The Daily Freeman reports about closures for the Fourth of July holiday.

Amtrak: Sunday schedule on Friday
Banks: Closed Saturday
County offices: Closed Friday
Federal offices: Closed Friday
Financial markets: Closed Friday
Greene County Transit: No service Friday
Mail delivery: None Saturday
Metro-North: Saturday schedule on Friday
Trailways: Regular schedule

WNYT TV in Albany reports that state police are looking for drunk and distracted drivers this holiday weekend with increased patrols and sobriety checkpoints. Last year state police issued 10,200 tickets over the 4th of July weekend, and arrested 180 people for DWI. Read the full story at WNYT.

Full audio of local headlines for Fri., Jul. 3 (2:32). (Produced by Cheryl K. Symister-Masterson.)

https://data.wavefarm.org/r/nv/qr/xw/WGXCDailyNews_20150703.mp3

John Mason is reporting in the Register Star Columbia County Board of Supervisors Chairman Pat Grattan is recommending the New York State Authority Budget Office conduct an investigation into the lending practices of the Columbia Economic Development Corporation, instead of the Board of Supervisors. In a memorandum to the full board, Thu., Jul. 2, Grattan also expressed the belief that the ABO should advise the CEDC on how to restructure. On June 10, the board appointed supervisors Art Baer and John Reilly to conduct an audit of the agency's lending practices, after a report released in April by the ABO found potential conflicts of interest related to the proposed Ginsberg’s development deal and other related issues. After consultation with legal counsel, Grattan is now of the opinion that the ABO has the authority to investigate CEDC actions. He intends to put forward a resolution that would rescind the board's June 10 action, and hand the matter over to the ABO for investigation. The full board is expected to take action on the measure at its next meeting, Wed., Jul. 8. Read the full story in the Register Star.

Katie Kocijanski is reporting in the Register Star the Columbia Economic Development Corporation has taken the final steps toward approving the Ginsberg’s Foods land sale deal. At a special board meeting last week, Vice President Mary Bartolotta was given permission to execute the land sale contract and any other documents associated with the food distributor’s expansion project. The decision comes after the New York State Authorities Budget Office investigators determined the transfer of the property to Ginsberg’s for less than fair market value and without public advertising was consistent with the intent of state law. In the same report, the ABO also found potential conflicts of interest with the four CEDC board members. Read the full story in the Register Star.

The Associated Press is reporting Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said Thu., Jul. 2, the economic impact of tourism in New York state was more than $100 billion in 2014, an all-time high. The governor said an economic impact report conducted by the research firm Tourism Economics found New York was the most visited state by overseas travelers for the 14th year in a row. Tourism had a more than $62 million direct impact on the state's economy from people and companies providing goods and services to travelers. Read the full story in the Times Union.

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="330"] Kaaterskill Falls, from Wikipedia.[/caption]

Julia Reischel in The Watershed Post reports that the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation will close public access to Kaaterskill Falls on Monday, July 6, and close it throughout the summer of 2015. The trail to the bottom of the waterfall from Route 23A stays open, but climbing to, or wading in or access the falls itself is closed for the summer. The DEC will make $450,000 of "upgrades" in an effort to prevent people falling to their deaths, which has happened more often in recent years. In 2014, two people died while climbing the falls, which launched public meetings, and a set of new fences and has led to this current construction. People who jump the fences and attempt to climb the waterfall anyway will be ticketed, according to the press release:

Access to the falls will only be allowed from the Kaaterskill Falls trailhead located on NY Route 23A. DEC will prohibit public access past the wooden fences at the base of the falls. The Laurel House Road parking area near the top of the falls will be closed and visitors will not have access to Kaaterskill Falls from the parking area for the remainder of the hiking season. Individuals found trespassing in construction areas will be ticketed by law enforcement personnel.

Read the DEC's full press release at newsroom.wgxc.org below:



DEC ANNOUNCES $450,000 IN NY WORKS

PROJECTS TO IMPROVE PUBLIC SAFETY AND UPGRADE TRAILS AT KAATERSKILL FALLS

Public Access to the Falls Area Will Be Restricted Beginning July 6 and Through Summer Hiking Season

Projects to enhance public safety and provide additional access to the popular Kaaterskill Falls area of the Catskill Forest Preserve in Greene County are underway, the state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced today. Because of safety risks associated with the construction, public access to the falls area will be restricted starting July 6 and through the 2015 summer hiking season.

“DEC is committed to protecting and maintaining this unique natural and historic treasure, while also ensuring that visitors have a safe, enjoyable experience,” Commissioner Martens said. “Kaaterskill Falls is an extremely popular summer destination, but upgrades are needed to protect public safety and improve trails and access. We ask people to avoid the construction area until the projects are completed. Fortunately, there are many beautiful natural areas nearby in the Catskill Park, and we encourage visitors to take advantage of these opportunities while work on the improvement projects is ongoing.”

The work is being funded by $450,000 from NY Works. DEC anticipates construction activities will be conducted seven days a week during the remainder of the hiking season. Construction zones will be delineated with temporary fencing, signs and/or flagging along access points. The public will not be allowed to enter construction zones for their own safety.

Access to the falls will only be allowed from the Kaaterskill Falls trailhead located on NY Route 23A. DEC will prohibit public access past the wooden fences at the base of the falls. The Laurel House Road parking area near the top of the falls will be closed and visitors will not have access to Kaaterskill Falls from the parking area for the remainder of the hiking season. Individuals found trespassing in construction areas will be ticketed by law enforcement personnel.

New Trails

DEC staff and contractors will construct a new foot trail from the end of the marked Kaaterskill Falls trail at the base of the falls to the Escarpment trail at the top of the falls. This 0.2-mile trail will include construction of a new, approximately 260-foot stone staircase, with 200 stone steps.

In addition, an approximately 300-foot spur trail will lead from the staircase to a point above the middle pool of the falls. At the end of this trail, DEC and its contractors will install another shorter set of stone stairs to provide access to the middle pool area. The stone staircase will be designed to blend in with the natural stone of the area at a location that will limit its visibility from below. DEC will also build a fully accessible trail that leads to an accessible viewing area and overlook platform at the top of the falls.

The new trails and stone staircase will accommodate the public’s desire for access to a better view of Kaaterskill Falls and the middle pool area, while also protecting public safety. In recent years, DEC has taken additional steps to prevent people from continuing past the end of the marked Kaaterskill Falls trail, including an increased number of signs warning of potential risks, but some people ignored the warnings and put themselves in danger by continuing past the fence at the end of the trail.

DEC will also partner with the Kaaterskill Rail Trail Committee on its initiative to complete a 1.8-mile trail connection between the hamlet of Haines Falls and the existing trail system in the Kaaterskill Wild Forest and North/South Lake Campground. Many of these improvements have already been undertaken. DEC will complete the linkage by repairing an additional 0.2 miles of trail on an abandoned town road and installing a new bridge that will cross over Spruce Creek to connect Haines Falls to the Escarpment trail and campground.

Seasonal stewards will also be available at the falls area to educate and interact with visitors to the falls area. In addition, the stewards will gather information about public use of the area, including peak user times, behaviors and preferences to inform DEC’s management decisions.

Public Safety and Parking

To assist first responders with rescue operations, DEC will install 10 permanent anchor points in the middle pool area, which will allow safety ropes to be quickly and safely secured during rescue operations. The anchor points will protect rescuers, as well as those being rescued, from potential falls and injury.

DEC will also expand two nearby DEC-managed parking areas -- the Laurel House Road parking area and the Schutt Road parking area -- to accommodate approximately 35 cars each. Currently, the lots provide parking for only nine to 12 cars each.

In the fall of 2014, DEC installed approximately 500 feet of split rail fencing at both the upper and lower falls. The fencing serves as both a physical and visual barrier to alert the public to the potential dangers of proceeding farther. Additional signage was also installed in more conspicuous locations to warn the public of the potential dangers in the area. Under the draft plan amendment, these features would remain in place.

“We have all suffered with the many injuries and fatalities at Kaaterskill Falls in recent memory. Our local emergency rescue personnel have put themselves at serious personal risk and expended significant public resources for years in order to respond to these incidents,” said Assemblyman Pete Lopez. “I am thankful that Governor Cuomo and DEC are now addressing the hazards at the falls. I look forward to continuing our state, county, and local partnership as we move forward to promote recreation and tourism in the Catskills while ensuring that all of our residents and visitors are protected to the best of our ability.”

Senator George Amedore said, “Kaaterskill Falls is a beautiful natural resource enjoyed by residents and visitors alike. The improvements being made by DEC will preserve the natural beauty of the location, but will also provide greater access and increase the safety and enjoyment of hikers who visit the falls.”

“On behalf of the residents and visitors of Greene County, I thank DEC and Commissioner Martens for their timely response to concerns surrounding Kaaterskill Falls. These upgrades provide a safer environment for the many visitors to this natural wonder. Unfortunately inconveniences may be experienced during the construction process. Please visit other outdoor adventure areas in the Catskill Park,” said Kevin Lewis, Chairman of the Greene County Legislature.

Shivani Gonzalez is reporting at Capitol Confidential Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo has paused road construction statewide in an effort to speed traffic on its way this holiday weekend. Most construction will be prohibited between 6 a.m., Fri., Jul. 3, to 10 p.m. Sun., Jul. 5. Howver, some emergency repairs will continue during that period. According to a statement released by the governor's office, the American Automobile Association estimates that more than 40 million people will travel statewide this weekend. Travelers are urged to consult 511 NY and the Federal Highway Association for real-time traffic information, weather alerts, news on road closings and temporary speed limit changes on major highways. Read the full story at Capitol Confidential, a Times Union blog.

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="128"] Cairo: High 80F; low 56F.[/caption]

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="125"] Catskill: High 79F; low 57F.[/caption]

 




 

 

 

MIDDLE TEMP: Cairo from Weather Underground page.
FAR RIGHT: Catskill from Weather Underground page.

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

Today: Patchy fog before 8 a.m. Otherwise, sunny. High near 80. Friday night, partly cloudy. Low around 56.


Forecast for the next three days:
Saturday (Independence Day): Rain likely, mainly between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Cloudy. High near 69. Saturday night, scattered showers, mainly before 7 p.m. Cloudy during the early evening, then gradual clearing. Low around 51.
Sunday: Mostly sunny. High near 83. Sunday night, mostly clear. Low around 61.
Monday: Sunny. High near 84. Monday night, mostly clear. Low around 63.

Sunrise today: 5:24 a.m.
Sunset today: 8:35 p.m.
Length of the day: 15:10 hrs.

Public meetings
Today is the first Friday of the month.
WGXC is unaware of any recurring public meetings scheduled for today.

Since the Federal Communications Commission switched off analog television signals six years ago, there has been much debate and discussion about the best uses of the frequencies, and when and how auctions should take place. Now there's a proposal to use vacant UHF TV channels for unlicensed TV white space devices and wireless microphones. The CommLaw Blog reports a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking has been filed, with comments on the proposal taken through August 3, 2015; with reply comments due by August 31. Both comments and replies may be filed through the FCC’s ECFS online filing system; refer to Proceeding Nos. 15-146 and 12-268.

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand was a guest on "The Daily Show" with Jon Stewart Wed., July 1.

Full audio of the local headlines and weather for Thu., Jul. 2 (5:20). (Produced by Philip Grant.)

https://data.wavefarm.org/r/tz/94/dt/WGXC%20Daily%20News%20Thursday%2007022015.mp3

[caption id="" align="alignright" width="200"] The main house at the Thomas Cole Historic Site, Catskill, N.Y.
(From thomascole.org)[/caption]

Kate Seckinger is reporting in The Daily Mail historic murals hand-painted by Thomas Cole in the east and west parlors of his home, Cedar Grove, have been uncovered. The two friezes, or decorative painted borders near the ceilings in both rooms, are thought to date from around 1836. Thomas Cole Historic Site Executive Director Betsy Jacks said Cole's signature was not found, but the quality of the work and correspondence from the time strongly support the theory that the discovery was the American painter's work. “The painting is of Thomas Cole’s caliber and because he was the one choosing the materials for redecoration, it leaves us with no other conclusion that this is his work,” Jacks said. Steven Dunn, the vice chairman at the Thomas Cole Historic Site, said the discovery was amazing to behold. “It was like another world when we found out,” Dunn said. Read the full story in The Daily Mail.

Scott Waldman is reporting at Capital New York the state's independent power grid operator has determined that if New York does not build more transmission lines, it will not be able to increase its reliance on renewable energy sources. Approximately 15,000 megawatts of renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar, are needed statewide to comply with new federal power plant regulations, Stephen Whitley, president of the New York Independent System Operator, wrote to the state Public Service Commission. Much of that will be located upstate; however, the current infrastructure does not have the capacity to transmit all of that power downstate, where demand will be highest, according to Whitley. The lines are needed to connect power generators in western and northern New York with the needs of the lower Hudson Valley, New York City and Long Island. Whitley noted if the PSC does not approve more transmission lines, renewable generation will be capped. The PSC will hold a technical conference later this month to determine where transmission lines are needed. Governor Andrew M. Cuomo proposed the multi-billion dollar Energy Highway to bring more upstate power to downstate, but parts of the effort have stalled. The state does not have a timetable for when it will make a final determination on the need for more transmission lines or where they could be located. Read the full story at Capital New York.

The Greenville Pioneer reports that a $2.75 million bond resolution, for a new Westerlo highway garage was passed June 2. The 20-year bond includes $893,000 for renovations to the town hall and the rest to replace the 55-year-old highway department facility. The vote was not without controversy. The article says, "allegatiions also flew about the board holding unadvertised meetings to convene with engineers, and calling a public information meeting two weeks after approving the bond." One resident, Tracey Lawson, is currently collecting signatures on a petition to force a public vote on the proposal, which is due July 2.

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="128"] Cairo: High 78F; low 52F.[/caption]

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="125"] Catskill: High 77F; low 53F.[/caption]

 




 

 

 

MIDDLE TEMP: Cairo from Weather Underground page.
FAR RIGHT: Catskill from Weather Underground page.

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

Today: Isolated showers after 1 p.m. Partly sunny. High near 78. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent. Thursday night, partly cloudy. Low around 53.


Forecast for the next three days:
Friday: Sunny. High near 78. Friday night, partly cloudy. Low around 52.
Saturday (Independence Day): Isolated showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Mostly sunny. High near 82. Saturday night, partly cloudy. Low around 60.
Sunday: Sunny. High near 84. Sunday night, mostly clear. Low around 59.

Sunrise today: 5:23 a.m.
Sunset today: 8:35 p.m.
Length of the day: 15:11 hrs.

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

ANCRAM Planning Board meeting, 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 1416 County Rte. 7, Ancram (329-6512).
ASHLAND Planning Board meeting, 6 p.m. at Town Hall, 12094 Route 23, Ashland (734-3636).
AUSTERLITZ Planning Board meeting, 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 812 Route 203, Spencertown (392-3260).
COPAKE Planning Board meeting, 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 230 Mt. View Road, Copake (329-1234).
COXSACKIE Planning Board meeting, 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 16 Reed St., Coxsackie (731-2727).
GHENT Town Board informational planning and working session, 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 2306 State Route 66, Ghent (392-4644).
KINDERHOOK Zoning Board of Appeals meeting, 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 4 Church St, Niverville (784-2233).
STUYVESANT Board meeting workshop, 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 5 Sunset Dr., Stuyvesant (758-6248).
WINDHAM Town Board meeting, 8 p.m. at Town Hall, 371 State Rt. 296, Hensonville (734-4170).

[caption width="280" align="alignleft"] From Radio Arts website about Iris Garrelfs.[/caption]Morse Code -- the signals of dots and dashes that served as the first transmissions in the days before wireless -- is still around, though not employed much these days. In 2003 the World Radio Conference
stopped requiring Morse proficiency for amateur operations on frequencies below 30 MHz. The FCC used to require it in the U.S. too, but now few master the dots and dashes. The Radio Arts website in the U.K. currently features sound artist Iris Garrelfs' "Morse Code Choir" first aired on Resonance 104.4-FM London in March, 2015 for the Borealis Festival Bergan and Radiophrenia CCA Gallery Glasgow. For those who do not know Morse code themselves, there's a website https://epxx.co/morse/ where you can type in any sentence, like this one, and hear it in Morse code.

Full audio of the local headlines and weather for Wed., Jul. 1 (6:31). (Produced by Philip Grant.)

https://data.wavefarm.org/r/6v/8b/79/WGXC%20Daily%20News%20Wednesday%2007012015.mp3

[caption id="" align="alignright" width="236"] The existing Greene County Jail
located in Catskill.
(Photo by Jimmy Emerson from Flickr.)[/caption]

Jim Planck is reporting in The Daily Mail Greene County Legislator Jim Van Slyke, has announced he fully supports the plan to build a new county jail in Coxsackie, but he opposes the idea of moving the county’s emergency center from Cairo to Coxsackie. The New Baltimore Democrat, who is on the county task force for the jail project, made the comments during a recent town board meeting. Van Slyke said there is a desire among county officials to relocate the emergency response center and the sheriff's office. “I’m not voting for anything other than building a jail,” he said. At its June 17 meeting, the Greene County Legislature established a $150,000 capital fund for the project and voted to retain RicciGreene Association of New York City to conduct a needs assessment. The resolution specifically referenced the possibility of relocating several public safety departments to the Coxsackie site. Van Slyke told constituents no cost estimates are yet available for the project. The state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision has transferred 50-plus acres located on Route 9W in Coxsackie to the county for the purpose of constructing a new county jail. Read the full story in The Daily Mail.

Pat Doxsey is reporting in the Daily Freeman Dutchess County Legislator and former Republican candidate for the New York State Assembly Michael Kelsey has been indicted by a St. Lawrence County grand jury on charges that he sexually abused two boys in August 2014. The incident allegedly occurred during a Boy Scout camping trip near Cranberry Lake. Kelsey was indicted on one count of sexual abuse and one count of attempted sexual abuse, both felonies; as well as one count of forcible touching and two counts of endangering the welfare of a minor, all misdemeanors. He pleaded not guilty to the charges and was released on $1,000 bail, according to the St. Lawrence County District Attorney's Office. In 2014, Kelsey unsuccessfully challenged incumbent Assembly member Didi Barrett in the 106th Assembly District. Kelsey was first elected to the Dutchess County Legislature in 2009, and has defied calls by fellow legislators and other elected officials to resign his seat since the sexual abuse accusations came to light. It is unclear if he will be seeking re-election in November, Doxsey writes. Read the full story in the Daily Freeman.