WGXC-90.7 FM

Wednesday November 24 2010 headlines

Nov 24, 2010 4:11 am
Hudson school board meeting confrontation between assistant principals attracts reporters
The Hudson school board meeting almost-altercation between assistant principals Tom Gavin and Steven Spicer was a giant regional story Tuesday. The Times-Union reported:
"Co-principal Steven Spicer said that on Wednesday he will also seek an order of protection against co-principal Thomas Gavin, who he says threatened him during the meeting. 'On the advice of my lawyer, I'm going to report the incident to the Hudson City Police,' Spicer said Tuesday night. Gavin has been suspended for an undetermined amount of time with pay, which is mandated by state law, according to district Superintendent Jack Howe."


WAMC had audio from Hudson Superintendent John Howe, and others:
"What's been described as "a week of mayhem" at a Columbia County High School boiled over during a Monday night meeting of the city Board of Education - Capital District Bureau Chief Dave Lucas reports the police commissioner had to step in between two school officials engaged in a heated confrontation. The officials involved have been identified as Hudson High co-principals Tom Gavin and Steven Spicer. The chain of events that led to last night's violence began after a parent stood up to voice concerns about the safety of students. The officials disagreed over student discipline and the code of conduct. The men had to be separated as they engaged in confrontation. Superintendent of Schools John Howe says both Gavin and Spicer remain with the district. He promises parents concerns will be addressed. Hudson Police Commissioner Ron Grant says his office is investigating and always ready to help."


John Mason in Register-Star reports how Spicer is among "40 or 50" applicants for the principal position at John L. Edwards Primary School. "The position was vacated when Carol Gans retired in August," Mason writes. "Gans then agreed to remain on an interim basis until Dec. 31."

Demagall guilty
Francesca Olsen in Register-Star reports William Demagall was, "found guilty of second-degree murder and deemed responsible for his actions by a Columbia County jury Tuesday evening." Olsen reports afterwards Demagall’s father, Steven Demagall, stormed out of the courthouse after telling her that, “Judge (Paul) Czajka directly influenced the outcome of this trial with his antics in the courtroom,” he said. “This is a serious matter ... you can’t get a fair trial in Columbia County — because of Judge Czajka ... this is the result of the first trial and the f------- second one!” Olsen writes that he is, "referring to Columbia County Supreme Court Judge Paul Czajka, who presided over the first trial, and his presence in the courtroom during the retrial. Steven Demagall said that he observed Czajka speaking in a friendly manner with witnesses who were about to testify and his 'front and center' position in the courtroom gallery during the proceedings."

[Copake] budget passes with 8.97 percent tax increase
Lindsay Suchow in the Register-Star reports Copake town supervisors approved a 8.97 percent tax increase for residents by a 4-1 vote last week. "The total budget for 2011 is $1,868,672, which includes both the general fund ($294,776) and the highway fund ($797,642)," Suchow wrote. "The town board voted 4 to 1 to approve the budget, with Supervisor Reggie Crowley and council members Linda Gabaccia, Walter Kiernan and Daniel Tompkins voting 'yes' and Councilman Bob Sacks voting 'no.'"

Gibson, Molinaro co-host town hall meetings
New York State Assemblyman Marc Molinaro (R,C,I-Red Hook) and Congressman-elect Chris Gibson host town hall meetings in Hudson and Pleasant Valley Friday, December 10. The Hudson Elks will host the first town hall at 10 a.m. at 201 Harry Howard Avenue, and then the two will speak in Pleasant Valley at 2:30 in the New Horizons Resources Office at 123 West Road. Molinaro will host similar events with Congresswoman-elect Nan Hayworth on December 17 at locations to be announced.

Birthdays
Nov. 24 birthdays include Scott Joplin, William F. Buckley, Jr., and Arundahati Roy.
Wave Farm / WGXC Acra Contact Info
info@wavefarm.org
info@wgxc.org
Mailing: PO Box 13 Acra, NY 12405
Main Office / Acra Studio
(518) 622-2598
WGXC Office
(518) 697-7400
WGXC Hudson Studio
(518) 828-0290
WGXC Feedback
(518) 212-7509 feedback@wgxc.org
Wave Farm / WGXC Acra Studio: 5662 Route 23 Acra, NY 12405
WGXC Hudson Studio: 369 Warren St. Hudson, NY 12534