Woodstock Independent 3/25/2020

The

Woodstock

I NDEPENDENT

March 25-31, 2020

Published every Wednesday | Est. 1987 | Serving Woodstock, Wonder Lake and Bull Valley, Ill. | www.thewoodstockindependent.com | $1.00

City, state agree: Stay home!

Woodstock announces further restrictions on facilities. Page 2

By Larry Lough

LARRY@THE WOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

Effects of the coronavirus dominated last week’s meeting of the Woodstock City Council, limiting the seating for the public to a few spaces and taking over most of the discussion.

Council members – five in person and

MARKETPLACE Local restaurants cleaning, cooking for carry-out orders PAGE 11

SCHOOLS

two by phone – unanimously approved an ordinance granting the mayor new powers under a state of emergency, which had been declared earlier in the day.

“These are uncharted waters in many respects,” Mayor Brian Sager told the council. “... We really don’t know what the ultimate outcome will be.”

Meeting on the same day that the first COVID-19 death in Illinois was reported, the council made quick work of its agenda during the 50-minute meeting.

In addition to approving the emergency powers for the mayor, the council also received the fiscal year 2020-21

See EMERGENCY, Page 2

ANSWERING THE CALL

Virus shuts down colleges, sends student back home PAGE 9

SPORTS

High school athletic directors await word on spring sports

PAGE 22

INDEX Opinion Schools

6 9

Marketplace

11

Community

13

Calendar

16

Classified

18

Puzzles

20

Public Notices

21

Sports

22

The Woodstock Independent

671 E. Calhoun St., Woodstock, IL 60098 Phone: 815-338-8040 Fax: 815-338-8177 Thewoodstock independent.com

INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY TRICIA CARZOLI

Personal protective equipment for Woodstock Fire/Rescue District first responders now includes gown, gloves, a mask, and eye protection, as modeled here by firefighter/EMT John Leu. Story on Page 13.

Lauf hopes to add voice to issues

By Larry Lough

LARRY@THE WOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

Maybe it was not surprising that Catalina Lauf of Woodstock won McHenry County last week in a sevencandidate race for the Republican nomination for the 14th District congressional seat – in her first campaign for elective office.

But she also finished third in the seven-county district in a field of candidates with established political bases and well-funded campaigns.

“Having lived in this county most of my life and having a family that have long been active members of our community served as a good foundation,” Lauf said in an email interview. “Early on, I garnered the support of local

leaders who believed in my message and saw an opportunity for change.”

State Sen. Jim Oberweis of Sugar Grove won the contest to challenge Democratic incumbent Lauren Underwood in November.

State Sen. Sue Rezin of Morris was third, and former Kendall County Republican chairman Jim Marter

See ELECTION, Page 4

NEWS

March 25-31, 2020

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

2

What ‘shelter in place’ order means for city

By Larry Lough

LARRY@THE WOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

Woodstock officials, who had closed some city facilities earlier, announced further restrictions on city facilities and personnel in response to Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s announcement Friday ordering all Illinois residents to “stay at home” and closing all “non-essential” businesses.

“The governor’s order is similar to that recently imposed in the states of California, New York, and other regions,” City Manager Roscoe Stelford said in a news release. “These actions, while extreme and difficult, are proven to be effective in curtailing the spread of COVID-19. Mayor [Brian] Sager, City Council members, and all city administration individuals strongly encourage respect for, and compliance with, the need for only essential travel and limited social interaction for the foreseeable future.”

According to the governor’s order, all nonessential businesses must close.

Schools in the state will remain closed until April 8, with more information on schools to come later.

Other essential businesses that can remain open include grocery stores, hospitals, pharmacies, gas stations, and news media outlets. All local roads and tollways will remain open.

“You’ll still be able to leave your

INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY LARRY LOUGH

The front door to Woodstock City Hall had been locked to limit public interactions. Now the building is closed to the public amid new restrictions announced Friday.

house, to go to the grocery store, to get food,” Pritzker said in his

announcement. “You’ll still be able to visit a pharmacy, go to a medical office or hospital, or to gas up your car. ...

You’ll still be able to go running and hiking and walk your dog.”

Many city facilities in Woodstock had been closed earlier in the week.

City officials updated the restriction after the governor’s announcement. n All city facilities are now closed to the public and services are no longer available at Woodstock Recreation Center, Woodstock Public Library, Woodstock Opera House, and Stage Left Café. Woodstock City Hall is open for online and phone business, with limited essential staffing, and the City Hall building is closed to the public. n All non-essential city workers will work from home until further ordered.

Those positions that are critical for continued municipal service, including city administration, police, Finance, and a number of Public Works positions, will be staffed with no disruption in service anticipated. Personnel policies are being modified to allow essential positions to remain staffed while ensuring the safety of employees and those around them. Additional responsibilities will be handled by employees from home using distance conferencing and off-site technology as needed. n The city of Woodstock is working on a comprehensive package of potential aid to small businesses in

EMERGENCY

Limiting interactions

Continued from Page 1

budget that already was out of date because of how the pandemic will affect city revenues.

“I wish the year we were planning was going to happen,” City Manager Roscoe Stelford said, “but it’s not.”

Tax income to take a hit

With local restaurants and bars limited indefinitely to pickup and delivery orders, and shoppers generally ordered by Gov. J.B. Pritzker to stay home, the city will see diminished income from sales, video gambling, and income taxes.

But Finance Director Paul Christensen said the city was prepared for the downturn.

“In some ways you can throw that [budget] all out,” he said of the new year’s fiscal plan. “But the city has large reserves. ... We are in an excellent position to weather this.”

Stelford said after the meeting that, not counting pension funds, the city had about $20 million in reserves to cushion the blow of COVID-19.

this community. Details will be shared as soon as City Council reviews and approves these measures. n City staff continues to review and evaluate a great deal of rapidly changing information for timely sharing with residents, businesses, and the public at large. Residents are urged to check the city’s website at woodstockil.gov, Facebook page, and the Economic Development department’s Constant Contact e-list for updates. For inclusion on the business information e-list, email kcoltrin@woodstockil.gov. More information can be found on the Woodstock Area Chamber of Commerce Facebook page, reflecting business hours and product availability for those businesses still open, including grocery stores, restaurants with delivery or curbside pickup, pharmacies and medical clinics, banks, gas stations, and certain other essential operations.

“The citizens and businesses of Woodstock are a uniquely compassionate and creative group of individuals who are already finding ways to help each other endure, and rise up from, this intensely dramatic experience,” Mayor Sager said in the release.

“The city is here to offer assistance, whenever and however that may be possible.”

For more information, citizens are urged to call the city manager’s office at 815-338-4301.

INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY LARRY LOUGH

Two members of the Woodstock City Council participated in last week’s meeting by speaker phone, and seating in council chambers was limited to a handful of widely separated seats.

One positive for the city from the nation’s financial distress is that interest rates on municipal bonds are at historic lows as investors shy away from the stock market. That comes as the city prepares to sell $10 million in bonds to finance an expanded 2020 program for street improvements.

Bids on the work were opened later

in the week, and contracts could be awarded in early April. Low oil prices also are expected to depress the cost of asphalt for the citywide resurfacing work.

“Local government debt rates could not be more favorable,” Stelford said. “...

We anticipate that we will get a lot of road for our money.”

Woodstock’s state of emergency was declared at 2 p.m. March 17 in conjunction with four other McHenry County towns: Algonquin, Cary, Fox River Grove, and Ringwood. Harvard and McHenry has already made similar declarations.

“This declaration was not made because a local resident was diagnosed with the coronavirus,” Sager said, “or because there’s a lack of local medical assistance.”

The mayor listed two immediate benefits from the state of emergency: n Woodstock is in a better position to obtain state and federal funding to cover local expenses from the current public health crisis. But the mayor was uncertain what funds might be available and what extra costs to the city might be ahead because of the pandemic. n The city won’t be constrained by labor contracts in re-assigning personnel to cover necessary tasks.

“That provides some flexibility,” the mayor said, “in terms of how we might distribute or parcel out responsibilities Continued on NEXT page

3

Continued from PREVIOUS page

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY LARRY LOUGH

Mayor Brian Sager (right) and Deputy Mayor Mike Turner practice some “social distancing” during the Woodstock City Council meeting last week. Members Wendy Piersall and Jim Prindiville agreed to participate from home via speaker phone shown between Turner and Sager.

Citizens urged to stay home unless ... pet for a walk.

Where does the stay-at-home order apply?

The entire state.

Is this mandatory or just guidance?

This order is mandatory.

How will this order be enforced?

Illinois State Police will work with local law enforcement to enforce this order.

Will the Illinois National Guard be enforcing this order?

No. The Guard will support logistics, transportation, and medical efforts.

Will grocery stores be open?

Yes, essential services will still be operational including, but not limited to, grocery stores, gas stations, pharmacies, police and fire stations, hospitals, and other health care operations.

A full list can be found at coronavirus. illinois.gov

1550 S. Eastwood Dr. Woodstock, IL 60098 (815) 338-4330

M/T/W: 9:00 AM - 9:30 PM TH/F/SA: 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM S: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM

We now match prices with the proof of current flyer or advertisement.

We reserve the right to limit quantities and are not responsible for misprints. Some restrictions apply.

GREY GOOSE VODKA 750 ML

$19.99

expires 4/15/20

DEWAR’S WHITE LABEL SCOTCH 1.75 LTR

$24.99

expires 4/15/20

MUMM NAPA CUVEE 750 ML

$13.99

expires 4/15/20

TITO’S VODKA 1.75 LTR

$26.99

expires 4/15/20

BASIL HAYDEN BOURBON 750 ML

$31.99

expires 4/15/20

JOSH CABERNET SAUVIGNON

$11.99

expires 4/15/20

ABSOLUT VODKA 1.75 LTR

$24.99

SMIRNOFF VODKA 1.75 LTR

$15.99

Must present coupons at time of purchase.

BURNETT’S VODKA 1.75 LTR

$10.99

JAMESON IRISH WHISKEY 1.75 LTR

$36.99

expires 4/15/20

expires 4/15/20

expires 4/15/20

SEAGRAM V.O. 1.75 LTR

$16.99

SOUTHERN COMFORT 1.75 LTR

$18.99

BACARDI SILVER OR GOLD 1.75 LTR

expires 4/15/20

expires 4/15/20

expires 4/15/20

expires 4/15/20

11% Discount

NOBILO SAUVIGNON BLANC 750 ML

ANTHONY HILL

BY FETZER ASSORTED 1.5 LTR

expires 4/15/20

expires 4/15/20

11% Discount ON ANY 750 ML FINE WINE

ON ANY 4-PK, 6-PK CANS OR BOTTLES OF MICROBREWERY BEER

Sale items excluded expires 4/15/20

Sale items excluded expires 4/15/20

$15.99

$6.99

expires 4/15/20

PATRON SILVER TEQUILA 750 ML

$35.99

$6.99

NEWS

By executive order of Gov. J.B. Pritzker effective at 5 p.m. March 21, all Illinoisans are to stay in their homes to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The order prohibits things like visiting the homes of friends and holding gatherings of any size and closes all nonessential establishments, including most retail, recreation, and entertainment businesses.

It does not prohibit essential activities such as going to the grocery store, receiving medical care, or taking your

March 25-31, 2020

within the staff.”

The mayor now has the power to declare a state of emergency – previously reserved for the city manager – as well as terminate it. The council also may vote to end the declaration, and as long as it is in force, the item must be a part of the agenda of every council meeting.

“Bottom line is we want to assure residents and businesses,” the mayor said, “that we are working as closely with other units of government as possible to be well informed and to encourage our residents to be vigilant in their approach to this pandemic.”

Last week’s declaration was announced in a press release.

“While continuing to provide responses to all questions and resident needs,“ the release said, “city departments have agreed to limit public interactions ... through Easter Sunday, April 12, ... pending further review.”

The governor’s order on Friday, and more restrictions by the city on facilities and personnel, will limit those interactions even more.

While the primary services of police and other departments such as Public Works will not be disrupted, the release reported, a number of changes in access and procedures have been put into place.

March 25-31, 2020

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

4

IN BRIEF

Dorr Township shuts office; meals available for pickup Dorr Township’s office at 1039 Lake Ave., Woodstock, has closed.

The closing was announced in a news release from township Supervisor Sue Brokaw.

“Only essential staff will be available,” the release said. “We will be taking phone calls, and messages or emails will be responded to within 24 hours.”

Brokaw announced the use of meeting rooms for all groups would be postponed for the next eight weeks. The situation will

be re-evaluated at that point. All senior activities have been suspended.

Catholic Charities will continue to prepare hot meals and deliver them to the township office each Wednesday. Meals may be picked from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. that day at the Community Room entrance for a suggested donation of $5.

Meals will be carried out to seniors’ cars.

For more information or to reserve a meal, call the office at 815-338-0125.

Bull Valley declares state of emergency until March 31 Bull Valley President Emily Berendt has declared a state of emergency for the village through March 31.

In a news release, Berendt announced the Village Hall would be closed to walkin business “to meet social distancing requirements, and to protect the public and our staff.”

Staff will be available by phone, the release said, and building permit applications and other forms can be sent digitally or mailed and returned the same way.

Police and Public Works Department will work their regular schedules, and police will continue to do well-being checks as requested.

Questions about the declaration should be directed to Village Administrator Rich Vance at 815-459-4833 (office) or 847650-9074 (cell), or email villageofbullvalley@gmail.com.

ELECTION

NEWS

finished fourth behind Lauf.

‘A new voice’

Other local contests November’s

ballot

in

McHenry

The McHenry County Correctional Facility has closed its front lobby area and suspended all on-site video visitation, according to a news release.

The jail is now offering one free off-site video visit to each inmate/detainee. Each inmate/detainee can receive one free offsite video visit each week. Additional visits will be offered at the standard cost.

People may visit icsolutions.com to create a video visitation account and schedule visits for the upcoming weeks.

The Correctional Facility’s front lobby has been closed, but the vestibule area will remain open for bond posting effort to make it an appointed position, refused to name a successor for the board to approve, although the Republican Party had nominated Rein for the job.

The coroner’s duties have been performed by personnel in the sheriff’s office since Majewski’s resignation.

Another close race was a threecandidate contest for two Republican nominations to represent District 6 on the County Board.

Incumbent James Kearns finished first with 37 percent of the vote, with Tracie Von Bergen of Hebron second, defeating Dan Bertrand of Huntley by 43 votes among the 6,859 cast for those nominations. Democrats Nancy Glissman of Huntley and Larry Spaeth of Harvard were uncontested.

The Sixth District includes the western three-fourths of McHenry County, with the exception of Dorr Township and much of eastern Grafton Township.

Continued from Page 1

As a first-time candidate, Lauf, 26, found it a challenge in a field of others with established political bases.

“I entered the crowded field late with no name recognition and very limited resources up against more established candidates with large coffers,” she wrote. “When you’re a newcomer to politics, large donors are very hesitant to invest. Many stayed out of the primary, but I’m grateful for those who believed in me.”

While she would not say whether she would campaign again for public office, Lauf said she hoped to offer “a new voice and fresh perspective to the conservative movement.”

“We need desperate change in the Republican Party,” she wrote. “... It’s time for the party of free-enterprise, personal responsibility and the American Dream, which are all under attack, to wake up. It’s time to preserve what Republicans stand for, to think about our future and to expand our party base.”

In a press release, Oberweis called the Republican race “a spirited and well-fought campaign.”

“I have been disappointed in the negative tone that the campaign has taken, but all of that is behind us,” he said in the release. “Now is the time for us as Republicans to come together and finish the mission, which is to defeat Lauren Underwood in November.”

Oberweis, 73, chairman of Oberweis Dairy, had strong name recognition from his business and political life. His opponents attacked him largely on his record of six unsuccessful campaigns for governor, U.S. Senate, and Congress.

Jail closes lobby, limits inmate visitations to video

INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY TRICIA CARZOLI

During an appearance at the VFW five days before the primary election, Catalina Lauf of Woodstock speaks about her campaign for the Republican nomination for the 14th District congressional seat. The first-time candidate finished third in a field of seven candidates.

County will have a number of other interesting races.

Two-term Republican state Rep. Steven Reick of Woodstock will be challenged by four-term Woodstock Mayor Brian Sager, a Democrat. He was first elected a city councilman in 1989 and later mayor in non-partisan elections.

Sager, 67, a retired college administrator, defeated Peter Janko of Marengo in the race for the Democratic nomination in Illinois House District 63. Sager won 66 percent of the vote in the twoman race.

Reick, 66, a lawyer, was uncontested for renomination.

Another closely watched race in the March 17 primary was for the Republican nomination for McHenry County coroner, which was won by McHenry funeral director Mark Justen.

Democrats had no candidate for coroner in the primary election, but party officials could fill that ballot void for the November election.

Justen won 35 percent of the vote in the three-candidate GOP race, followed closely by Woodstock chiropractor Michael Rein with 33 percent and Crystal Lake nurse Angela Byrnes at 32 percent.

In the Nov. 3 election, voters will be asked in a binding referendum whether the county should make the coroner’s position an appointed job – by the County Board – or keep it as an elective office. So, whoever wins the election in the fall could have no position to fill.

Anne Majewski, a Republican, resigned the coroner’s job last year for health reasons. County Board Chairman Jack Franks, who has led the

Turnout not good, not bad

Amid coronavirus fears, voter turnout for the primary election in McHenry County was not the best – nor the worst.

While voters don’t turn out for primary elections in the spring the way they do in November, certain factors can boost numbers at the polls.

Democratic voters last week still had something of a presidential race, and Republicans needed to choose someone to try to win back the 14th District congressional seat.

With few high-level contests on the ballot, 54,276 citizens voted, which was 23.49 percent or registered voters.

Four years ago, with presidential contests on both ballots, turnout was 43.35 percent when 88,950 McHenry County residents voted and Donald Trump and Bernie Sanders won the county.

With a less exciting primary election in 2012, turnout was a meager 19.72 percent as 39,242 ballots were cast.

The number of registered voters has increaseed each election.

The United Way and area social service organizations offer a list of services that can be accessed by phone at 211, or 1-888-865-9903, or online at navigateresources.net/path/ Trained individuals are available to help

n In an article published March 18, the future use of the current Woodstock Farm & Lawn building, 2020 S. Eastwood Drive, was incorrect. That’s where Murphy’s Flooring, 2104 S. Eastwood Drive, plans to move.

We regret the error.

■ Steven R. South, 35, Wonder Lake, was arrested March 10 on charges of domestic battery/physical contact and harassment/electronic intent to harass.

■ Diana M. White, 41, Wonder Lake, was arrested March 13 on charges of possession of controlled substance and possession of narcotic.

injuries; ambulance 7:10 p.m. – 400 block of South Eastwood Drive, traffic/pedestrian accident; ambulance, shift commander, engine 9:55 p.m. – 3700 block of Doty Road, unintentional detector activation, no fire; shift commander, ambulance, two engines 11:44 p.m. – 700 block of Leah Lane, malfunctioning smoke detector activation; shift commander, ambulance, two engines

engine

March 17

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

Woodstock Fire/Rescue District EMS calls for March 12-18: 80 Fire Runs March 12

3:20 p.m. – 19800 block of East Grant Highway, Marengo, traffic accident with

March 13

12:15 p.m. – 300 block of Christian Way, unintentional smoke detector activation, no fire; shift commander, engine 1:52 p.m. – 100 block of Grove Street, unintentional alarm system activation, no fire; engine, shift commander 11:11 p.m. – 1100 block of Walden Oaks Drive, carbon monoxide incident;

March 15

5:47 a.m. – 15900 block of Nelson Road, authorized controlled burning; engine 9:20 a.m. – 100 block of Raffel Road, power line down; engine 3:33 p.m. – 2000 block of Route 176, Crystal Lake, assist police or other agency; engine, chief 3:36 p.m. – 1600 block of Raffel Road, arcing/shorted electrical equipment; engine 3:49 p.m. – 1700 block of Route 176, Crystal Lake, assist police or other agency; engine, chief March 16

12:40 p.m. – 2000 block of Willow Brooke Drive, unintentional alarm system activation, no fire; shift commander, ambulance, two engines

11:21 a.m. – 2500 Mustang Trail, trash or rubbish fire/contained; shift commander, tender, ambulance, two engines 11:52 a.m. – Dean Street and Lawrence Avenue, gas leak (natural or LP); engine 4:04 p.m. – 11400 block of Halma Lane, malfunctioning CO detector activation; engine 4:48 p.m. – Fairview and Preswick lanes, traffic accident with injuries; ambulance, shift commander, engine 4:52 p.m. – Lake Avenue and Eastwood Drive, traffic accident with no injuries; ambulance, engine, chief March 18

100 block of Bloomfield Drive, carbon monoxide detector activation, no CO; engine 10:25 p.m. – 100 block of Redwing Drive, toxic condition/other; engine

In Woodstock, our businesses thrive thanks to a community of entrepreneurs and leaders. Phoenix Woodworking is one of the many manufacturers that call Woodstock home. Given Woodstock’s outstanding location, ample workforce and creative spirit, Phoenix Woodworking is able to create beautifully crafted projects for hospitals, schools and office buildings.

If you are looking for your perfect home and a fiercely independent business community, Woodstock has it all.

REAL INDEPENDENT. REAL CREATIVITY.

NEWS

CORRECTIONS/CLARIFICATIONS

PUBLIC SAFETY LOG

McHenry County Sheriff’s Office

5

Medicaid and Medicare, medical information lines, and crisis intervention services • Employment supports, such as job training, transportation assistance, and education programs • Support for older Americans and persons with disabilities, such as adult day care, respite care, home health care, and independent living programs • Support for children, youth, and families, such as after-school programs, family

March 25-31, 2020

Services to help you cope offered on 211 phone line

resource centers, mentoring, tutoring, and protective services.

connect people to local services for help.

These services, available to all ages and many at no or minimal charge, are outlined below. While many organizations are not in Woodstock directly, their programs do cover this community, or they can direct you to others that can help you • Basic human needs, such as food, shelter, and rent and utility assistance • Physical and mental health resources, such as health insurance programs,

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

IN BRIEF

OPINION

March 25-31, 2020

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

Not a lot is being asked of us to slow virus “These are the times that try men’s souls: The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of his country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman.”

– Thomas Paine, December 19, 1776

Americans know something about an existential crisis.

In the winter of 1776, the colonists’ rebellion against the crown was near collapse. People like Paine provided the encouragement that the rebels needed to overcome superior forces, and a successful revolution birthed this great nation.

Today, we face a similar challenge to our everyday life – if not existence – in the form of the coronavirus, COVID-19, no less a potent force than the British. But unlike the highly visible Redcoats, the virus is an invisible enemy about which we know dangerously too little.

Only weeks after being diagnosed in the U.S., it has wreaked havoc on our personal lives and our economy. That’s why we should take it as a personal challenge to slow and limit the spread of the disease, which is certain to test our resolve in the days and weeks – perhaps months – ahead.

Unfortunately, our knowledge of the coronavirus is dwarfed by what we don’t know. We are learning the hard way as we – and humankind – confront this attack for the first time.

In such a frightening circumstance, without knowing what the appropriate reaction should be, we are better to overreact than under-react. That is the reasoning behind Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s “shelter in place” directive last week.

This is serious business. But many citizens have not taken it seriously enough.

Mixed signals from the highest level of our government have confused Americans about the urgency of precautions, which led a few governors

How did I get this virus? I’m always wearing gloves. At least there’s Netflix.

You will have to make due with these. The only store that still had masks in stock was the costume shop.

EDITORIAL CARTOON BY LUKE GOINS

like Pritzker to issue statewide “stay at home” orders.

But we fear that too many people still don’t take this emergency – a true public health crisis – seriously. The anecdotal evidence last week saw much of the Woodstock public go about business as usual, except for those restaurants and bars whose interaction with customers was limited to curbside pickup.

Now that the “shelter in place” order went into effect at 5 p.m. Saturday – and more businesses and government offices have closed their doors – we will have to see whether the stay-at-home directive is more persuasive than earlier state-of-emergency notices in getting people to change their behaviors.

When Pritzker announced the statewide

restrictions just days ago, COVID-19 cases in Illinois were fewer than a thousand and deaths were in the single digits. By the time you read this, those numbers will have have increased – perhaps dramatically, if other nations’ experience with the virus repeats itself in the U.S. How many deaths will it take to awake us?

How we in Illinois react could determine how much further the illness spreads into our communities. And the simple steps to mitigate that spread – hand washing, social distancing, staying home – are not such a big challenge.

Yes, it can be a matter of life and death.

Be a patriot. Do your part. Unless it’s absolutely unavoidable, stay home.

» YOUR VIEW

As schools address debt, more taxes is no answer Regarding your D-200 article on debt plan options (The Independent, March 18), it’s interesting how the debt came to be without a longterm plan or options for demographic changes. Always incorporate the “what if” factor.

I will tell you one thing; property tax increases are not an option, and this addiction for plan makers needs to stop.

More taxes mean more taxpayers will get fed up and leave. More and more retirees are even looking to

leave despite Illinois being retiree friendly.

Our Woodstock community has already seen what happens when there is no plan to keep up road conditions. Raising taxes means reducing current population; the taxpayer is suffocating from poor planning and unfunded pensions. It just doesn’t work. It’s time for our plan makers to research successes from other communities/states and see what the difference is. Scott Walker ring a bell?

Reducing bloated salaries, getting rid of taxpayer-funded pensions, and documenting all residents so they can pay their share

are some glaring subjects. It used to be people became educators for the love of it, not the money and health insurance plan.

Nothing new here. Our blue-collar pockets are empty. Besides, we will need our income to pay the rising costs of increased minimum wage inflation.

Jon Moore Woodstock

Students made moves to save Marian chess team

Please give credit where credit is due. The Marian Central chess

team was started as an after-school club by a then-student, Mike Hanlon. When he graduated from high school, he handed over the reins to Ethan Buck, who when he graduated handed the reins over to Austin Buck. Faculty advisers at different times were Mr. Sarther, Mrs. Varga and Mr. Widzisz.

Toward the later years of the club, faculty support to keep the club active diminished and the boys had to fight to keep the club going. In particular, Austin Buck was instrumental in the formation of the present chess team.

Through his determination and Continued on Next page

hard work, he increased the club attendance and helped to form the present team that competes at state level.

He persisted in making sure that the chess club was just as important, or more so, than the pingpong club.

These boys were insightful, determined and successful in their mission to create a club that is still in existence at Marian Central at a successful level.

They should be acknowledged with accurate reporting by the school and faculty.

Milena Buck Woodstock

Lots of history behind Earth Day observance Thank you for Cynthia Kanner’s article on the 50th year of Earth Day (The Independent, March 18). I would like to add a few more interesting details on why April 22 was chosen by Wisconsin Sen.Gaylord Nelson as Earth Day. April 22 is the birthday of J. Sterling Morton, April 22, 1832, to April 27, 1902.

Morton was appointed secretary of the Nebraska Territory by President James Buchanan, a post he held from 1858 to 1861. He was acting governor of Nebraska from Dec. 5, 1858, to May 2, 1859.

Morton founded Arbor Day in 1872. He served as President Grover

about Anne Frank’s 761 days in a small attic and realized the 17 days we were facing in our comfortable homes was nothing by comparison. “And we have technology,” John said.

Technology offers us much as we “stay at home.” If you’re on Facebook, search for #songsofcomfort, which was started by Yo-Yo Ma. The first post is his playing Dvorak’s “Going Home.”

Having a sense of humor is good for the soul, too. Another person, in a tongue-in-cheek response to toilet paper hoarding, posted “Wipe Out” by Surfaris. An internet search will offer a plethora of virtual tours of museums, zoos, historic places, and more.

Young people are looking for things to do and ways to help. I challenged our six youngest grandkids to show me their talents on videos.

Elementary- and middle-school-age children are quite adept at using computer programs to create videos, and most have laptops at home with them for virtual learning while their schools are closed. The videos I received were terrific. One family even included the talent of their dog, Birdie, coming when called.

One more thought. Teens who can drive will gladly run essential errands – picking up groceries and the like.

Granddaughter Cameron volunteered, and I took her up on her offer to pick up milk and fresh fruit for us.

We can do this. We will stay home and slow the spread of the coronavirus, because we can and will do it together.

Cheryl Wormley is publisher of The Woodstock Independent. Her email address is c.wormley@thewoodstockindependent.com

Cleveland’s Secretary of Agriculture from 1893 to 1897. He was well known in Nebraska for his agricultural and literary activities and is credited with helping to change the Agriculture Department into a coordinated service to farmers. He supported the president in setting up national forest reservations.

Also, his son, Joy Morton, founded Morton Salt and created Morton Arboretum in Lisle, Ill. J. Sterling Morton’s home and estate in Nebraska City is now a state park, the Arbor Lodge State Historical Park. Two J. Sterling Morton high schools (East and West) are in Cicero, Ill., and a J. Sterling Morton East Auditorium.

Donna Davis Woodstock

Subscription rates/year $45 in Woodstock, Bull Valley and Wonder Lake. $47 in McHenry County. $52 for snowbirds and $60 outside McHenry County.

Corrections

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

Staff

Cheryl Wormley

PUBLISHER

c.wormley@thewoodstockindependent.com

EDITOR

Larry Lough

larry@thewoodstockindependent.com

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Sandy Kucharski

sandy@thewoodstockindependent.com

Ken Farver

PHOTOGRAPHER

ken@thewoodstockindependent.com

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Dianne Mitchell

dianne@thewoodstockindependent.com

ADVERTISING MANAGER

Jen Wilson

jen@thewoodstockindependent.com

ADVERTISING

Katy O’Brien

katy@thewoodstockindependent.com

ADMINISTRATION/SUBSCRIPTIONS

McDaniel

Rebecca

subs@thewoodstockindependent.com

COLUMNISTS

Paul Lockwood, Lisa Haderlein, Dan Chamness, Patricia Kraft, Jeff Cook PHOTOGRAPHERS

Alex Vucha, Vicky Long, Margie Paffrath CORRESPONDENTS

Tricia Carzoli, Janet Dovidio, Susan W. Murray, Megan Ivers, Lydia LaGue, Brittany Keeperman EDITORIAL CARTOONISTS

Jim Mansfield, Luke Goins PROOFREADER

Don Humbertson

Deadlines & contacts NOON WEDNESDAY

Press releases and photos

pr@thewoodstockindependent.com

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

news@thewoodstockindependent.com

NOON THURSDAY

Display advertising

ads@thewoodstockindependent.com

NOON FRIDAY

Legal notices

subs@thewoodstockindependent.com

Classified Ads

classifieds@thewoodstockindependent.com

OPINION

Continued from Previous page

own ways of living out the unstructured days we have been given.

This week, I’m going to share some of what I’ve added to my days to replace what Cheryl I had on my calWormley endar. Looking Declarations ahead, I’d like to publish how you are putting joy, fun, and caring into your days. Send me a couple of sentences about what you’ve done. Photographs are OK, too. Let’s use the mail and email. The office address is 671 E. Calhoun St., Woodstock. My email address is indepublisher@comcast.net.

I’m really enjoying calling family and friends. My older sister lives alone, and I usually call her Wednesday and Sunday nights. I decided to call every day and to switch from nights to mornings. On Saturday, I told her about the cardinal who sits in a bush outside our dining room window and sings. She said she wouldn’t recognize a cardinal’s song, so I opened the window and held my mobile phone outside. The cardinal cooperated, and Nann was thrilled. I’m reaching out to friends, too, especially ones who live by themselves. Two people benefit from each call – the person called and the caller.

Grandson John, 11, called to say hello. He said he was bored without school and the multiple soccer and lacrosse practices and games he has each week. Our conversation moved on to a discussion of other confinements: the Jews hiding during World War II and prisoners of war. We talked

671 E. Calhoun St. • Woodstock, IL 60098 Phone: 815-338-8040 www.thewoodstockindependent.com

7

March 25-31, 2020

How are you doing?

Not much is happening, because so much has happened with the COVID19 pandemic in the past week. Gov. J.B. Pritzker ordered restaurants and bars closed between the time I wrote Declarations last week and you received your Independent.

Then Friday, he ordered everyone in Illinois to “stay at home” through April 7. Of course and thankfully, all essential businesses and services will continue. Police, fire, and emergency personnel are at their posts. Grocery stores, pharmacies, and gas stations are still open, and restaurants can continue food carryout and delivery. We can all be grateful that doctors, nurses, and their support teams are giving their all.

The governor said the news media, including newspapers, are essential, too. Thankfully, he recognizes the importance of keeping the people of Illinois informed about what’s happening. You can count on The Independent staff to provide the up-to-date information you want and need. We will continue publishing every week, and we will update Facebook and thewoodstockindependent.com often.

We removed the paywall on the website, so it can be accessed by everyone during this unprecedented time.

I am so grateful to everyone on the staff for finding ways to work remotely as much as possible, but some of what we do can only be done out and about and in the office. They assure me they are being careful.

What’s most important right now is slowing the spread of the coronavirus. That means staying put for the next two weeks – through April 7. Each of us must and will come up with our

Woodstock

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

We can do this ... together!

The

I NDEPENDENT

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

8

March 4-10, 2020

Woodstock Woodstock s nicer odWoodstock ighborho nt program Making sinne me lop eve red of g stock focus home Upgrading hou o close to break Virus hiceltsintto ing spr r ove vel nal tra ernatio wants you to count Census Schools can

T I N D E PE N D EPN E N D E N T NT I N D EI NDEPENDE

The

March 11-17,

Published every

g Wood Est. 1987 | Servin Wednesday |

independent.com

hewoodstock Valley, Ill. | www.t

Published

2020

| $1.00

The

March 18-24, 2020

stock, Wonder

Serving Wood | Est. 1987 | every Wednesday

Lake and Bull

kindependent.com

hewoodstoc Valley, Ill. | www.t

| $1.00

developMach, community McHenry to Hansevery | Est. 1987 | Serving Woodstock, Wonder Lake and Bull Valley, Ill. | www.thewoodstockindependent.com | $1.00 Wednesday Grant Published with the opment Block administrator Community Devel on Low- and Mod- ment of Planning and y Department work program to do an iden- Count nt. households in n Developme idea is to get the comHOME erate-Income lizatio Revita od whole borho we “The and hear what a tified Neigh FARM munity to come out to apply for Area. last a handful of Woodstock plans LMI homes in a Strategy week, say,” Mach told ation sessions the have called [the more. on to parents last nts, have to Public inform officials – at ts reside ...

GARDEN CDBG to do work rd, too.

In a notice sent – mostly city“[S]ome paren School ted only a few Harva T, Pageis2 where they state tant people of Woodstock uni- week attrac specific NRSA. Please see GRAN llainput is impor

By Larry Lough administrators , those comm school] and that nced the cance r situations although public according DEPENDENT.COM In other words ss, dealt with simila District 200 annou y for $805,000 to the granting proce THE WOODSTOCKIN have qualif LARRY@ they ers each ational school-spon winn on continuing plan gh a ties could and By of all intern Larry Lough Winter Art Show assuring will be available online in 13 languages. andconfive years throu “be counted” to without issue break over t wrote tion residents next stuparen 200 spring the a ict the of t over over gardens your Preparing • farming ed,” Aquaponics Distr trips the process is “safe plann WOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM the paren as LARRY@THE a sored them . and secure.”

Paper forms will be sent to houseStraw bale gardening • State ag policies announced for In late February, School the trip just seems like the coronavirus me High about “[T]o .

North high cerns PAGE 9 email thatweek, you holds that might not have internet of this endwas And by the this trips dent at Woodstock ndent about the in an g those this group to take 3 U.S. access, which the Census Bureau estiAmon le with Indepe Page the from notice a have also gamb should counted, be and The up stand to Time big VIRUS cted conta to Italy Please see for a student trip Census Bureau with information about mates to be about 20 percent of the no Woodstock. school’s plans e interna- trip.” ts need to be concerned break – despit Paren But it might be easier if you do it sit- how to respond online (including your population.

Future’ with over spring avirus. the GARDEN & FARM HOME, ce coron the erien What does the census form want to over unique 12-digit household ID). While ‘Exp ting down in front of a computer. out section tional concern onald’s look Eight-page pullYou probably already have received the postcard was printed in English know? Number, names, sex, race, and 16-page pull-out section can Woodstock McD candidates Please see CENSUS Page 2 PAGE 15 a postcard urging McHenry County and Spanish, the census questionnaire profiles contested help you prepare for spring PAGE 15

By Larry Lough

ENT.COM TOCKINDEPEND LARRY@THE WOODS

SUBSCRIBE

Feds urge you to fill out form online, but paper still available As a small business we need you more than ever!

Please consider supporting SS your local newspaper.

MARCH MADNE

SCHOOLS

BOTS BATTLE OF THE

MARKETPLACE

VOTERS GUIDE

D SPRING FORWAR

OpiniOn

3 MONTHS

schOOls a&e

COMMUNITY

4

6

11

15

Marketplace calendar

19

classified puzzles

22

PAGE 13

COMMUNITY

It was a week when city felt coronavirus pandemic effect

PAGE 24

PAGE 35

INDEX

INDEPENDENT

PHOTO BY VICKY

LONG

during the VEX 4 ete Saturday compINDEX nic Lopez. ol robotics team celli, and4 Domi Obituaries North High6 Scho Jack Bigler, Sean Piglia OpiniOn of the Woodstock (from left) 6 OpiniOn S. Shown are 9 Three members etition at WNH schOOls n.

9 schOOls Robotic Comp team member Jorge Arago 11 is red a&e Not pictu Obituaries

k ctate street wor Bid prices will di Call or email for details rict? litics of 63rd Dist What are poD-200 weighs debt plan options 24

26

public nOtices spOrts

TODAY! MORE MARCH MADNESS

When laughter needed most, comedy concert called off

PAGE 11

ng, learning Lessons in leadi nal Night at 4-H’s Internatio

FREE 9

PAGE 19

A&E

ce reborn Chicago Renaissan g program for Creative Livin

INDEX

Obituaries

A special publication of The Woodstock Independent March 18, 2020

A&E

alligator It’ll be lighter later g Time; with Daylight Savin Sunday a.m. move clocks 2

cOMMunity

March 258-31, 2020

The

Lake and Bull stock, Wonder

27

28

The Woodstock Independent

St., 671 E. Calhoun 60098 Woodstock, IL 8-8040 Phone: 815-33 Fax: 815-338-8177 k Thewoodstoc om independent.c

Marketplace

13

23

a&e

13

Marketplace

16

INDEPENDENT

PHOTO BY KEN

FARVER

in the

e temperatures 35 cOMMunity s, told the city son Park, wher s.

28 or of Public Work this l court at Emric offi- cdirect etbal t some hoop baskthat 40 alendar on theittee ionrs Comm ts, which city portat playe ace sleeves to shoo Trans the year’s 30 projec resurf s and pro- gets and short ear mill in t time INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY KEN FARVER h a five-y amen together swould work42 Tourn lassified cyear’s will launc

By Larry Lough ht friend ghout cials hope32 nt fair- to pooray broug s throu preve Sund DEPENDENT.COMpuzzles to street on of toilet paper at Jewel-Osco in Woodstock. The TOCKIN supplies ents de depleted of photo a get 60s to stops shopper A 44 uzzles with ppavem , which would LARRY@THE WOODS gram to upgra 33 will focus on streets coronavirus pandemic has caused local schools to close and events to be canceled. Story on Page 4. streets from failing nOticesstock, rated public Wood 45 cantly more to fix. nOticessignifi $10 tion index” rating public cost d this week for ment 34 condi for our buck ined to then bang Bids will be opene to improve more determ spOrtsa “pave more s get Van “We can46 cts to poor. Street but spOrts Reick of Wood failed streets,” ghout of fair million in contra will be patched don’t pay for Republican Steve the seat since segments throu be “less than poor” rebuilding another if we legislative held than 200 street a stock-centered wait for stock, who has Landuyt said. year.

Wood theSTRE hopes to win ETS, Page 3 ” will have to Woodstock this See The stepped aside, The

By Larry sLough to live on a “failed was Franks M district. be year. stock If you happen DEPENDENT.CO won’tWood yt, Woodstock’ in November. crat because it TOCKIN Woodstock DemoLough chances are it al oflean“I third term to go over well with [taxpayers],” board of the Board Jeff tVan Landu “I ran asBya Larry the decision LARRY@THE WOODS enden street, however, t,” Franks said. play into the district’s politic RepubIndep te Independent distric plan.

Despi lican WOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM LARRY@THE 2020 members them,were member Bruce Farris said. a Repub St., favorweek a two-partyEducation, included in the d to last a Repub 671 E. Calhoun St.,liseeme 671 E. orCalhoun put School officials do have other crat ing thatwith to to show we have cratic dis-presented r d Demo neither – paths two a bothe be wante 60098 it IL didn’t Will a Demo Woodstock, IL DisWoodstock, s House been someatimes licans Take such as the Illinoi options, including some reduction of two-year “hit” ins, the without escape won’t Taxpayers lican.”desirable: system. If it had 8-8040 can who wins as a Repub date against Frank Phone: 815-33 have run a candi uplevy year?60098 the debt by spending down the disa home-nged that would raise I would mil-andbond with the in dealing some pain run for, When Reick challe trict 63 seat this Frank to $161 Marengo trict, Fax: 815-338-8177 Phone: seat 2012. of s the and 2 reserve fund, which Chief Finanup 2008 Pagetrict’s as much as owner’s property taxes by School debt of Woodstocknry lion bond He gave County Democrat Jack 815-338-8040 See ELECTION, McHe Thewoodstock in the Illinois HouseDistrict $700 each year, or spread the debt out cial Officer Risa Hanson told the board the office of win, 200. om won his first term Fax: 815-338-8177 independent.c and went on It comeschairm 138 votes matter of, “You and add up to eight years to the payoff was now more than $25 million. a 2016. toin downan Board of ve in 1998 by only Thewoodstock D-200 has used that surplus and as representati schedule. can pay now, or you can pay later.” to serve 18 years independent.com See DEBT, Page 3 going is these of either “I don’t think And while a number of factors will

for new subscribers

cOMMunity calendar

classifiedThis

We Are Woodstock!

SCHOOLS

Your news, your business, your community E-Subscription Only $30/year

Auto Pay $4 a month

Complete the Census at my2020census.gov or call 844-330-2020

Funding provided by the State of Illinois, Department of Human Services

Print Subscription Only $45/year

Offer good for addresses in 60097 & 60098

SUBSCRIBE

815.338.8040 • thewoodstockindependent.com rebecca@thewoodstockindependent.com

KNow what’s happening

IN WOODSTOCK EVERY WEEK! serving Woodstock for 32 years

PICTURE THIS

Floral Highways in the Nineties was a standard flower show presented by the Bull Valley Garden Club, Kishwaukee Valley Garden Club, and Woodstock Garden Club. “How Green is My Valley” was the theme in 1995 using the many flowers and plants from the valley areas of the county. From left: Ann Berry, Bull Valley Garden Club; Clarice Caufield, Woodstock Garden Club, and Sophie Wargaski, Kishwaukee Valley Garden Club chaired the show.

All of the March and April McHenry County Historical Society programs have been canceled.

Don Peasley Photo Collection, McHenry County Historical Society

Kitchens • Baths • Windows • Millwork • Lumber • Doors 815-338-0075 • 1101 Lake Ave., Woodstock • www.woodstocklumber.com

Schools

9

By Maureen Murray

NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

Change of plans

Gabriella Scolio, a junior at Xavier University in Ohio and a 2017 graduate of Woodstock High School, didn’t find out that classes were canceled for the remainder of the semester until two days after the changes were announced “I was hiking the Lares Trek in the Andes Mountains in Peru,” Scolio said.

“It was the first message I read.”

Carolina Kirwan, a sophomore at the University of Alabama and a 2018 graduate of Marian Central Catholic High School, will participate in e-learning for the remainder of the semester.

“I was at school, working my oncampus job at a residence hall,” said Kirwan, a biology major with a Spanish minor. “It was announced the last full day before spring break started.”

Will Maidment, a junior at Valparaiso University in Indiana and a 2017 graduate of Woodstock High School, said his professors had helped to ease the transition to virtual learning, but he fears he might “get lazy and forget about assignments,” as his days will not have the same structure as they do on campus.

COURTESY PHOTO

Xavier University students Gabriella Scolio and Azl Saeed hike in the Andes Mountains during spring break. Without cell service, the two found out two days after the announcement that the school had canceled in-person classes for the remainder of the spring semester. Scolio is now at home with her family in Woodstock.

While it is common for students to take an online class or two each semester, an entire semester’s course load online is unusual. Students in professional sciences, like nursing and education, face an added challenge as many will be unable to fulfill their required clinical or student teaching hours.

Short on resources

Kirwan, who is on track to go to medical school, said she was concerned about taking important courses like physics and genetics virtually, “especially because I plan to take the Medical College Admission Test in less than a year.”

Scolio realizes why the changes needed to be made, but said she feared losing in-depth classroom discussion and was concerned about the quality of an entirely online education.

“I’m unsure I’ll be able to produce the same caliber of work from my high school bedroom as I am on my university’s campus with access to a lot more resources,” Scolio said.

As many students leave campus housing and return home, in-person classes are not the only thing they leave behind. Universities face

decisions about how to support student employees while they are away from campus.

Many college students are part of work-study, a federally or statefunded program that helps students with financial need to get part-time jobs. Xavier informed student employees that they would continue to be paid for their normal amount of work hours for the remainder of the semester, working or not.

Maidment, a civil engineering major and mathematics minor, is a tutor at Valparaiso and will still assist peers by offering help sessions online. Asked whether he would look for a job locally, Maidment considered it but said that that seemed unlikely as “more and more things seem to be closing.”

Since the University of Alabama is closing residence halls, Kirwan will no longer be able to work her on-campus job. She plans to move back to Woodstock and live with her parents to maintain financial stability.

“I love my parents,” Kirwan said, “but I think most college students would agree that they don’t necessarily want to go back to living at home when they’ve been living with friends for the past two years.”

INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY KEN FARVER

Fran Sutherland (left) and Patti Wilson, from Creekside and Prairiewood schools’ food services, hand out breakfast and lunch packages for Woodstock School District 200 students on a blustery, 38-degree Friday.

SCHOOLS

Second semester of the 2019-20 academic year came to a standstill for many college students last week.

In response to the spreading pandemic of coronavirus, COVID19, many colleges and universities decided to cancel in-person classes for much of the spring – and in some cases, the remainder of the semester.

Like area elementary and high schools, students will take part in “e-learning” to finish this semester’s classes, lectures, and labs virtually.

Now, instead of taking spring break trips and balancing time studying and socializing with friends on campus, many students face the challenges of moving out of residence halls and adapting to taking classes online.

Families of students in Woodstock School District 200 have been notified about meal distribution while schools are closed.

According to a news release, breakfast and lunch will be offered for pickup at several sites around Woodstock.

Families may drive through or walk up to Olson Elementary School and Verda Dierzen Early Learning Center from 9 a.m. to noon Monday through Friday, when they will receive both breakfast and lunch Distribution for families unable to drive to those locations will be at: n Mapletree Apartments, 10:3010:50 a.m. (in front of office building) n Willow Brooke Apartments, 10:30-10:50 a.m. (back entrance, near bus stop) n Autumnwood Apartments, 11:10-11:30 a.m. (south parking lot next to Building 717) n Woodstock Commons, 11:10 - 11:30 a.m. (front entrance to the right of the leasing office) n Prairie View Apartments, 11:50-12:10 p.m. (parking lot next to rental office) n Walden Oaks Apartments, 11:50-12:10 p.m. (picnic area near pond) n Greenwood School, 12:45-1:30 p.m. (school parking lot)

March 25-31, 2020

Virus causes schools to close; students back sooner than expected

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

Home early from college

IN BRIEF During spring break, meals still available

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT March 258-31, 2020

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

10

&

Visit the Historic Woodstock Square

OPERA HOUS E

27

Marketplace

11

Update

By Susan W. Murray

NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

La Placita on the Woodstock Square sells tacos for $1 each Tuesday, boosting the Mexican restaurant’s income for the day to about $1,200.

On March 17 – the day after Gov. J.B. Pritzker shut down all Illinois restaurants and bars – La Placita did $300 in business, according to owner Edgardo Urbina.

As the number of COVID-19 cases climbed in Illinois, the governor on March 15 announced the statewide shutdown of bars and restaurants.

INDEPENDENT PHOTOS BY KEN FARVER

Owner Mary Witt said “so far, so good” with the carry-out and delivery business at Isabel’s Restaurant since the statewide shutdown of dining in. Here she poses with employee Antonio Delgado.

The ban went into place at the end of business on March 16 and now will stay in place through April 7. The short time between the announcement and the shutdown meant that some restaurant owners were caught with an overabundance of food.

“I wish we had had more time to get ready,” said Urbina, owner of downtown eateries Taqueria La Placita and Expressly Leslie’s.

Urbina places a weekly food order each Friday and receives delivery on Saturday.

“Now what do I do with all the food?” he said.

Takeout, pickup, delivery

Like many downtown restaurants, Cesaroni’s Cafe & Deli has designated parking spots for pickup orders. Owner Brad Cesaroni said missed the customer interaction and good mood in the cafe. “We’ll make it through as long as people continue to support us as they have the past two days,” Cesaroni said during the first week of the shutdown.

While the dining-in option is closed off, establishments may still serve takeout via drive-through or pickup and fulfill delivery orders, an option that a number of local restaurant owners are resorting to in order keep their restaurants running, employ their workers, and pay the bills.

Some were already partners with food delivery companies, such as Ubereats or Doordash, while others rely on customer pickup.

Mary Witt, owner of Isabel’s Family Restaurant, said she had incorporated curbside pickup. In addition to having delivery from DoorDash, Witt’s children are making deliveries in the family car.

About 35 customers took advantage of pickup or delivery on Tuesday, St. Patrick’s Day, when the restaurant serves a traditional dinner of corned beef.

“So far, so good,” Witt said of the first day.

While customers are permitted to walk into restaurants to pick up an order, restaurant owners have established protocols to keep contact with customers to a minimum.

After a customer or delivery service driver picks up an order at the Chop Suey Hut, all surfaces and items the outsider comes into contact with are sanitized and disinfected, said Esther Tom, sister of owner Richard Tom. Brad Cesaroni of Cesaroni’s Café & Deli said the goal was to get the customer out of the building within five minutes.

“They come in, they place an See RESTAURANTS, Page 12

3 Brothers Restaurant 3 Stars Pizza Beef Village Casting Whimsy Cesaroni’s Café & Deli Chop Suey Hut D.C. Cobb’s El Niagara Mexican Restaurant Ethereal Confections Expressly Leslie’s FasTacos Tacos de Volada Golden Rolls Sushi Bar and Grill Green Garden Restaurant Holzlager Brewing Co. Isabel’s Family Restaurant La Taqueria La Placita McDonald’s* Main Street Pour House Napoli Pizza Nico’s Red Mill Tavern Offsides Sports Bar & Grill Papa Murphy’s Take-n-Bake Pizza Porkies Pig Roast and Catering Rosati’s Shadowview Brewing The Sugar Circle T&C Bar and Grill Tommy’s Your Sister’s Tomato Wood Fired Pizza *In addition to McDonald’s, most fast food and fast casual chains in Woodstock continue to provide pickup, drive-thru, or delivery service.

MARKETPLACE

Those who wish to support local restaurants during the period when dine-in options are not available, can check the Facebook page, Woodstock Restaurant and Cafe Options during COVID-19, or realwoodstock. com to find restaurants that are offering pickup and delivery. This list might now be updated.

March 25-31, 2020

Restaurants offer pickup, delivery to stay afloat during pandemic crisis

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

‘What do I do with all the food?’ Restaurant

MARKETPLACE

March 258-31, 2020

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

12

STUDENT WEEK JANELLE OF THE

ALLEN

Janelle Allen is a senior at Marian Central Catholic High School. She is the daughter of Linnel Allen, Lake in the Hills.

“Janelle is a servant leader everyday in the classroom and on the basketball court at Marian.

Her positive attitude is contagious. I can’t wait to hear about all her future successes,” said one of her teachers.

Janelle has been on honor roll and has earned the following honors: Buffalo Wild Wings Athlete of the Month; 1000 points; athlete of the month; 1st team all-conference; and all tournament team. She has been the captain for varsity basketball. She is president of the mentor program, and is a member of the French Honor Society. Outside of school, she has participated at Feed My Starving Children as well as other food drives.

When asked who inspires her, Janelle said, “Mrs. Widmayer always encourages to keep my head up and to keep moving forward. Coach Price always pushes me to be the best that I can be.”

When asked what makes her feel successful, Janelle said, “I acheive certain goals that I put in place for myself. I never settle for less than what I know I am capable of. I’m successful because I am never satisfied.”

Discover what matters.

And build your life around it.

222 Church St., Woodstock, IL 815-337-6051 aurora.edu/woodstock

&

815-648-1489

REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS Transactions filed in the McHenry County Recorder’s Office from March 10 to 19 .

■ Residence at 8614 Ramble Road, Wonder Lake, was sold by Becky Claussen f/n/a Becky L. Hannon, Woodstock, to Timothy Daniel Karr, Wonder Lake, for $119,000.

■ Apartment building at 212 S. Tryon St., Woodstock, was sold by Chicago Title Land Trust Company, South Barrington, to Next Generation Development and Consulting LLC, Chicago, for $35,000.

■ Residence at 232 Hoy Ave., Woodstock, was sold by Deanna K. Bohn, Woodstock, to Lena Johnson, Woodstock, for $120,000.

■ Vacant land, approximately 10 acres, at 13401 Route 176, Woodstock, was sold by Douglas E. Davis, Erin Davis and Diane Davis, Hampshire, to Douglas E. Davis, Hampshire, for $100.

■ Residence at 5904 Greenwood Road, Wonder Lake, was sold by Roxane C. Abbate, Wonder Lake, to Leon Laureys, Wonder Lake, for $150,000.

■ Residence at 1249 Redtail Circle, Woodstock, was sold by Phyllis

RESTAURANTS Continued from Page 11

order, they get out of here,” Cesaroni said.

Concern for employees Call about about our Call air sanitizing sanitizing air system that system removes 99% removes of viruses, viruses, of bacteria and bacteria allergens allergens

Residential and Commercial Licensed and Insured 24-Hour Emergency All makes and Models We service All makes and Models

Under the new guidelines, restaurants have shortened their hours, and many have had to layoff workers or reduce the number of hours they work.

“We want for our staff to work,” said Susan Singleton, owner of the Woodstock McDonald’s.

For the first week, Singleton said, she was able to make staff adjustments by giving time off to employees who had to be home with their school-age children.

At Holzlager Brewing Co., owner Travis Slepcevich said that he was filling crowlers – 32-ounce cans of beer – to sell at the brewery and through Armanetti Wines and Spirits. He laid off workers who were part-time waitstaff at the brewery but who had full-time jobs in teaching or marketing.

Urbina said that five of his La Placita employees were not working.

“I feel sorry for the kids I had to tell not to come in,” Urbina said. “I

Mueller Living Trust, Ridgefield, Wash., to William P. Jones, Woodstock, for $279,500.

■ Residence at 3803 W. Lake Shore Drive, Wonder Lake, was sold by Kim L. Geater, Wonder Lake, to Jeffrey A. Goucher, Wonder Lake, for $209,000.

■ Vacant land, approximately 7.5 acres, on Cold Springs Road, Woodstock, was sold by Jeffrey J. Maiers, Chicago, to Keith Dafcik, Algonquin, for $139,000.

■ Residence at 116 Hoy Ave., Woodstock, was sold by The Patricia J. McCaleb Trust, Roscoe, to Lewis Garcia, Woodstock, for $190,000.

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

can give them food; that’s all I can do.”

Relying on community

Running a small business, such as a restaurant, is difficult in the best of circumstances. Having to close for an extended period of time can be devastating.

“It’s scaring the hell out of me,” Holzlager owner Slepcevich said.

“The best thing that people can do is buy food from us,” Urbina said.

A Facebook page, Woodstock Restaurant and Cafe Options during COVID-19, lists the restaurants that are open for pickup and delivery and their hours. Some, such as Chillie Willie’s, are promoting their gift cards, and Ortmann’s Red Iron Tavern is selling T-shirts. For each shirt sold, $10 goes to Ortmann’s part-time employees.

Other restaurants are offering unique promotions. Porkies Pig Roasts is giving a $5 gift card with each $10 order, and Niko’s Red Mill Tavern adds one roll of toilet paper to each order.

“We’ve weathered many storms,” Singleton said. “I know we’ll come through this together as a community.”

Community

13

March 25-31, 2020

“I’m a nonstop extrovert, a people person who loves mingling and gabbing and getting out in the world.”

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

Extroversion vs. social distancing – Meghan McCain

‘Heightened level of anxiety’ Public safety forces on duty amid public health crisis

By Tricia Carzoli

NEWS@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

While Woodstock prepares for two weeks of isolation, local public safety forces are hopeful that a statewide “shelter-in-place” order will diminish the strain on first responders.

Woodstock Fire Rescue District Chief Michael Hill said residents could help by following precautions recommended by health professionals in response to COVID-19.

“This is not something to take lightly,” Hill said, “We want to lessen the strain on our medical personnel, but it is important not to panic. ...

“One way to help first responders is to take care of yourself.”

Woodstock Police Chief John Lieb said his department was changing few procedures, though officers were encouraged to wear gloves. “... [O]ur officers realize our community is at a heightened level of anxiety,” Lieb said. “The Woodstock community will see the same, steady professionalism they have become accustomed to

from our officers.”

Changes made

The WFRD has closed its lobbies and changed its triage process.

When calls come in, dispatchers will ask whether the patient is experiencing fever, cough, or respiratory issues, Hill explained. If so, the patient will be met by WFRD first responders wearing full personal protective equipment, including gloves, gowns, masks, and eye protection.

Patients also will be given a two-way mask, which prevents germs from both coming out and coming in.

“The N-95 masks that people are talking about filter only the air coming in,” Hill said, “leaving the patient vulnerable.”

When paramedics arrive, they also will assess the situation from the door, asking the same questions the dispatcher has asked.

“Even a call for an injury cannot [preclude] a person from having the virus,” the chief said. “We still need to ask those triage questions.”

But Hill emphasized that patients in need of immediate care, such as cardiac arrest, will be tended to immediately.

“We will never withhold what you need in favor of protecting ourselves,” Hill said, explaining treatment would be approached with “common sense.”

The chief said first responders had to take special precautions to avoid exposure to the virus. Temperatures are taken as all WFRD employees enter the building, and they must answer a selfassessment. Firefighters and paramedics now remain at one district location only to limit their exposure to others.

It’s no different on an emergency call.

“We try to keep our paramedics out of the hot zone as often as possible,” Hill explained. That means they prefer patients to walk to the cot outside if they’re able.

“If someone cannot get to the outside, we will send in the fewest amount of personnel necessary,” the chief said, citing the need to expose as few people as possible.

“We cannot risk having our first See POLICE/FIRE, Page 14

See LOCKWOOD, Page 15

COMMUNITY

INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY TRICIA CARZOLI

Woodstock Fire/Rescue District firefighter/EMT John Leu, who has worked for the WFRD for six months, suits up in full personal protective equipment that has become the standard for the Woodstock first responders.

Meghan McCain and I may have different political beliefs, but the above quote – if you substitute “frequent” for the word “nonstop” – could easily have been something I said. Those who know me from Toastmasters, community theater, church, and work would agree: I’m outPaul going. But Lockwood my outgoing A Musing nature may have met its match.

As I write this column, it’s March 18. Life as we know it has changed drastically in a matter of weeks, even days. The COVID-19 outbreak has taken almost 9,000 lives worldwide with the number of confirmed cases at almost 219,000 globally. It doesn’t take a fortuneteller to predict that by the time you read these paragraphs, numbers will have risen significantly.

In Illinois alone, we went from 160 confirmed cases as of St. Patrick’s Day to 288 the next day.

Most of us will not come down with this coronavirus. But several cases in McHenry County have been confirmed so far, and both the news and the daily press conferences from the governor and president continue to provide an upsetting outlook. We’ve quickly moved from a mandate that all events in Illinois with more than 1,000 people present be canceled or postponed to a recommendation that there be a cap of 250 on other events … to no more than 50

Pet Week of the

SAVING JUST ONE PET WON’T CHANGE THE WORLD BUT, SURELY, THE WORLD WILL CHANGE FOR THAT ONE PET.

“ Titus”

1-year-old male

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

COMMUNITY

815-338-4400 2500 Harding Lane, Woodstock

(Off Rt. 14 at the Lake Shore Dr. traffic light)

Titus is an energetic 1-year-old Boxer mix. He is a happy boy who loves to get in a good stretch with his paws up on you before giving out lots of kisses! He enjoys a long nap and going on walks as well. He even has started obedience training! Come in and meet this sweet boy today!!

SPONSORED BY

March 258-31, 2020

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

14

FIND YOUR BALANCE Giving your trees the attention they need

We take a holistic approach to tree care to ensure that your outdoor space thrives no matter what time of year it is. From just one tree to a backyard oasis, we can help.

Full Service Tree Care | Plant Health Care | Fertilization | Consultations The Davey Tree Expert Company Crystal Lake | 815-428-4067 | davey.com

POLICE/FIRE

Continued from Page 13

responders ill,” he said. “We cannot deplete our health care resources.

‘Preparing for it’

So far the WFRD has not experienced an increase in sick calls, Hill said. “But we are preparing for it.”

“We should be cautious, as a community,” Chief Hill said. “But we shouldn’t panic. Panic makes the problem larger.

There is no need to hoard – that is an example of panic creating a different problem.

“Overall, I encourage the community to be proactive: wash your hands often, stay 6 feet away from others, and stay home.”

Police Chief Lieb said COVID-19 is a reminder of the risk of police work.

“Police officers understand there is inherent danger in our job,” he said, “but we do our best to train our officers and to protect them as best we can as they respond to potential danger. For example, our officers wear bullet-proof vests, but we have to acknowledge that the threat of COVID-19 is significant.”

WPD officers are provided 95-level masks, gloves, disinfectant wipes for the cars, and hand sanitizers for calls.

“If an officer feels they need to wash

their hands or face, they can come to the station to use antiseptic soap,” Lieb said. “In addition, officers are encouraged to wash their uniforms daily.”

He emphasized there had been no change in scheduled officers. “Woodstock Police Department is continuing their 24-7 operations,” he said.

There are, however, no citizen ridealongs allowed during this time.

While the police department allows only employees past the lobby, officers are conducting interviews in the public lobby, surfaces are being disinfected thoroughly and often, and public meetings in the building have been canceled.

Chief Lieb said he felt his department was in a good place.

“This is an era when our officers are healthy individuals,” he said. “We have hired eight officers recently who have come to us as healthy, physically fit young men and are, thankfully, not in a high-risk group. ... [O]ur officers maintain a high level of physical fitness and are overall in good health.”

Lieb reported that a local retail establishment recently asked for a police presence when the store opened out of fear of crowds.

“We did offer our assistance,” he said, “and there were a total of six people who all were very nice and orderly.”

Continued from Page 13

Master Gardeners cancel April 4 Gardenfest 2020

Autumn Art Tour accepting applications from artists

Gardenfest 2020, annual seminar of the McHenry County Master Gardeners, has been canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The event had been scheduled for April 4 at McHenry County College.

According to a news release, the cancellation followed the University of Illinois’ recommendations to postpone or cancel events that are expected to draw more than 50 people or draw participants from a wide geographic area.

Registration refunds will be handled through MCC. For more information, call Master Gardeners at 815-338-3737 or visit web. extension.illinois.edu/lm.

Applications are being accepted for the 2020 Autumn Art Tour, sponsored by the Woodstock Professional & Business Women.

The tour will be held Sept. 12 and 13 in Woodstock and the surrounding countryside.

Artists and fine craftsmen are invited to apply by May 15 to show and sell their art.

Plenty of space is available for guest artists.

For applications, visit wpbw.org.

For more information, email woodstockwpbw@gmail.com.

COMMUNITY

IN BRIEF

Paul Lockwood is an enthusiastic singer, constant punster, frequent local theater actor, active Grace Lutheran Church and Toastmasters member, occasional theater reviewer, and past president of TownSquare Players. He’s a senior sales operations specialist and technical lead for Vitality Group USA. He’s lived in Woodstock for 19 years with his wife, Diane.

March 25-31, 2020

being able to gather together … to groups of 10 or fewer.

The new-to-me phrase “social distancing” is our new norm for those rare times we might leave our homes now. Merriam-Webster.com defines it as “the practice of maintaining a greater than usual physical distance from other people or of avoiding direct contact with people or objects in public places during the outbreak of a contagious disease in order to minimize exposure and reduce the transmission of infection.”

The website says the first known use of “social distancing” goes back to 2003.

The areas I mentioned in which people would view me as outgoing are all now keeping us more safely apart: Toastmasters clubs, including the one I’m a member of in Crystal Lake, are canceling scheduled meetings or having virtual meetings.

The Woodstock Opera House, Raue Center for the Arts, and other arts venues have canceled or postponed shows. Many friends involved in community theater are heartbroken to find the runs of their plays and musicals cut short.

The church where my wife and I are active members canceled all worship services, choir rehearsals, meetings, etc., through at least the end of the month, instead posting videos of devotions, sermons, and the like for members to watch at home.

The Chicago-based company where I work is strongly recommending that all employees work from home for the foreseeable future, if possible, so my teammates and I are able to see each other only if we

15

videoconference.

Clearly, it’s harder to be outgoing when you’re not going out. But I understand why restaurants and bars are closed unless they can offer a drive-thru or curbside pickup. I get why Classic Cinemas and other movie theater chains aren’t showing films right now. I grasp the reasons our condo community’s clubhouse and exercise room aren’t open. Safe practices now will lessen the chance that I’ll catch, or pass along, a disease that can be extremely serious or even fatal.

Avoiding illness makes sense, but avoiding all non-physical contact with people doesn’t. So: n Have an envelope? Send a handwritten note to an older relative. n Have a computer? Email a personal greeting to someone you care about. n Have a phone? Text – or better yet, call – a different friend or family member every couple of days. n Have a funny/cute photo of yourself, your pet, or your child?

Share it on social media to make friends smile.

In other words, we need to focus as much on the “social” as we do the “distancing.” Whether you’re outgoing like me or not, it’s crucial that even if we can’t touch each other, we STAY in touch. Make the extro(vert) effort.

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

LOCKWOOD

EVENT

!

D E N O POSTP The event is postponed but WE ARE STILL OPEN! OPEN!

CALL 815-943-4700 www.jsmallenginerepair.com

403 Airport Rd., Harvard, IL 60033

March 258-31, 2020

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

16

•••PLEASE CHECK WITH SPONORS OR VENUES ABOUT CANCELLATIONS OR POSTPONEMENTS OF EVENTS•••

Happenings

calendar

11:30 - 12:15 Available to seniors, 60 and older $5 Call to reserve, 815-338-0125

25 WEDNESDAY 4 SATURDAY WOODSTOCK CITY COUNCIL MEETING Virtual meeting 2 p.m. woodstockil.gov

29 SUNDAY COMMUNITY

WESTWOOD PARK RESTORATION WORKDAY 1599 Hillside Trail 9 a.m. to noon Conservemc.org

WOODSTOCK FARMERS MARKET McHenry County Fairgrounds Building D 11900 Country Club Road 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. woodstockfarmersmarket.org

MCHENRY AREA JAYCEES EASTER EGG HUNT Emricson Park 1313 Kishwaukee Valley Road 10 a.m. mchenryareajaycees.org

APRIL

1 WEDNESDAY 7 TUESDAY WOLF OAK WOODS WORKDAY 8930 Route 120 9 a.m. to noon conservmc.org

2 THURSDAY

SENIOR LUNCH PICKUP Dorr Township offices 1039 Lake Ave.

D-200 BOARD MEETING

Woodstock High School Learning Resource Center 501 W. South St. 7 p.m.

815-338-8200

WOODSTOCK CITY COUNCIL MEETING City Hall 121 W. Calhoun St. 7 p.m.

9 THURSDAY

SENIOR LUNCH PICKUP

Dorr Township offices 1039 Lake Ave. 11:30 - 12:15 Available to seniors, 60 and older $5 Call to reserve, 815-338-0125

To submit calendar items, email pr@thewoodstockindependent.com 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. woodstockfarmersmarket.org

22 WEDNESDAY

Yonder Prairie 1150 S. Rose Farm Road 9 a.m. to noon conserveMC.org

Yonder Prairie 1150 S. Rose Farm Road 9 a.m. to noon conserveMC.org

YONDER PRAIRIE WORK DAY

YONDER PRAIRIE WORK DAY

23 THURSDAY

15 WEDNESDAY 19 SUNDAY WOLF OAK WOODS WORKDAY

YONDER PRAIRIE WORK DAY

8930 Route 120 9 a.m. to noon conservmc.org

Yonder Prairie 1150 S. Rose Farm Road 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. conserveMC.org

SENIOR LUNCH PICKUP

21 TUESDAY

16 THURSDAY

Dorr Township offices 1039 Lake Ave. 11:30 - 12:15 Available to seniors, 60 and older $5 Call to reserve, 815-338-0125

18 SATURDAY

WOODSTOCK FARMERS MARKET McHenry County Fairgrounds Building D 11900 Country Club Road

SENIOR LUNCH PICKUP

Dorr Township offices 1039 Lake Ave. 11:30 - 12:15 Available to seniors, 60 and older $5 Call to reserve, 815-338-0125

26 SUNDAY

WESTWOOD PARK RESTORATION WORKDAY

WOODSTOCK CITY COUNCIL MEETING

1599 Hillside Trail 9 a.m. to noon Conservemc.org

City Hall 121 W. Calhoun St. 7 p.m.

D-200 BOARD MEETING

Woodstock High School Learning Resource Center 501 W. South St. 7 p.m.

815-338-8200

Resurrection Catholic Church

30 THURSDAY

SENIOR LUNCH PICKUP

Dorr Township offices 1039 Lake Ave. 11:30 - 12:15 Available to seniors, 60 and older $5 Call to reserve, 815-338-0125

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.

I SHOULD PROBABLY GET A RIDE HOME. BUZZED DRIVING IS DRUNK DRIVING

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. n 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

■ Four candidates running on conservationist platforms – John Howell, Don Larson, Ann Gilman, and Virginia Peschke – won the Republican primary for District 3 seats on the McHenry County Board.

■ Village of Wonder Lake officials were considering an ordinance that would require developers to pay impact fees to Woodstock School District 200 to offset the cost of adding students to the district’s schools.

native John Havlis. At the request of club members, Havlis planned to add some their favorite menu items from his tenure at Tip Top Bistro.

■ The McHenry County Historical Society had a plan for increasing the number of quilted barns in the county. Participants in the Quilted Barn Program would paint quilt patterns on two 4-by8-foot sheets of exterior plywood (creating 8-by-8-foot squares) and mount them on their barns.

5 years ago – 2015

■ RYAN Companies was set to present a plan to the Woodstock Plan Commission for a shopping center at U.S. 14 and Lake Avenue.

■ The City Council voted unanimously to approve a resolution in support of the Open Land Trust grant application of McHenry County Conservation District. The application sought matching funds to buy 43 land parcels valued at $2.16 million, bordering the Nippersink and Kishwaukee Valley watersheds.

■ Eight candidates – Mark Saladin, Maureen Larson, Daniel V. Lemanski, Don Frick, Gregory A. Hanson, Scott Gessert, Robert Beardsley, and Daniel T. Hart – were running for three seats on the Woodstock City Council.

■ Gov. Bruce Rauner visited Woodstock, pitching his “Turnaround Illinois” agenda to a crowd of about 200 invited guests in the McHenry County Board meeting room. After the meeting, Rauner met briefly with mayors and village presidents from throughout McHenry County at the Woodstock Opera House.

■ Volunteers from five Woodstock churches – First United Methodist, Grace Lutheran, First Presbyterian, St. John’s Lutheran, and St Mary Catholic – were continuing the community’s Meals on Wheels program. Meals were delivered Monday through Friday to people unable to prepare their own food. The food service staff at Centegra Hospital-Woodstock prepared the meals. An average of 20 meals were being provided each day.

15 years ago – 2005

1 year ago – 2019

25 years ago – 1995

■ Residents Frank Gosser and Jim Young debated the pending D-200 referendum before about 80 people at the Woodstock Square Mall.

■ At a public forum, Barry Frame, Brian Sager, and RB Thompson, candidates for Woodstock City Council, debated growth, building a new high school on Raffel Road, and the possibility of using Woodstock High School as a community center.

20 years ago – 2000

■ The Woodstock Fire/Rescue District announced plans for an ambulance fund referendum.

■ More than 90 students participated in Marian Central High School’s production of “Cinderella.”

10 years ago – 2010

■ The Woodstock Morning Rotary Club was staging its second annual Great Outdoors Expo. Featuring more than 100 vendors plus guest speaker, demonstrations, workshops, and seminars, the two-day event at Woodstock North High School was expected to attract hunters, fishermen, campers, and the community.

■ Bull Valley Golf Club welcomed back award-winning chef and Woodstock

■ Woodstock had five candidates – Darrin Flynn, Tom Grell, Lisa Lohmeyer, Wendy Piersall, and Michael Stanard – running for three seats on the City Council. And, the Woodstock Fire/Rescue District had a referendum on the ballot asking for a property tax increase of $56.86 on a single-family home with a fair market value of $100,000.

■ District 200’s orchestra programs started a Big Buddy lesson program.

Members of the high school orchestras were serving as practice buddies for students in fourth through seventh grades.

■ Anna Celenza, professor of music at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., presented “Music and Politics” as part of the Woodstock Fine Arts Association’s Creative Living Series

Your ad could sponsor this Flashbacks section!

The

Woodstock

I NDEPENDENT

Call 815-338-8040 today. thewoodstockindependent.com

COMMUNITY

■ REDEEMER LUTHERAN 1320 Dean St. • 815-338-9370 Worship: 8:45 a.m. Sunday ■ 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: 10 a.m. Sunday ■ WOODSTOCK BIBLE CHURCH 118 Benton St. Worship: 10:30 a..m. Sunday

30 years ago – 1990

17

March 25-31, 2020

■ 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.

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.

■ FREE METHODIST 934 N. Seminary Ave. • 815-338-3180 Worship: 10:30 a.m.

■ GOOD NEWS CHURCH Meeting at Dorr Township Community Room, 1039 Lake Ave. 815-575-9224 goodnewswoodstock.org Worship: 10:15 a.m. Sunday ■ GRACE FELLOWSHIP 200 Cairns Court • gfchurch.org Worship: 9 and 10:45 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) cbhbfil413.com Worship: 1 p.m. Sunday

FLASHBACKS

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

RELIGION

CLASSIFIEDS

March 25-31, 2020

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

18

Woodstock

Deadline: NOON Thursday for next week’s issue

I NDEPENDENT CLASSIFIED ADS The

ILLINOIS CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING NETWORK

To place an ad: CALL 815-338-8040 • VISIT thewoodstockindependent.com

HELP WANTED DRIVERS

WANTED TO BUY

OTR Van Drivers Stoughton Trucking is looking for Van Drivers to run the Midwest Region, Yearly increase -Paid Holidays, Vacation -Health/Dental Insurance -Short-term Disability -Life Insurance - Also $5,000.00 sign on bonus -Home every weekend. Call (608)-873-2922 curt@stoughton- trucking.com

FREON WANTED: We pay CA$H for cylinders and cans.

R12 R500 R11 R113 R114.

Convenient. Certified Professionals. Call 312-598-1758 or visit RefrigerantFinders.com

CALL 815-338-8040 to get in the classifieds!

RENT NorthernFOR ICANS - Run Date Week of 3/22/2020 2 Bedroom Apartment Water & Gas included No smoking, No pets $795 per month Call 815-337-0628

CALL TODAY TO PLACE YOUR CLASSIFIED AD

YOUR AD COULD BE HERE! CALL 815-338-8040 @thewoodstockindependent

Large Blocks are $80 per month Small Blocks are $20 per week CALL

815-338-8040

SERVICE DIRECTORY Small Blocks are $40 and Large Blocks are $80 for 4 weeks Call 815.338.8040 for details.

AC/HEATING

INSURANCE

CONSTRUCTION

LANDSCAPING

March 25-31, 2020

CARPENTRY

19 THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

Deadline: NOON Thursday for next week’s issue

ssnyder;Woodstock Heating & Cooling;A19522;3.75x1.75-BW (20Sp)

CLASSIFIEDS

ANCHOR CONSTRUCTION SINCE 1977

Proud Recipients of the Woodstock Chamber 2020 Professional Service Provider of The Year Award

(815) 338-0282

woodstockheating.com

© 2020 Lennox Industries Inc. Lennox Dealers are independently owned and operated businesses.

HANDYMAN Eli’s Handyman Service Bathroom Remodeling A19522-20Sp-3.75x1.75-BW.indd 1 Tiles, Painting, Plumbing, Electrical No job is too small Free estimates

224-465-0597 Please call or text 815-701-4716

FOUNDATIONS GARAGE SLABS/ DRIVEWAYS PATIOS/ WALKS/ STOOPS REPLACEMENTS fully insured

815-482-9542 (McHenry) free estiMates ELECTRIC CONTRACTOR

YOUR AD HERE

3/5/20

MENTION THIS AD FOR 10% OFF SERVICE CALL - Service upgrades Since - Repairs 1986 4:35 PM - Maintenance Residential - Commercial

Delaware Electric Co. Fully Licensed

815-338-3139

HEALTH INSURANCE

CALL 815-338-8040 TURNING 65? OVER 65? FIND THE PLAN THAT MEETS YOUR NEEDS TO PLACE Trudy L. Hayna YOUR AD Serving McHenry County for 30 Years

Expert Landscaping • Spring Clean-up • Lawn Service • Tree Service • Trimming, Edging, Mulch • Free Estimates

815-905-5852

YOUR AD HERE

PHYSICAL THERAPY

Medicare Supplements!

We Offer All the Major Companies

Hayna Financial Services • 815-337-0011

GET YOUR

BUSINESS INFORMATION IN FRONT OF

LOCAL RESIDENTS!

$40 for 4 weeks

Dr. Molly Oakford, Physical Therapist No physician referral needed Medicare Provider

(815) 334-8850 www.oakfordphysicaltherapy.com

665 West Jackson St. Woodstock IL 60098

TECHNOLOGY

YOUR AD HERE

RUBES

By Leigh Rubin

HEATHCLIFF By Peter Gallagher CROSSWORD

1

Dec. 27-Jan. 2, 2017

March 25-31, 2020

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

20

SUDOKU

1110 N. Seminary Ave., Woodstock • 6am-9pm • 815-3378230

FREE APPETIZER

with a purchase of two lunch or dinner entrees through March 31,2020 (breaded mushrooms or mozzarella cheese sticks)

Catering • Homemade Soups • Homemade Desserts

CLUES ACROSS 1. As soon as possible 5. Gateway (Arabic) 8. Doctors’ group 11. Madder genus of plants 13. A team’s best pitcher 14. Ancient Greek sophist 15. Go up 16. Neither 17. Bolivian river 18. Manila hemp 20. Comedienne Gasteyer 21. British School 22. Human reproductive organs 25. Surrenders 30. Dog with long, silky coat and drooping ears 31. Sun up in New York 32. Lead alloy 33. Eastern Asian plant 38. Rapid deployment force (abbr.)

41. Japanese warrior 43. Festivity 45. Interruptions 47. Nonsense (slang) 49. Data mining methodology (abbr.)

50. Calvary sword 55. French river 56. Global business conference (abbr.)

57. Afflicted 59. Con man’s game 60. No (Scottish) 61. Jewish spiritual leader 62. Fish 63. Camera term (abbr.)

64. Impudence

CLUES DOWN 1. A continuous portion of a circle 2. Genus of seabirds 3. Infant’s dining accessory 4. Native Americans from Arizona 5. Popular fruit 6. Poisonous plant 7. Scolded 8. Assists 9. Hand (Spanish) 10. Amazon product identifying system (abbr.)

12. Basics 14. Cain and __ 19. Malaria 23. Indicates particular shape 24. Respiratory disease 25. Central Standard Time 26. Imitate 27. Golf score 28. A place to lay your head

29. Three cards of the same suit 34. Not in 35. Human gene 36. Ancient Chinese philosophic concept 37. French river 39. Thinks up 40. Type of geological deposit 41. Helps little firms 42. Area units 44. A device to remove 45. Secret political clique 46. Polite interruption sound 47. Foundation 48. Clare Boothe __, American writer 51. Swiss river 52. Prejudice 53. Actor Idris 54. Resistance fighters 58. Speak disrespectfully of SOLUTION

CRYPTO FUN

PUZZLE PAGE

SOLUTION

PUZZLES & COMICS

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

PUBLIC NOTICE

ASSUMED NAME Public Notice is hereby given that on MARCH 10, 2020 An Assumed

PUBLIC NOTICE

ASSUMED NAME Public Notice is hereby given that on MARCH 10, 2020 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: Brennan Lawn & Landscaping Services located at 310 N. Cunat Blvd. Richmond IL 60071. Owner Name & Address: Daniel Brennan 310 N. Count Blvd.

Richmond IL 60071.

Dated: MARCH 10, 2020 /s/ JOSEPH J. TIRIO (McHenry County Clerk) (Published in The Woodstock Independent March 18, 2020, March 25, 2020)L11015

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice of Self-Storage Sale Please take notice Red Dot Storage 6 - Woodstock located at 2105 S. Eastwood Dr., Woodstock, IL 60098 intends to hold an auction of the goods stored in the following units in default for non-payment of rent. The sale will occur as an online

auction via www.storageauctions. com on 4/2/2020 at 9:30 am. Unless stated otherwise the description of the contents are household goods and furnishings. Ivy Sagrado Unit #214; Lois Mosby Unit #439. All property is being stored at the above self-storage facility. This sale may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Certain terms and conditions apply. See manager for details.

(Published in The Woodstock Independent March 18, 2020, March 25, 2020)L11016

PUBLIC NOTICE

ASSUMED NAME Public Notice is hereby given that on MARCH 12, 2020 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: “GREENWAY RECYCLE GROUP” located at 5623 Wonder Woods Dr. Wonder Lake, IL 60097.

Owner Name & Address: Brian R. Engelbrecht 5623 Wonder Woods Dr. Wonder Lake, IL 60097.

Dated: MARCH 12, 2020 /s/ JOSEPH J. TIRIO (McHenry County Clerk) (Published in The Woodstock Independent March 18, 2020, March 25, 2020)L11017

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that the Annual Meeting of the Woodstock Cemetery Association will be held on Monday, April 13, 2020, 6:00 p.m. at the Woodstock Public Library, 414 W. Judd Street, Woodstock, Illinois.

Dated March 1, 2020 /s/ Nancy Irwin, Treasurer (Published in The Woodstock Independent March 25, 2020)L11018

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN in compliance with State of Illinois Statutes that a Public Hearing will be held by the City Council of the City of Woodstock, McHenry County, Illinois in connection with the approval of the FY2020/2021 City of Woodstock Municipal Budget. Copies of the proposed budget are available for inspection in the Office of the City Manager, 121 W. Calhoun Street, Woodstock, Illinois, or online at www.woodstockil. gov, which can be accessed at the Woodstock Public Library, 414 W. Judd Street.

Said hearing will be held on Tuesday, April 7, 2020 at 7:00 P.M. in the City Council Chambers located at 121 W. Calhoun Street, Woodstock, Illinois at which time and place any person desiring to be heard may be present.

(Published in The Woodstock Independent March 25, 2020)L11019

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice of Self-Storage Sale Please take notice Red Dot Storage 78 - Woodstock located at 740 Washington Rd., Woodstock, IL 60098 intends to hold an auction of the goods stored in the following unit in default for non-payment of rent. The sale will occur as an online auction via www.storageauctions. com on 4/14/2020 at 9:30 AM. Unless stated otherwise the description of the contents are household goods and furnishings. Gabriella Carbajal Unit #157; Tyler Schuler Unit #028; Sara Howard Unit #219. All property is being stored at the above selfstorage facility. This sale may be withdrawn at any time without notice.

Certain terms and conditions apply.

See manager for details.

(Published in The Woodstock Independent March 25, 2020)L11020

21

PUBLIC NOTICES

ASSUMED NAME Public Notice is hereby given that on MARCH 10, 2020 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: OXI FRESH CARPET CLEANING located at 18619 ALTENBURG ROAD, HARVARD IL 60033. Owner Name & Address: TODD N. RUTHERFORD 18619 ALTENBURG ROAD, HARVARD IL 60033.

Dated: MARCH 10, 2020 /s/ JOSEPH J. TIRIO (McHenry County Clerk) (Published in The Woodstock Independent March 18, 2020, March 25, 2020)L11013

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: Gardner Environmental Services (GES) located at 312 Tall Grass Drive Harvard IL 60033. Owner Name & Address: David Gardner 312 Tall Grass, Harvard Illinois 60033.

Dated: MARCH 10, 2020 /s/ JOSEPH J. TIRIO (McHenry County Clerk) (Published in The Woodstock Independent March 18, 2020, March 25, 2020)L11014

March 25-31, 2020

PUBLIC NOTICE

ASSUMED NAME Public Notice is hereby given that on MARCH 9, 2020 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: “MORE THAN A GIFT” BAGS located at 1931 N. ORLEANS APT 1A, MCHENRY IL 60050.

Owner Name & Address: STEVEN W. FRANZEN 1931 N. ORLEANS APT 1A, MCHENRY IL 60050.

Dated: MARCH 9, 2020 /s/ JOSEPH J. TIRIO (McHenry County Clerk) (Published in The Woodstock Independent March 18, 2020, March 25, 2020)L11012

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

STATE OF ILLINOIS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE TWENTY-SECOND JUDICIAL CIRCUIT MCHENRY COUNTY-IN PROBATE Case No. 20PR000062 In the Matter of the Estate of LLOYD W. MUELLER Deceased CLAIM NOTICE Notice is given of the death of LLOYD W. MUELLER Of: CRYSTAL LAKE, IL Letters of office were issued on: 2/27/2020 to: Representative: AMY E. PLACENCIA 772 CONCORD DR. CRYSTAL LAKE, IL 60014 MATTHEW W. MUELLER 25W067 WINDHAM HILL CT. NAPERVILLE, IL 60540 whose attorney is: WILBRANDT, LAURENCE A 65 S VIRGINIA ST CRYSTAL LAIKE, 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 March 11, 2020, March 18, 2020, March 25, 2020)L11008

SPORTS

March 25-31, 2020

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

22

Sports

Division I sports runs in the family

It is probably a fair bet that more than a few dinner conversations at the Beattie household centered on cross-country, track and field, or distance running in general.

Every single member of Luke Beattie’s family at some point in their lives ran college crossDan country. At the Chamness NCAA Division I level. Not only The College Report his siblings, but mom and dad as well.

“It is a pretty special bond,” said Luke Beattie, who recently finished his cross-country career at Utah State University. “It is something unique that we all share.”

It can be argued that the Utah State senior has had the best career of any member of the Beattie family.

Not only did he make two trips to the NCAA Division I nationals, he was also named to the Luke Mountain Beattie West All Conference team as a junior and a senior.

In 2016, he was named MWC Freshman of the Year. He also earned NCAA Division I All-Region in the Mountain Region. He was twice named the Mountain West Runner of the Week.

Most of the year, Beattie would find himself running 8,000-meter See COLLEGE, Page 23

Living life without basketball

With no NCAA play, family finds a creative way to follow favorites

By Sandy Kucharski

SANDY@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

Desperate times call for desperate measures and one basketball-loving Woodstock family found a way to distract themselves, even if only for a short time.

“Filling out brackets is a fun thing we do as a family every year,” Alex Baker said. “No tournament this year just means we had to be a little more creative.”

Baker, a Woodstock High School teacher and boys head basketball coach, said the family does a 16-team bracket every morning and posts it to Baker’s Facebook page and his Blue Streak basketball team page. Players and friends comment with their votes, and the Baker family adds up the votes and announces results the next morning along with sharing a new bracket.

“It’s just a silly thing the kids and I are doing for fun,” Baker said.

He has been getting 50 to 60 votes for each bracket, and he’s seen it growing with friends sharing the posts on their timelines.

COURTESY PHOTO

The Baker family’s March Madness bracket for favorite zoo animals shows the penguin was voted the champion.

Brackets have covered such topics as favorite potatoes with tater tots winning, favorite Pixar movies where Toy Story came out on top, and favorite zoo animals. The breakfast food Facebook post read like this: “I think yesterday’s three-way battle in the Breakfast Food bracket was as exciting as any basketball game could possibly have been. In the end, bacon wins with 50 points, eggs finish second

with 47, and French toast comes in third with 44. Poor yogurt is the only contestant not to reach a single Final Four.”

Baker said they have brainstormed a bunch of possible topics so they can keep doing brackets until school resumes – or until people get bored – whichever comes first.

“It’s a fun diversion,” Baker said, “and I’m glad people are enjoying it.”

Silent high school spring so far Hopes dim to salvage spring sports season

By Sandy Kucharski

SANDY@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

In a week that would normally have been filled with practices, games and meets, the fields, courts and tracks at area high schools have remained vacant. Heading into week two of school closures with no certain return date, the ripple effect is being felt in every facet of high school life, including sports.

In processing what to do regarding athletics, administrators take direction from the Illinois High School Association. In a statement on their

website, the IHSA announced the following: “The Illinois High School Association (IHSA) is supportive of the stance taken by the Illinois State Superintendent of Schools that no IHSA member school should organize their teams for any spring sport practices or games while Illinois high schools are closed through March 30.

“During this time of mandated closure, the IHSA does not believe it is necessary or prudent for any number of students to gather for workouts, regardless of how those students gather or whether any IHSA rule is broken by said gathering. That includes informal/player-led practices or any type of instructional session. National, state, and local

governmental leaders are clear: To help our country slow the spread of this pandemic, the best thing society can do is limit its interaction with one another, so, despite how difficult this may be, the IHSA strongly recommends students, parents, and non-school coaches/trainers follow this advice. Doing so could ultimately end up salvaging the spring sports season.”

The IHSA earlier canceled winter state series postseason tournaments including boys basketball, scholastic bowl, drama and group interpretation, music organization, debate, and journalism. No decision has yet been issued about the spring state series.

As far as the regular season goes,

Continued on NEXT Page

Continued from PREVIOUS Page

Continued from Page 22

and track.

At this point, Beattie is at a crossroads. He can stay at Utah State and run a final year of track and continue his education, or he can search for a job. At this point, he is undecided.

SPRING REFRESH

for your home

Dan Chamness writes The College Report for The Independent.

NN SCOREBOARD NN NO SCORES TO REPORT ALL SCHOOL SPORTS CANCELED THROUGH MARCH 29

SCOREBOARD PRESENTED BY

815.338.7830

205 E. South St. • Woodstock

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

2104 S. Eastwood Drive (Rt. 47) Woodstock, IL 815-334-5985

SPORTS

COURTESY PHOTO

Woodstock High School graduate now University of Utah runner Luke Beattie finished his crosscountry season strong.

23

March 25-31, 2020

courses. The last of those races every year was the MWC Championships. Beattie moved up every year at the conference finals, finishing 14th as a junior and fifth as a senior. He ran a time of 25 minutes, 7.02 as a junior and 23:23.8 as a senior. He helped Utah State to win the team title as a senior.As a freshman, he was 35th. He took 24th as a sophomore.

“There were numerous high points in my career, but being on the first USU team to win the conference title, is probably the best.

It was amazing to share that with my teammates as well as the Aggie community. It is a day I will remember forever.”

At the NCAA Division I nationals, he finished 199th as a sophomore, running the 10,000-meter course in 31:36.40. As a senior, he improved to 56th place and ran the championship course in Indiana, finishing in 31:33.2, under less-thanideal weather conditions. He led the USU Aggies to a 16th-place finish nationally.

“The coaching staff at USU prepares for the 10,000-meter races every year,” Beattie said. “I tend to do better at the longer distances, so I am very thankful that we end the season on the longer distances.”

The son of David and Debbie Beattie of Woodstock is slated to graduate in May 2020. His degree in recreation resource management will be from Quinney College of Natural Resource at Utah State. He has carried a cumulative grade of at least 3.0 every semester.

For his work in the classroom, Beattie has been named the MWC Academic All-Conference Team and was named the USU Student-Athlete of the Week, which is sponsored by America First Credit Union.

Beattie graduated from Woodstock High. His mother and father met while on the cross-country team at Bowling Green State University. In addition to lettering four times in cross country at USU, he has also lettered three times, thus far, in track and field.

Three of his four sisters have completed their careers, and his twin sister (Grace Beattie) is currently a member of both the crosscountry and track teams at Illinois State University. Elise Beattie (University of New Hampshire), Kayla Beattie (University of Iowa, University of Arizona), and Maura Beattie (Northern Illinois University), also competed in both cross-country

they advised that coaches will need to work in conjunction with their local school administration as some school districts might choose to be more restrictive in their decisions to return teams to practice or games.

“It is important to remember this is an unprecedented situation and will remain fluid,” the IHSA press release said. “It is possible, for example, that schools may reopen at some point, but that other gatherings (like sports) may remain limited.”

Athletic directors at Woodstock and Woodstock North high schools declined to speculate about what the outlook might be for spring, but both agreed that public health and safety was the No. 1 priority.

While the loss of a season of high school athletics pales in comparison to some of the other fallout from the COVID-19 crisis, the disappointment for athletes, especially those in their senior year, is real.

“If we come back in April, all of our seniors will still have chances to do some great things,” said Brady Stromquist, Woodstock North’s athletic director. “However, if we don’t get back, it will be

disappointing for their high school careers to end this way.”

He pointed out that local schools are not alone in this dilemma and it is hoped that college coaches will work with incoming freshmen who are affected by the lack of a final season of play or stats.

“Personally, the best part for me about being around high school sports is watching kids succeed and do great things,” Stromquist said. “I will miss that for the spring.”

WHS athletic director Chris Kirkpatrick agreed.

“I think that if the spring season was lost, it would be unfortunate for our athletes, coaches, parents, and community,” he said.

“During these times, we are finding out the important role that athletics at all levels play in our world, country, and community. Although it would be heartbreaking for all of our stakeholders, if it is what is needed to protect people, then it would be a small price to pay to do our part to keep the community at large safe.”

Stromquist noted the situation was changing daily and that many decisions will be dictated by the length of the closure and what the IHSA recommends or implements for the remainder of the school year.

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

COLLEGE

March 25-31, 2020

THE WOODSTOCK INDEPENDENT

24

McHenry County Primary Care Providers

To learn more about Mercyhealth physicians, visit mercyhealthsystem.org or call (888) 396-3729.

Family Medicine Kim Albright, MD, FAAFP Mercyhealth Richmond (815) 678-4528

Heijin Kang, MD Mercyhealth McHenry (815) 344-4499

Emily Shen, MD Mercyhealth Crystal Lake South (815) 356-7494

Graziella Bistriceanu, MD, MPH Mercyhealth Woodstock (815) 337-7100 • (888) 983-7100

Mabria Loqman, MD Mercyhealth Crystal Lake East (815) 455-0850

Rameeza Sheriff, MD Mercyhealth Harvard South (815) 943-1122

Roshi Gulati, MD Mercyhealth Woodstock (815) 337-7100 • (888) 983-7100

Viquar Mundozie, MD, FAAFP Mercyhealth Harvard South (815) 943-1122

Baby Min Than, MD Mercyhealth Woodstock (815) 337-7100 • (888) 983-7100

Syed Hassan, MD Mercyhealth McHenry (815) 344-4499 Mercyhealth Richmond (815) 344-4499

Shahariar Saikh, MD Mercyhealth Woodstock (815) 337-7100 • (888) 983-7100

Rhonda Verzal, MD, FAAFP Mercyhealth Algonquin (847) 458-5440

Krishanthi Seneviratne, MD Mercyhealth Crystal Lake South (815) 356-7494

Shailesh Virani, MD Mercyhealth Harvard South (815) 943-1122

Joseph Fojtik, MD, FACP Mercyhealth McHenry (815) 344-4499

Nathan Kakish, MD Mercyhealth Woodstock (815) 337-7100 • (888) 983-7100

Bibiano Ronquillo, III, MD Mercyhealth Woodstock (815) 337-7100 • (888) 983-7100

Monica Gavran, MD Mercyhealth Woodstock (815) 337-7100 • (888) 983-7100

Camelia Marian, MD Mercyhealth Algonquin (847) 458-5440 Mercyhealth Barrington (847) 381-3000

Internal Medicine

Pediatrics Allen Castillo, MD Mercyhealth Harvard South (815) 943-1122

Nathan Kakish, MD Mercyhealth Woodstock (815) 337-7100 • (888) 983-7100

Aisha Mirza, MD, FAAP Mercyhealth Woodstock (815) 337-7100 • (888) 983-7100

Rick Chitwood, DO Mercyhealth McHenry (815) 344-4499

Sandhya Karna, MD Mercyhealth McHenry (815) 344-4499

Ranjana Nath, MD Mercyhealth Crystal Lake South (815) 356-7494

Terri Crawley, MD, FAAP Mercyhealth Woodstock (815) 337-7100 • (888) 983-7100

Karen Ann Klawitter, MD Mercyhealth McHenry 3922 Mercy Dr. (815) 344-4499

Patrick Phelan, MD, FAAP Mercyhealth Woodstock (815) 337-7100 • (888) 983-7100

Douglas Henning, MD Mercyhealth Crystal Lake East (815) 455-0850