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Thomas Joseph Cook, 65

Thomas Joseph Cook, 65 Thomas J. Cook, 65, of Olivebridge, N.Y., passed away peacefully and unexpectedly at Westchester Medical Center on May 2, 2023, surrounded by his loving wife and children.Born March 14, 1958, in Elmira, N.Y., Tom is the son of the late Clyde and Mabel Cook. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Debra; four children, Ian (Rebecca), Lyle, Ashley, and Alex; six grandchildren, Madison, Lily, Levi, Landon, Nolan, and Riah; and siblings Jude, Jim, Steve (Chris), and Tim (Jenn).A humble artist, he dedicated his life to constructive landscaping, stone masonry, and carpentry; he will live on in his work, spanning the Ulster County area. He was the quintessential Catskill Mountain man, and if not tinkering in his garage, could be found camping, fishing, kayaking, riding his bicycle, enjoying the great outdoors in any and every way, or expertly tending to his pack of beloved family dogs, cats, and chickens. He was an avid blues enthusiast, and thoroughly enjoyed cooking shows; he was always trying new recipes, sharing his experiments and creations via text, sending photographs to family members.Tom was a kind, content, and honest man of few words and great humor; he was a deeply caring husband and devoted father who taught his children fairness, leadership, loyalty, and an immense work ethic. He was the family’s rock, guardian, mentor, and moral compass. He was a sweet and tender Pop Pop, too. He will never be forgotten.Please join the family in a celebration of Tom’s life on Sunday, June 4, at Roger Davis’s garage on County Route 2, Olivebridge, from 4 p.m. onward, with a time of sharing at 5:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the local ASPCA, Humane Society, the American Heart Association, or simply plant a tree in his honor.

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‘We really want to get out kids outside’: With a soggy start to spring sports, coaches, athletes eager to play outside

It’s spring in northern Illinois, and it’s no surprise that snow, rain, and cold have kept most spring sports practicing indoors and caused widespread cancellations in the region.  The only action has been preseason indoor track and field meets hosted by high schools with indoor field houses, such as Burlington Central and Sycamore. Winter woes […]

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The Woodstock Independent’s Student of the Week – Robert Eschenbacher

   Robert Eschenbacher, a Marian Central Catholic High School senior, is the son of Jen and LeRoy Eshcenbacher, Wonder Lake.  His nominating counselor wrote: “Robert excels in all that he does. He is diligent, focused, hard-working, and kind. I look forward to hearing about all his future successes in life.”  Robert has been on honor […]

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‘Mathematically, you can’t win duals’: Streaks win big against smaller Thunder team in crosstown match

Woodstock High School came out on top when the Streaks hosted a crosstown wrestling dual meet Feb. 1 with Woodstock North, sweeping the meet 78-0 with pins by Jovanni Murillo-Gonzalez (182) and Steven Colvin (195). The Streaks are a tough team this season, finishing second in the Kishwaukee River Conference, while the Thunder has struggled, […]

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City looking for the right look: Branding firm to suggest logos, slogan, colors for promoting, marketing Woodstock

“What are they saying about Woodstock behind your back?” Because the City Council wants people to say good things, three people from North Star Place Branding and Marketing were in town last week to listen to comments from citizens and officials. They will use what they learn to develop elements of a promotional plan for […]

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Arts Briefs: State research grant will assess arts needs; Sept. 30 deadline for arts survey

State research grant will assess Woodstock arts needs, aid plan Woodstock will use a $75,000 research and planning grant in preparing a plan to further develop the local arts community as an integral part of the city’s economy. The city is among 42 Illinois communities recently awarded grants from the Research in Illinois to Spur […]

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Open House for Ham Radio this weekend

Field Day is ham radio’s open house. For 24 hours every fourth full weekend in June, more than 40,000 hams throughout North America set up temporary transmitting stations in public places to demonstrate ham radio’s science, skill, and service to our communities and our nation. It combines public service, emergency preparedness, community outreach, and technical […]

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Saying goodbye to our representatives in Congress

In sports, you often can’t tell the players without a program. In the 2022 election, you won’t be able to tell the congressional candidates without a map. And you don’t need to be a political insider to understand the (deserved) criticism of the congressional maps drawn by the majority party in the Illinois General Assembly. […]

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Catch of the day

Woodstock co-op secures spot in state tournament

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Editorial: Can we make autumn more normal?

Welcome to autumn, the 2020 version. Wednesday is the first full day of fall after its arrival at 9:40 a.m. Tuesday. And if the season is anything like we’ve experienced so far in 2020, it will be memorable. Coronavirus restrictions kicked in just as spring was beginning in late March. Shelter-in-place was eased by the […]

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