans were moving forward for a new 27,000-square-foot Woodstock Post Office on Country Club Road across from the McHenry County Fairgrounds. The new post office would replace the old one on Johnson Street.
■ The Woodstock High School girls swim team defeated Crystal Lake South High School 43-33 to extend its dual meet record to 6-0. In the meet, the 200-yard medley relay team of Becky Wagenaar, Natalie Faes, Lita Chidester, and Erica Amundsen cut two seconds off the school record.
■ Enrollment in Woodstock School District 200 was on the rise, with 3,997 students, an increase of nearly 200 over the previous year.
30 years ago – 1994
■ Bob Anderson, of Wonder Lake, and the Concerned Taxpayers for Integrity in Government announced they would appeal the McHenry County Electoral Board’s decision to remove a referendum on township government from the November ballot.
25 years ago – 1999
■ Woodstock resident Chris Schauer won the Triumph of the Human Spirit Award from Centegra Health System and the McHenry County Chambers of Commerce for “positive contributions,” “overcoming personal disabilities,” and “inspiration to us all.”
20 years ago – 2004
■ With supervision from the Illinois State Fire Marshall, four holding tanks were removed from the ground at the former Woodstock Die Cast site near the corner of Clay and First streets.
■ Marian Central Catholic High School students Emily Elsenbast, Alex Gottenmoller, Emily Slatter, and Sharon Speaker were named National Merit Scholarship Program semifinalists.
15 years ago – 2009
■ District 200 was set to receive $2 million in grants from the U.S. Department of Education, including an alcohol abuse reduction grant of $989,397 for
SEPT. 21, 1994 – Happy Independence Day – Eduardo Carreno, 2 1/2, Woodstock, taps his foot to the music at Woodstock’s celebration of “El Dia de la Independencia de Mexico,” The Day of the Independence of Mexico. The event, held on the Square, featured authentic Mexican dances and songs.
its Fresh Start program.
■ Woodstock Musical Theatre Company was ready for a four-weekend production of “Breaking Legs” at the Woodstock Opera House. Kathie Comella directed the comedy. Janie and Lou Czarny were production coordinator and tech coordinator respectively. Mary Beth Brown provided backstage support.
■ The WHS varsity football team handed Huntley High School its first loss of the season, 27-24, in double overtime. Scott Rausch’s 27-yard field
goal was the game-winner. Quarterback Logan Kunzie and Rausch combined for the Streaks’ two second-half touchdowns.
10 years ago – 2014
■ A letter to the editor from Woodstock resident Jim Saska suggested the Old Courthouse on the Square would be a good building to house the Chicago Baseball Museum that was in need of a permanent home. “I’m sure that it would have a tremendous impact on the Woodstock area from an economic
standpoint,” he wrote. He proposed the city contact the museum and “pitch the idea.”
■ Seven District 200 students who participated in the Northwood Middle School Challenge Corps FIRST LEGO League robotics team helped create the peace park at Woodstock’s Dick Tracy Way Park on Lake Avenue. The peace park was the students’ way of thanking the community for providing financial support for their trip to the FIRST LEGO League Open European Championship in Germany. The city of Woodstock and Bull Valley Garden Club collaborated in the project.
5 years ago – 2019
■ The Woodstock City Council voted 5-1 to adopt a 3 percent sales tax on newly legalized sales of recreational cannabis. The council also passed a separate ordinance allowing no more than two sales dispensaries within the city limits and specifying where they could be located. City Manager Roscoe Stelford said all revenue from the tax would go for police training and enforcement – because the city’s costs would increase.
■ Football players from the Woodstock High School class of 1959 returned for their 60th class reunion and to take in homecoming events. Carl Moraw, Doug Dehong, Clare Merwin, Bill Finney, Bob Guritz, Mick Thomas, and Jim Fyfe watched the Blue Streaks defeat Ottawa 15-7.
1 year ago – 2023
■ “Prevention Through Engagement,” a documentary featuring Woodstockbased Warp Corps, 114 N. Benton St., was shown at the Opera House before a panel discussion, when Warp Corps announced its intention to expand services in an additional local facility to grow its addiction and mental health services.
■ As the school year got underway, District 200 continued to experience a shortage of bus drivers, a problem left over from the COVID-19 pandemic. The problem had caused the Board of Education to increase driver pay to $21.50 an hour as a hiring incentive
INDEPENDENT FILE PHOTO BY DENNIS MATHES
HARVARD MAIN LINE —
By Leigh Rubin HEATHCLIFF
By Peter Gallagher
Rules: Sudoku puzzles are formatted as 9x9 grids, broken down into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and
REX
EGYPTIAN MAU JAPANESE BOBTAIL MAINE COON MUNCHKIN NORWEGIAN FOREST PERSIAN RAGAMUFFIN
RUSSIAN BLUE SCOTTISH FOLD SIAMESE SIBERIAN SPHYNX TOYGER TURKISH ANGORA
PUBLIC NOTICE
IN THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, CIRCUIT
COURT
MCHENRY COUNTY
PUBLICATION NOTICE OF COURT
DATE FOR REQUEST FOR NAME CHANGE (ADULT)
Request of BRADLEY STEVEN TUCKER
Case No. 2024MR000148
There will be a court hearing on my Request to change my name from: BRADLEY STEVEN TUCKER
To the new name of: BRADLEY JAMES HONEA
The court date will be held on October 23, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. at 2200 N.
Seminary Ave. Woodstock, McHenry County in Courtroom TBD.
Dated at Woodstock, IL July 24, 2024
/s/ Bradley Steven Tucker
(Published in The Woodstock Independent September 11, 2024, September 18, 2024)L11844
PUBLIC NOTICE
ASSUMED NAME
Public Notice is hereby given that on AUGUST 30, 2024 An Assumed Name Business Certificate was filed in the Office of the County Clerk in McHenry County, IL under the following business
name and address, and setting forth the names and addresses of all persons owning, conducting and transacting business known as Neighborhood PC located at 1803 Beechnut Drive Holiday Hills, IL 60051. Owner Name & Address: John Greninger 1803 Beechnut Drive Holiday Hills, IL 60051.
Dated: AUGUST 30, 2024 /s/ JOSEPH J. TIRIO (McHenry County Clerk)
(Published in The Woodstock Independent September 11, 2024, September 18, 2024)L11845
PUBLIC NOTICE
As required by law under the TIF act, the City of Woodstock is offering the opportunity for alternative proposals related to redevelopment of the property located at the corner of Calhoun and Jefferson Streets, PIN 13-05-384-010. The current proposal is for a 60-room Cobblestone Hotel with an estimated investment of at least $12.6 million. This proposal also calls for an incentive from TIF funds generated from the site for an amount up to $2,000,000 along with transfer of land for the development owned by the City. Alternate proposals for the redevelopment of
this site can be mailed to Ms. Jessica Erickson, Director of Economic Development, City of Woodstock, 121 W. Calhoun Street, Woodstock, IL 60098 by October 3, 2024.
(Published in The Woodstock Independent September 18, 2024) L11846
Sports
COLLEGE REPORT
Schleutermann starts X-C season strong at UW-Green Bay
By Dan Chamness
It is early in the cross-country season, but University of WisconsinStevens Point senior Aiden Schleutermann is starting the season at his best.
Aiden Schleutermann
At the Phoenix Open, which was hosted by the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay and held on their Alumni XC Course, the Woodstock graduate completed the 8,000-meter course in 25 minutes, 26.9 seconds, which was the fastest time of his career. It was a second faster than his time run at the NCAA Division III North Regional in 2023, which would have been the last cross-country meet of the year.
He was the fourth scoring runner to cross for the Pointers and was 17th overall. In the nine-team meet, the Pointers finished third with 77 points. The outing was won by Michigan Tech, which scored 44 points.
Alex Wickersheim (Woodstock), a North Central College runner, finished 51st at the North Park University Invitational. He finished the 5,000-meter race in 17:38.6. As a team, North Central won the varsity title at the outing, which was held at Legion Park in Chicago. North Central scored only 23 points, which is eight more than the perfect score of 15 points.
See COLLEGE REPORT, Page 31
Triple threat
Woodstock High School senior Sam Tafoya kicks the game-winning field goal with 30 seconds left in the game for a 10-7 win over Harvard.
PHOTOS BY ANDREW ROUSEY
Marian Central senior Andrew Thielsen gains yardage on a run up the middle Sept. 14. The Hurricanes defeated Bishop McNamara 14-6.
Woodstock North quarterback, junior Parker Halihan, has room to throw Sept. 13 when the Thunder beat conference rival Marengo 20-14.
THE KILL ZONE
Woodstock senior Julia Laidig goes for the kill Sept. 11, when the Blue Streaks hosted Plano. The Streaks (4-9) fell to Plano (3-6).
VOLLEYBALL
■ Sept. 7 - Woodstock (4-8) fell to Bartlett (5-3) 2-0 (16-25, 19-25).
■ Sept. 7 - Marian (1-6) fell to Warren Township (4-7) 2-0 (14-25, 10-25).
■ Sept. 7 - Marian (2-6) defeated Lake Forest (1-6) 2-0 (25-19, 26-16).
■ Sept. 7 - Marian (3-6) defeated Lake Forest (1-7) 2-0 (25-21, 25-21).
■ Sept. 10 - Marian (4-6) defeated Rockford Lutheran (2-5) 2-1 (13-25, 25-21, 25-16).
■ Sept. 11 - Woodstock (4-9) fell to Plano (3-6) 2-1 (22-25, 25-17, 16-25).
■ Sept. 11 - Woodstock North (4-0) defeated Harvard (0-3) 2-0 (25-16, 25-20).
■ Sept. 14 - Woodstock North (5-0) defeated Rockford Auburn (1-7) 2-0 (258, 25-15).
■ Sept. 14 - Woodstock North (6-0) defeated Antioch (4-4) 2-0 (25-15, 25-18).
■ Sept. 14 - Woodstock North (6-1) fell to Waukesha North (9-4) 2-0 (27-25, 13-25).
■ Sept. 14 - Woodstock North (7-1) defeated Vernon Hills (5-5) 2-0 (25-20, 26-24).
■ Sept. 14 - Woodstock North (7-2) fell to Palatine (8-3) 2-1 (21-25, 25-23, 11-15).
INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY ANDREW ROUSEY
9/11 FIREHOUSE VISIT
The 3-5-year-old Woodstock Thunder Youth Football and Cheer competition squad and head coach Lily Smith paid a visit to Station 1 in Woodstock on Sept. 11. The squad decided to start their team bonding event with some amazing community service, thanking the firefighters for their service with a hefty food donation of homemade meals and snacks.
Hello friends! I arrived at Helping Paws in July. Since being here it was discovered that I am a very special boy because... I am deaf! I may be deaf but I am just like the other puppies. I love to play, go on walks, run, and cuddle. One of the positives is that I take the BEST naps! I am a smart puppy and am improving my potty-outside skills every day. If you are looking for a unique best friend that is always ready to adventure with you, look no further! Call HP to meet my happy and silly self!
NN SCOREBOARD NN
GIRLS TENNIS
■ Sept. 7 - Woodstock finished fourth at the Harlem Invite.
■ Sept. 9 - Woodstock (2-3) defeated Round Lake 7-0.
■ Sept. 11 - Woodstock (3-3) defeated McHenry 7-0.
BOYS CO-OP GOLF
■ Sept. 9 - Woodstock co-op defeated Marengo 187-177.
■ Sept. 11 - Woodstock co-op defeated Wauconda 182-181.
BOYS SOCCER
■ Sept. 10 - Marian (1-3-1) fell to Wheaton Academy (7-0) 9-0.
■ Sept. 11 - Woodstock (5-2) defeated Richmond-Burton (7-1) 2-1.
■ Sept. 11 - Woodstock North (2-6-1) defeated Johnsburg (1-6) in a shootout 7-6.
■ Sept. 12 - Woodstock North (2-7-1) fell to Antioch (1-5) 2-0.
■ Sept. 13 - Woodstock (5-3) fell to Harvard (6-3) 1-0.
■ Sept. 14 - Woodstock North (2-8-1) fell to Deerfield (3-3-2) 3-0.
■ Sept. 14 - Woodstock (5-4) fell to St. Patrick (4-3) in a shootout 7-6.
Notaro, a senior at Marian Central Catholic High School, is the girls golf captain this season. She scored a round of 43 this week versus Prairie Ridge at Turnberry Golf Club. Against Timothy Christian at Sugar Creek, she carded a 39, leading the team to a second conference win, and she placed third overall in the McHenry County Girls Golf Tournament. She is the ideal student/athlete and exudes exactly what it means to be a Marian Central Hurricane with her service to her community and her unwavering faith.
Hours: Mon-Thurs 10-6, Fri 10-5, Sat 10-4
Sundays by appointment only
Contractors
Come see our large selection of in stock carpet and vinyl ready for install!
2020 S. Eastwood Drive (Rt. 47) Woodstock, IL
815-334-5985
PICTURE THIS
If you like fresh apple pie, historic demonstrations, and plenty of fall fun, make sure to attend the McHenry County Historical Society’s Cider Fest. The 47th annual festival runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 6, at the museum campus, 6422 Main St. in Union. In addition to free access to the museum, guests are invited to take a step back in time with skilled artisans, mum sale, and children’s activities. Enjoy baked apple treats, kettle corn, and lunch from our food vendors. For more information, call 815-923-2267.
The McHenry County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee pose with their Irish chain quilt, ready for raffle in 1991. From left: Judy Legnaioli, Rosemary Becker, Leona Wilkening, Leona Luerssen, Pat Biggu and Millie Olsen.
Don Peasley Photo Collection, McHenry County Historical Society
Blue Streak boys soccer making strides
By Juel Mecklenburg NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM
The Woodstock High School boys soccer team placed second Sept. 7 in the Jacob Norys Tournament hosted by Woodstock High School. The Streaks have started out their season 5-2, and 2-0 in the Kishwaukee River Conference.
It should be noted that the boys are playing at a high caliber level, competing against schools that are in the FVC, SPC, and I8C conferences. These schools have as many as 200 to 1,000 more students.
Head Coach Santiago Rubio said that the team’s hard work is paying off. It is a very long process, but he is content going into his second season as the varsity boys head coach. The Streaks beat Romeoville, Crystal Lake Central, and Sycamore in the Jacob Norys Tournament, only losing
COLLEGE
Continued from Page 26
Robert Carroll (Woodstock North) started his college cross country career at Carthage College by finishing 52nd in the 6,000-meter run at the Vic Godfrey Open, which was held at the Wayne E. Dannehl National Cross Country Course in Kenosha, Wisconsin. He finished the race in 22:33.2. As a team, Carthage was second with 37 points. University of Wisconsin-Parkside, who hosted, won the event with 26 points.
VOLLEYBALL
Brooke Amann (Woodstock North) helped Tennessee Tech University stay perfect on the volleyball court as they won the University of North Carolina-Charlotte Invitational. The Golden Eagle senior had seven kills, a .400 hitting percentage and eight digs as they dumped UNC-Charlotte 3-0. In a 3-2 win over Towson University, Amann had 10 digs, eight kills and two service aces. The Golden Eagles also dumped Delaware State University 3-0, but Amann did not play in that
1-0 in the championship game to Burlington Central.
“The game was evenly matched,” said Rubio. “We let up one defensive play early on that gave them the goal.”
Conference confidence
The Streaks are confident going into conference matchups. They are senior heavy, so experience has been earned over last season.
Rubio depends on seniors Diego Hernandez, Diego Landeros, and Lucas Rubio for their leadership and discipline.
Speaking of his seniors, Rubio said Hernandez has creativity in the offensive schema, taking players one-onone. Landeros is a solid goalkeeper who commands the defense between the posts, and Lucas Rubio is a versatile player who fits into any system that Coach Rubio uses. Lucas also gains experience as a player on the
ODP Illinois state team.
Coach Rubio is not afraid to play the youngsters, either. He had two freshmen who finished the game in a 2-1 win over Richmond Burton.
Competition is key
Rubio appreciates the competition that the Jacob Norys Tournament has to offer. The team focused their energy on Romeoville, and that win set them up to compete in the championship.
The plan for the season is to go game by game. While their end goal is a conference championship, Rubio wants to stay focused on the daily wins. He is looking forward to the outcomes, and believes that the team is very strong.
The experience gained from taking on bigger schools has been valuable, and the Streaks have shown they can hold their own.
match. The Wonder Lake resident has helped them post a 6-0 record thus far.
Kylie Schulze (Woodstock North) has 12 assists, four digs and two kills for her college team, Northern Illinois University. The NIU Huskies are 2-6 thus far.
Maddie Moan (Woodstock), a Valparaiso University volleyball player, has nine kills, three block assists, two digs and two service aces. The 6-foot-1 junior middle hitter has helped Valpo post a record of 6-3.
FOOTBALL
Marlon Pomili (Marian Central Catholic) kicked off six times for 279 yards as his college team, Marian University, downed Sienna Heights University 31-9. One of his kickoffs was good for a touchback. Marian is 1-0.
Christian Bentancur (Marian Central Catholic) earned some varsity time for the Clemson University Tigers as they beat Appalachian State University 66-20. The Clemson
freshman tight end did not have any stats. Clemson is 1-1.
NAMES REQUEST
I am looking for names for the 2024-2025 school year. As everyone can ascertain from this column, there are quite a few new names that I found by searching the internet. If your son/daughter, or anyone you know as a matter of fact, is competing in an intercollegiate college sport, meaning they compete against other schools, graduated from one of the three high schools in Woodstock or is from an area normally covered by the Independent, they are eligible to be covered in this column.
If you e-mail me (Dan62801@aol. com) a name, please put Woodstock Independent in the subject line of the e-mail. I will need the name of the athlete, the former high school or town they hail from, the sport they are playing and of course, the college/university they suit up for.
Dan Chamness writes The College Report for The Independent.
BOYS SOCCER
■ Sept. 10 - Marian (1-3-1) fell to Wheaton Academy (7-0) 9-0.
■ Sept. 11 - Woodstock (5-2) defeated Richmond-Burton (7-1) 2-1.
■ Sept. 11 - Woodstock North (2-6-1) defeated Johnsburg (1-6) in a shootout 7-6.
■ Sept. 12 - Woodstock North (2-7-1) fell to Antioch (1-5) 2-0.
■ Sept. 13 - Woodstock (5-3) fell to Harvard (6-3) 1-0.
■ Sept. 14 - Woodstock North (2-8-1) fell to Deerfield (3-3-2) 3-0.
■ Sept. 14 - Woodstock (5-4) fell to St. Patrick (4-3) in a shootout 7-6.
BOYS CROSS-COUNTRY
■ Sept. 10 - Woodstock won the KRC Preview meet, scoring 39 points. Junior Ellery Shutt won the boys division (15:42) and sophomore Elijah Hedges finished 3rd (17:00).
■ Sept. 10 - Woodstock North finished 5th at the KRC Preview meet. Junior John Hugger finished 9th (17:49), with senior Parker Hayes finishing 16th (18:59).
■ Sept. 14 - Woodstock finished 33rd at the First to the Finish Invitational in the 2A race, scoring 780 points. Junior Ellery Shutt finished 8th (15:08).
■ Sept. 14 - Marian freshman Oliver Ebel finished 206th (18:22) in the 1A race at the First to to Finish Invtational..
GIRLS CROSS-COUNTRY
■ Sept. 10 - Woodstock North senior Maddie Mock finished 8th (22:01), with senior Meadow Dodge finishing 16th (22:57) in the KRC Preview meet.
■ Sept. 10 - Woodstock finished 2nd at the KRC Preview Meet, scoring 51 points. Senior Lily Novelle (20:46) and junior Sophie Sarabia (21:38) finished 6th and 7th.
■ Sept. 14 - Woodstock finished 25th at the First to the Finish Invitational in the 2A race, scoring 628 points. Senior Lily Novelle finished 49th (19:36) and junior Sophie Sarabia finishrf 63rd (19:58).
