Woodstock Independent 9/25/24

The Woodstock

BUSINESS

John Barger retires after 38 years, turning B&Z Electric over to new owner

Solar project gets green light

Six years later, Council okays Lily Pond Road solar farm

By Eileen Millard NEWS@THE WOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

The Woodstock City Council approved a Special Use Permit at the September 17 meeting to allow Generate Capital to build a two-megawatt

solar farm on about 7.4 acres of a 12-acre tract at the northwest corner of U.S. 14 and Lily Pond Road. The council also approved an ordinance to allow a variation from a recent restriction that requires solar farms to be located at least 1,250 feet

A DOWNWARD TREND?

Fall gardening tips from master gardener Nancy Shevel

from arterial roads.

The project

The solar array will consist of rows of solar panels with a 9.5-foot maximum height, surrounded by a

Drivers at the intersection of Lake Street and Route 47 may do a double-take when noticing gas prices dipped into the $2 range Sept. 23, for the first time in many months.

The Woodstock Independent

671 E. Calhoun St., Woodstock, IL 60098

Phone:

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Fax: 815-338-8177

Thewoodstock independent.com

Square lighting, Rt. 47 landscaping, garbage toters

By Eileen Millard NEWS@THE WOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

At the September 17 City Council meeting, the council approved the replacement of the perimeter lights that are installed across the top of all of the buildings throughout the Woodstock Square and surrounding streets. The upgrade work will be done in time for the 2024 holiday season, with a goal of completion by the end of October.

A $213,084 contract was approved for Outdoor Lighting Perspective for the purchase and installation of the new lights, including lighting for the Bandstand and the Springhouse.

A $35,837 contract was also approved for Vack Inc., for equipment and installation of a new private wireless mesh network needed for the lighting. The sum of $13,800 was approved for electrical work. The nonpublic, Wi-Fi mesh network can also be used for future features, such as

sidewalk kiosks.

The current system had begun to fail, with many LED bulbs burning out and full sections of lights failing. Replacement was difficult as new sections of lights were brighter than older sections, and removing long sections often resulted in broken lighting strips.

The new system will have upgrades, including easier light replacement capability, longer life, and the ability to program color changing, similar to the

INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY ANDREW ROUSEY

OBITUARIES

Leonard S. Belmonte, 90

Leonard S. Belmonte, 90, was born June 17, 1934, in Chicago, Illinois, to John V., and Anna M. (nee Izzo) Belmonte. He passed away peacefully Sunday, September 8, 2024, at the Lutheran Home in Arlington Heights, Illinois.

Leonard S. Belmonte

Mr. Belmonte worked as an insurance underwriter with CNA Insurance for over 35 years before retiring in 1999. After graduating from St. Ignatius College Prep in 1952, Leonard attended John Carroll University, participating in the ROTC program and graduating in 1956. He later served as a 1st Lieutenant in the US Army (9th Infantry) and was stationed in Fairbanks, Alaska. Born and raised in Chicago, Leonard married Rosemary E. Watkins in 1965 and moved his family to Woodstock in 1974. Leonard was a devout Catholic and will be remembered for his faith, strong work ethic, love of his family, emphasis on Catholic education, and love of complex puzzles, of storytelling, and of music. He was a self-taught piano player who wrote his own songs and is known to play for hours, stringing one song to the next.

For Leonard, family was the center of his life. He is survived by his wife, Rosemary, nee Watkins; his sons, Andrew and Edward (Debra nee Parks) Belmonte, and his daughter, Anne, nee Belmonte, Luburic; his grandchildren Clare (Kevin) Clegg; George, Beatrice, Benjamin, and Rachael Belmonte; Kyle, Alexandra, and Gabriella Luburic. He is preceded in death by his parents. Leonard was looking forward to welcoming his first great grandchild in November.

Visitation was held 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. Sunday, September 22, at the Glueckert Funeral Home, Ltd., 1520 N. Arlington

Hts. Rd., Arlington Heights, Illinois 60004, and Monday, September 23, from 9 a.m. until the time of funeral Mass at 10 a.m. at the Lutheran Home and Services, 800 W. Oakton St., Arlington Heights, IL 60004. Interment following at Calvary Cemetery, Woodstock, Illinois.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Leonard’s name to St. Ignatius College Prep Tuition Assistance Program, 1076 West Roosevelt Road, Chicago, IL 60608, https://www.ignatius.org/giving/ invest-in-ignatius/donate.

Funeral Information and condolences can be given at www.GlueckertFuneralHome.com or 847-253-0168.

Richard J. ‘Dick’ Menzel, 90

Richard J. “Dick” Menzel, 90, of Hartland, passed away on Monday, September 16, 2024, surrounded by his family.

Dick was born on June 18, 1934, in Woodstock to John and Theresa Menzel. He met the love of his life, Margaret “Peggy” Hallisy, at St. Mary’s School. While away at Boys State in High School, Richard wrote to Peggy every day and always ended the letters with “P.S. Behave Yourself and I’ll be glad to get home.” Dick and Peggy got married on July 4, 1953 ,at St. Mary Catholic Church in Woodstock.

Rescue Squad, creating the Woodstock Fire/Rescue District as it known today. During his 32 years of service, Dick gave tirelessly to the community, answered thousands of calls and helped implement strategies we take for granted today such as the pager system, higher visibility emergency vehicles, and continued education programs for firefighters. He retired on October 5th, 1996. His passion and dedication inspired continued generations of Fire Department service: His son, Terry Menzel, was Deputy Chief of the Woodstock Fire/Rescue District, grandson Mark Menzel is Battalion Chief at Wheeling Fire Department, and great-grandsons Hunter and Parker Menzel have recently joined the Wonder Lake Fire Protection District. Even granddaughters Katie Dubay (Menzel) and Kelly Brinkman (Menzel) are married to career firemen, Scott Dubay and Lieutenant Mike Brinkman.

Upon retiring, Dick and Peggy bought a summer home in Pioneer Park near Wisconsin Dells. They spent many years hosting family gatherings, 4th of July Anniversary cookouts, and summertime fun including lots minigolf with the grandkids. Their lifelong friends and fellow firefighters, Joe & Mary Ellen Burg and Jim & Carol Baker, also had places at Pioneer Park so they could all enjoy their retirement together; sharing memories and gin and tonics!

Woodstock. The Funeral Mass was celebrated at 9:30 am on Monday, September 23, 2024, at St. Mary Catholic Church, 312 Lincoln Avenue, Woodstock. Interment services will be private in the Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Woodstock.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Camp I Am Me, Illinois Fire Safety Alliance (www.ifsa.org), an organization offering burn survivors support services, fire safety and burn prevention resources; or to the Wonder Lake Fire Department Explorer Program, 4300 W. Wonder Lake Road, Wonder Lake, IL.

The family would like to thank the nurses and staff of Valley Hi for their tender care over the last 2 and a half years.

Denver McCowan, 81

Denver McCowan 81, of Woodstock passed away Friday, September 20, 2024, at his home surrounded by his loved ones.

He was born in Clintwood, Va. on October 13, 1942. He married Judy (Barry) Ehrke on October 2, 1998.

He was a member at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Woodstock. He worked at Surgi Path in Richmond, IL, as a forklift driver for many years. He enjoyed gardening at his home in Woodstock and loved to watch old Western movies. Mostly he enjoyed his grandchildren and family, and his beloved dog Gypsy. He was loved and will be missed.

Dick spent many years running Menzel Skelly Service Station in Woodstock. Wanting to keep the family involved, he had his father, John, on the payroll as a mechanic, Peggy was the bookkeeper, and son, Terry, worked pumping gas and servicing cars. He even had daughters, Diane and Donna, in to wash vehicles for the funeral home. He believed in the family working together!

He joined the Woodstock Rural Fire District in 1964. By 1969 Richard was appointed Chief of the volunteer fire department, earning him his lifelong nickname of “Chief.” In 1978, he proposed the need for a full-time Fire Administrator due to the growing population of the Woodstock area. The Board of Trustees appointed Dick to that position in addition to being the on-call Chief for the Woodstock Rural Fire District. In 1994, he was an integral part of the consolidation of Woodstock Rural Fire Department, Woodstock City Fire Department, and the Woodstock

Dick was an indiscriminate sports fan. His weekends were for watching whatever sports event was on the television. Cubs, White Sox, Bears, Bulls, Blackhawks, Green Bay Packers or Notre Dame’s Fighting Irish...he’d even watch bowling or golf if that’s all that was on!

He is survived by his children, Terry (Pat) Menzel of Woodstock, Donna Menzel O’Brien of St. Paul, MN.; grandchildren, Elizabeth (Joshua) Rowe, Shannon O’Brien, Patrick O’Brien, Mark (April) Menzel, Katie (Scott) Dubay, Kelly (Mike) Brinkman; great grandchildren, Connor, Hunter, Parker and Tayler Menzel, Landon and Makenzie Rice, Steven DuBay, Logan, Nolan and Reagan Brinkman, and Natasha O’Brien; cousins, Mary T. Hallisy, and Michael Hallisy; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Peggy, in 2022, and a daughter, Diane M. Schreiber, in 2018, and sisters Bea Cooney and Joanne Belshaw.

Visitation was held on Sunday, September 22, 2024, from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm at the Schneider Leucht Merwin Cooney Funeral Home, 1211 N. Seminary Avenue,

He is survived by his wife, Judy, of Woodstock; his sons Jeff (Linda) McCowan, Daniel (Peg) McCowan; daughters Nichole (Aaron) Hensgen , Tammy (Justin) Zelinski; step-children Robert (Nancy) Ehrke, Lea Ehrke, Dawn Ehrke; brothers Palmer McCowan, Donald McCowan; sisters Phyliss Gilbert, Rosalie (Farris) Fleming; seven grandchildren; three greatgrandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents Ferd and Icy (Branham) McCowan; brothers Wayne McCowan and Edgar McCowan; and a step-son Dean Ehrke.

A memorial gathering will be held at St. John’s Lutheran Church Saturday, Sept. 28, from 1 p.m. until the memorial service at 2:30 p.m. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to St. Johns Lutheran Church, 401 St. John’s Rd., Woodstock, Ill. 60098.

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

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

Richard J. “Dick” Menzel

renovation wins Best in Show

honors from IEDC

Woodstock Mayor Mike Turner shared the news at the September 17 City Council meeting that the Old Courthouse project won a “Best in Show” award at the annual conference of the International Economic Development Council. The award is the highest accolade given within the 2024 Excellence in Economic Development Awards.

“This ‘Best in Show’ award is basically saying that the project … is considered the best of the best in the awards and reviews that they have done,” Turner said. “There were 200 projects that we competed against … and that was from communities from 25,000 people to 200,000 people, so we are on the small end, from a population size perspective.

“We competed against projects submitted from even larger municipalities as well – Sacramento, Jacksonville, Kansas City, Montreal, Tulsa, Baltimore, St. Louis, and that included state economic efforts as well,” added Turner. “That project continues to get recognition as being just a tremendous achievement. The investment, and the recognition of that investment, and the quality of the outcome, I think, is something that we can continue to be very proud of.”

“I just want to thank the council for all of your support on that project, as well as all the city staff that worked on that project, to bring it to a conclusion,” said Woodstock City Manager Roscoe Stelford. “It is a significant achievement for this community. This is an international organization, with membership in Canada and the United States, and to be selected as the best project … throughout both those countries is a sizable achievement.”

COUNCIL

Continued from Page 1

lighting on the Old Courthouse Center. Different colored lights can be used for different holidays.

An option to coordinate music and lights for special events on the Square has been discussed as a possibility in the upcoming renovations and improvements for the Park in the Square. “The perimeter upgrade can work with that kind of programming,” said Jason Lovett, assistant production manager at the Woodstock Opera House. Park in the Square renovations are on the calendar for 2025.

Transportation grant for Route 47

An Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program grant application was approved for $2,486,487, with a required local match of $991,116, to pay for a $3,477,604 program for landscape and streetscape work on the 2.3-mile stretch along IL 47 from U.S. 14 north to IL 120. The work will coincide with IDOT’s upcoming widening of IL 47 along that length of roadway, from one to two lanes in each direction. Work is expected to begin in 2025.

The city hired the firm of HR Green to develop engineering plans for the enhancements that are not included as part of IDOT’s standard roadway improvements budget. The roadway will feature a raised center median, a shared-use path, sidewalks, and three roundabouts.

The landscape and streetscape enhancements are designed to replicate the vintage look of Woodstock’s Square, including:

• Stamped concrete crosswalks at intersections and roundabouts, and on roundabout center islands

• Turf grass, trees, and shrubs in center medians

• Landscaping at intersections and roundabouts

• Specialty lights at roundabouts.

‘One size does not fit all’

“I’m here again,” said Jean Hervert Niemann during the Public Comment section of the council meeting. “And I’m asking that the new garbage contract include an option for 35-gallon garbage toters.”

Niemann has appeared at City Council meetings three times to date, to keep the smaller toter option top of mind for the city’s upcoming negotiations with MDC, the city’s waste hauler. Initial information about the new

contract stated that all residents would receive a 95-gallon toter when Woodstock’s optional garbage bag program comes to an end in 2025 and all residents must use toters. Niemann has stated that a 95-gallon toter would be difficult for some to handle.

To prove her point at the September 17 meeting, Niemann brought an empty 35-gallon recycling toter to council chambers. She demonstrated that the smaller size was easier to handle and that it had more than enough room.

“Some families need the big toters, and the people that do not, I’m hoping they will be able to get the 35,” she said.

“Seniors and people with physical disabilities want to stay in their homes, they need garbage and recycling services, so please offer the 35-gallon size toters that are easier to maneuver and store,” she said. “Even taking this (toter) today … if you take it up and down the curb, if you’re not aligned, it’s tippy,” she said.

Her presentation also included photos of a neighbor’s 35-gallon recycling toter that barely fit in her garage, adding that a 95-gallon toter would require her to move her car on garbage day.

Woodstock resident Jean

Niemann brought a 35-gallon recycling toter to the Sept. 17 meeting to show that the smaller size toter needs to be required as an option.

“One size does not fit all,” she concluded.

Mayor Mike Turner replied that the council and staff agree that a smaller tote should be an option for anyone who needs it and that they are negotiating with MDC for that option.

“The negotiations on the garbage contract continue; we have made our position very clear,” he said. “I am cautiously optimistic … but I absolutely hear you and others … that this is a very important issue.”

CXOURTESY PHOTO

Hervert

SOLAR

seven-foot tall chain-link fence for security and electric code requirements. Landscaping will provide evergreens and deciduous trees to screen the farm from both U.S. Route 14 and Lily Pond Road. A pollinator habitat will also be provided on the north, east, and west boundaries and between solar panels.

The solar farm will have a 20-year lease, and the city will have the authority to choose whether to renew it for up to a total of five three-year extensions.

The vote was 4-2, with Councilwoman Melissa McMahon absent. Mayor Mike Turner and council members Darrin Flynn, Gordie Tebo, and Natalie Ziemba voted yes. Council members Tom Nierman and Bob Seegers Jr. voted against the ordinance.

The vote was the completion of a six-year effort to build the solar farm, pursued by three different solar companies: first with Borrego Solar, then with New Leaf Energy, and finally with Generate Capital.

Changing views over the years

Although originally approved for a Special Use Permit in 2018, with a 6-0 council vote with one member absent, the project experienced numerous extensions, delays, and time spent waiting for state approvals over the years.

The length of the process also meant that the makeup of the council changed over time, as well as views about the best use of the land. Recent council discussions pointed out a need for commercial/retail land use to support residents of the newly approved Lennar Riverwoods subdivision. The project has 320 planned units, located a mile and a half down U.S. Route 14 from Lily Pond Road.

The fact that commercial/retail development along arterial roads often results in a higher ongoing source of tax revenue versus solar energy farms has been brought up.

Council members have also had concerns about the image of a solar farm on the prominent roadway if weed abatement and landscaping efforts were not kept up.

Objections came to a head at the July 16 council meeting, when the

CARE 4 BREAST CANCER 5K RUN/WALK

OCTOBER 20, 2024

Woodstock North High School

All proceeds allow Family Health Partnership Clinic to provide breast cancer screenings, early detection, preventative care, and breast health education to uninsured residents of McHenry County.

Register

Race starts promptly at 8:30am! Roads close at 8:10am!

Parking available at the High School and Merryman Park

Presented by:

An example (left) of landscape screening the solar farm will provide along U.S. Route 14 and Lily Pond Road which will soon be the site of a solar farm.

1,250-foot setback was instituted, with Nierman, Seegers, McMahon, Turner, and Flynn voting for the restriction and Tebo and Ziemba voting against.

Concessions sealed the deal

Generate Capital worked with city staff to address council member concerns in the weeks after the July 16 council meeting, said Woodstock City Manager Roscoe Stelford.

Most of the points in the September 17 presentation have been on prior plans, said Stelford, “but the latest go-round presented additional

information.”

That included a much better idea of what the landscape screening would look like, Stelford said. More specifics were also built in for the decommissioning process when the panels reach the end of their lifespan. In addition to panel removal, the soil must be remediated to its original condition. Stelford said that this would guarantee that, “when the day comes and it’s time to rotate it out, sufficient funds are available for cleanup.”

“It also helps significantly that they Continued on NEXT page

COURTESY PHOTOS

agreed to a 20-year (lease) limit, so the city can proactively go to the developer and say, we want to cease and desist the Special Use, (if) a future city council were to see other development (opportunities). That was a significant factor,” Stelford said.

The city would also have full authority whether to approve up to five, three-year-lease extensions.

Other developer concessions:

• penalties for lack of landscape maintenance

• installation of a Welcome to Woodstock sign at the intersection

• $100,000 discretionary funding contribution for community improvement

• additional annual payment to the city for 10 years, calculated as 25% of the year’s property tax amount

• opportunity for Woodstock residents to save 10% on electric bills after subscribing to the farm as electricity provider

• a $1,500 annual scholarship, for 10 years, for students studying energy, sustainability, or other fields the city may choose

• annual educational visits for local youth groups

After the vote, Turner said, “My thanks to the petitioner for their work. My thanks to staff, for the extensive work on this, and my thanks also to the members of the city council that have participated in a very detailed discussion and assessment of this. Whether things pass (unanimously) or by the minimum of four, I’m always proud of the body and the work that we do together. My thanks for all of you in your work on this over the course of multiple months and multiple years.”

PUBLIC SAFETY LOG

Woodstock Police Department

■ Edward J. O’Donnell III, 31, Plainfield, was arrested September 7 at Church and N. Jefferson streets on charges of disregarding a stop sign, improper turn signal, operating an uninsured motor vehicle and expired registration. Cited and released on notice to appear. Court date October 17.

■ Timothy Surma, 55, Woodstock, was arrested September 8 at S. Eastwood Drive and Country Club Road on charges of disorderly conduct. Cited and released on notice to appear. Court date October 3.

■ Joel S. Bowen, 44, Woodstock, was arrested September 8 at S. Eastwood Drive and Country Club Road on charges of battery. Cited and released on notice to appear. Court date October 3.

■ Steven M. Pressoir, 51, Woodstock, was arrested September 9 at Greenview Drive on charges of domestic battery. Arrested and transported to McHenry County Jail. Court date October 8.

■ Alexander V. Manov, 22, Woodstock, was arrested September 9 at Wanda Lane and S. Eastwood Drive on charges of improper lane usage and a failure to appear arrest warrant. Arrested and transported to McHenry County Jail. Court date October 18.

■ Raechelle C. Hamm, 48, Woodstock, was arrested September 10 at N. Madison St. on

charges of driving while license revoked, improper display of license plate and operating an uninsured motor vehicle. Cited and released on notice to appear. Court date TBD.

■ Michael K. Rowan, 66, Des Plaines, was arrested September 10 at Catalpa Lane and Route 47 on charges of driving under the influence, failure to give notice of an accident, illegal transportation of alcohol, no valid drivers license and operating an uninsured motor vehicle. Cited and released on notice to appear. Court date October 17. Charges are only accusations of crimes, and defendants are presumed innocent until proved guilty

Woodstock Fire/Rescue District

EMS calls for Sept 12 to 18: 81

Natural vegetation fire: 1

Excessive heat, scorch burns with no ignition: 1

Rescue or EMS standby: 1

Electrical wiring/equipment problem: 1

Public service assistance: 6

Cover assignment, standby at fire station: 2

Dispatched and canceled en route: 3

Controlled burning: 1

System or detector malfunction: 3

Unintentional system/detector (no fire): 6

Total: 106

Woodstock, IL • 1987

Welcome to Woodstock, Squire

Woodstock city officials seem to have landed on their feet when they landed the Village Squire ownership group to operate the restaurant on the lower level of the newly renovated Old Courthouse Center.

William and Sophia Linardos of the ownership group will be managing partners of the new restaurant, to be known as the Squire on the Square.

The city began something of a scramble in March when the owners of the Public House restaurant closed their doors just seven months into a new five-year lease. The city’s job of finding a new restaurant operator was made easier by negotiations with the Public House owners that gave the city possession of the kitchen equipment and restaurant furnishings, as well as sole authority to choose a successor restaurant.

In the end, the city reported last month that five applicants wanted to operate a restaurant in the space. In addition to The Squire, one other established restaurant was under consideration. Three startup restaurants were also in the mix, but startups often don’t have a great track record of succeeding – and a restaurant is considered critical to the success of the Old Courthouse Center complex.

Woodstock residents might be familiar with the Village Squire restaurants in Crystal Lake and McHenry, but there also are Village Squires in West Dundee and South Elgin, and the owners run a dozen other restaurants in northern Illinois. If the Squire can copy, and “update,” the casual atmosphere and broad menu (from saganaki to sandwiches, schnitzel to steaks) of the Village Squire restaurants around here, it should be a perfect fit for the laid-back vibe of

» YOUR VIEW

Chamber offers clarification on State of the City address

I’m writing in response to the recent Woodstock Independent opinion piece, “Can we watch too?”

As a point of clarification, the State of the City Luncheon on Tuesday, October 1, is an event hosted by the Woodstock Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry, not the City of Woodstock.

This annual program is, and always has been, a Chamber event intended for our members and Woodstock’s business community.

As with many of our events, we also offer a general registration option to

those who wish to attend but are not affiliated with our organization.

For tickets, please visit the chamber’s website at www.woodstockilchamber.com.

Brad Ball President, Woodstock

Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry

Resident voices opposition to garbage pickup changes

This letter was recently sent to members of the Woodstock City Council. My husband and I are two of the many Woodstock residents who will be impacted by the coming changes

Woodstock’s Square and a perfect partner for the MobCraft beer tap room next door, as well as Ethereal’s Courthouse Square event space upstairs.

Welcome to Woodstock, Squire; we look forward to celebrating your arrival soon.

in garbage removal plans. You have probably heard over and over of the problems that we older residents will have physically and financially with this plan.

Many of us have explored and researched the options that other towns have successfully implemented with their waste removal providers, especially the options for smaller 35-gallon toters. Why our present provider, Marengo Disposal, cannot provide the same services is a mystery as they are not forthcoming with enough financial information about their costs and revenues. They need to be more transparent before we continue to contract with them.

The City Council may view this issue as a small one compared to other issues they may deal with, but I will tell you...how you view and deal with this issue will speak volumes about how you listen to and deal with the concerns of the people you represent.

Marian Weiss Woodstock

Small garbage output users pay for large producers

Every point made by Anne Weirich in her letter of August 14 about the new

Continued on Next page

Renovations breathe life into community treasure

Woodstock is a cultural hub –home to a plethora of festivals, fairs and art tours, an award-winning farmers market, venues, locally owned businesses, filming sites, family farms, and so much more.

We also are home to the historic Woodstock Opera House – a structure that has served the community for over a century.

The center of town in the late 1800s, it provided a gathering place for the community while city offices and police and fire departments were housed in the lower level.

In the early 1900s, moveable seats allowed for both theatrical and community events.

In 1939 the first expansion relocated the firehouse to the addition.

In 1965, the city helped repair both the interior and exterior of the building. In the early 1970s the Opera House escaped being turned into a parking garage and was awarded a place on the National Register of Historic Places. In 1976 it underwent a complete restoration. In 2003 the annex addition included offices, the freight elevator, secondfloor restrooms, and the Stage Left Café.

The building itself has welcomed Orson Welles, the Red Cross during WWII, Paul Newman, Geraldine Page and so many others. All walked on a stage whose floor beams haven’t been seen for over 100 years – until this year.

Why this renovation?

pricing and containers for solid waste hauling was valid, and her descriptions of the results of this change for various groups of people was accurate (i.e., reduction in recycling, the challenge of finding space to store the large totes).

MDC states that it costs the same amount of money in terms of labor and equipment to collect the small totes as it does the large totes. This is true, but no one has seemed to realize that those contributing a small amount of trash to the weekly collection are responsible for a smaller amount of the tipping fee MDC pays when the trucks disgorge at the landfill. Yet, those modest producers of

The Opera House continues to be a space for community-centered events. Under Director Daniel Campbell, diverse programming has been in the forefront – and that includes affordably priced events as well as more expensive, nationally known performers.

In the past year, the Opera House sold more tickets to children’s, comedy, concert, dance, film, lecture, and theatrical performances than in recent pre-COVID years.

But the stage offers more than performances.

I grew into my adulthood on that stage. I learned self-confidence and made lasting friendships on that stage. I’ve watched my own daughter perform there. The Opera House holds a world of memories for me.

There is part of the renovation that leaves me mourning the change, but this cherished building is a living, breathing entity. Change is inevitable – in fact it is necessary. For the Opera House to remain relevant, accessibility must be addressed, the sound system, the lighting – everything must be appealing to the performers as well as the patrons.

These renovations mean more

trash are paying some of the disposal fee for the large producers of solid waste.

Is that fair in your book?

Beverly Meuch Wonder Lake

Reader urges voting no on MCCD referendum

Dear McHenry County overtaxedhome-owner, take notice of this property tax alert for the November 5th November election.Take the “NO” vote on the tax steal referendum put on the ballot by the greedy and shameless McHenry County Conservation District; most voters are totally unaware and in the dark of having more money removed from their wallet or purse.

affordable cinematic or livestreamed events, a larger gathering space for the community, a remote orchestra room, more functional lighting creating aesthetic visuals, and a backstage hallway so performers can cross backstage – without having to go up and down two flights of stairs.

With four resident companies –the Woodstock Fine Arts Association, Judith Svalander School of Ballet, Theatre 121, and Off-Square music – the Opera House supports local talent and fosters a love of the arts daily. In between those events are performers who come from near and far, catering to diverse interests and engaging audiences in a variety of formats.

The nearly $3 million dollar Rebuild Illinois Grant was the impetus for the Opera House to grow into the 21st century.

I am excited for generations of patrons and performers to make memories here – and, for so many like me, to meld memories of the past with memories yet to be had. As with life, change is inevitable and, so often, necessary.

Tricia Carzoli is a freelance writer and photographer for The Independent, frequently reporting on community news. She has photographed for and written for national magazines and regional publications over the past 15 years.

The district is also after a huge tax increase. Notice Of Proposed Property Tax Increase For McHenry County Conservation District. The proposed corporate and special proposed property taxes to be levied for 2024 are $13,136,463. This represents a 44.5% increase over the previous year.

Did you know that McHenry County is just one of six counties that have a Conservation Districts?

Other property tax increases are also on the ballot, no matter how small the increase is, vote NO! Yes votes increase your property tax bills. If you live in Illinois, you are already over-taxed!

Bob Anderson Wonder Lake

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.

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COLUMNISTS

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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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Tricia Carzoli Declarations

Schools

District 200 welcomes new staff for 2024-25 school year

WOODSTOCK NORTH HIGH SCHOOL

Student of the Week - Marianne Pacini

Marianne Pacini, a senior at Woodstock High School, is the daughter of Victor Pacini and Brenda Beard, Woodstock.

The teacher who nominated her said, “I am so blessed to know Mimmi! I had her as a freshman and again as a junior. This year she is my teaching assistant. She instantly lights up any room. Her kindness and positive attitude are contagious.”

Marianne has been a member of NHS since 11th grade and has six consecutive semesters of high honor roll. She is a member of Link Crew and she is in choir. Marianne is on the volleyball team and participates in the Blue Streak Service Club.

WOODSTOCK HIGH SCHOOL

Left to right: Principal Dan Palombit; April Diamond, special education; Breanna Banker, speech/language pathologist

DISTRICT 200 PHOTO

Front row, left to right: Pat Beahan, industrial technology; Mary Ann Koehler, industrial technology; Assistant Principal Cara Vandermyde; Principal Art Vallicelli; Back row: Jason Crawford, business; Athletic Director Al Baker; Melissa McFadden, art; Assistant Principal John Liuzzi

DISTRICT 200 PHOTO

Front row, left to right: Brandon Rittenour, orchestra; Sydney Williams, math; Mary Ann Koehler, industrial technology; Pat Beahan, industrial technology; Principal Josh Segura. Back row: Colin Strader, social studies; Athletic Director Derek Crabill; Assistant Principal Ed Weaver; Jason Crawford, business; Assistant Principal Jenn Spear

FALL DIDDLEY ®

SATURDAY,

9 AM - 5 PM

FALL DIDDLEY

SUNDAY, OCT. 10TH

9 AM - 4 PM

Boone County Fairgrounds Rt. 76 & Bus. Rt. 20, Belvidere

Leadership

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. Call 815-923-2267 for more information.

IN BRIEF

District 200 to host online college funding workshop

Woodstock Community Unit School

District 200 is hosting an online event for parents of students of any age who plan to attend college in the near or distant future.

The College Funding Coach will present the “Little-Known Secrets of Paying for College” workshop at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 25.

According to college funding experts, tuition tends to increase about 8% per year. An 8% college inflation rate means that the cost of college doubles about every nine years.

Planning for these expenses has become essential. Some families have children attending college next year and others have years to plan, but the fear of tackling these monumental and rising costs is the same.

The College Funding Coach can help families figure out how to pay for a child’s college education and still retire one day. Parents will discover strategies that may enable them to qualify for financial aid, sources for scholarships, and strategies for maximizing their wealth and minimizing their tax exposure.

Parents can register for “Little-Known Secrets of Paying for College” here: https://www.thecollegefundingcoach.org/ class/woodstock-high-school-and-woodstock-north-high-school/

National Merit Scholarship semifinalist, Ian Hansen

On September 11, officials of National Merit Scholarship Corporation announced the names of semifinalists in the 70th annual National Merit Scholarship Program. Among the 16,000 was Ian Hansen of Woodstock High School.

Over 1.3 million juniors in about 21,000 high schools entered the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the 2023 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/ NMSQT®), which served as an initial screen of program entrants.

The semifinalists, all high school seniors, will have the opportunity to continue in the competition for some 6,870 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $26 million that will be offered next spring.

The 2025 National Merit Scholarship winners will be announced in four nationwide news releases beginning in April and concluding in July.

Ian is the son of Peter and Martha Hansen of Woodstock.

A musical leg up D200

Music Boosters help the bands and orchestras play

By Janet Dovidio NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

D200 Music Boosters have provided invaluable support and assistance to the district’s music programs for many years.

“I have been in the district 27 years and have seen the Music Boosters help in so many ways,” said Debra Schweihs, band director for D200’s elementary schools. “When I was hired, there was only a cassette player given to me. The boosters helped me purchase bass drums and all the percussion accessory equipment over the course of many years. There are so many things that the middle and high schools have purchased through the boosters.”

Growing the programs

The group’s many fundraising efforts not only support equipment purchases, but also provide scholarships for music camps and private lessons during the summer.

“Some families struggle to

make the rental payments for their students’ instruments, so we help them support their students’ musical education,” boosters president Ranelle Blue said. “The schools have some loaners, so we try to purchase instruments for loaner use.”

Blue listed additional uses for the boosters’ money: guest conductors, music competitions, high school music trips, music stands, sheet music, and the repair of donated instruments.

“The D200 Music Boosters have really helped since the start of the orchestra program 14 years ago,” said Lyndra Bastian, director of Woodstock High School’s orchestra. “I am grateful to the parents who so generously donate their time and energy to help ensure our students and programs have these resources.”

Parent participation

In addition to officers and committee chairpersons, the D200 Music Boosters have a parent representative from each school

on

who provides support for his or her school’s fundraisers and music program needs by working with the school’s music teacher. Blue reported that the group provided scholarships for 50 middle and high school students last year alone. Funds from sales of the annual Booster Discount Card allow students the opportunity to attend music camps and lessons and to continue with confidence and leadership at their schools.

Musicians of the Month

Each month, music teachers select Musicians of the Month who are recognized in The Woodstock Independent.

“As the teacher representative to this group, I see and feel their passion and I appreciate their efforts immensely,” Schweihs said.

“Our teachers are the best,” Blue concluded. “They have so many great ideas and things they want to do for their students. We are here to help them in any way we can.”

COURTESY PHOTO

Members of the D200 Music Boosters work on the Egg My Yard fundraiser last spring. Donors paid for music students to place Easter eggs in their backyards.

Woodstock artist Rolley Bateman III talks with visitors to his booth at the Art Fair on the Square Saturday afternoon, where he exhibited his sculptured paintings for the art lovers and the art-curious visitors who came to the event.

Woodstock Art Fair on the Square

75 artists presented their works on the Square Sept. 21 and 22 in new art fair event

INDEPENDENT PHOTOS BY ANDREW ROUSEY

Blue skies and temperatures in the 80s drew art lovers to the Woodstock Square on Saturday for the first “Art Fair on the Square.” Seventy-five artists exhibited their work. Sunday’s rain caused some artists and exhibitors to forego the second day.

Woodstock resident and landscape oil painter Allen Stebbins stands outside his display Saturday morning during the first “Art Fair on the Square.” In the background, colored pencil artist and illustrator Philip Schorn of Grayslake talks with an early attendee about his work.

REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

Transactions filed in the McHenry County Recorder’s Office July 31 to Aug. 6.

■ Residence at 851 Victoria Drive, Woodstock, was sold by Theodore K. Steffens, Woodstock, to Anthony Garza, Woodstock, for $170,000.

■ Residence at 814 N. Madison St., Woodstock, was sold by The Estate of Gordon T. Richardson, DeKalb, to Kenneth Jonas, Woodstock, for $305,000.

■ Residence at 1957 Sebastian Drive, Woodstock, was sold by The Estate of Mary Ann Barloga, Oak Brook, to Clearbrook, Woodstock, for $420,000.

■ Residence at 420 Saint Johns Road, Woodstock, was sold by Philip M. Ksiazek, Union, to Jennifer J. Mosson, Woodstock, for $160,000.

■ Residence at 8715 Alden Road, Wonder Lake, was sold by The Monica Tymchyshyn Trust, Crystal Lake, to Bradley J. Passolt, Wonder Lake, for $275,000.

■ Residence at 1128 Amber Court, Woodstock, was sold by Gail Lynn Van Kanegan, Rochester, Minn., to Roger A. Willis, Woodstock, for $355,900.

■ Residence at 1433 N. Seminary Ave., Woodstock, was sold by The Estate of Juanita D. Whiting, Aurora, to Raul Ramirez Ramirez, Woodstock, for $248,900.

■ Residence at 418 Ridgeland Ave., Woodstock, was sold by The Daniel Adams Trust, Crystal Lake, to Michelle M. Manuel-Martinez, Woodstock, for $223,900.

■ Vacant land at 8606 Dorr Road, Wonder Lake, was sold by K4K LLC, Lewes, Del., to James A. Denna Jr., Elk Grove Village, for $7,000.

John and Anita Barger stand in front of one of B & Z Electrical’s vans. After 38 years, John is retiring, selling the business to Robert Black. “John would say he’s done everything he wanted to do,” Anita said. Anita’s plan is to travel without having a day by which they must return home.

Taking care of his people, company

By Susan W. Murray NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

Robert Black, the new owner of B & Z Electrical Contractors, keeps a running tally on his phone of the number of people for whom he’s responsible: B & Z’s employees, their spouses, and their children.

Black thinks it’s the reason why retiring owner John Barger chose to sell him the company that Barger started out of his house in 1986, growing it to 10 crews and 24 employees.

“I think it was more important to John to sell the company to someone who would take care of his people and take the company to the next level than it was to get the most money that he could,” Black said.

‘Nothing to lose’

Barger, a Crystal Lake native, took a job as a building electrical mechanic for the Flying Tiger Line at O’Hare Airport in 1981.

After marrying Anita in 1985, Barger could see the “handwriting on the wall” in the airline industry that was undergoing a decade of upheaval following airline deregulation in 1978.

The couple was faced with a possible job transfer to Memphis just after they finished building a home.

Hanging onto his day job, Barger began working out of the house as an electrician in his off hours. Needing a name for the business, he almost off-handedly kept the B & Z company name he and high school friend Larry Zureck had used

for their summer side jobs, such as mowing lawns.

“Z” would never work as an electrician; Zureck recently retired as street division superintendent for the city of Crystal Lake.

“The way Anita and I had figured it, we had nothing to lose,” Barger said. If it didn’t work out, Anita’s fulltime job for a publishing company could support them.

“We had a vision,” Anita said. “I had confidence in John and thought we could make it work.”

Good timing

After a year, Barger felt comfortable leaving his Flying Tiger job. In 1989, he hired his first two employees. In 1990, the company acquired

Continued on NEXT page

INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY ANDREW ROUSEY

INDEPENDENT

One wall in the office is devoted to plaques representing the Little League teams John Barger coached and/or sponsored and appreciation plaques for B & Z’s charitable donations. Impressed by the company’s level of charitable giving, new owner Robert Black has increased the amount the company gives by 400%, with most recipients in McHenry County.

Continued from PREVIOUS page

its first shop. The office remained within the Barger home where Anita, after leaving her publishing job, became “the secretary in the basement,” handling payroll, paperwork, and phone calls.

After giving birth to the second of the couple’s three sons, however, Anita turned over her secretarial duties to Sandy Stonehouse, who would show up at the Bargers’ home and head down to her basement office.

“She was incredible,” Anita said.

When Stonehouse died two years ago, Anita returned to fill her spot at B & Z.

“Taking over for her as office manager was the hardest thing I’ve ever done,” Anita said.

B & Z’s early years coincided with a residential housing boom, Barger said, and many of the company’s jobs were the wiring for new construction.

The ‘preferred contractor’

As B & Z’s reputation grew, it became “the preferred electrical contractor for designers, architects, and engineers,” Barger said.

That still represents the majority of B & Z’s business, in addition to work for commercial clients and service work for homeowners.

“What really separates us is our client list,” Barger said. “We do work for some of the most influential people in Illinois and in the country.”

The biggest bump in the road came during the mid-2000s housing crisis. While the company survived, Barger had to lay off several of his newer hires.

Hiring the right employees

When starting out, Barger would respond to the 10 p.m. calls for a customer’s electrical issue, but for the past 25 years he has kept a definite start and end time for his workday.

“Weekends were for family time,” he said.

Almost all of his hires came through referrals, and he was “really selective” when hiring, he said.

“You can teach electricity,” Barger said, but not “people skills and honesty.”

He insisted that his employees be polite and well-spoken.

“We trust them completely,” he said.

That trust has been rewarded. The average tenure for B & Z’s journeymen electricians and foremen is 20 years.

Jim Liebetrau worked for B & Z for 30 years, from 1989 to 2019.

Liebetrau said that he never thought he’d be an electrician, but after three years as a teacher and several years of odd jobs - including two years working for an electrical contractor - his friend Chris Olsen introduced him to his boss, John Barger.

After the two talked, Barger promised him, “As soon as I have an opening, you’re in.”

“I had to learn the right way of doing things,” Liebetrau said of his early days at B & Z.

“John expected the best out of everybody,” Olsen said. “He treated everyone like professionals and friends.”

The real joy of his company’s success, Barger said, has been watching “how our employees have developed and being able to provide stable employment for people raising families.”

‘Do you have a succession plan?’

Robert Black grew up in Mount Prospect, and his family spent seven years on Long Island, New York, before returning to Illinois where Black attended high school at Northridge Prep in Niles.

A pre-med major in college, he took a long look at the six to eight years of schooling that remained when he married his wife, Lydia, two weeks after graduation.

With a minor in communications, he took a job as a grant writer for Loyola University’s development office, worked for several marketing agencies and a software company, and then became the first non-engineer hire for a Chicago start-up. When the start-up sold, he found himself working for a large corporation.

As the father of a large family that now numbers eight children, Black again rethought his future.

“I wanted to grow something - but not from scratch,” he said.

Living in Crystal Lake, he made a list of 100 companies in McHenry County that he thought might have an owner who was approaching retirement.

He made phone calls that began, “Are you interested in having a conversation about your succession plan?”

After conversations with 12 entrepreneurs, he said, “John Barger just jumped out.”

Robert Black, B & Z’s new owner, has plans to increase the company’s size. “I have no intention of selling this business, ever,” he said. “The employees deserve a company that will be around for a long time in the future.”

The two first talked in August 2022, and Black, under the name Roselight Holdings Company, purchased B & Z in September 2023.

Barger stayed on for one year for the transition, and Anita spent four months training Beth Cook as the company’s office manager.

The trades as ‘noble work’

With his father and grandfather having spent their careers in the waterproofing industry, Black regards the trades as “very noble, very dignified work.”

His first initiative was to modernize the company’s processes, including having electricians use iPads to write up reports.

“I’m allergic to paper,” he said.

In May, B & Z purchased a generator company to grow that part of the business. Low-voltage work, such as for smart home products, is another part of the growth plan. And Black anticipates responding to more house calls for the ordinary jobs, such as kaput electrical outlets and installing a ceiling fan.

“One day,” he said, “I would like to be the largest employer in McHenry County.”

That means taking the company from 24 employees to more than the 5,000 employed by Northwestern Medicine.

Creating careers, not providing jobs

Black said that it is a little-known fact that no license is necessary to be an electrician in Illinois.

Continuing a longtime practice under Barger, B & Z pays all expenses for its employees to take Wisconsin’s four-year training course to become a journeyman electrician.

When Barger hired employees, he would tell them, “We’re here to make this a career for you.”

Black echoes that sentiment.

“I want to create a company that will provide a career and security for employees and their families,” he said.

PHOTOS BY ANDREW ROUSEY

Community

‘Tiny

in size, but mighty in determination’

92-year-old Antoinette Tlstovick is a regular at SOAR@Dorr activities

By Janet Dovidio NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

Laura Wassinger, SOAR@Dorr director, reports that more than 750 people participated in senior activities at its Lake Avenue location during the first week of September. Included in that number are 130 people over age 80 who regularly attend classes and events.

One frequent participant is Antoinette Tlstovick, whom Wassinger fondly calls “Annie.”

Wassinger said that “Annie is not even five feet tall and certainly weighs less than 100 pounds. At age 91 she wanted to come and play Bingo but she no longer drives, so she learned how to take the PACE bus to and from SOAR!”

Tlstovick said she is always just one number away from winning at Bingo and has only won once.

“I expect to be very lucky on Thursday, October 10, when I turn 92!” she said.

The almost 92-year-old also attends fitness classes every Monday and Friday.

A lifetime of unique careers

Tlstovick was born in Chicago, married her husband, Frank, when she was 18, and held her first job at Ethicon Labs, where she made sutures for local hospitals from beef and sheep guts.

During World War II, she held an office job at Ford Motor Company, where she typed work orders for the tanks made there to be shipped overseas to the battlefront.

An unusual change occurred when she and her husband retired at age 43 and moved to Florida.

“Once we settled in, we realized we were still very young and needed something to do,” Tlstovick

Annie Tlstovick is pictured

emptying a lobster trap in Florida many years ago.

Annie Tlstovick, wearing a light-blue top and white sweater, is shown at the center of her exercise class that she attends twice a week at SOAR@Dorr.

said. “I held a job as a pharmacy technician for a while, but then Frank and I got a boat. My husband was already a certified boat captain.”

The purchase soon allowed them to have a thriving lobster and charter boat rental business.

She always carries a small photo album in her purse to prove that for 26 years she spent many hours removing lobsters from their traps. The lobsters were then sold

to local fish houses.

Hurricane sends Annie north

A tragic experience caused her return to the Chicago area. Hurricane Irma hit their area of Marathon, Florida, on September 5, 2017. The category 5 storm, with the 17 inches of water that accumulated, destroyed their home.

With a sense of humor, she says she became a “stripper” during the 12 days after the hurricane, when

she and her husband helped “strip” the roofing shingles off homes in Miami. That task proved too strenuous for Frank, a diabetic, who passed away that October 1. The following February 3 would have been their 67th wedding anniversary.

She wears a gold conch shell charm around her neck that was a gift from her husband as a reminder of their Florida days.

“I have had an exciting life,” Tlstovick said. “I eat well, I have fun, I keep busy, and I just keep going.”

“Annie is tiny in size but mighty in quiet determination and personal strength,” Wassinger said. “I am in awe of her!”

COURTESY PHOTOS

Congratulations, Photo Detectives! We knew that you could redeem yourselves after whiffing on our August photo.

With help from Mark Emricson, Sheila Hansen, Sue Kazlusky, Amanda Nicolai, Brogan Pivnicka, Connor Pivnicka, Reggie (no last name given), and especially Mandy Chonos, we have identified 18 of the 19 in the photo.

The event was a 2011 Thanksgiving dinner for veterans at the VFW. Mandy Chonos wrote that John Barger

“always organized this event, and we always enjoyed it, especially the kids!”

Front row, left to right: Ryan Baier and Ben Chonos.

Second row, left to right: Mandy Chonos, Andie Shine, Sarah Baier, Blake Shallenbarger, (unknown), Trey Shallenbarger, Matthew Chonos, and John Barger. (Read more about John Barger in this issue, page 12.)

Third row, left to right: Carrie Shallenbarger, Jenny Baier, Tammy Baier, Robin Shine, and Anita Barger.

Back row, left to right: Darrin Chonos, Scott Baier, Mike Chonos, and Brett Shallenbarger.

-Susan W. Murray

SEPTEMBER 10 THRU SEPTEMBER 28

County seeks applicants for Living Snow Fence Program

McHenry County is seeking applications for the 2024-2025 Living Snow Fence Program. The program partners with local farmers to reduce snow drifts along county highways by using natural barriers, such as standing corn rows and/or natural vegetative barriers such as sweet sorghum, hay bales, and silage bags, to improve winter road safety.

Farmers participating in the program can earn up to $2,000 an acre of barrier. Participating farmers help keep county highways clear in winter by planting rows of corn, or placing natural vegatative barriers at the edge of their fields, to catch snow before it can blow onto the road.

A typical corn-row snow fence is 1,100 feet long and 16 rows wide, covering an average of one acre of land. Participating farmers keep the barriers up from Dec. 1 to March 1, after which they can remove the barrier or harvest the crop.

Participants are recognized via signage, customized with the farmer’s name, crafted at the Division of Transportation sign shop. The Living Snow Fence Program reduces late-night callouts for snowplow drivers. Fewer callouts for snowplows means reduced maintenance costs and safer roads for travelers.

To apply or learn more visit https:// www.mchenrycountyil.gov/departments/ transportation/apply-for.

Virtual meeting planned on proposed garbage changes

The city of Woodstock is inviting residents to attend a follow-up meeting regarding proposed changes to the city’s garbage contract. With the current contract with MDC expiring on December 31, 2024, the city is exploring proposed changes that align with industry trends, focusing on automation and enhanced safety and efficiency.

The public can participate in one of two upcoming meetings designed to provide more information about the proposed changes and gather community feedback.

A Zoom webinar meeting will be held Wednesday, Sept. 25, at 12 p.m. A link is available on www.woodstockil.gov/ garbagemeeting

The proposed changes include: Mandatory garbage tote service, elimination of sticker-only program, sticker price increase, free bulk item pickup, and yard waste options.

Residents with questions should visit the city’s website: woodstockil.gov

Some members of First United Methodist’s youth group took a field trip to Northwestern University to learn about college life and degree programs.

‘Children

are the future of the church’

First United Methodist’s new youth group director works with ‘the future’

By Janet Dovidio NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

First United Methodist Church (FUMC) in Woodstock recently welcomed a new youth group director. Eui Jin Shin, who is from South Korea, came to Illinois last fall to begin her studies at Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston.

“After graduation, I plan to pursue ordination as a UMC Elder Pastor,” Shin said. “I have a strong interest in the youth group and the next generation because I believe that the children are the future of the church. This led me to seek a calling in children’s ministry and the youth group.”

The youth group at FUMC established three goals for this year: activities, spiritual study, and service.

They concluded that food must be included in the monthly plan as often as possible!

“We are so happy to have her here as our youth director,” Pastor Hyujae ‘Jae’ Lee said. “She is wonderful working with our church youth. We hope to have her here for a long time.”

Under Shin’s guidance, the group has been very active. They meet once a month in the church’s youth room for devotion and Bible study. In addition to participating in FUMC’s Vacation Bible School as helpers and leaders, members of the group recently took a guided tour of Northwestern University to expose the youth to college life and degree programs.

“Last month, the group visited Operation Wild Horse in Bull Valley,

a facility that supports retired veterans to overcome post-traumatic stress disorder and build relationships with family and community through taming wild horses,” Shin said.

Shin is currently working with a class of sixth to eighth grade students who will be confirmed in May 2025. The youth will soon join the FUMC Women in Faith in making items for a December bake sale, cookie walk, and craft fair.

“The best part of being a youth director,” Shin said, “is that the children always motivate me. Since this is my first time working with young people, I do not have much experience and make a lot of mistakes. I am experiencing personal growth along with our youth, both in love and spiritually.”

Eui Jin Shin (above) is the new youth director at First United Methodist Church in Woodstock.

Divide bulbs and perennials; get

“There is no such thing as something for nothing,” Napoleon Hill, the author of “Think and Grow Rich” famously advised.

Then again, you could have more flowering bulbs and perennials without having to pay for them. Now is the time to get out your gardening gloves and tools and divide what you have, which will give you something for no more than a little work in this beautiful fall weather. Divide spring and fall bloomers in the fall four to six weeks before the ground freezes.

Nancy Shevel Guest Column

“Plans are worthless, but planning is everything,” President Dwight D. Eisenhower told the National Defense Executive Reserve Conference in 1957.

First, take a tour of your landscape and note where your bulbs are. Then look for areas with the same growing conditions where you have room to plant more bulbs.

Bulbs such as tulips and daffodils require dividing every three to five years, which can be apparent by noticing that your plant isn’t providing as many blooms as in the past. Over time, bulbs multiply by growing smaller bulbs as offshoots of the main bulb. This leads to overcrowding, making it difficult for healthy blooms to prosper.

With a hand trowel, carefully dig a few inches out from the plant and then dig under to lift it out from

Clockwise from left are examples of plants from bulbs: tulips and daffodils; plants with spreading roots: bee balm and purple cone flower; and plants with clumping roots: four species of hostas.

beneath without damage. Gently pull the baby bulbs apart from the main bulb, and keep only those that feel firm and healthy. Plant ASAP, spacing three to four inches apart so there will be plenty of room to grow. Dig a hole three times the size of the bulb, and plant it pointed side up. Water well to help eliminate air pockets in the soil that could cause bulbs to dry out. Dividing your bulbs helps the plant flourish, and you get something for nothing, other than working in your wonderful garden.

Perennials are usually divided every three years in the spring or fall when the weather is cool and damp. Try to divide in the morning on a

cloudy day. Watering the plants the day before helps.

Perennial plants have three basic root systems: spreading, clumping, and rhizomes. Some examples of perennials with spreading root systems are asters, bee balm, cone flowers, and lamb ears. Examples of plants with clumping root systems are hostas, daylilies, and ornamental grasses. Examples of perennials with rhizome root systems are dahlias, bearded irises, and canna lilies.

Plants with spreading root systems are often shallow with fibrous roots that are easy to pull apart by hand after a little digging. Then plant sections of the roots.

For plants with clumping root systems, first prune the foliage down to six inches from the ground. Try to keep the root ball intact by digging eight to 12 inches from its crown. Once you fully ring the plant, lift it out with a spade and remove soil from the roots so you can see where to make divisions. Using a sharp knife or pruner, divide the plant into equal clumps. Plant in holes as deep as the original plants were in. Again, plant ASAP by firming the soil over the roots, and water thoroughly to remove air pockets.

Lastly, rhizomes are actually thick, fleshy underground stems that send out roots and shoots from their nodes. With a sharp knife, carefully dig up the whole clump and divide into pieces that each have a tuber with an eye, baby bulbs, or corms. You can also divide into pieces that have at least three stems. Plant the new divisions horizontally ASAP with the eye facing up in a hole four to six inches deep and 12 inches apart . Backfill with dirt, making sure to fill in around all the spaces. Pack it down and water the plants well.

People tend to think perennials are carefree plants. If neglected, they will bloom less and become targets for pests and disease. Perennials benefit greatly from division, and a little digging in the spring or fall will help keep your perennial garden lush and full of blooms for years to come. Division is a way for the home gardener to get something for nothing, except a little hard work. No room for more bulbs and new plant divisions in your landscape? No problem. Remember they will make great gifts to another gardener!

COURTESY PHOTO

Happenings

8 p.m.

$10 in advance, $15 at the door woodstockoperahouse.com

25 WEDNESDAY KARAOKE NIGHT

Woodstock Opera House

121 W. Van Buren St.

7 p.m. Free woodstockoperahouse.com

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: Owl Creek

STAGE LEFT PRESENTS CASANDRA AND FRIENDS

Stage Left Café

125 W. Van Buren St.

29 SUNDAY

MCHENRY COUNTY FARM STROLL

Locations throughout McHenry County including Woodstock 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. mchenrycfb.org

OCTOBER

1 TUESDAY

WOODSTOCK CITY COUNCIL

Council Chambers, City Hall

121 W. Calhoun St.

7 p.m. woodstockil.gov

DISTRICT 200 BOARD OF EDUCATION

Woodstock High School

501 W. South St.

7 p.m. woodstockschools.org

2 WEDNESDAY

KARAOKE NIGHT

Woodstock Opera House

121 W. Van Buren St.

7 p.m. Free woodstockoperahouse.com

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

my.onecause.com/event/ hoovesandharmoney

9 WEDNESDAY

KARAOKE NIGHT

Woodstock Opera House

121 W. Van Buren St.

7 p.m. Free woodstockoperahouse.com

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 QUARTETA CELEBRATION OF LATIN AMERICAN WOMEN

Woodstock Opera House

121 W. Van Buren St.

2 p.m.

$10

woodstockoperahouse.com

14 MONDAY

COFFEE WITH THE CHIEF

Woodstock Police Department 656 Lake Ave.

7 p.m. 815-338-6787

15 TUESDAY

WOODSTOCK CITY COUNCIL

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

woodstockil.gov

16 WEDNESDAY

KARAOKE NIGHT

Woodstock Opera House 121 W. Van Buren St.

7 p.m. Free woodstockoperahouse.com

17 THURSDAY

CREATIVE LIVINGTHOMAS SWICK

Woodstock Opera House 121 W. Van Buren

Resurrection Catholic Church

$27 woodstockoperahouse.com

SLC TRIVIA NIGHT - PUB TRIVIA USA

Stage Left Café

125 W. Van Buren St.

7 p.m.

woodstockoperahouse.com

18 FRIDAY

AUTUMN DRIVE

Rural Woodstock and Marengo

9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Visit autumndrive.net for map and stop info.

SECOND HAND NEWSFLEETWOOD MAC TRIBUTE

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

JAZZ

19 SATURDAY

WOODSTOCK FARMERS MARKET

AUTUMN DRIVE

Rural

FLASHBACKS

35 years ago – 1989

■ The Woodstock School District 200 Board of Education approved a grant proposal requesting $79,080 for an English-as-a-Second Language program and authorized expenditures for increased staff and equipment contingent on funding.

■ The city of Woodstock approved an investigation into potential contamination at the closed Woodstock Municipal Landfill on Davis Road.

■ Six turnovers by Cary-Grove High School helped the Woodstock High School varsity football team roll to a 47-20 victory over the Trojans.

30 years ago – 1994

■ Adam Jeffrey Mattson, born to Beth and Kirk Mattson, of McHenry, was the first baby born at Memorial Medical Center’s new facility on Doty Road.

■ Woodstock Musical Theatre Company announced the production staff for its production of “Oliver,” with Kathie Comella as director, Anita Tebo as vocal director, and Beth Davis-Johnson as choreographer.

■ The Marian Central Catholic High School varsity girls volleyball team remained undefeated with a win over Johnsburg 15-4, 15-6. The Lady ’Canes were led by LeeAnne Bohne, who had 22 assists

25 years ago – 1999

■ Residents in favor of a proposed shopping center at Lake Avenue and Route 14 distributed petitions seeking signatures of other area residents who were supportive of the proposal.

■ The Woodstock City Council amended a controversial animal control ordinance that would have banned Woodstock Willie from appearing in the Park in the Square and a horse pulling a carriage during Victorian Christmas.

20 years ago – 2004

■ Steve Otten was named the new executive director of the Challenger Learning Center for Science & Technology.

■ The Woodstock Fire/Rescue District honored Dan Gould, who was retiring

after serving the district for 35 years.

15 years ago – 2009

■ The Woodstock Independent asked readers to vote for Woodstock’s “Best of …” in a number of categories. The top vote-getters were featured in a special section. Among the published were Java Planet, Best Coffee and Best Kept Secret; Jenapea’s, Best Sandwich; El Niagara, Best Ethnic Food; La Petite Creperie, Best Fine Dining; Dairy Queen, Best Ice Cream; Wisted’s, Best Market/Grocer; and Read Between the Lynes, Best Downtown Business.

■ Woodstock’s Historic Preservation Commission asked to meet with the City Council to review recent council decisions that failed to uphold HPC recommendations. The HPC also sought clarification of its role in serving the council.

■ Residents opposed to major reconstruction of Alden Road scored a victory. The land and many of the structures along the road had been added to the 2009-2010 Landmarks Illinois Watch List. Among the structures was the Ben Rose House and Pavilion made famous in the movie “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.”

10 years ago – 2014

■ A nine-hole public disc golf course opened at Raintree Park. Woodstock resident Jeff Kaufmann’s persistence had paid off. Kaufmann raised about $1,600 from local sponsors and businesses. His plans materialized with assistance from Woodstock Public Works.

■ District 200 enrollment held fairly steady, counting 6,595 students after the sixth day of the school year. “We are down 18 students, which reflects stable enrollment compared to last year,” said Carol Smith, director of community services.

■ The cost of the restoration of the roof and cupola of the city-owned Courthouse on the Square was nearing $1 million following change orders 11 and 12. The entire roofing project had been budgeted at $433,000, but an October 2013 City Council decision to install a copper roof upped the total to $775,000. As of September 2014, the cost stood at $950,122.

5 years ago – 2019

■ Woodstock was hit with two strong storms in a week. Lightning struck Marian Central Catholic High School and the Woodstock Opera House during

SEPT. 21, 1994

Heather Clegg, left, and Kirsten Crowden, Woodstock enjoy a ride at St. Mary Catholic Church’s Oktoberfest. The event is held annually to raise money for parish ministries. More than 20,000 people attended.

the first storm. Classes at Marian were canceled for four days. More than 7 inches of rain fell in the Bull Valley area, according to weather watcher Mary Moltmann. She reported 53.45 inches of rain since Jan. 1 – 16.783 inches above the 30-year-climate average for Woodstock.

■ District 200 and McHenry County College announced a new dual-degree program, allowing Woodstock and Woodstock North high school students to earn both a high school diploma and an associate degree at the same time.

1 year ago – 2023

■ Fixing streets and improving parks were the top priorities in the city’s citizen survey, which attracted 1,567 responses, about 200 fewer than the first survey a year earlier. Respondents also again cited The Woodstock Independent as their first source of news and information about Woodstock.

■ Year-to-year enrollment was flat in District 200, decreasing by 16 students compared with the previous school year. And student counts in the lower grades indicated no significant growth in the near future. As of Sept. 1, 2023, enrollment in the district was 6, 229 students.

INDEPENDENT FILE

PHOTO BY DENNIS MATHES

HARVARD MAIN LINE —

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, September 25, 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, September 25, 2024)L11845

PUBLIC NOTICE

STATE OF ILLINOIS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE TWENTY-SECOND JUDICIAL CIRCUIT MCHENRY COUNTY, ILLINOIS-IN PROBATE Case No. 2024PR000251

In the Matter of the Estate of PATRICIA COLLIS

Deceased CLAIM NOTICE

Notice is given of the death of PATRICIA COLLIS Of: WOODSTOCK, IL

Letters of office were issued on: 9/6/2024

To Representative: JODI GALLE 1607 ROSE FARM RD. WOODSTOCK, IL 60098

MARGARET GALLE 612 N. GLENN DRIVE PALATINE, IL 60047 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 September 25, 2024) L11847

Leigh Rubin HEATHCLIFF

By Peter Gallagher

Marian Central Catholic High School School Spotlight

Football

SETTLING INTO THE SEASON: Marian Football

By Juel Mecklenburg NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

At the end of week four of the 2024 season, the Marian Central Catholic Hurricanes are 1-3, 1-1 in the Chicagoland Christian Conference.

Head Coach Liam Kirwan is in his third season coaching the Hurricanes. He has tremendous praise for his team, no matter what their record says. After losing two Division I players last season, Kirwan is looking to his younger men to step up to the plate, already seeing results from the entire sophomore group.

Finding new strength

Recognizing that Wilson Jakubowicz, George Kordopitoulas, Eddie Kowalczyk, and Mike Schmid have stepped up, Kirwan said, “They have started to grow up quickly.”

He also noted that Max Kinney is getting comfortable and growing in his role and he is excited for the future when he sees Kinney and the other three sophomore receivers and defensive backs step up.

“Once it all clicks for George,”Kirwan said, “he will be a force to be reckoned with on both sides of the line.”

In terms of leadership, Kirwan turns to senior flex back and linebacker Andrew Thielsen, who he said has stepped up both as the emotional leader and the player that pushes the ‘Canes toward wins.

Wins within reach

He noted that his team needs to improve on finishing on offense by tidying up the little details, primarily fixing their red zone offense. But there is still time for the Hurricanes to tighten up and send a tropical storm their opponents way.

It’s hard to predict what the rest of the season has in store for the Hurricanes, but getting kids back from injury will be a factor. The most important thing, Kirwan noted, is feeling that they have the opportunity to be in and win the games they have on their schedule.

INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY ANDREW ROUSEY

Marian Central Catholic High School senior Andrew Thielson runs up the middle Sept. 14 when the ’Canes faced Bishop McNamara. Marian won 14-6 .

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READY TO MAKE SOME NOISE: Marian soccer

By Sandy Kucharski SANDY@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

The Marian boys soccer team experienced a rebuilding season last year and now the 2024 season sees the Hurricanes returning several key players.

“We are still going to have a difficult conference,” said head coach Art Dixon, “but that should prepare us for the playoffs.”

Marian soccer has a record of 2-3-1 so far this season, with a 1-1-0 conference record. Although they are still a very young team, Dixon said they have the potential to make some noise in the playoffs.

Top returning players include:

Senior running back/ linebacker Stewart Reuter has led the Blue Streak offense through their first three games with 383 yards on 58 carries for an average of 6.6 yards per carry. During that time, he has scored three touchdowns and played an instrumental role in Woodstock’s two victories.

Soccer spotlight

CCC All conference senior Nic Giesinger (D/M); IHSSCA All-Sectional sophomore Stefan Stojich (M/F); IHSSCA honorable mention sophomore Jacob Schug (D/M); senior Henry Bonnet (M); junior Luke Aragona (M/F); senior CJ Fragante (D); Jan Bajda, sophomore (F); junior Finn Piefer Jr. (D); senior Derek Leitzen(GK); and senior Michael Raimondo (F/M).

Promising new players include:

Freshmen Dustin Emmert (GK), Reilly Piefer (M/F), Mac Delozer (F), Andrew Lingle (M/D), and Trevor Zopp(D).

The ‘Canes lost four key players to injuries in the last half of the season last year, sophomores Stefan Stojich (M/F) and Jacob Schug (D/M), and seniors Michael Raimondo and Henry Bonnet.

Dixson said, “Staying healthy will give us the opportunity to have a great season.”

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Stewart Reuter • Football

Marian Central Catholic High School senior Michael Raimondo is in action Sept. 19 when the Hurricanes hosted St. Edwards. After an injury took him out last year, Raimondo is looking forward to a healthy season.

‘FLY’

LIKE AN EAGLE

INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY ANDREW ROUSEY

Chloe Albrecht swims to a second place finish in the 100-yard butterfly Sept. 19 at Woodstock North High School, clocking in at 1:05.91.

PHOTO BY VICKY LONG

Ella White leads MCC Scots volleyball with 163 digs

Ella White, a Woodstock graduate, is not only getting playing time on the McHenry County College volleyball team, she is helping them win. The freshman, who has played in 15 matches, leads the Scots with 163 digs. She also has 16 service aces and 14 assists.

Courtney Komperde (DundeeCrown), a Woodstock resident, is also a MCC Scot freshman volleyball player. She, like White, has logged significant time for the volleyball team. She currently leads the Scots in assists (231) and service aces (42). She is second on the squad in digs (118). She also has 17 kills and six blocks (four solos).

row, over Olive-Harvey, one of the City Colleges of Chicago, Komperda had 15 assists, seven digs and two service aces. White had nine digs. McHenry is 14-1 overall and 3-0 in the Illinois Skyway Conference.

Kylie Schulze (Woodstock North) competed for Northern Illinois University in two of their volleyball matches at the Art Carmichael Invitational, which was hosted by the University of Rhode Island and held in Kingston, Rhode Island. In the 3-2 loss to Rhode Island, she finished with nine assists, three digs and two kills. She had three assists in NIU’s 3-1 loss to Harvard University. They also downed Stony Brook University 3-1 in the invitational. NIU is 2-6.

the year.

Ella Wicker (Woodstock), a Flagler College sophomore, has eight digs and six service aces through Flagler’s first 10 matches. Flagler is 4-6.

CROSS -OUNTRY

Ryan Jones (Marian Central Catholic) was the University of IllinoisSpringfield’s fourth scoring runner at the John McNichols Invitational. The Marengo resident crossed the finish line in 25 minutes, 42.7 seconds. Overall, Jones finished 94th. As a team, Illinois-Springfield took 10th overall. The John McNichols Invitational was hosted by Indiana State University and held at the LaVern Gibson Championship Cross Country Course in Terre Haute, Indiana.

Macalester College won the meet with 39 points.

Alex Wickersheim (Woodstock), a North Central College runner, took 70th at the Aurora University-hosted Spartan XC Classic. The meet was held at Northwestern Medicine Cross Country Course in Batavia. Wickersheim finished the 8,000-meter course in 31:06.30. North Central won the meet with a perfect score of 15. Aurora was second with 81 points.

FOOTBALL

In their latest win, their ninth in a

BOYS SOCCER

■ Sept. 16 - Woodstock (6-4) defeated Plano (5-4-1) 5-1.

■ Sept. 16 - Woodstock North (2-10) fell to Harvard (7-3) 2-1.

■ Sept. 18 - Woodstock North (2-11) fell to Richmond-Burton (10-2) 4-0.

■ Sept. 18 - Woodstock (7-4) defeated Sandwich (1-7-1) 8-1.

■ Sept. 19 - Woodstock North (3-11) defeated Belvidere (3-3) 2-1.

■ Sept. 19 - Marian (2-3-1) defeated St. Edward (5-6) 3-0.

■ Sept. 20 - Woodstock (8-4) defeated Grant (3-7) in a shootout 5-4.

■ Sept. 21 - Woodstock (8-5) fell to Jacobs (5-5-2) 3-0.

■ Sept. 21 - Woodstock North (3-12) fell to Crystal Lake Central (8-2) 8-1.

VOLLEYBALL

■ Sept. 13 - Marian (5-6) defeated Harvest Christian Academy (8-4) 2-0 (28-26, 27-25).

■ Sept. 16 - Woodstock North (7-3) fell to Richmond-Burton (13-0) 2-0 (15-25, 20-25).

■ Sept. 16 - Woodstock (5-9) defeated Sandwich (7-7) 2-1 (25-21, 20-25, 25-21).

■ Sept. 17 - Marian (5-7) fell to Chicago Christian (7-8) 2-0 (18-25, 23-25).

■ Sept. 18 - Woodstock North (8-3)

Brooke Amann (Woodstock North) had six digs and three kills as her college team, Tennessee Tech University, lost a 3-0 battle to Marshall University. The match was played at the University of North Carolina-Greensboro Invitational. Tennessee Tech is 11-1 on

Anthony Carney (Marian Central Catholic), a Woodstock resident, finished sixth at the Luther College AllAmerican Invitational. The University of Dubuque runner finished the fourmile course in 20:54.7. Dubuque took second as a team, scoring 64 points.

NN SCOREBOARD NN

defeated Sandwich (7-8) 2-0 (25-13, 25-23).

■ Sept. 18 - Woodstock (5-10) fell to Johnsburg (5-8) 2-1 (25-20, 14-25, 17-25).

■ Sept. 19 - Marian (6-7) defeated Chicago Hope Academy (2-12) 2-0 (25-11, 25-15).

■ Sept. 20 - Woodstock North (8-4) fell to Crystal Lake Central (12-3) 2-0 (18-25, 13-25).

■ Sept. 21 - Marian (6-8) fell to GenoaKingston (9-7) 2-1 (8-25, 25-21, 11-15).

■ Sept. 21 - Marian (6-9) fell to Burlington Central (9-2) 2-0 (11-25, 22-25).

■ Sept. 21 - Marian (7-9) defeated Bartlett (7-9) 2-1 (25-27, 25-16, 15-12).

■ Sept. 21 - Marian (8-9) defeated Woodstock (5-14) 2-0 (25-17, 25-13).

■ Sept. 21 - Marian (9-9) defeated Sycamore (4-9) 2-0 (25-14, 25-22).

■ Sept. 21 - Woodstock (5-11) fell to Hampshire (16-3) 2-0 (11-25, 15-25).

■ Sept. 21 - Woodstock (5-12) fell to South Elgin (7-5) 2-0 (15-25, 19-25).

■ Sept. 21 - Woodstock (5-13) fell to Sycamore (4-8) 2-0 (19-25, 17-25).

■ Sept. 21 - Woodstock (6-14) defeated Bartlett (7-10) 2-0 (25-18, 25-21).

GIRLS TENNIS

■ Sept. 16 - Woodstock (4-3) defeated Marengo 6-1.

■ Sept. 17 - Woodstock (4-4) fell to Crystal Lake Central 7-0.

■ Sept. 18 - Woodstock (4-5) fell to Johnsburg 6-1. No. 1 doubles - Eliana Shoulders, Woodstock (H.S.) - Sophia Mendoza, Woodstock (H.S.) defeated Riley Zupansic, Johnsburg - Allison Shaver, Johnsburg, 6-0 , 6-1

BOYS GOLF

■ Sept. 18 - Woodstock co-op (166) won a tri-team match against Johnsburg (171) and Richmond-Burton (208).

FOOTBALL

■ Sept. 20 - Woodstock (2-2) fell to Marengo (2-2) 31-10.

■ Sept. 20 - Woodstock North (4-0) defeated Plano (1-3) 41-17.

■ Sept. 20 - Marian (1-3) fell to Chicago Christian (3-1) 27-6.

BOYS CROSS COUNTRY

■ Sept. 21 - Woodstock junior Ellery Shutt (16:32) won flight one at the Woodstock Byrnefest XC Invite, with sophomore Josh Roth (18:05) winning flight four.

■ Sept. 21 - Woodstock North junior John Hugger (18:47) finished second in flight five at the Woodstock Byrnefest XC Invite, with freshman Geo Kopulos (19:22) finishing second in flight two.

■ Sept. 21 - Marian freshman Oliver Ebel (19:42) finished fourth in flight four at the

Marlon Pomili (Marian Central Catholic), a Marian University senior, kicked off five times for 249 yards as Mariann downed Concordia University-Michigan 34-31. Pomili has helped them post a 2-0 mark. Marian is currently ranked fifth in the latest National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Poll.

Dan Chamness writes The College Report for The Independent.,

Woodstock Byrnefest XC Invite. GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY

■ Sept. 21 - Woodstock senior Lily Novelle (21:59) finished third in flight one at the Woodstock Byrnefest XC Invite, with junior Sophie Sarabia (22:02) finishing second in flight two.

■ Sept. 21 - Woodstock North senior Maddie Mock (22:48) won flight six at the Woodstock Byrnefest XC Invite, with senior Meadow Dodge (24:05) winning flight seven.

■ Sept. - Marian senior Gianna Stahl (30:22) finished ninth in flight five at the Woodstock Byrnefest XC Invite.

Dan Chamness The College Report