Governor Andrew Cuomo announced Nov. 24 that New York State Police and local law enforcement agencies will crack down on impaired, distracted, and speeding drivers this Thanksgiving weekend. "State Troopers and local law enforcement will be out in force to help keep the roads safe and prevent needless tragedies during this busy holiday weekend," Cuomo said, "I urge all drivers to keep your eyes on the road, follow the law and drive as safely as possible." During the 2014 Thanksgiving holiday period, troopers arrested 172 drivers for DWI, issued 4,237 speeding tickets and issued 565 tickets for distracted driving. WHUC reports that Columbia County is also cracking down on folks parking illegally in handicapped spots this weekend.

Weather right now


[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="128"] Cairo: High 54F; Low 38F.[/caption]

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="125"] Catskill: High 54F; Low 41F.[/caption]

 

 

 

 

FAR LEFT: The temperature on the far left is from the Hawthorne Valley Farm Weather Page.
MIDDLE TEMP: Cairo from Weather Underground page.
FAR RIGHT: Catskill from Weather Underground page.

Local weather forecast
Today’s forecast is specific to Cairo, in Greene County:

Today: Mostly sunny. High near 54. Thursday night, mostly cloudy. Low around 43.

Forecast for the next two days:
Friday: Partly sunny. High near 56. Friday night, a chance of showers, mainly after 2 a.m. Mostly cloudy. Low around 44.
Saturday: A chance of showers, mainly before 8 a.m. Mostly cloudy. High near 48. Saturday night, partly cloudy. Low around 31.

Sunrise today: 6:59 a.m.
Sunset today: 4:26 p.m.
Length of the day: 9:26

DOWNLOAD or play the audio version of the local headlines and weather for Wed., Nov. 25 (7:18). (Produced by Tom Roe.)

https://data.wavefarm.org/r/tv/hm/x3/WGXC_local_news_20151125.mp3

Gail Heinsohn is reporting in the Chatham Courier the Chatham Town Board failed to adopt its proposed 2016 budget at a meeting last week. A 35 percent increase in pay for the town's deputy court clerk, and a projected tax levy increase resulting in the highest tax rate in Columbia County were two reasons for the no confidence vote on the submitted spending plan. However, the vote to override the state-mandated two percent tax cap did pass. Town Supervisor Jesse DeGroodt said the town will now revert to the preliminary budget totaling $3.64 million. In other business, the board approved the noise enforcement agreement with performance venue PS21. Board member Bob Balcom said he was amazed at the amount of detail in the 45-page contract. “The applicant is obviously trying to do their best,” he said. PS21 broke ground Mon., Oct. 5, for construction of a permanent performance venue after 15 years of planning. Read the full story in the Chatham Courier.

DOWNLOAD or play the full audio version of this report.

Jim Planck reports in The Daily Mail that one former Catskill school employee claims that the staff there was filled with "absolute terror" over the past 15 years. The single-source interview does not attempt to contact former superintendent Kathleen Farrell, current administrator Annemarie Barkman, or anyone else, about the many charges in the story. Farrell recently resigned, and has been replaced, temporarily, by Barkman. The Catskill school board has given few hints at the reason for the change. Read the full story in The Daily Mail.

[caption width="169" align="alignleft"] Mike Hein, from Ulster County website.[/caption]William J. Kemble in The Daily Freeman reports that Democratic Party chairs in the 11 counties that make up New York’s 19th Congressional District sent a letter to Ulster County Executive Michael Hein asking him to run for Congress. So far state Assemblyman Pete Lopez of Schoharie, former Assemblyman John Faso of Kinderhook, and businessman Andrew Heaney of the Dutchess County town of Washington have announced for the House seat being vacated by Rep. Chris Gibson, but no Democrats have stepped up. Hein did not comment on Nov. 23 about the letter, but last month he refused to rule out a run for Congress. Hein is a three-term Ulster County Executive, and the 19th Congressional District comprises all of Ulster, Greene, Columbia, Delaware, Sullivan, Schoharie, and Otsego counties; and parts of Dutchess, Rensselaer, Montgomery, and Broome counties. Read the full story in The Daily Freeman.

Weather right now


[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="128"] Cairo: High 44F; Low 29F.[/caption]

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="125"] Catskill: High 47F; Low 32F.[/caption]

 

 

 

 

FAR LEFT: The temperature on the far left is from the Hawthorne Valley Farm Weather Page.
MIDDLE TEMP: Cairo from Weather Underground page.
FAR RIGHT: Catskill from Weather Underground page.

Local weather forecast
Today’s forecast is specific to Cairo, in Greene County:

Today: Sunny. High near 45. Wednesday night, partly cloudy. Low around 33.

Forecast for the next two days:
Thursday (Thanksgiving Day): Partly sunny. High near 53. Thursday night, mostly cloudy. Low around 41.
Friday: Mostly sunny. High near 60. Friday night, a chance of showers. Mostly cloudy. Low around 40.

Sunrise today: 6:57 a.m.
Sunset today: 4:27 p.m.
Length of the day: 9:29

Public meetings
Today is the fourth Wednesday of the month.
WGXC suggests calling ahead to confirm time and location.
(All numbers are in the 518 area code unless otherwise noted.)

DURHAM Task Force meeting, 7 p.m., Town Building, 7309 St. Route 81, East Durham (239-8260).
GERMANTOWN Planning Board meeting cancelled (537-6687).
HUDSON Development Corporation, Common Council Legal Committee and Public Works Committee meetings, all cancelled (828-1030).
STUYVESANT Greenway Committee meeting cancelled (758-6248).
WINDHAM Town Board meeting, 8 p.m. at Town Hall, 371 State Rt. 296, Hensonville (734-4170).

DOWNLOAD or play the audio version of the local headlines and weather for Mon., Nov. 23 (6:56). (Produced by Philip Grant.)

https://data.wavefarm.org/r/a2/c0/56/WGXCDailyNews%2020151124.mp3

Debora Gilbert is reporting in the Columbia Paper the Hudson Family Literacy Program is facing a funding crisis. The locally developed program helps children, adolescents and adults develop language and other skills needed to get by. Many of the participants are immigrants. It is one of six similar programs statewide. Hudson Family Literacy was created by Columbia Opportunities, in partnership with the Hudson City School District. Funding was provided through state awards, including two Community Service Block grants. Those grants are no longer available to rural, regional communities, according to Tina Sharpe, Columbia Opportunities' executive director. Sharpe said, “The New York Office of New Americans says the number of foreign born citizens is not high enough here. Because of the small size of our community..., given the current demographics, no one group stands out as being in great need when compared to the rest of the country.” Sharpe said, in fact, there is a greater demand in the area than the agency is able to supply. Laila Wali, a member of the Bengali community and a participant in the Family Literacy Program for 15 years, said it would be a terrible loss if the program were to be closed. If the program ends, local residents in need of support with immigration or citizenship issues will have to travel to Albany.  Read the full story in the Columbia Paper.

[caption id="" align="alignright" width="195"] Assembly member Pete Lopez.
(From the Lopez for Congress campaign.)[/caption]

Assembly member Pete Lopez formally announced his bid for Congress, Mon., Nov. 23. In a press release received by WGXC Monday night, Lopez declared his intention to seek the endorsement of the Republican and Conservative parties in his pursuit of the 19th Congressional District seat in 2016. That spot is currently held by Kinderhook Republican Chris Gibson. Gibson has already said he will not seek re-election. Lopez wrote in his statement, “If there is one thing the voters are saying this year, [it] is that we need to aggressively challenge the status quo.  My message is that we need to someone who is grounded in the community to represent the hard working people back home and not let Washington insiders and power brokers decide who will represent you by buying the seat.” In laying out his qualifications, Lopez touted his reputation as "a hardworking, every day person" with a "grassroots engagement and 'hands on' style." He cited his record addressing flood recovery issues, job creation, support of family farms, and his unflinching opposition to the Common Core Standards and to New York's gun control legislation, the SAFE Act. One-time gubernatorial candidate John Faso, and Dutchess County businessman Andrew Heaney have also declared their interest in the seat. On the Democratic side, newly re-elected Ulster County Executive Mike Hein is being urged by party officials to run.

Scott Waldman is reporting at Politico New York under a new proposal the state will require utilities to purchase more of their power from carbon-free sources within the next 15 years. The state's energy goals released in June require the energy grid be powered by at least 50 percent renewables and that carbon levels be reduced by 40 percent by the year 2030. Under the plan utilities would be allowed to use nuclear energy to supply carbon-free power as the renewable industry is development over the next 15 years. At least two of the state’s four nuclear reactors are financially struggling and may close in the next few years. The administration plan has the potential to extend the life of both plants by more than a decade, an administration official said Mon., Nov. 23. The plan is scheduled to be publicly released during Gov. Andrew Cuomo's State of the State address in January. The Public Service Commission will take up the proposal in January, as well. The New York plan to require utilities to purchase renewable energy is modeled on a California policy, just recently signed into law. Cuomo administration officials leaked the proposal to The New York Times over the weekend. Read the full story at Politico New York.

Jim Planck is reporting in the Greene County News incumbent New Baltimore Highway Superintendent Denis Jordan will keep his job. Jordan, a Democrat, defeated his Republican challenger Alan VanWormer by one vote. The outcome was determined last week after the Greene County Board of Elections resumed its canvas of ballots cast on Election Day, Nov. 3.  Like the other county boards of election in the Third Judicial District of the State Supreme Court, counting in Greene County was stalled when when Supreme Court candidate Norman Massry filed a post-election objection. The counting resumed after that lawsuit was withdrawn Wed., Nov. 18. Also announced last week, Republican incumbent Frank Hermance prevailed over his Democratic challenger Michael Jaeger in the Lexington highway superintendent race. The Board of Elections expects to have final numbers on all Greene County races following the Thanksgiving holiday. Read the full story in The Greene County News.

 

Mid-Hudson News Network is reporting both Orange and Dutchess counties are vying with New Jersey for a Legoland theme park. The resort was originally supposed to be constructed in Haverstraw, Rockland County, until town officials there said they were not interested. Orange County Executive Steven Neuhaus told the paper he has been in daily communication with Lego officials, and he is confident the county has a good shot at landing the park. “I believe we are very much in the running. It is between us and New Jersey, at this point,... It’s going to be a really awesome thing,” Neuhaus said. He there are a number of sites within Orange County where Legoland could be built. Read the full story in the Daily Freeman.

Weather right now


[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="128"] Cairo: High 45F; Low 24F.[/caption]

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="125"] Catskill: High 44F; Low 27F.[/caption]

 

 

 

 

FAR LEFT: The temperature on the far left is from the Hawthorne Valley Farm Weather Page.
MIDDLE TEMP: Cairo from Weather Underground page.
FAR RIGHT: Catskill from Weather Underground page.

Local weather forecast
Today’s forecast is specific to Cairo, in Greene County:

Today: Partly sunny. High near 43. Tuesday night, partly cloudy. Low around 26.

Forecast for the next two days:
Wednesday: Sunny. High near 46. Wednesday night, partly cloudy. Low around 32.
Thursday (Thanksgiving Day): Partly sunny. High near 53. Thursday night, mostly cloudy. Low around 42.

Sunrise today: 6:57 a.m.
Sunset today: 4:27 p.m.
Length of the day: 9:29

Public meetings
Today is the fourth Tuesday of the month.
WGXC suggests calling ahead to confirm time and location.
(All numbers are in the 518 area code unless otherwise noted.)

CANAAN Zoning Board of Appeals, 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 1647 Co. Route 5, Canaan (781-3144).
CATSKILL Planning Board meeting, 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 439 Main St., Catskill (943-2141).
CHATHAM CENTRAL Board of Education meeting, 6:30 p.m. at high school, 50 Woodbridge Ave., Chatham (392-2400).
COLUMBIA COUNTY Board of Supervisors County Government Committee meeting, 5 p.m. and Public Works, 6 p.m. at 401 State St., Hudson (828-1527).
COPAKE Agriculture & Farming Protection Committee meeting, 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 230 Mountain View Rd., Copake (329-1234).
GREENE COUNTY Tourism Advisory Committee meeting, 9:30 a.m. at 411 Main St., Room 427, Catskill (943-3223).
GREENPORT Planning Board meeting, 7:30 p.m. at Greenport Town Hall, Town Hall Drive, Hudson (828-4656).

DOWNLOAD or play the audio version of the local headlines and weather for Mon., Nov. 23 (7:15). (Produced by Philip Grant.)

https://data.wavefarm.org/r/83/80/vf/WGXCWeekEndInReview20151123.mp3

Some of the stories that made the news Fri., Nov. 20 through Sun., Nov. 22

Debby Mayer reported in the Columbia Paper an audit of the Chatham Central School District by the office of the state Comptroller found that during the last five years, the district’s real property tax levy was approximately $400,000 more than necessary. District officials dispute the finding, saying the funds have been handled properly based on the opinion of the district’s outside auditor. The examination covered the 2013-14 school year and a portion of the 2014-15 school year. The excess funds were collected because district officials overestimated liabilities by more than $1.5 million and over-funded the district's reserve by more than $1.4 million. The state law permits a board of education to retain up to 4 percent of the following year’s appropriations as an unrestricted fund balance. The money is supposed to serve as a financial cushion in the event of unexpected expenses, but in this instance, Chatham's fund balance totaled $4.1 million, or 14 percent of its 2014-15 spending plan. The comptroller's office has recommended the district develop a plan for the use of the excess funds in a way that benefits taxpayers. The money could be used to reduce taxes, pay off debt or finance one-time expenditures. The district has 90 days to prepare and submit its response plan.

In a related story, Gail Heinsohn reported in the Chatham Courier town of Chatham taxpayers will pay the highest tax rate in Columbia County during the coming year. Chatham's tax rate will be $3.38, more than the neighboring towns of Austerlitz, Canaan and New Lebanon. Town, school district and county taxes together comprise a property owner's entire annual tax bill. The town of Chatham's proposed tax levy increase for the coming year is expected to exceed the state-mandated cap.

Michael Ryan reported in The Windham Journal the Lexington Town Board adopted its first-ever seven-figure budget when it recently approved a $1.03 million spending plan for 2016. Town supervisor Dixie Baldrey said, “It’s not pleasant but it is what it is. There’s nothing extra in here. We didn’t slush fund anything away.” Ryan said the budget is likely to increase again in 2017 because of increased Worker's Compensation payments resulting from a highway department accident. In the coming year there will be no pay raises for the supervisor, the bookkeeper or the four town council members. The budge does include raises for the assessor, the judiciary, the code enforcement officer, town clerk, town attorney and highway superintendent, however.

Weather right now


[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="128"] Cairo: High 40F; Low 24F.[/caption]

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="125"] Catskill: High 40F; Low 26F.[/caption]

 

 

 

 

FAR LEFT: The temperature on the far left is from the Hawthorne Valley Farm Weather Page.
MIDDLE TEMP: Cairo from Weather Underground page.
FAR RIGHT: Catskill from Weather Underground page.

Local weather forecast
Today’s forecast is specific to Cairo, in Greene County:

Today: Sunny. High near 41. Monday night, increasing clouds. Low around 20.

Forecast for the next two days:
Tuesday: Mostly sunny. High near 43. Tuesday night, partly cloudy. Low around 24.
Wednesday: Sunny. High near 49. Wednesday night, partly cloudy. Low around 32.

Sunrise today: 6:56 a.m.
Sunset today: 4:27 p.m.
Length of the day: 9:31

Public meetings
Today is the fourth Monday of the month.
WGXC suggests calling ahead to confirm time and location.
(All numbers are in the 518 area code unless otherwise noted.)

CATSKILL Village Board meeting, 7 p.m. at firehouse near Catskill Commons (Walmart) (943-3830).
COLUMBIA COUNTY Honor A Veteran, 9 a.m.; Board of Supervisors Airport Sub-committee meeting, 5 p.m.; Economic Development Committee meeting, 6 p.m.; Environmental Management Council, 7 p.m., all at 401 State St., Hudson (828-1527).
GERMANTOWN Planning Board meeting, 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 50 Palatine Park Rd., Germantown (537-6687).
HALCOTT Town Board meeting, 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 813 Route 3, Halcott Center (845-254-9920).
HUDSON City School District Board of Education curriculum workshop, 6 p.m.; full meeting, 7 p.m. at Hudson Junior High School, 215 Harry Howard Ave., Hudson (828-4360).
HUDSON Common Council special budget meeting, 6 p.m.; Fire Committee meeting, 6:30 p.m.; and, Police Committee meeting, 7:15 p.m., City Hall, 520 Warren St., Hudson (828-1030).
NEW BALTIMORE Town Board work meeting, 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 3809 Co. Route. 51, Hannacroix (756-6671).
PHILMONT Development Corp meeting, 7 p.m. at Village Hall, 124 Main St., Philmont (672-7032).
STUYVESANT Planning Board meeting, 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 5 Sunset Drive, Stuyvesant (758-6248).
TAGHKANIC Zoning Board of Appeals meeting, 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 909 Route 82, Taghkanic (851-7638).

DOWNLOAD or play the audio version of the local headlines and weather for Sun., Nov. 22 (3:22). (Produced by Tom Roe.)

https://data.wavefarm.org/r/49/t7/12/WGXC_local_news_20151122.mp3

Local News
Local news from Wave Farm‘s WGXC 90.7-FM in the Hudson Valley, New York for Sun., Nov. 22 PLAY AUDIO (3:03)

Local weather forecast
Today's forecast is specific to Acra, in Greene County.

• Sunday: A slight chance of showers before noon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 44, and a low around 24.

• Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 36, and a low around 24.

• Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 40.

Sunrise 6:55 a.m.
Sunset 4:28 p.m.
Other celestial rises/sets
Moon 2:37 P.M. 2:40 A.M.
Mercury 7:13 A.M. 4:33 P.M.
Venus 3:03 A.M. 2:37 P.M.
Mars 2:15 A.M. 2:13 P.M.
Jupiter 12:55 A.M. 1:36 P.M.
Saturn 7:24 A.M. 4:57 P.M.
Uranus 2:28 P.M. 3:20 A.M.
Neptune 12:58 P.M. 11:52 P.M.
Pluto 10:08 A.M. 7:30 P.M.