The
Woodstock
I NDEPENDENT
Dec. 18-24, 2019
Published every Wednesday | Est. 1987 | Serving Woodstock, Wonder Lake and Bull Valley, Ill. | www.thewoodstockindependent.com | $1.00
City has busy 2020 agenda Courthouse, Die Cast, census issues coming up in new year By Larry Lough
LARRY@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM
2020 promises plenty of challenges for the city of Woodstock. New taxes, big projects, and enforcement of new laws and ordinances are on the agenda for the city in the new year.
MARKETPLACE
Rosie’s Sweets the place for gluten- and dairy-free treats PAGE 13
A&E
“But I’ve got a great team,” City Manager Roscoe Stelford said last week in reference to the city’s department managers. “That’s what it comes down to, having a great team.” But that team will have a big hole to fill next year with the retirement of Jeff Van Landuyt, director of Public Works, the city’s largest department.
“It’s a huge job,” Stelford said. The director oversees a department with six superintendents and more than 40 employees – and more on a seasonal basis – who deal with issues that include water and sewer utilities, street repair and maintenance, wastewater treatment, parks and facilities, See CITY Page 2
DECORATING DUO
Six more weeks of winter until our Groundhog Days festival
PAGE 11
COMMUNITY
Eight Girl Scout Cadettes earn coveted Silver Award PAGE 15
INDEX Obituaries
4
Opinion
6
Schools A&E
9 11
Marketplace 13 Community
15
Calendar
18
Classified
20
Puzzles
22
Public Notice 23 Sports
25
The Woodstock Independent 671 E. Calhoun St.,Woodstock, IL 60098 Phone: 815-338-8040 Fax: 815-338-8177 Thewoodstock independent. com
INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY KEN FARVER
Owen Kramer of Garden Path School for Young Learners in Woodstock helps Elaine Plinske with Christmas decorations when the preschool class visited Valley Hi Nursing Home last week.
D-200 schools get high marks again By Larry Lough
LARRY@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM
According to the parents of students in Woodstock School District 200, the district continues to earn a solid B+. That’s consistent with the grade parents handed out last year when they answered a 22-statement
survey during fall parent-teacher conferences. The big difference this year was the number of surveys completed: 1,422 this year compared to 965 last year. “We got really great results from parents,” Superintendent Mike Moan told the Board of Education last week. But little changed in the parents’ opinions from a year ago.
The top-scoring statement again this year was “I feel my child is treated with dignity and respect by the school staff”: 96 percent last year agreed or strongly agreed, 95.36 this year. The lowest-scoring statement also was the same: “I am aware of my school’s progress toward its improvement goals.” Last year 77 percent
See SCHOOLS Page 2
NEWS
Dec. 18-24, 2019
THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT
2
IN BRIEF
Dorr cuts levy permanently; board won’t make land buy
Dorr Township Board last week approved a permanent reduction of 10.45 percent in the township’s annual property tax levy. The board approved a 2019 levy of $600,000, which is $70,000 less than it could have legally levied.
“The board has worked diligently to maintain the level of service our residents expect and increasing the services we provide, while not increasing the annual levy,” according to a news release from Supervisor Sue Brokaw. The township has maintained a flat levy since 2012, with the only increase in 2018 of $6,300, to capture growth in property values. Although the board abated levies in 2017 and 2018, those were one-year adjustments, according to Brokaw. The 2019 levy reflects a
Getting round to it
CITY
Continued from Page 1
and maintenance of the fleet of dozens of city vehicles. Stelford said he believed the city’s search process would allow him to hire a new director by the time Van Landuyt leaves in March. At that point, the city expects to be deep into its 2020 program to resurface a fifth of the city’s street miles in a $12 million project that would launch a fiveyear effort to upgrade local streets. “We’re 100 percent focused on getting the 2020 plan off the ground,” Stelford said. In the meantime, he said, the city staff is working on years two through five with tens of millions of dollars from bond sales. The City Council was expected at its meeting Tuesday night to approve the first year of the project along with a new 3-cents-a-gallon city fuel tax, effective April 1, to help pay for it.
Old issues
Among other big projects in 2020 will be the ongoing restoration of the Old Courthouse and Sheriff’s House, a multimillion-dollar rehabilitation that has focused on the exterior of the 19th century buildings and is looking to move the work indoors. Historic tax credits will be key to realizing the project, Stelford said. The city is now seeking businesses interested in being tenants or operators, and a timeline reported in a new brochure indicates interior work could get underway this summer. City officials also hope to find an investor (or investors) to develop the former Die Cast factory site north of the Metra station. The issue also was on the council’s agenda for discussion Tuesday night. Stelford said city staff was looking for direction from council members on city ownership of the property along Clay Street – negotiations have taken place with owner Wintrust Bank – and on establishing clear objectives to guide prospective developers. Besides paying more for fuel in 2020, city residents who don’t carry reusable bags will pay 10 cents for
permanent reduction, she said. The supervisor also reported the board had decided not to buy property next to the highway garage, which would have been used for equipment and materials storage and maybe a site for a township recycling program. The township had set aside $100,000 for the purchase. But Brokaw said board members changed their minds in the due diligence process, deciding “now is not the right time for it,” she said.
INDEPENDENT FILE PHOTO
2020 could be the year the city has a direction for the Old Courthouse and Sheriff’s House.
each plastic and paper tote they get from retailers to carry home their purchases starting Jan. 1. Although the ordinance includes many exemptions from the tax, Stelford said more than a dozen retail outlets would be responsible for collecting the fee and remitting 70 percent of the revenue to the city. The city has helped those retailers by providing signage to notify customers of the impending tax “so the public is not so surprised on Jan. 1,” Stelford said. “Public awareness and education ... are a challenge for the city,” Stelford said. Also Jan. 1, recreational cannabis will be legal in Illinois. The City Council was expected to approve amendments to Woodstock’s ordinance to make public consumption illegal in public, as with alcohol. Although Woodstock will not have a cannabis dispensary – for smokable and edible products – in the near future, the city will have to deal with issues of use, such as impaired driving. “It’s going to create challenges for the police,” Stelford said, “and for the community.”
Among other construction projects ahead in 2020 will be the city’s first roundabout, where Madison and South streets intersect with Lake Avenue. Stelford said land acquisition issues likely would delay the project until 2021, though the Legislature will be asked to grant the city “quick take” authority to avoid the lengthy process of taking land by eminent domain. And widening and improving Route 47 from U.S. 14 to Route 120, a state project that includes three roundabouts, will continue through the 18-month-process of construction engineering and property acquisition. City staff will work with the state on right-of-way issues, Stelford said, but the project is not likely to be completed sooner than about six years from now. Other city projects in 2020 that came up in Mayor Brian Sager’s State of the City address in October are a pilot program for neighborhood revitalization – focusing on the Calhoun and Judd street corridors into the downtown – and a revival of the idea of landlord registration with the goal of “improving rental housing” in Woodstock, Stelford said. He reported 40 percent of the city’s residents live in rental units. The city also has a keen interest in the 2020 U.S. Census, with an eye to keeping the local population above 25,000. “The city will lose home rule status if the population falls below 25,000,” Stelford said. That status allows the City Council additional autonomy to act on its own, such as being able to enact a fuel tax without having to take the issue to a voter referendum. Tracking residential building permits has left city officials confident that home rule won’t be jeopardized. “We believe the population is growing,” Stelford said. “Overall, we believe the census will be a positive for Woodstock.” Mayor Brian Sager is co-chairman of McHenry County’s Complete Count Committee.
SCHOOLS
Continued from Page 1
agreed; this year 76.23. No other question scored below 83 percent. “Anything below 90 percent we look at,” Moan said, “and ask why we didn’t do better.” Of the 22 questions, nine scored 90 percent or better (eight last year), and five scored below 85 percent (three last year). D-200 also scored high on “I feel my child’s classroom and school are clean and well maintained” (94.94 percent) and “I feel my child’s classroom and school are safe” (94.87 percent), both up over last year. Statements scoring below 85 percent were “I know how to work with the school to get support for my child when they have social emotional concerns” (82.77); “I am aware that our school has an improvement plan and goals for the current year” (83.61); “I know how to work with the school to get additional academic support for my child” (83.68); and “I feel my child is treated with dignity and respect by other students” (84.39). The report was informational only and required no board action. Among the action items on the agenda, the board: n Adopted a resolution approving the 2019 tax levy, which estimates growth of 7.63 percent in the district’s taxable property value; that includes about $1.5 million in property from the tax increment financing district, which will produce about $87,000 for the district, according to Chief Financial Officer Risa Hansen; that’s a onetime recovery before 194 parcels are transferred into TIF2 and their value is frozen for D-200’s purposes for the life of the TIF, which is 23 years. n Abated about $3 million to pay off a 2014 construction bond, which will reduce the annual debt levy and contribute to a decrease of about 2 percent in the district’s property tax rate, to $6.55. n Applied for a property tax relief grant from the state in a program for school districts with high tax rates relative to other districts. Hansen said D-200 was 76th in line among 851 public school districts, which would qualify for a grant of up to $4.4 million. In the first year of the program last year, D-200 received nothing, and Hansen said it was unlikely – but not impossible – that it would get a grant in 2020. n Approved $230,000 in roof repairs at Northwood Middle School. The work will be done in the summer of 2020.
Staff Report
NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM
Local courts will allow cameras in courtrooms
Cameras are coming – finally – to McHenry County courtrooms. More than seven years after the Illinois Supreme Court approved a pilot program for “extended media coverage” of court proceedings, McHenry
Animal cruelty charged; officials seize dogs, cats
A 37-year-old Woodstock man was arrested Friday on a charge of animal cruelty when seven dogs and two cats were taken from a boarding and training facility. The McHenry County Sheriff’s Office reported Ryan M. Thomas was facing a class A misdemeanor for alleged violations of caregiver duties. Sheriff’s deputies and officers from the county’s Animal Control and Adoption Center investigated a complaint of animal cruelty in the 9200 block of Country Club Road. According to a news release from the Department of Health, all animals were evaluated by a licensed veterinarian and returned to the owners of record.
NEWS
Amid recurring problems with arsenic contamination, Woodstock School District 200 last week again shut off well water at Greenwood Elementary School. D-200 officials reported a recent monthly test of the well at the school showed an arsenic level just over the acceptable standard for drinking water. Water was shut off until the filtration system is repaired and repeated tests indicate water is below the standard for arsenic, the district said in a news release. The issue of arsenic first arose at Greenwood a year ago, when bottled water was brought in for consumption and cooking. District 200 is repeating that procedure based on the most recent well test.
County will allow the practice starting Jan. 1. The Supreme Court made the program permanent in 2016. The approval allows members of the media to ask for permission to take cameras into the courtroom for still photography and video recording of proceedings, with some exceptions.
Dec. 18-24, 2019
The largest department in the city of Woodstock – responsible for 62 positions and a $6.6-million budget – is looking for a new director. After five years as director and 15 as assistant director of the Public Works Department, Jeffrey Van Landuyt will retire effective in Jeff March. His departure Van Landuyt comes as the city prepares to launch a five-year, $60-million street improvement program in the spring and faces an estimated $12 million in unfunded sewer work. Despite a surplus in the water and sewer account, the City Council increased rates in the spring to address the needed repairs. Van Landuyt has held a variety of roles in municipal public works over nearly four decades, beginning in
Woodstock’s Waste Water Treatment division in 1981. He later worked in Lake Zurich and Barrington before he returned to Woodstock as superintendent of waste water treatment in 1998, followed by a promotion to assistant director. The Public Works director manages the largest city department with a staff of 62 authorized positions in six divisions – street maintenance, parks and facilities, sewer and water maintenance, wastewater treatment, water treatment, and fleet maintenance. The position is responsible for a fiscal year 2019-20 budget of $6.6 million and will provide oversight for an additional $61.7 million in capital improvement expenses anticipated over the next five years. The city has posted the position and invites online applications from qualified candidates. The compensation and benefits package includes a starting salary of about $116,500, depending on qualifications. For a position profile, application and more information, visit the Jobs section of the city’s website at woodstockil.gov.
Aresenic problem persists at Greenwood Elementary
3 THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT
City searching for new Public Works director
IN BRIEF
NEWS
Dec. 18-24, 2019
THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT
4
OBITUARIES
William J. Luallen, 76 Born: Aug. 10, 1926 Died: Dec. 11, 2019
William J. “Bill” Luallen, age 93, passed away after a brief illness at Hearthstone with JourneyCare Hospice. He was born the 11th of 12 children to Artie and Alice (Burress) Luallen in Oden, Ind., on Aug. 10, 1926. At age 18 he William J. was inducted into Luallen the Army on Nov. 17, 1944, serving in Europe near the end of WWII. After the war, Bill and his brother, Logan, drove for and partially owned a trucking company in Woodhull, Ill. Sept. 10, 1948, Bill married Beverly Anderson in New Windsor, Ill. With their two children, Steven K. and Kristine R., they moved to Woodstock, where Bill completed his 30-year employment with the Michigan Wisconsin Pipe Line (now El Paso Pipe Line). During that time, Beverly passed away on July 20, 1970, after an extended illness. Dec. 21, 1974, Bill married Mildred Fish, adding David E. and Mary Ann Fish to the family. Bill was a member of Grace Lutheran Church, the NRA, and a 35-year member of the American Gold Wing Association. He and Millie rode many miles with their wonderful motorcycle friends. For over 30 years, they were
PUBLIC SAFETY LOG
Woodstock Police Department
■ Paul S. Grzyb, 48, Woodstock, was arrested Dec. 2 in the 500 block of West South Street on a charge of driving while license suspended. Released after posting 10 percent of $2,500 bond. Court date Jan. 16. ■ Paul S. Grzyb, 48, Woodstock, was arrested Dec. 3 in the 2200 block of North Seminary Ave. on a charge of driving while license suspended and two counts of domestic battery. Taken to jail. Bond and court date to be set. ■ Vanessa A. Lindahl, 37, Hebron, was arrested Dec. 3 in the 1100 block of Seminary Avenue on a charge of unlawful possession of controlled substance. Taken to jail. Bond and court date to be set. ■ Kevin J. Ruiz, 39, Rockford, was arrested Dec. 5 in the 1000 block of North Seminary Avenue on a Boone County warrant charging failure to appear. Released after posting 10 percent of $1,500 bond. Court date Dec. 20.
RV campers between Woodstock and Rockport, Texas, adding dozens of lifelong friends. One of the greatest highlights of his later years was the day trip to Washington, D.C., with the Honor Flight Chicago. He is survived by his wife, Mildred; son Steven K. (Margaret) of Osseo, Wis.; daughter Kristine R. (Joe) Thurow of Osseo, Wis.; a bonus son David E. Fish, Port Townsend, Wash.; a bonus daughter, Mary Ann Fish, Woodstock, Ill.;, brother Logan (Ella Mae) Luallen, Aledo, Ill; sister-in-law Zella (the late Firman) Luallen, Galesburg, Ill.; grandchildren Jason H. (Suzanne) Biel, Leavenworth, Kan., Rebecca (Erik) Berg, Lino Lakes, Minn.; great- grandchildren, Linnea, Garrison and Jackson Biel, Lukin and Norah Berg. He is also survived by countless nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Beverly; six brothers; four sisters; and their spouses. There will be a graveside memorial in Galesburg, Ill., at a later date. Charitable donations may be made in Bill’s honor to Grace Lutheran Church, 1300 Kishwaukee Valley Road, Woodstock, IL 60098, or Honor Flight Chicago, 9701 W. Higgins Road, Rosemont, IL 60018. Bill was a kind, gentle, loving man. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Melissa J. Thome Rhino, 54
Melissa J. Rhino (née Thome), age 54, of Woodstock, passed away at home on Nov. 27, 2019, after she bravely fought a long battle with anorexia nervosa. Melissa Joelene Thome was born Jan. 1, 1965, to Jack and Charlene Thome in Des Plaines, Ill. After Melissa
McHenry County Sheriff’s Office
■ Lisa E. Wolf, 41, Woodstock, was arrested Nov. 27 on charges of resisting a peace officer, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and driving under the influence of alcohol. ■ Alejandro Garcia-Gamez, 29, Wonder Lake, was arrested Nov. 30 on charges of driving on suspended driver’s license and no head/tail/side light. Charges are only accusations of crimes, and defendants are presumed innocent until proved guilty.
Woodstock Fire/Rescue District
Fire Runs indicates units dispatched and what was found at the scene. Ambulance calls of Woodstock Fire/Rescue District are reported here in number only. Ambulance calls Dec. 5-11: 76 Fire Runs
finished grade school, the family moved to Woodstock, where she later became a graduate of Woodstock High School. She has resided in Woodstock for the last 42 years with her husband, Albert (Al) Rhino, and their three children. While her children were young and in school, Melissa was a stay-at-home mom, with the exception of working as a cleaning lady for a few families over the years. Cleaning, organizing, and straightening were things Melissa was passionate about, and she enjoyed being able to provide Melissa J. those simple joys Thome Rhino to other families. Melissa also thoroughly enjoyed working with children, spending many years working and volunteering in the schools within District 200, most recently at Woodstock High School. She took great pride in fulfilling every role, especially in her most recent position as a paraprofessional. Melissa was incredibly grateful for the time spent with staff, teachers, and students in each school and always found time to share the generosity that they had shared with her. Outside of her work life, Melissa could often be found in her yard and gardens during the summer, and loved to sit down in the sunshine after tending to them with a good mystery novel. She also enjoyed taking her beloved long-haired dachshund, Berkeley, out for walks around the neighborhood or to have him join her outside in the yard over the summer.
Melissa spent a few years volunteering at the hospital in Woodstock as well. She was an avid drinker of cappuccinos or coffee, and despite not quite being a senior citizen yet, enjoyed going to Senior Coffee at the Stage Left Café in Woodstock on occasion. Melissa loved to read and was often seen at the public library. Before the strength of her eating disorder took over, Melissa loved to run and despite running over 50 miles on average per week, never wanted to run a full marathon, simply because she “just didn’t feel like it.” Melissa truly had a way of making others feel special, and that gift will be missed the most by many. She touched many lives over the years through conversation, hugs, and laughter, which in turn, added years to her life. Her family gives many thanks to all those who have reached out over the years while she was in and out of treatment, for their support and for their understanding of the nature of her eating disorder. Melissa is survived by her husband of 31 years, Albert Rhino; her beloved children, Alex, Nicole, and Lydia; parents Jack and Charlene Thome; brothers Dirk (Heather), Troy (Meghan), Blake (Kara) Thome; her sisters-in-law, Denise Nelson and Debbi (Robin) Lynd; and many nieces and nephews. Melissa was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Roland and Eva Preus; her paternal grandparents, Joseph and Helen Thome; and her father and mother-in-law, Albert and Marilyn Rhino. There will be a memorial service held on Sunday, Jan. 5, 2020, at the Free Methodist Church in Woodstock, 934 N. Seminary Ave,, starting at 2:30 p.m.
Dec. 6 9:47 a.m. – 3000 block of Raycraft Road, animal rescue; shift commander, truck 4:59 p.m. – 2000 block of Greenwood Road, traffic accident with no injuries; shift commander, ambulance, truck Dec. 7 12:45 a.m. – 700 block of Irving Avenue, water problem/other; truck 2:29 a.m. – 600 block of Handel Lane, malfunctioning smoke detector activation; ambulance 6:53 a.m. – 400 block of South Eastwood Drive, malfunctioning alarm system sounded; truck 11:33 a.m. – 400 block of South Eastwood Drive, system malfunction/other; truck 5:57 p.m. – 1500 block of McConnell Road, malfunctioning sprinkler activation; engine, truck, shift commander, ambulance Dec. 6 11:19 a.m. – Lake Street and Route 47,
traffic accident with no injuries; ambulance, shift commander, engine Dec. 9 8:07 a.m. – 11500 block of McConnell Road, malfunctioning alarm system sounded; engine 7:30 p.m. – 1500 block of McConnell Road, malfunctioning sprinkler activation; shift commander, truck, engine 8:32 p.m. – 12500 block of Cooney Drive, EMS call/not traffic accident with injury; engine Dec. 10 4:35 p.m. – 1100 block of Rose Farm Road, system malfunction/other; truck 5:04 p.m. – 700 block of St. John’s Road, carbon monoxide detector activation, no CO; truck Dec. 11 4:07 a.m. – Wicker and Short streets, power line down; truck 2:59 p.m. – 1500 block of Ginny Lane, malfunctioning CO detector activation; engine
OBITUARIES
5 Grade School as well as Little League baseball and girls’ softball during the summers. For someone whose travel ambitions extended no farther than family summers in Fish Creek, Wis., Don thoroughly enjoyed more than two decades of intensive travel throughout Italy with his wife of 44 years, Jill. Often these trips included extended visits with old “friends as family,” he would say. They also enjoyed winter escapes to the Fish Creek of his youth, vacation adventures with friends several times a year, and spent a memorable 40th anniversary in Paris. Culturally, he had an immense love for folk music that began in the ’60’s while working for Jill’s grandfather at Ravinia Festival. He and Jill were also season ticket holders at the American Players Shakespeare Theatre in Spring Green, Wis. Don’s survivors include his wife of 44 years, Donna Jill; sister, Marianne Vines, Highlands, N.C.; son Peter (Jean) Witty, Phoenix, Ariz.; daughter Laura (Cameron) Moose, Weston, Mo.; daughter Wendy (Kevin) Shelton, McHenry, Ill.; and son Steven (Susan) Tropea, Boca Raton, Fla.; 12 grandchildren: Katharine, Peter II and Thomas Witty, Logan, Lauren and Lea Moose,
Michael and Matthew Shelton, Austin and Sage Tropea, and Johnathon and Sophia DiFusco. The memorial visitation will be held Thursday, Dec. 19, 2019, from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Schneider, Leucht, Merwin & Cooney funeral home 1211 N. Seminary Ave., Woodstock, Ill. 60098. The memorial visitation will continue Friday, Dec. 20, 2019, at St. Mary Catholic Church from 10 a.m. until the funeral Mass at 11 a.m. Burial will be private. Don believed strongly that a public library was the glue of any small town, thus donations in lieu of flowers should be made to the Woodstock Public Library, 414 W. Judd St. Woodstock, IL 60098 or woodstockpubliclibrary.org.
Where to send obituaries
You may email obituaries to The Woodstock Independent at pr@thewoodstockindependent.com, or bring them to the office or mail them to 671 E. Calhoun St. , Woodstock IL 60098. Obituaries are published in the print edition each Wedensday, and they are posted online, at thewoodstockindependent.com, as soon as they are received. A fee will be charged for standard obituaries. Call 815-338-8040 for more information.
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SANTA’S HUT
WEDNESDAY, NOV 13 - SUNDAY, JAN 5 OLD COURTHOUSE ART CENTER
CHRISTMAS TREE WALK
FRIDAY, NOV 29 - TUESDAY, DEC 31 WOODSTOCK OPERA HOUSE
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place to continue playing baseball and basketball and, more importantly, provided him a faith-based education, ROTC, and his beloved “Dirty Scurvies” (an undefeated touch football team/ mini-fraternity made up of high school friends and some East Coasters who never once in four years washed their uniforms yet somehow remained lifelong friends). He was a proud Domer who loved Our Lady’s University (along with all Catholic schools – he was very proud that his daughters graduated from Marquette and Loras) and enjoyed visiting the campus to see his son and grandchildren who also graduated from there. After the Army (where he served on the DMZ as an infantry officer) and law school at William & Mary, Don moved to Woodstock, Ill., in 1970 and spent the next almost 50 years weaving himself into its fabric. He worked for the McHenry County Title Co., the State Bank of Woodstock and A.G. Edwards (Wells Fargo). Don also served as the president of the Chamber of Commerce, on the Woodstock Library Board for 30 years, was elected to the District 200 School Board, and served on the Parish Council and Finance Committee for St. Mary’s Parish. He also coached boys and girls basketball at St. Mary
Dec. 18-24, 2019
Donald Peter Witty was born on Jan. 23, 1943, in Chicago, Ill. He grew up in Ravinia, Ill., with his parents, Peter and Anne, and his sister, Marianne. Don’s father owned and operated Witty’s Ice Cream store in Ravinia for 35 years, where Don spent many a day scooping ice cream to customers. From early days, Don filled his life with valuable friendships, many of which continue to this day. His summers were spent playing baseball: Little League, Pony League and an American Legion team which went 40-1 over two summers, winning the state championship in 1961. Don was a catcher and, other than family, one of his favorite passions was catching for his (still) best friend. High school at Loyola Academy brought more baseball, where he led the Catholic League in hitting, but his star shone brightest on the basketball court, where he played point guard for Coach Gene Sullivan’s 25-3 Catholic League champions, who represented the Catholic League in an invitational tournament held in Washington, D.C. He was a wonderful defender and a “team-first” point guard. He attended the University of Notre Dame with many of his high school friends. Notre Dame provided him a
THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT
Donald Peter Witty, 76
OPINION
Dec. 18-24, 2019
THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT
6
Opinion
THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT
Cheryl Wormley Publisher, Co-Owner
Paul Wormley Co-Owner
Woodstock, IL • 1987
THE EDITORIAL BOARD
Cheryl Wormley Larry Lough Sandy Kucharski Ken Farver
Public’s voice always needs to be heard
What should we make of the fact that the public boycotted a public hearing on the city’s plan to enact a new 3-cents-a-gallon fuel tax to significantly upgrade the streets of Woodstock? OK, maybe it wasn’t an organized boycott. But the fact is no one from the public showed up to speak at the City Council’s hearing Dec. 3 on the local gas tax “for an enhanced 2020 Streets Resurfacing Program.” Only four people had showed up at an earlier public meeting to explain the city’s “aggressive” approach to fixing streets. Maybe the poor turnout was because everyone agrees with Mayor Brian Sager that street improvement is the city’s No. 1 priority and they don’t mind paying a bit more to fix them. The absence of objections at the public hearing probably was not because people don’t mind paying another tax on motor fuel after the Illinois Legislature had already jacked up the state gas tax by 19 cents a gallon July 1. But maybe, as one social media commentator suggested, people stayed away because they figured the council was going to approve the tax regardless of public response. It is, of course, the duty of elected officials to do what they believe is in the best long-term interests of the community – even in the face of large crowds at meetings, loud protests, and lengthy petitions. Officials should always consider such objections and weigh them against what they believe to be the greater good of the community. The city’s plan, however, is much more than a one-year deal with a $10 million bond issue plus the usual $2 million in annual street improvements. City officials are open about their idea for a five-year plan that would see the city assume $50 million or $60 million in debt to improve local streets, which everyone agrees are generally in terrible shape. Income from the city tax, along with revenue from the state tax increase, would be used to retire those bonds over the next couple of decades. The city’s excellent bond rating should ensure the best possible interest rate, estimated to be about 3 percent. While it is unfortunate that tardy contracting and awful weather led to the city’s 2019 resurfacing work essentially being put off until next spring, the dozen projects that will be affected will hardly put a dent in upgrading Woodstock’s long-neglected streets. The mayor is quite right that good streets are a quality-of-life issue as well as a matter of economic development. Those are issues that deserve public attention and comment, despite general skepticism about the motives and intentions of government.
We should have warned Santa about the streets in Woodstock!
EDDITORIAL CARTOON BY LUKE GOINS
Unfunded programs a pension problem The Chicago Tribune has published the story of a family trying to obtain services for their autistic son who “aged out” of Illinois’ special education system. When he turned 22, he was put on the State’s “Prioritization for Urgency of Need for Services” (or PUNS) list, a waitlist for disabilities services in Illinois administered by the Illinois Department of Human Services. From the story: “Nick is among nearly 20,000 people with developmental disabilities in Illinois who are on a waiting list to get into adult programs. Many of them come from families who don’t have a way to pay for home care, job coaches, or other services. “Most wait an average of seven years before they are selected, despite a court order in 2011 that Illinois shrink the list and do other things to improve how it serves developmentally disabled adults. “One family told the Tribune they signed up their child when he was just 5, and he still did not get a spot when he turned 22 this year. …”
The story goes on to describe a lawsuit filed in 2004 to require the state to provide community-based living arrangements and services to the developSteve mentally disReick abled. Again, from the story: Guest Column “‘While paying lip service to the value of community-based programs, defendants have made paltry efforts to reduce the state’s reliance on large institutions or to expand Illinois’ community-based programs,’ the lawsuit added. “A federal judge agreed, and in 2011 issued a consent decree requiring the state to provide such programs to those who requested them. It gave the state six years to provide individuals living in large institutions with communitybased living arrangements, if they wanted them, and give community services to an additional 3,000
people who were waiting at home. After that, the state agreed to move people off the list ‘at a reasonable pace.’” It would be an easy fix if all we were doing was paying “lip-service” to this and any number of other underfunded programs. But the real and bigger reason is staring us directly in the face. A story getting far less attention, but which has everything to do with the 20,000 people on the PUNS list, is the report issued by the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability about the state of Illinois’ pensions. The report discloses that the unfunded liability for its five pension funds as of June 30, 2019, stands at $137.2 billion, up from $133.5 billion in the previous year and goes on to point out that in fiscal year 2020, the state is scheduled to contribute $9.223 billion out of general revenue to fund those pensions. Rep. Steve Reick represents Illinois House District 63, which includes Woodstock.
the oven. • We live near Olson Elementary School, and I often drive by the playground and adjoining athletic fields several times a day. The sounds and sights of the children swinging, climbing, going down the slide, running and playing is a cherished gift. • As for Facebook, I usually check it once a day – most often a half hour before bed. Following Tchaikovsky’s advice of “getting out,” I’m pausing to take a closer look at the joyous posts – especially ones with photos of people – mostly children – smiling and laughing. And, I think about the joy of the parents and grandparents who are experiencing all that delight as they take the photos and videos and post them. Now it’s your turn. Get out, look, and surrender yourself to joy. You’ll be rewarded. P.S. With Christmas and New Year’s Day on Wednesdays this year, The Independent staff and I are moving up the delivery of the newspapers for the next two weeks. Subscribers in the area can expect their papers to be delivered Tuesdays, Dec. 24 and 31. For those of you who buy your papers at the newsstands, they will be delivered Mondays, Dec. 23 and 30. Cheryl Wormley is publisher of The Woodstock Independent. Her email is c.wormley@thewoodstockindependent. com.
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» YOUR VIEW
Who would want to receive those intrusive robocalls?
I for one am so frustrated with the amount of robocalls I receive, and I suspect you are, too. On just one day I received at least a dozen, and that’s pretty reflective of every day. Often these calls come in under our own area code, and I have often answered thinking it might be someone I know and it might be important. Needless to say, most often they are robocalls, and they are increasingly becoming more sophisticated, having personal information of yours that can lead to the idea that it is legitimate. I seriously doubt anyone likes receiving these calls, and they have
PROOFREADER
become such a common menace. Thanks to the efforts of Rep. Lauren Underwood and the bill she brought forward, these calls can become much more a thing of the past. Just recently the House voted 429-3 on Lauren’s bill to increase and expand consumer protections against unsolicited and annoying phone calls. Obviously, this is a nonpartisan issue, and it now remains up to the Senate to take the next step for resolution. My fear is that it will not be brought to the floor for a vote and will die, which would be a travesty. Sadly, people often are vulnerable and fall victims to scams that come in on these robocalls. Armed with personal information, robocalls often create schemes to defraud
consumers. According to Consumer Reports, there were losses of $285.2 million reported so far this year as a result of robocalls. It is reported by a robocall tracking firm that to date this year alone, there have been 29 billion robocalls. Thank you to Lauren Underwood for bringing this bill forward and the House for doing the right thing. I hope that the Senate takes the appropriate action so it does not die before ever getting to a vote. It is very much needed. Let’s send a message that we want this bill brought before the Senate, as I believe it would easily be nonpartisan thumbs up. Gail Brooks Woodstock
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OPINION
joys of others. So, the past 10 days, I have been “getting out among the people” and looking at “what a good time they [are having] surrendering themCheryl selves to joy.” I Wormley even have looked Declarations at posts on Facebook with an eye out for joy. I’ll share a few examples of what I experienced. • Ken Farver, The Independent’s lead photographer, finds great joy in taking photos and adjusting them to bring out their beauty. At our editorial staff meeting last week, he showed us a photo he had entered in a camera club competition. His eyes sparkled as he told us it was his favorite photo from a recent trip to France – taken during the day and adjusted to look as if it were a photo taken at night. • Our grandson JT is carrying on a family Christmas tradition. My mother always made caramel and pecan cinnamon rolls for all to enjoy when we returned from church Christmas Eve. Mom died 10 years ago, and a few years later, JT started making her yeast-dough creations. He was 10 or 11 at the time. Now he’s 17. There’s great joy at our family Christmas when JT walks in with his two 9-by-13 pans of already raised rolls ready to pop into
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Dec. 18-24, 2019
I didn’t expect to find a Declarations topic at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra concert Dec. 5, but I did. Jim and I go into Chicago four or five times a year to hear the CSO, have dinner, buy a copy of Streetwise, and enjoy the city’s energy. I didn’t grow up listening to classical music, so I look forward to reading the concert program book to learn about the composers and their music. Among the pieces being played during our recent visit to Symphony Hall was Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 4 in F Minor, Op. 36. I learned quite a bit about Tchaikovsky from the program book. He was born in Russia in 1840 and began working on his fourth symphony in May of 1877. He finished it in January of 1878. Though his personal life was in turmoil, the finalé of the symphony has a festive mood. In the paragraph about the finalé, the writer Phillip Huscher included a quote from a letter Tchaikovsky wrote to his patron: “If you cannot discover reasons for happiness in yourself, look at others. Get out among the people. Look what a good time they have simply surrendering themselves to joy.” Tchaikovsky’s words resonated with me. I had been really busy for about two weeks. When I’m busy and to some extent overcommitted, I tend to have blinders on when it comes to what’s going on around me. That doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy what I’m doing, but I often fail to witness the
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Schools
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MCC winter graduation includes 92 honors grads
Three D-200 teams will compete at Elgin Jan. 18 By Kevin Lyons DISTRICT 200
Three First Lego League robotics teams from Woodstock School District 200 middle schools qualified for state competition based on their performances in a 16-team tournament hosted Dec. 7 at Northwood Middle School. More than 300,000 students between the ages of 9 and 14 from about 100 countries competed in First Lego League competitions, demonstrating their problem-solving skills, creative thinking, teamwork, competitive play, sportsmanship, and sense of community. Teams were asked to program their Lego Mindstorms robots to solve a set of missions on an obstacle course set on a thematic playing surface in this year’s City Shaper Challenge. First Lego League collaborated with experts in the fields of architecture, civil engineering, infrastructure, sustainability, and urban planning. The two teams that advanced to state from Northwood were Greenhouse Gang and Phish Phriends. Creekside Middle School’s P.A.R.K team was also selected to participate in the state competition to be held the weekend of Jan. 18 at Elgin Community College. “We’re so proud of the kids’ creativity and teamwork, which propelled
their success,” said coach Gigi Carlson, Northwood’s gifted programs coordinator. “They really represent what the First LEGO League is all about.” Northwood students whose teams were selected to participate in state competition are Will Madigan, Malaika Parpart, Gracie Duenas, Claire Miranda, Aubree Hansen, Jack Freeman, Teya Nieman, Omar Lopez, Bob Gerloff, AJ Ringpis, Tyler Chaney, Teagan Kirk, Ryan Nolan, AJ Bigler, Alex Azarela, Shane Buening and Devyn Russo. Students from the Creekside P.A.R.K team who will also compete at state are Charlie Baker, Liam Hanson, Jonathan Gomez-Vazquez, Grace Topf, Maggie Adams, Julian Hoak, Hunter Johanson, Zach Canaday, Caleb Jackson and Camille Scolio.
Students from Creekside Middle School’s P.A.R.K team also will compete at state.
Kristina Hermanson, gifted coordinator and coach for Creekside, said the P.A.R.K team tackled the problem of playground accessibility for students with disabilities. “The team hopes to attend the Parks Commission meeting at City Hall to share their ideas to improve our pathways and options at Emricson to allow for better conditions for people with physical disabilities at Emricson Park,” she said. The competition is judged in three areas: Innovation Project, Robot Design, and Core Values, which embodies aspects of teamwork and good sportsmanship. Top robot game scores are also honored. Team awards were also given to Gardeners Strike Back from Creekside for Core Values, and to three Northwood teams: Phish Phriends won for Robot Design; Greenhouse Gang for Innovative Project; and S.U.B. Sandwiches got the Judges Award. The Northwood tournament was bittersweet for Carlson, who is retiring at the end of the school year after 28 years of teaching, including 19 leading students in District 200’s Challenge Corps gifted program. Carlson was presented with flowers and honored for her work, which included taking a team of students to Germany for international competition for their work on reducing airplane bird strikes. Kevin Lyons is director of communications for Woodstock School District 200.
Two Woodstock-area residents earn degrees
Branden Kmetz of Wonder Lake received a law enforcement and justice administration degree as an honors scholar during the Western Illinois University’s fall 2019 undergraduate commencement ceremonies Dec. 14 in Macomb. Kyle Dinse of Woodstock received a Master of Arts degree in the College of Letters and Science during a commencement ceremony Dec. 15 at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
Woodstock student writes in ‘art exchange’ project
Morgan Dinse of Woodstock was among 35 interactive media students at Bradley University to participate in an “art exchange” project with Irish pen pals. Bradley and LIT Limerick School of Art and Design in Clonmel have started a semester abroad student exchange program. The “art exchange” project, called “Out My Window,” randomly paired students from each school and asked them to look out a window, then write a description of what they saw and how they felt. That description was sent to their partner across the Atlantic, and the recipient made a piece of art based on the written description. A total of 35 pairs (70 students) participated. The students had two weeks to complete the voluntary project, then they met each other via Skype and shared their artwork. The works are being printed and will be displayed at Bradley and Clonmel.
SCHOOLS
Lego robotics teams advance to state
Dec. 18-24, 2019
DISTRICT 200 PHOTOS
Students from the Greenhouse Gang and Phish Phriends teams at Northwood Middle School will compete in the state First Lego League robotics competition.
About 140 fall-term students participated in the McHenry County College winter commencement ceremony at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, in the school gym. The ceremony included an academic procession of graduates; remarks from Dr. Clinton Gabbard, MCC president; speeches by students; and presentation of degrees and certificates. The class included 614 fall-term students from 419 various degrees and certificates, with 92 honors graduates. Top programs include Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, basic nursing certificate, and emergency medical technician-ambulance certificate. Five students graduated with the recently added welding technician certificate.
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Dec. 18-24, 2019
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COURTESY PHOTOS
Members of the Woodstock High School and Woodstock North High School chapters of the National Honor Society are pictured. They are selected by faculty committees using specific criteria of the National Honor Society. Scholastic requirements at District 200 high schools include earning a 3.75 or better cumulative GPA as well as demonstrating qualities of leadership, character, and service.
WOODSTOCK NORTH HIGH SCHOOL
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Groundhog Days expecting another large weekend crowd ... if Mother Nature cooperates
INDEPENDENT FILE PHOTO
Mayor Brian Sager listens intently for word from Woodstock Willie during the annual Groundhog Day prognostication in the Park in the Square during the event in 2018. The news was bad. starred Bill Murray. Back for the 2020 festival, after
Groundhog Days Highlights FRIDAY, Jan. 31 THURSDAY, Jan. 30
5 p.m. – Groundhog Day Story Time Before meeting Woodstock Willie at the Welcoming of the Groundhog, kids can hear Groundhog Day stories at Stage Left Café, presented by the Woodstock Public Library. Free. 6 p.m. – Welcoming the Groundhog Woodstock Willie will take to the main stage at the Opera House for his first appearance of the weekend. Groundhog Day festivities begin in the main auditorium. Free. 6:30 p.m. – “Groundhog Day” Trivia Test your knowledge and your memory of the 1993 movie filmed mostly in Woodstock. You will compete against visitors from across the country for prizes and fun at Stage Left Café. Refreshments available; cash bar. Free 6 p.m. – Woodstock Willie Craft Beer Sampling This benefit for the Child Advocacy Center of McHenry County will be at ShadowView Brewing, 2400 Lake Shore Drive. A donation will get 10 samplings of ShadowView’s own brew along with appetizers and homemade pizza. Cash bar. $35 in advance (McHenryCAC.org); $40 at the door.
an absence of a few years, will be Bob Hudgins, who was locations
on the big screen at Classic Theatre Cinemas, 209 Main St. Free (with a second 1 p.m. – Groundhog Day Movie Display Memorabilia from the filming of “Ground- showing at 10 a.m. Sunday). 10 a.m. – Tours of the Old Courthouse hog Day” in Woodstock in 1992 will be on display at the Woodstock Public Library, 400 and Opera House Tour the historic 19th century buildings W. Judd St. Sketches of set designs, picof downtown Woodstock, including the tures taken during filming, and newspaper clippings will be among the items in the dis- Opera House where Orson Wells, Paul Newman, Judy Collins, and Arlo Guthrie have play, which will be up all weekend. Free. performed. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday and 6-11 p.m. – Groundhog Day Dinner Sunday. Dance Noon – Groundhog Day Chili Cook-off Dance on the floor of Woodstock Moose The public is invited to sample various Lodge, 406 Clay St., where the movie’s recipes at the Moose Lodge, two blocks bachelor auction and dance scenes were north of the Square, 406 Clay St. Free. filmed. Dinner and cash bar available. A 1 p.m. – Rotary Bags Tournament band, live entertainment, dancing, and raffle Join the competition in the beer garden at prizes are part of the fun. Money goes to Ortmann’s Red Iron Tavern, 101 E. Church help Moose Lodge charities. St., in this fundraiser for Rotary’s Christmas Clearing House. Cash prizes. Cash Bar. SATURDAY, Feb. 1 1:30 p.m. – Walking Tour 8 a.m. – Breakfast with Willie’s WoodBob Hudgins is back to tell his behindland Friends At breakfast you will learn from an animal the-scenes stories from the filming of expert about groundhogs and Willie’s Wood- “Groundhog Day” in 1992. He was locations manager and helped director Harold Ramis land Friends. Pancakes, bacon, sausage, bring the production to Woodstock. Tour juice, and coffee (and even Bloody Marys starts outside the Moose Lodge before visitand mimosas). Show at 8:30 a.m. at Flores ing the Square and, eventually, ending up at Banquet, 240 N. Throop St. $12 adults, $6 the Cherry Tree Inn Bed & Breakfast. children 3-8 10 a.m. – “Groundhog Day” – The SUNDAY, Feb. 2 Movie 7 a.m. – Official Groundhog Day Groundhog Days festivities would not be Ceremony complete without a showing of the movie
Woodstock Willie’s Prognostication occurs in the Park in the Square. Groundhog Day polka band will play. Free (but dress warm!). 7:30 a.m. – Drink to World Peace Just like Bill Murray and Andie MacDowell, you can sit at the bar of Woodstock Public House, 101 N. Johnson St., and toast global harmony. Souvenir shot glass will be available throughout the weekend. 7:30-9 a.m. – Official Groundhog Day Breakfast Join Woodstock Willie and the Groundhog Day polka band, Die Musikmeisters, for breakfast and entertainment at the Moose Lodge. Tickets available online at WoodstockGroundhog.org.. 10 a.m. – Woodstock Willie’s Family Fun Day Mixin Mingle, 124 Cass St., will host a Groundhog Day-themed Fun Fair throughout the day. Kids can get tickets to play games for prizes, make crafts, color, and more. Tickets are two for $1; activities are 1-4 tickets each. Proceeds will benefit the Woodstock Wannabees 4-H Club. 2 p.m. – The Making of Groundhog Day Hear stories about “Groundhog Day” – the puddle. the bed & breakfast, Bill Murray – from Bob Hudgins, who was locations manager for Columbia Pictures. Woodstock Opera House. Free.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
With Groundhog Day falling on a Sunday in 2020, big crowds are expected again for Woodstock’s annual Groundhog Days Festival. “Weekends are better,” festival Chairman Rick Bellairs said, noting last year’s record crowd when the observance was on Saturday. “We expect the same in 2020.” Bellairs noted, however, that weather is a big factor since many activities – including the 7 a.m. prognostication Feb. 2 – are outside. “It kind of hinges on Mother Nature,” Bellairs said, recalling record colds last February in the days leading up to the event. “Fortunately, the polar vortex broke just in time.” The event commemorates the extensive filming in Woodstock in 1992 for the movie “Groundhog Day,” which was released the following year. The Harold Ramis-directed film
manager for the movie and helped Ramis bring the production to Woodstock. Hudgins will make a couple of appearances during the four-day festival to tell his behind-the-scenes stories of the people and places involved in the filming. Bellairs is chairman of the event again this year after becoming involved about 20 years ago when he and his daughter entered the chili cook-off. The next year he was coordinator of that competition, and his involvement has been constant since. If the temperatures are low, Bellairs noted, the old Courthouse and Opera House will be open as warming stations where visitors can experience a couple of the city’s “gems.” One change this year, Bellairs said, is that tickets for the Groundhog Day breakfast at the Moose Lodge are available online at WoodstockGroundhog.org. He said that will allow out-of-towners a fair shot at the 225 tickets available.
Dec. 18-24, 2019
By Larry Lough
NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM
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Dec. 18-24, 2019
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“Save That news came from a public had officials Our Streets” meeting city n their plan last Thursday to explai new and bond issue under- for a $10-million Good news is, the city could ipal gasoline tax that t to resur- 3-cent munic acing of 208 block take a massive projec resurf allow will Woodstock miles) in face nearly 20 percent of segments (22 centerline streets next year. typical year, about 2 miles will have to 2020. In a ls say. Bad news is, 2019 work is resurfaced, city officia too. year, be finished next By Larry Lough
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er of curiAs it turned out, the numb d up for the ous citizens who showe was equal meeting in City Hall (four) who greeted to the number of officials and explathem with handouts, maps, improvestreet their about s nation and a phoment plan. Two reporters t. presen tographer also were
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Lake as she shops at the Kate Platta from Crystal ounds. The market is open Laar’s Fruit Farm helps Sarah Van Laar from Van t winter location at the McHenry County Fairgr has added Dec 14. and Woodstock Farmers Marke third Saturday of each month through April, and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. the first
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Housing proposal plat By Larry Lough
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Council When the Woodstock City Crossing durheard about Founder’s ber 2018, ing a workshop in Septem one was ville Councilman Jim Prindi express any of only two members to t. reservations about the projec during a As the proposal died
Prindivcouncil meeting last week, who said he ille was the only member liked the proposal. aspects of “One of the attractive project that I the Founder’s Crossing n project, saw, this was a market-drive in this mar... something that will sell t was well ket,” he said. “This projec -driven eledesigned; it had a design ment through it.”
Nov. 19 The council’s agenda for of a prelimincluded consideration Crossing, er’s Found for plat inary lot row a development of 77 smalland two houses and ranch homes the former apartment buildings on north of the Woodstock station site Metra station. months after pers, develo the But 3
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Amber Stell is a senior at Woodstock High School. She is the daughter of Roger Stell, Woodstock. “Amber works tirelessly in class and consistently gives her best effort. She has really high standards for herself, and she has the grit to push herself to reach them. Amber is clever and so creative, always bringing a new light to the material we are studying in class. I’m really proud of Amber’s growth throughout high school, as she has become a critical thinker, reader,and writer. She deserves recognition for being such a thoughtful student and person,” said one of her teachers. Amber has been student of the month for 2D Studio - Drawing and Painting (sophomore year) and student of the month for Human Anatomy (junior year). When asked who inspires her, Amber said, “Charles Jones, the art teacher at Prairiewood Elementary School, has always been unconditionally encouraging to me throughout my young life. Mr. Jones saw potential in even the silly cartoon drawings of an elementary student and is definitely the person who sparked my belief that I could really make something amazing of myself and my talent. Art has always been the path that calls my name,and I feel so lucky and so thankful to have Charles Jones as that wonderful influence in my life.” When asked what makes her feel successful, Amber said, “I feel that I am successful because I try my very best, whether it be in school, art, or anything else that is important to give attention to. I also recognize that my best is the best that I can do. So if there is something that I don’t know, I will ask for help.”
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Christmas and New Year Schedule
The parish office will be closed December 24 - December 27 and December 31 - January 1. It will be open on December 30th. Christmas Eve Masses
Christmas Day Masses
4:00 pm - Church (English)
Midnight -Church (English)
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New Year’s Eve Masses New Year’s Day Masses
Bakery caters to special diets
■ Vacant land, approximately .25
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Owner Pamela Strelcheck (above) shows off a minicake at Rosie’s Gluten Free Sweets in Silver Creek Commons in Woodstock. A wide variety of gluten-, dairy-, and soy-freebakery treats are available.
Fitness center newest world for gym-goers Just in time for New Year’s Resolutions, Woodstock Planet Fitness is expected to open at the end of December. The franchise gym offers monthly memberships and caters to firsttime and casual gym-goers. The club pledges a non-intimidating, judgment-free atmosphere where members can work out at their own pace. The 16,000-square-foot club will offer state-of-the-art cardio and strength equipment, free fitness training, and a Black Card Spa that includes HydroMassage beds, INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY KEN FARVER massage chairs, and tanning beds/ booths for PF Black Card members. The exterior sign is up and construction continues at Planet Fitness, a health club located in the former Jewel-Osco store on Eastwood Drive.
acres, on Seneca Road, Wonder Lake, was sold by Virginette A. Goodalis Declaration of Trust, Downers Grove, to Chris Lilja, Wonder Lake, for $9,000. ■ Residence at 9007 Pine Ave., Wonder Lake, was sold by Matthew Ohms, Belleville, Wis., to Jaime Lopez Ramirez, Wonder Lake, for $168,000. ■ Residence at 2203 Edgewood Drive, Woodstock, was sold by Ryan Peters, Woodstock, to Collin M. Reeser, Woodstock, for $236,000. ■ Residence at 402 Blakely St., Woodstock, was sold by Ralph and Marilyn Westman, Woodstock, to Shane A. and Rikki L. Gibbs, Woodstock, for $50,000. ■ Vacant land, approximately 2 acres, on Dean St., Woodstock, was sold by Debra A. Silker, Successor Trustee, Woodstock, to Playtime Investments LLC, Lake In the Hills, for $20,000. ■ Residence at 1581 Ash Ave., Woodstock, was sold by Ronald E. Algrim, Bluffton, S.C., to James M. Hurley, Woodstock, for $247,000. ■ Residence at 2116 Edgewood Drive, Woodstock, was sold by Mary Jo Burg, as Successor Trustee of a Living Trust of Joseph C. and Mary Ellen Burg, Chicago, to Egbert W. Flowers III, Woodstock, for $199,900. ■ Vacant land on Bull Valley Drive, Woodstock, was sold by Nancy J. Uhler, Buckeye, Ariz., to David Florent, Woodstock, for $12,000. ■ Apartment building at 816 Clay St., Woodstock, was sold by Glasgow Group LLC, Algonquin, to TJT Properties Inc., Crystal Lake, for $745,000.
Presented by: Kim Keefe REALTOR® 110 1/2 N Benton St, Woodstock, IL 60098 815-333-0014 • 815.790.4852 (call or text) Kim@TeamOpenDoors.com
MARKETPLACE
Holiday gingerbread cookies (right) to be decorated by the customer are gluten- free and dairy-free.
Transactions filed in the McHenry County Recorder’s Office from Sept. 18 to 20.
Dec. 18-24, 2019
Gluten-free goodies are now available from a storefront in Woodstock. Pamela Strelcheck has owned Rosie’s Gluten Free Sweets since April 2017, making fresh cakes, cookies, and doughnuts from a culinary incubator kitchen in Elgin and selling them in stores and farmers markets in the region. The store in Silver Creek Commons, 1400 N. Seminary Ave., had a grand opening Saturday to introduce the community to the business. Strelcheck has followed a gluten-free diet for the past nine years. Her variety of cupcakes, sweet breads, and vegan sweets include some gluten-, dairy-, and soy-free products.
REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS
THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT
Marketplace
13
Pet Week of the
FIRST LIGHT 2102-70
“Blondie and Curly”
Celebrate the backdrop of a bright new decade with your own FREE SAMPLE.
6-year-old females
815-338-4400
2500 Harding Lane, Woodstock
(Off Rt. 14 at the Lake Shore Dr. traffic light)
SPONSORED BY
Blondie and Curly are a pair of 6-year-old Chihuahua girls that have never known life apart. Though they may not be related, they’re definitely family, and we’d love to honor that bond by adopting them out together. These sweet little ladies would love to find a cozy spot on your couch and in your heart. Come and meet them at Helping Paws! To see this pet or others or to volunteer to help walk dogs, call the shelter at:
MARKETPLACE
COLOR OF THE YEAR 2020
SAVING JUST ONE PET WON’T CHANGE THE WORLD BUT, SURELY, THE WORLD WILL CHANGE FOR THAT ONE PET.
Dec. 18-24, 2019
THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT
14
LOGO
Retailer Name ST. 73 N. WILLIAMS Address 1 CRYSTAL City,LAKE, State Zip IL 60014 815-459-1160 Phone Number Website lloydspaint.com
Offer valid for one (1) free Benjamin Moore® Color Sample at participating retailers only. Excludes Century®. No purchase necessary. Limit one (1) per customer. Products may vary from store to store. Subject to availability. Offer cannot be combined with other discounts or applied to prior purchases. Retailer reserves the right to cancel, terminate or modify this offer at any time without notice. ©2019 Benjamin Moore & Co. Benjamin Moore, Century, and the triangle “M” symbol are registered trademarks licensed to Benjamin Moore & Co. 10/19
PICTURE THIS
Woodstock VFW Post 5040 organized a collection for the Great Lakes Naval Hospital Christmas program in 1969. Shown from left: Don Librande, Vietnam chairman for Carpentersville; Woodstock VFW Commander Art Schuld; and Miss VFW Peggy Collins.
The McHenry County Historical Society’s holiday
display is now open from 1 - 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday until Jan. 3. Closed Dec. 24, 25, 31, and Jan. 1. Veteran Christmas memorabilia collectors Dave Harms and Lynne Eltrevoog are once again collaborating to deck the halls of the museum with vintage memorabilia of Frosty. Besides Frosty, there will be a Christmas wonderland complete with animated displays on stage. Admission required to the museum. For more information, call 815-923-2267.
Don Peasley Photo Collection, McHenry County Historical Society
Kitchens • Baths • Windows • Millwork • Lumber • Doors 815-338-0075 • 1101 Lake Ave., Woodstock • www.woodstocklumber.com
Community
15 THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT
Eight earn Girl Scout Silver Awards
Dec. 18-24, 2019
Community helps them complete their projects By Janet Dovidio
NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM
COMMUNITY
Eight members of Girl Scout Troop 510 have completed their Silver Awards, the highest honor a Cadette Girl Scout can achieve. Each girl must focus on an issue that is important to her and take action to make a difference. Anne Bierman and Lori Thomas are co-leaders for Troop 510. “The girls’ projects would not have been possible without assistance from troop parents and community volunteers,” Thomas said. “The most difficult thing about earning the Girl Scout Silver Award is seeing a community project through to the end. The process takes a year and includes over 50 service hours.” Theresa Lemont, Kathleen Thomas, and Elizabeth Young transformed an old, unused nursery at St. Mary Catholic Church to a parish store and a bride’s room. Woodstock Sherwin-Williams paint store donated the paint, and St. Mary funded the remaining materials. The painting included covering an existing mural. After removing inventory, painting, installing shelving, and decorating, the store is functioning and the bride’s room is comfortable and aesthetically pleasing.s
INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY TRICIA CARZOLI
COURTESY PHOTOS
For their Silver Award project, four Cadette Girl Scouts built a blessing box at Grace Lutheran Church. They are (from left) Adeline Arana, Adrianna Rogganbuck, Cheyanne Bierman, and Ashley Rioux. Cadettes Adeline Arana, Cheyanne Bierman, Adrianna Rogganbuck, and Ashley Rioux built a Blessing Box – a small pantry – that holds donated dry goods and toiletries for others to pick up anonymously. The box, which looks like a large mailbox, is at Grace Lutheran Church.
Cadette Girl Scout (from left) Theresa Lemont, Kathleen Thomas, Elizabeth Young, and Annabella Ely pose in a room they later painted at St. Mary Catholic Church, where an old, unused nursery was turned into a parish store and a bride’s room.
Woodstock Lumber donated all the lumber, while Crystal Lake Home Depot provided money toward materials. Grace Lutheran and St. Mary church members donated the initial goods. Grace Lutheran member Gretchen Hutchens checks on the box regularly. Ingrid Gay helped the Woodstock Public Library revamp its database of children’s books. She physically checked every book and entered those in good condition into the new system. The Woodstock Independent reported on her project this past summer. The eight Girl Scouts were Cadettes last summer. They are now in high school and have advanced to the Senior Girl Scout level. Lemont and Rogganbuck attend Woodstock North, Young goes to Marian Central, and Rioux is a student at McHenry. Arana, Berman, Gay and Thomas attend Woodstock High School. “These projects have helped the Girl Scouts develop skills and build community awareness that will help them their entire lives,” Thomas said.
Sonny Molina shows his feet are no worse for the wear Nov. 14 after his record-breaking feat of walking over Lego bricks.
Late father inspires son to break more world records By Tricia Carzoli
NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM
Woodstock has a Guinness World Record holder – again! Salacnib “Sonny” Molina, who already held five world records, attempted to walk the farthest distance on Lego bricks Nov. 14. Molina submitted mounds of evidence, including written documentation, video footage of the attempt, photographs, and detailed information about the nurses who evaluated him and the surveyors who attested to the length of the laps. His record now stands at 3,869.84 meters. “They always tell me that my evidence is well-organized,” Molina said. “And they usually See RECORD Page 16
QUILT CREW
RECORD
Continued from Page 15
COMMUNITY
Dec. 18-24, 2019
THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT
16
COURTESY PHOTO
The Sewing Circle of Grace Lutheran Church has completed its quilt work for delivery to 10 area nursing homes. Member Marge Burk reported the group had given out 123 lap quilts, 46 crocheted lap quilts, 145 small pillows, 296 walker bags, 24 bibs, 72 poly bags, and 24 neck pillows to local nursing home residents, plus 203 quilts for Lutheran World Relief.
don’t have any questions.” On Dec.9, Molina found out he had, indeed, become the new official Guinness World Record holder for the farthest distance walking barefoot on Lego bricks. “It was so exciting,” Molina recounted. “I saw the email at 3 a.m., and I screamed so loud that I woke everyone up.” The news was made even more poignant as the record was broken on his late father’s birthday. Lorenzo Molina, a colonel in the Philippine Army, inspired his son in many ways. “He was supposed to be here,” Molina said. “It was going to be a surprise for him, ...” Unfortunately, Col. Molina passed away this past May while visiting the U.S. from the Philippines. “He kept asking me why I was buying all these Lego bricks, telling me I was too old to play with them,” the son said. With six Guinness World Record titles under his belt, Molina has his sights set on more. He’s already applied to set a record walking backward barefoot on Lego bricks, among other feats.
arriving in mailboxes this friday!
2019 Yearbook
A SPECIAL EDITION FEATURING A CHRONOLOGY OF ALL THE NEWS FROM 2019! We are Woodstock’s Newspaper!
671 E. Calhoun St.
815.338.8040
thewoodstockindpendent.com
cbhbfil413.com Worship: 1 p.m. Sunday
30 years ago – 1989
■ The Woodstock City Council approved spending $15,633 from the city’s fire protection fund toward the construction of a county firefighting tower. ■ The Chemical People for the Woodstock Area was notified that its request for $35,000 for a grant to coordinate a communitywide effort toward drug-free schools in Woodstock School District 200 had been approved by the Illinois State Board of Education.
25 years ago – 1994
■ Longtime Woodstock High School mathematics teacher and coach RB Thompson filed for election to a seat on the City Council. ■ The D-200 Board of Education reached consensus on a building option that would include a new high school on Raffel Road, additions to two elementary schools, and moving the early learning center from Westwood School to Northwood Elementary School. ■ The WHS varsity wrestling team took second at the 16-team Harvard Wrestling Tournament. Jim Aberle, 112-pound weight class, Luke Kyle, 145, and Bob Johnson, 152, repeated as champions.
20 years ago – 1999
■ Christmas Clearing House volunteers filled nearly 500 baskets of food for families in need in and around Woodstock. ■ Jim Post’s “The Heart of Christmas” production was celebrating its 10th annual appearance at the Woodstock Opera House.
15 years ago – 2004
■ D-200 Superintendent Ellyn Wrzeski called the WHS results of the Prairie State Assessment Test “a conundrum.” The test showed a 15-percent decrease over one year in the number of 11th-graders meeting state standards in reading and math. ■ Hartland Township officially dedicated the new Rollie Neumaier Bridge, honoring the township’s recently retired supervisor.
10 years ago – 2009
■ Through the community’s Christmas Clearing House, more than 750 volunteers helped to pack and distribute food and children’s gifts to 1,270 families in need in Woodstock and Wonder Lake. ■ Faith Lutheran High School administrators and board of directors announced they would sell the land the school owned off Route 120 near Queen Anne Road.
FLHS originally intended to use the property as a location for a $5-million facility that would accommodate 300 students. The FLHS board decided to stay at its location in Crystal Lake. ■ Woodstock VFW Post 5040 announced it would host a free Christmas Eve ham dinner for people in need, homeless, unemployed or alone.
5 years ago – 2014
■ Years of water damage and exposure to the elements were racking up costs for a roofing project at the city’s Old Courthouse building. What was expected to cost $775,000 was then more than $1 million. The City Council approved the 12th change order for the roof project – $91,000 for decorative crown molding installation and repairs to rotten soffit boards. ■ Four Northwood Middle School robotic teams qualified for the First Lego League Robotics state tournament. In all, 16 teams competed in the qualifying tournament that was held at NMS. ■ The city of Woodstock was headed back to the drawing board to sweeten incentives it would offer businesses if it won approval of a state program intended to spur economic development. The city’s enterprise zone application was to be submitted with the city of Harvard.
1 year ago – 2018
■ Forty-four customers of the Woodstock Walmart discovered the week before Christmas that their layaway purchases had been paid for by Other World Computing. “We’re proud to have been in Woodstock for 30 years, and we thought this would be a nice gesture for our community – to bring some Christmas joy to the city that OWC calls home,” said Larry O’Connor, OWC’s founder and chief executive officer. OWC covered $12,434.72 worth of items at the layaway counter. ■ Emma Wodek’s sixth-grade class at St. Mary School collected travel-sized products to fill St. Nick bags for the city’s homeless. Their second-grade partners in Mary Keisling’s class wrote notes to include in the bags. ■ Only three candidates filed for the three seats on the D-200 Board of Education to be filled at the upcoming April consolidated election. Candidates were Michelle Bidwell, who recently had been appointed to fill an unexpired term; retired social studies teacher John Headley; and incumbent Jerry Miceli. Russell Goerlitz chose not to seek re-election.
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COMMUNITY
■ JEWISH REFORMED CONGREGATION TIKKUN OLAM 503 W. Jackson St. (St. Ann’s Episcopal Church building) Call 815-455-9236 or email tikkunolam@ hotmail.com for service information. McHENRY COUNTY JEWISH CONGREGATION 8617 Ridgefield Road, Crystal Lake 815-455-1810 Worship: 7 p.m. Friday, 9:30 a.m. Saturday ■ NEW LIFE CHRISTIAN CENTER 5115 Dean St. • 815-337-4673 Worship: 10 a.m. Sunday ■ REDEEMER LUTHERAN 1320 Dean St. • 815-338-9370 Worship: 4:30 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m. Sunday, 7 p.m. ■ RESURRECTION CATHOLIC 2918 S. Country Club Road 815-338-7330 Worship: 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Sunday; 5 p.m. Saturday; 8 a.m. weekdays ■ ST. ANN’S EPISCOPAL 503 W. Jackson St. • 815-338-0950 Worship: 8 and 10 a.m. Sunday ■ ST. JOHN’S LUTHERAN 401 St. John’s Road • 815-338-5159 Worship: 5 p.m. Saturday; 9 a.m. Sunday ■ ST. MARY CATHOLIC 313 N. Tryon St. • 815-338-3377 Worship: 7:30 a.m. Monday - Saturday; 12:15 p.m. Monday-Friday; 5 and 6:30 p.m. (Spanish) Saturday; 7:30, 9 and 10:30 a.m., noon (Spanish), 5 p.m. Sunday ■ THE BRIDGE CHRISTIAN 2620 Bridge Lane • 815-496-0548 Worship: 10 a.m. Sunday ■ THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS 2016 Hartland Road • 815-334-1703 Worship: 10 a.m. Sunday ■ THE VINE CHRISTIAN CHURCH 1132 N. Madison St. • 815-338-3380 Worship: 10 a.m. Sunday ■ UNITY SPIRITUAL CENTER 225 W. Calhoun St. • 815-337-3534 unitywoodstock.org Worship: 10 a.m. Sunday ■ UPPER FOX VALLEY QUAKER MEETING 4614 Pioneer Road, McHenry 815-385-8512 Discussion and singing, 9 a.m. Sunday Worship, 10 a.m., fellowship, 11 a.m. Sunday ■ WOODSTOCK ASSEMBLY OF GOD 1201 Dean St.• 815-338-1316 Worship: 9 a.m. Sunday prayer service, 10 a.m. worship service ■ WOODSTOCK BIBLE CHURCH 118 Benton St. Worship: 10:30 a..m. Sunday
17
Dec. 18-24, 2019
■ BAHA’I COMMUNITY OF WOODSTOCK Gatherings are open to the public the second Saturday of each month. For information: 815-337-0126 woodstock.bahais@gmail.com ■ BLUE LOTUS TEMPLE & MEDITATION CENTER 221 Dean St. • 815-337-7378 Meditation: 10 a.m. Tuesday, Saturday; 7 p.m. Monday, Wednesday ■ CASA DE BENDICION 8015 Ridgefield Road, Crystal Lake (Crystal Lake Christian Church) Worship: 1 p.m. Sunday, 6:30 p.m. Wednesday ■ CHRIST LIFE 13614 W. Jackson St. • 815-338-4934 Worship: 10:30 a.m. Sunday ■ COVENANT REFORMED BAPTIST CHURCH 4609 Greenwood Road P.O. Box 463 • 815-575-9612 Worship: 10 a.m. Sunday ■ EDEN BAPTIST 1903 N. Seminary Ave. • 815-814-7847 Worship: 3 p.m. Sunday (Spanish) ■ FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST, SCIENTIST 111 W. South St. • 815-338-2731 Worship: 10 a.m. Sunday ■ FIRST PRESBYTERIAN 2018 N. Route 47 • 815-338-2627 Worship: 9:30 a.m. Christmas Eve candlelight services at 4 and 7 p.m. Sunday school for children 9:45 a.m. ■ FIRST UNITED METHODIST 201 W. South St. • 815-338-3310 fumcwoodstock.org Worship: 9:30 a.m. Sunday Sunday school for children 9:45 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 24, Christmas Eve services 4 p.m. (family) and 10 p.m. (candlelight) ■ FREE METHODIST 934 N. Seminary Ave. • 815-338-3180 Worship: 10:30 a.m., Candlelight Communion Service at 4 p.m. Dec. 24 ■ GOOD NEWS CHURCH Meeting at Dorr Township Community Room, 1039 Lake Ave. 847-343-4500 goodnewswoodstock.org Worship: 5 p.m. Sunday ■ GRACE FELLOWSHIP 200 Cairns Court • 815-337-6510 Worship: 10:15 a.m. Sunday ■ GRACE LUTHERAN 1300 Kishwaukee Valley Road 815-338-0554 Worship: 5 p.m. Saturday (informal traditional); Sunday 8:30 a.m. (traditional), 10:45 a.m. (contemporary) ■ HOUSE OF BLESSING 2018 N. Route 47 (First Presbyterian Church building)
FLASHBACKS
THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT
RELIGION
Dec. 18-24, 2019
THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT
18
Happenings
calendar ONGOING
HOLIDAY EVENTS
SANTA’S HUT
Park in the Square Through Monday, Dec. 23 Weekdays 5 to 7 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays 1 to 4 p.m.
COMMUNITY
CARRIAGE RIDES Woodstock Square Through Dec. 22 Saturdays 4 to 8 p.m. Sundays 2 to 6 p.m.
CHRISTMAS TREE WALK
Woodstock Opera House Through Dec. 31 Mondays to Thursdays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fridays 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturdays noon to 8 p.m. Sundays noon to 9 p.m.
GINGERBREAD HOUSE WALK Old Courthouse Through Dec. 24 Daily 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
18 WEDNESDAY WOLF OAK WOODS WORKDAY 8930 Route 120 9 a.m. to noon conservmc.org
MEMORY MAKERS STORYTELLING GROUP Woodstock Public Library 414 W. Judd St. 9:30 a.m. 815-338-0542 woodstockpubliclibrary.org
Led by Joy Aavang
WORLD FILM NIGHT Woodstock Public Library 414 W. Judd St. 6 p.m. 815-338-0542 “Rafiki” will be shown.
CHRISTMAS CLEARING HOUSE TOY PACKING
WOODSTOCK FARMERS MARKET McHenry County Fairgrounds Building D 11900 Country Club Road 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. woodstockfarmersmarket.org
YONDER PRAIRIE WORK DAY
1191 Lake Ave. 6 to 9 p.m.
Yonder Prairie 1150 S. Rose Farm Road 9 a.m. to noon conserveMC.org
19 THURSDAY
HABITAT RESTORATION
SENIOR ACTIVITIES Dorr Township 1039 Lake Ave. 10:30 a.m. Lunch - $5 donation 815-338-0125
KIWANIS WOODSTOCK MEETING
Woodstock Public Library 414 W. Judd St. Noon to 1 p.m. woodstockkiwanis@gmail.com
HISPANIC CONNECTIONS MEETING Woodstock Chamber of Commerce 127 E. Calhoun St. Noon woodstockilchamber.com
CHRISTMAS CLEARING HOUSE FOOD PACKING 1191 Lake Ave. 6 to 9 p.m.
21 SATURDAY
CHRISTMAS CLEARING HOUSE DELIVERY DAY 1191 Lake Ave. 8:30 a.m. to noon
Boger Bog 2399 S. Cherry Valley Road 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. mccdistrict.org 815-455-1537
22 SUNDAY YONDER PRAIRIE WORK DAY
Yonder Prairie 1150 S. Rose Farm Road 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. conserveMC.org
HANUKKAH BEGINS AT SUNDOWN
23 MONDAY ATROCIOUS POETS Ethereal Confections 140 Cass St. 7 p.m. Atrociouspoets.com
GRIEF SHARE
Grace Fellowship Church 200 Cairns Court 6 to 8 p.m. 815-337-6510
25 WEDNESDAY CHRISTMAS DAY
To submit calendar items, email pr@thewoodstockindependent.com
29 SUNDAY
WESTWOOD CONSERVATION AREA WORKDAY Westwood Conservation Area 1599 Hillside Trail 9 a.m. to noon conserveMC.org
1039 Wanda Lane 3 to 4 p.m. $10 suggested donation RSVP encouraged, 815-575-8587
6 MONDAY
SPOUSAL CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP
FREE 4 ALL GARAGE SALE
Independence Health & Therapy 2028 N. Seminary Ave. 10:30 a.m. to noon 815-338-3590
Unity Spiritual Center 225 W. Calhoun St. 9 a.m. to noon 847-606-5334
MCHENRY COUNTY HORSE CLUB MEETING
JANUARY
1 WEDNESDAY
Dorr Township Office 1039 Lake Ave. 7 p.m. mchenrycountyhorseclub.com
3 FRIDAY
FOX VALLEY ROCKETEERS MEETING
NEW YEAR’S DAY FRIDAY FUN DAY
Woodstock Public Library 414 W. Judd St. All day woodstockpubliclibrary.org
Woodstock North High School 3000 Raffel Road, Room D187 7:30 p.m. 815-337-9068 foxvalleyrocketeers.org
4 SATURDAY
COFFEE AT THE CAFÉ
7 TUESDAY
WOODSTOCK FARMERS MARKET McHenry County Fairgrounds Building D 11900 Country Club Road 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. woodstockfarmersmarket.org
D-200 BOARD MEETING
DAR GENEALOGY WORKSHOP
Woodstock High School Learning Resource Center 501 W. South St. 7 p.m. 815-338-8200
Woodstock Public Library 414 W. Judd St. 10 a.m. woodstockpubliclibrary.org
5 SUNDAY
WOODSTOCK CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MONTHLY DRUM CIRCLE Culture, Arts & Music
Resurrection Catholic Church
Stage Left Café 125 Van Buren St. 1 p.m. For senior citizens bvidales@woodstockil.gov 815-338-4363
City Hall 121 W. Calhoun St. 7 p.m. 815-338-4300
2918 South Country Club Road Woodstock, IL 60098
We welcome all to join us at our Mass times: Saturday at 5:00 pm & Sunday at 8:00 am and 10:30 am.
We, the members of the Resurrection Catholic Church, are a prayerful, loving community formed by the Holy Spirit, striving to be a sign of the Gospel values of Jesus Christ: justice, truth and love.
MUSIC
ORIGINAL OPEN MIC Dec. 19, 7:30 p.m. Stage Left Café 125 Van Buren St. 815-338-5164 $5 donation
Dec. 20, 21, 7 p.m. Bull Valley Golf Club 1311 Club Road Reservations required 815-206-2283
JAZZ NIGHT
WOODSTOCK FARMERS MARKET
McHenry County Fairgrounds Building D 11900 Country Club Road Dec. 21, 9 a.m. Big Fish, 11:30 a.m. Merrie UkuLadies; Jan. 4, 9 a.m. Kishwaukee Ramblers, 11
calendar
Continued from Previous page
13 MONDAY
GRIEF SHARE
Grace Fellowship Church 200 Cairns Court 6 to 8 p.m. 815-337-6510
PRIDE MEETING
Woodstock Area Chamber of
Dec. 23, 8 p.m. Woodstock Opera House 121 Van Buren St. $33 woodstockoperahouse.com
RED, WHITE, AND BLUES WINE TASTING FUNDRAISER
Featuring a performance by Dave Weld and The Imperial Flames Dec. 28, 7 p.m. Stage Left Café 125 Van Buren St. 815-338-5164 $20
Potts and Pans Steelband Jan. 12, 3 p.m. Culture, Arts and Music 1039 Wanda Lane $10, free for children younger than 6 pottsandpans.com
Dec. 31, 7 p.m. Stage Left Café 125 Van Buren St. offsquaremusic.org $15 donation
FIRST SATURDAY MUSIC Jan. 4, 7 p.m. Unity Spiritual Center of Woodstock 225 W. Calhoun St. $3 donation offsquaremusic.org
STAGE LEFTOVERS
Jan. 8, 7 p.m. Stage Left Café 125 Van Buren St. woodstockoperahouse.org
THE ONES THAT GOT AWAY FEATURING STAGE MCHENRY COUNTY NEW LEFTOVERS MUSIC REVUE Dec. 28, 7:30 p.m. Unity Spiritual Church of Woodstock
Jan. 11, 8 p.m. Woodstock Opera House 121 Van Buren St.
Commerce & Industry 127 E. Calhoun St. 6 p.m. woodstockilchamber.com
7 p.m. Atrociouspoets.com
COFFEE WITH THE CHIEF
COFFEE AT THE CAFÉ
Woodstock Police Department 656 Lake Ave. 7 p.m. 815-338-2131
ATROCIOUS POETS Ethereal Confections 140 Cass St.
14 TUESDAY
Stage Left Café 125 Van Buren St. 1 p.m. For senior citizens bvidales@woodstockil.gov 815-338-4363
18 SATURDAY
‘THE NUTCRACKER BALLET’
SECOND SUNDAY CONCERT SERIES
Dec. 20, 21, 7 p.m. Dec. 21, 22, 2 p.m. Dec. 22, 6 p.m. Woodstock Opera House 121 Van Buren St. Adults $26, students $19 woodstockoperahouse.com
MOVIES
‘WHITE CHRISTMAS’ – THE MOVIE SINGALONG
SPOKEN WORD SPOKEN WORD CAFÉ
Dec. 18, 19, 7 p.m. Woodstock Opera House 121 Van Buren St. $5 (Dec. 17, 19, 19 sold out) woodstockoperahouse.com
Dec. 21, 7 p.m. Stage Left Café 125 Van Buren St.
‘THE LEHMAN TRILOGY’ - A THEATRE CINEMA BROADCAST
COMEDY
Jan. 12, 2 p.m. Woodstock Opera House 121 Van Buren St. $18 adults, $15 senior citizens, $13 students and groups of 20 or more woodstockoperahouse.com
CAFÉ COMEDY NIGHT
WOODSTOCK FARMERS MARKET
bvidales@woodstockil.gov 815-338-4363
Dec. 28, 8 p.m. Stage Left Café 125 Van Buren St. $10 operahouse@woodstockil.gov
WOODSTOCK CITY COUNCIL MEETING
McHenry County Fairgrounds Building D 11900 Country Club Road 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. woodstockfarmersmarket.org
City Hall 121 W. Calhoun St. 7 p.m. 815-338-4300
21 TUESDAY
D-200 BOARD MEETING
COFFEE AT THE CAFÉ
Woodstock High School Learning Resource Center 501 W. South St. 7 p.m. 815-338-8200
Stage Left Café 125 Van Buren St. 1 p.m. For senior citizens
We Are Woodstock!
(815) 205-2177
19
Your news, your business, your community
KNow what’s happening
IN WOODSTOCK EVERY WEEK! serving Woodstock for 32 years
COMMUNITY
Dec. 20, Jan. 3, 8 p.m. Stage Left Café 125 Van Buren St. $5 donation jazzonthesquare.com
ED HALL’S WOODSTOCK CHRISTMAS GUITAR NIGHT
OFF SQUARE MUSIC ANNUAL NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY
BALLET
Dec. 18-24, 2019
WHS MADRIGAL DINNER
a.m. Lara Bell; Jan. 18, 9 a.m. The Siblings, 10 a.m. Briar Road woodstockfarmersmarket.org
$23 woodstockoperahouse.com
THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT
entertainment
225 W. Calhoun St. $15 donation eventbrite.com/e/the-onesthat-got-away-2019-tickets-82231668133
THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT
20
Woodstock
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I NDEPENDENT CLASSIFIED ADS The
Dec. 18-24, 2019
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RUBES
By Leigh Rubin
HEATHCLIFF
By Peter Gallagher
CROSSWORD
1
Dec. 27-Jan. 2, 2017
Dec. 18-24, 2019
THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT
THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT
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Rules: Sudoku puzzles are formatted as 9x9 grids, broken down into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box.
PUBLIC NOTICE
PUBLIC NOTICE
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE TWENTY-SECOND JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, MCHENRY COUNTY, ILLINOIS IN RE THE MARRIAGE OF CHRISTOPHER M. GRUPE, Plaintiff, and TRISHA L. GRUPE, Defendant No. 19 DV 902 NOTICE BY PUBLICATION
PUBLIC NOTICE
PUBLIC NOTICE STATE OF ILLINOIS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE TWENTY-SECOND JUDICIAL CIRCUIT MCHENRY COUNTY-IN PROBATE Case No. 19PR000383 In the Matter of the Estate of WANITA L MURPHY Deceased CLAIM NOTICE Notice is given of the death of WANITA L MURPHY Of: WOODSTOCK, IL Letters of office were issued on: 10/30/2019 to: Representative: RHONDA G MILLER 6290 SULLIVANTOWN RD WALKERTOWN, NC 27051 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 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 December 4, 2019, December 11, 2019, December 18, 2019) L10929
PUBLIC NOTICE
ASSUMED NAME Public Notice is hereby given that on
PUBLIC NOTICE
ASSUMED NAME Public Notice is hereby given that on DECEMBER 2, 2019 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: STRATEGIC SOLDIER HANDYMAN located at 848 ST JOHNS RD, WOODSTOCK IL 60098. Owner Name & Address: KYLE CEDERGREN 848 ST JOHNS RDM, WOODSTOCK IL 60098. Dated: DECEMBER 2, 2019 /s/ JOSEPH J. TIRIO (McHenry County Clerk) (Published in The Woodstock Independent December 11, 2019, December 18, 2019) L10935
PUBLIC NOTICE
ASSUMED NAME Public Notice is hereby given that on DECEMBER 3, 2019 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: FRESH TRIMS LANDSCAPING located at 910 GOLDEN AVE, WOODSTOCK, IL 60098. Owner Name & Address: SERGIO GUZMAN, 910 GOLDEN AVE, WOODSTOCK, IL 60098. Dated: DECEMBER 3, 2019 /s/ JOSEPH J. TIRIO (McHenry County Clerk) (Published in The Woodstock Independent December 11, 2019, December 18, 2019) L10936
PUBLIC NOTICE
ASSUMED NAME Public Notice is hereby given that on DECEMBER 3, 2019 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: GOLDEN OAKS LANDSCAPING located at 335 W. 3RD
ST, WOODSTOCK, IL 60098. Owner Name & Address: VICENTE CARBAJAL, 335 W. 3RD ST, WOODSTOCK, IL 60098. Dated: DECEMBER 3, 2019 /s/ JOSEPH J. TIRIO (McHenry County Clerk) (Published in The Woodstock Independent December 11, 2019, December 18, 2019) L10937
PUBLIC NOTICE
STATE OF ILLINOIS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 22nd JUDICIAL CIRCUIT McHENRY COUNTY Case Number: 19FA203 Alicia Lara Estrada, Plaintiff vs. Artemio Rocha, Defendant PUBLICATION NOTICE NOTICE IS GIVEN YOU, Artemio Rocha, defendant, that this case has been commenced in this Court against you and other defendants, asking this Honorable Court to grant Alicia Lara Estrada, the mother, sole custody for minor child Erica Jacquelin Cardenas Lara, and for other relief. UNLESS YOU file your answer or otherwise file your appearance in this case in the office of the McHenry County Clerk of Court, McHenry County Government Center, 2200 N. Seminary Avenue, Room 136, Woodstock, Illinois 60098, on or before December 31, 2019, A JUDGMENT OR DECREE BY DEFAULT MAY BE TAKEN AGAINST YOU FOR THE RELIEF ASKED IN THE COMPLAINT. Name: Alicia Lara Estrada Attorney for: Prose Address: 2405 Edgewood Ln City, State, Zip: McHenry, IL 60051 Telephone: 847-322-8189 (Published in The Woodstock Independent December 11, 2019, December 18, 2019) L10938
PUBLIC NOTICE
ASSUMED NAME Public Notice is hereby given that on DECEMBER 5, 2019 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: WOODY’S FURNITURE AND MATTRESS OUTLET located at 1280 S EASTWOOD DR., WOODSTOCK IL 60098. Owner Name & Address: JEFFREY M CLUNK 554 FREMONT ST, WOODSTOCK IL 60098. Dated: DECEMBER 5, 2019 /s/ JOSEPH J. TIRIO (McHenry County Clerk) (Published in The Woodstock Independent December 11, 2019, December 18, 2019) L10939
PUBLIC NOTICE
STATE OF ILLINOIS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 22nd JUDICIAL CIRCUIT MCHENRY COUNTY PUBLICATION NOTICE OF COURT DATE FOR REQUEST FOR NAME CHANGE (ADULT)
Request of Ryan Daniel McMahon Case No. 19MR001107 There will be a court date on my Request to change my name from: Ryan Daniel McMahon to the new name of: Regan Danielle Ryan-McMahon The court date will be held on January 3, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. at 2200 N. Seminary Ave. Woodstock, McHenry County in Courtroom # 201. Dated at Woodstock, IL, December 6, 2019 /s/Ryan Daniel McMahon (Published in The Woodstock Independent December 11, 2019, December 18, 2019) L10940
PUBLIC NOTICE
ASSUMED NAME Public Notice is hereby given that on DECEMBER 3, 2019 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: Revelation Boulevard Publishing located at 7902 Pinoak Drive Wonder Lake, IL 60097. Owner Name & Address: Diane R. Hussey 7902 Pinoak Drive, Wonder Lake, IL 60097. Dated: DECEMBER 3, 2019 /s/ JOSEPH J. TIRIO (McHenry County Clerk) (Published in The Woodstock Independent December 11, 2019, December 18, 2019) L10941
PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE OF CHANGE TO DBA Public Notice is hereby given that on DECEMBER 9, A.D.. 2019, a Certificate was filed in the Office of the County Clerk of McHenry County IL concerning the business known as VICTORIA’S CLEANING located at 748 OAK ST., WOODSTOCK IL 60098 which certificate sets forth the following changes in the DBA thereof: NAME CHANGE OF OWNER FROM ALBA AGUILAR TO ALBA GONZALEZ. Dated: DECEMBER 9, 2019 /s/ JOSEPH J. TIRIO (McHenry County Clerk) (Published in The Woodstock Independent December 18, 2019) L10943
PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE OF CHANGE TO DBA ADDITION OF NAME Public Notice is hereby given that on DECEMBER 9, A.D.. 2019, a Certificate was filed in the Office of the County Clerk of McHenry County IL concerning the business known as VICTORIA’S CLEANING located at 748 OAK ST., WOODSTOCK IL 60098 which certificate sets forth the following ADDITION OF NAME change in the DBA thereof: GABRIEL GONZALEZ INIGUEZ 748 OAK ST., WOODSTOCK IL 60098. Dated: DECEMBER 9, 2019 /s/ JOSEPH J. TIRIO (McHenry County Clerk) (Published in The Woodstock Independent December 18, 2019) L10944
23
PUBLIC NOTICES
STATE OF ILLINOIS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE TWENTY-SECOND JUDICIAL CIRCUIT MCHENRY COUNTY-IN PROBATE Case No. 19PR000399 In the Matter of the Estate of JOHN H GRIFFEL JR Deceased CLAIM NOTICE Notice is given of the death of JOHN H GRIFFEL JR Of: MCHENRY, IL Letters of office were issued on: 11/13/2019 to: Representative: JANET L LAINE 6009 SADDLE RIDGE JOHNSBURG, IL 60051 whose attorney is: HOOD, THOMAS B 5001 N RIVERSIDE DR STE 204 GURNEE, IL 60031 Claims against the estate may be filed within six months from the date of 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 December 4, 2019, December 11, 2019, December 18, 2019) L10927
NOVEMBER 27, 2019 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: Shades of Green located at 10711 DEERPATH ROAD WOODSTOCK IL 60098. Owner Name & Address: Robert E Mecklenburg 10711 DEERPATH ROAD WOODSTOCK IL 60098. Dated: NOVEMBER 27, 2019 /s/ JOSEPH J. TIRIO (McHenry County Clerk) (Published in The Woodstock Independent December 4, 2019, December 11, 2019, December 18, 2019) L10934
Dec. 18-24, 2019
PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE IS GIVEN YOU, TRISHA L. GRUPE, Defendant, that this case has been commenced in this court against you, asking for a judgment of dissolution of marriage and for other relief. UNLESS YOU file your response or otherwise file your appearance in this case in the office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of the 22nd Judicial Circuit, 2200 North Seminary Avenue, Woodstock, IL 60098, on or before January 9, 2020, A JUDGMENT FOR DEFAULT MAY BE TAKEN AGAINST YOU FOR THE RELIEF ASKED IN THE PETITION. Stephanie A. Kasten Illinois Atty. # 6272949 Attorneys for Plaintiff The Gitlin Law Firm, P.C. 663 East Calhoun Street Woodstock, IL 60098-4262 815-338-9401 eservice@gitlinlawfirm.com Dated: 11/21/2019 /s/KATHERINE M KEEFE (Clerk of the Circuit Court) (Published in The Woodstock Independent December 4, 2019, December 11, 2019, December 18, 2019) L10928
THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT
ASSUMED NAME Public Notice is hereby given that on Public Notice is hereby given that on NOVEMBER 19, 2019 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: CLS Mobile Notary located at 834 Golf Course Rd, Crystal Lake, IL 60014. Owner Name & Address: Andrea Stevenson 834 Golf Course nRd. Crystal Lake, IL 60014. Dated: NOVEMBER 19, 2019 /s/ JOSEPH J. TIRIO (McHenry County Clerk) (Published in The Woodstock Independent December 4, 2019, December 11, 2019, December 18, 2019) L10926
WOODSTOCK DIE CAST Lung Cancer • Other Cancers
Special trusts have been set up by vendors and suppliers of the Woodstock Die Cast to pay asbestos victims:
If you ever worked at the Woodstock Die Cast before 1982 you may have been exposed to asbestos - and not even know it. You could be entitled to multiple cash settlements without going to court, filing a lawsuit, or even leaving your house. If you ever worked at the Woodstock Die Cast, and have been diagnosed with Lung Cancer (even if you are a smoker) - or Esophageal, Laryngeal, Pharyngeal, Stomach, Colon, Rectal Cancer or Mesothelioma, or know someone who died from one of these cancers, call
1-800-478-9578 Free Claims Analysis
www.getnorris.com/asb
Nationwide Service
Birmingham, Alabama attorney Robert Norris helps injured claimants, nationwide, collect cash benefits from Asbestos Trusts. “No representation is made that the quality of legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.”
COOPER ADAMS WRESTLING
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
Woodstock High School junior Cooper Adams started off this season by winning first place in the Ted DeRousse wrestling tournament in Antioch by going 10-0. He also took third place in the Tom DuBois tournament in Richmond by going 3-1. He has a season record of 14-1. He is a second-year team captain.
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Sports
a total blur. I have to give credit to my defensive line for soaking up all those blockers and giving me one-on-one opportunities to make plays. Many of my coaches and teammates are responsible for keeping my focus in the right direction.” During the 2019-20 campaign, he finished with a team-leading Please see COLLEGE Page 27
By Sandy Kucharski
SANDY@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM
Patriotic pride prevailed Dec. 13 as the Blue Streaks took on the Joeys of St. Joseph’s College of Hunters Hill, New South Wales, Australia. With the flavor of an Olympic event, the Friday night Woodstock High School varsity boys basketball game opened with the playing of the Australian national anthem, followed by the U.S. national anthem. The Streaks got on the board first, but the the Joeys soon established their game, began scoring, and never looked back. They bounded over the Streaks to win 49-23. But the game was just one component in a daylong cultural exchange experience for boys from both teams. The Australian equivalent of a high school team – on a two-week U.S. tour – experienced a day in the life of a Blue Streak player. The visitors spent the morning shadowing the WHS students, followed by lunch together. A gift exchange took place before the varsity game, and a group dinner with all players followed. “I think it’s a great cultural opportunity,” said Al Baker, WHS head coach. A big fan of Australian basketball, he also enjoyed the chance to talk to their coaching staff and learn about how they teach the game. The team of 30 boys, plus staff, flew into Chicago Dec. 4 and have been playing back-to-back games on an eight-game tour throughout the city and suburbs. On Dec. 20 they will fly to the West Coast for a few days of sightseeing and relaxation in Los Angeles.
The Australian experience
The boys were on summer break from St. Joe’s, an independent Roman Catholic secondary and boarding school for boys in a suburb of Sydney. Anna Masr, the team’s manager and a teacher at the school, explained that every boy must participate in two school sports, choosing from such local favorites as rugby, cricket, and surf lifesaving. The school organizes a trip about every two years.
PHOTOS BY KEN FARVER
Sophomore Javier Garay-Vasquez tries to pass the ball Dec. 13 when Woodstock High School hosted the Joeys of St. Joseph’s College of Australia in boys basketball. Blue Streak cheerleaders (below) hold the flag during the Australian national anthem.
“It’s a challenge finding like schools,” assistant coach Tom Coupland said, referring to finding players
of comparable skill levels. And since Australia follows international guidelines, he said, “It’s a big adjustment to the rules.” Nearing the tail end of their eightgame run, the players looked to have adjusted well despite being a bit worn out. “We like to fit in as much as we can,” Coupland said. The experience was facilitated by former WHS athletic director Doug Smith. Since his retirement in 2011, he has assisted several other exchanges with Australian schools.
Smith inducted into NIAAA Hall of Fame By Sandy Kucharski
SANDY@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM
Former Woodstock High School athletic director Doug Smith was inducted into the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association Hall of Fame Dec. 17 in National Harbor, Md. Smith retired in 2011 after 27 years as a high school athletic director at three Illinois high schools. Including his six years as a teacher and coach to begin his career in secondary education, Smith devoted 33 years to high school teaching, coachin, and athletic administration. Please see Doug Smith Page 27
COIURTESY PHOTO
Former Woodstock High School athletic director Doug Smith is show in 1997 holding the WHS state football champion trophy.
SPORTS
COIURTESY PHOTO
Casey Dycus plays defensive back for Aurora Universtiy.
International matchup, more than a game
Dec. 18-24, 2019
Casey Dycus, a Woodstock North graduate, could end up being among the top 10 tacklers of all time at Aurora University. He just needs another year like he had this year. The 5-foot-10, 180-pound junior defensive back currently has 165 career tackles. To enter the top 10, he will need an additional 58 tackles. Dycus finished with 40 tackles as Dan a freshman Chamness and 50 as a The College sophomore. Report “I have a more quantitative goal, because I am so close to making it into the top 10,” Dycus said. “Three years ago, I was a scared freshman, and now I am heading into my final season. It seems like
Streaks host the Joeys of Australia
THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT
North grad tries to be top tackler
25
SPORTS
Dec. 18-24, 2019
THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT
26
Public Notice of Draft NPDES Permit Public Notice Number: CWB:19060501.cwb
ROCKIN’ AND ROLLIN’
Public Notice is hereby given by Illinois E.P.A., Division of Water Pollution Control, Permit Section, 1021 N. Grand Ave. East, P.O. Box 19276, Springfield, IL 62794-9276 (herein Agency) that a draft National Pollutant Discharge System NPDES Permit Number IL0031861 has been prepared under 40CFR 124.6(d) City of Woodstock, 121 West Calhoun Street, Woodstock, Illinois 60098 for discharge into Silver Creek from: City of Woodstock – North STP, 1965 Tappan Street, Woodstock, Illinois 60098 (McHenry County) This facility provides treatment of wastewater generated within its service area.
INDEPENDENT PHOTOS BY VICKY LONG
Woodstock co-op swimmer Gunner Dunnett (above) swims to a win in the 100-yard breastroke Dec. 10. Logan Lorr (below) dives off the blocks to win the 200 freestyle. The team beat Elgin 130-40.
The application, draft permit, and other documents are available for inspection and may be copied at the Agency between 9:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. A Fact Sheet containing more detailed information is available at no charge. For further information call the Public Notice Clerk at 217-782-0610. Interested persons are invited to submit written comments on the draft permit to the Agency at the above address. The NPDES Permit and Public Notice numbers must appear on each comment page. All comments received by the Agency not later than 30 days from the date of this publication shall be considered in making the final decision regarding permit issuance. Any interested person may submit written request for a public hearing on the draft permit, stating their name and address, the nature of the issues proposed to be raised and the evidence proposed to be presented with regard to these issues in the hearing. Such requests must be received by the Agency not later than 30 days form the date of this publication. If written comments and/or requests indicate a significant degree of interest in the draft permit, the permittee authority may, at its discretion, hold a public hearing. Public notice will be given 30 days before any public hearing.
Robby Schultz (left) demonstrates a stylish approach Dec. 10 when the Woodstock co-op hosted Westminster Christian High School. The boys won 2,333-1,860.
STRONG SWIMMING
Miranda Stumpff (right) bowls for the Woodstock girls co-op Dec. 10. The girls defeated Westminster Christian 2,567 -1,685.
INDEPENDENT PHOTOS BY KEN FARVER
BOYS WRESTLING ■ Dec. 12 Woodstock lost to Harvard 39-36 ■ Dec. 14 Woodstock competed in the 42nd Carlson DeJarnatt Invite placing fifth. ■ Dec. 13 Wodstock North fell to Belvidere North 55-12. ■ Dec. 14 Marian Central went 3-0 at the Dundee-Crown Quad. The ’Canes are 7-0 for the season.
BOYS BOWLING ■ Dec. 10 Woodstock co-op beat Westminster Christian 2,333-1,860. ■ Dec. 11 Woodstock co-op travelled to Elgin for a 2,538-2,301 win over Larkin.
GIRLS BASKETBALL ■ Dec. 11 Woodstock beat Antioch 43-32 on the road. ■ Dec. 13 Woodstock had a 55-25 win over Harvard. Senior Emma Brand led the Streaks with 27 points. ■ Dec. 13 Woodstock North beat Johnsburg 42-38. ■ Dec. 14 Woodstock North lost to Marian Central 48-26. ■ Dec. 14 Woodstock North beat Crystal Lake Central 38-31. ■ Dec. 14 Marian Central topped Round Lake 28-19. BOYS BASKETBALL ■ Dec. 11 Woodstock North beat Genoa-Kingston 64-48. ■ Dec. 14 Woodstock North beat Johnsburg 58-54. ■ Dec. 12 Woodstock beat Round Lake 58-49. ■ Dec. 13 Woodstock hosted St. Joes of Australia, losing 49-23. ■ Dec. 14 Marian Central lost at Nazareth 79-74.
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Continued from Page 27
75 tackles. Not only did he lead the Spartans in total tackles, but he led in solo tackles with 52. He had two tackles for 4 yards of loss, which included one quarterback sack for 3 yards of loss. He also broke up two passes, forced two fumbles, and had two fumble recoveries. “I could not have asked for a better junior season,” Dycus said. “It was a special year for our seniors specifically. We had a real love and brotherhood that helped us win games. The only personal goal I had was to have more tackles than my best friend [Sean Reyna, the other safety]. We love the friendly competition, and it was all in good fun.” Aurora, which advanced to the first round of the NCAA Division III playoffs, finished 9-2 overall and 7-0 in the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference. Dan Chamness writes The College Report for The Woodstock Independent.
27
SPORTS
GIRLS BOWLING ■ Dec. 11 Woodstock co-op topped Dundee-Crown 2,665-1,981.
“I was very surprised and humbled,” Smith said when he learned of the nomination. “I will be accepting [the award] on behalf of all the excellent coaches and athletes I have worked with over the years.” His tenure included 14 years at WHS, 1989 to 2003, highlighted by a state football championship, multiple team titles, and many outstanding individual athletic accomplishments, including state champion cross-country runner Katie Hartman. “We had a good run with male and female athletes,” said Smith. Present for the growth period of the ’90s, Smith was instrumental in the planning for new athletic/physical education facilities and two gymnasiums. He developed student leadership programs and started the athletic
COLLEGE
Dec. 18-24, 2019
BOYS SWIMMING ■ Dec. 10 Woodstock co-op had a 130-40 win over Elgin. ■ Dec. 13 Woodstock co-op lost to Cary-Grove 110-71.
DOUG SMITH
Continued from Page 25
Hall of Fame. He also created the Hoops for Healing basketball tournament, which raises funds for cancer awareness research. Continuing this program at Naperville North, the event has raised more than $400,000 to date. “I raised my family here,” said Smith, whose daughters Dana and Carey graduated from WHS. Previous to WHS, Smith taught and coached at East Peoria High School and was assistant principal and AD at Monmouth High School. After leaving WHS, he finished his career as AD at Naperville North. Smith was president of the Illinois Athletic Directors Association and was a co-creator of the IADA Mentoring Program. He has taught more than 30 leadership training courses at the state level and was a speaker at nine IADA state convetions. In 2009 he was inducted into the WHS Hall of Fame.
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NN SCOREBOARD NN
THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT
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Dec. 18-24, 2019
A passion for families
From urgent care to pediatrics to vascular surgery, Mercyhealth Woodstock’s primary and specialty care providers have been here for you and your family for 20 years and will be for many more to come! Merrit DeBartolo, MD Board Certified Urology Dr. DeBartolo’s interests include kidney stone disease and minimally invasive surgery for very large kidney stones, stress urinary incontinence, plus pediatric urology including circumcision and bedwetting. Dr. DeBartolo welcomes new patients. To make an appointment, please call Mercyhealth Woodstock at (815) 337-7100 or Mercyhealth Hospital and Medical Center–Harvard at (815) 943-8090.
Baby Min Than, MD Board Certified Family Medicine In addition to family medicine, Dr. Than’s areas of special interest include diabetes, care for chronic health conditions, geriatric care and women’s care. Dr. Than has Tuesday appointments until 7:30 pm; call for Saturday availability. To make an appointment, please call Mercyhealth Woodstock at (815) 337-7100.
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