Katie Kocijanski is reporting in the Register Star National Grid held an open house Wed., Apr. 8 at the Churchtown Fire Department to hear from the public on its $1.3 billion plan to build new transmission lines from Oneida County through Dutchess County. The project is part of Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo's New York Energy Highway initiative. Local communities impacted by the proposal include Athens, Claverack, Coxsackie, Ghent, Greenport and Livingston. National Grid is one of three power companies with proposals currently before the New York State Public Service Commission. At the open house Wednesday, Ian Solomon and Pam Kline represented Farmers and Families of Livingston and Claverack. One of their main issues is to determine if there is a true need for the power line upgrades. Kline also said residents are concerned with the possibility of eminent domain of their properties. Others are concerned about congestion and the impact the new lines will have on their property values. The Public Service Commission will hold a technical conference on the need issue in June. Residents have until April 15 to submit written comments to the commission concerning Cuomo’s New York Energy Highway project. Read the full story in the Register Star.

Ryan Anglim is reporting in The Daily Mail Greene and Columbia counties have been awarded funding for counterterrorism and emergency preparedness measures by the state of New York. The federal pass-through grants, provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency through its Homeland Security Grant Program, support regional preparedness efforts, including planning, organization and training. In an announcement Wed., Apr. 9, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said priority projects include efforts that build on the Citizen Preparedness Program, the development of effective cybersecurity programs and policies, and continued coordination of emergency management planning efforts. Greene County will receive $115,000; Columbia County, $90,000. Greene County Administrator Shaun Groden said, “Anytime the governor confirms the continuation of grants for emergency management is always a positive, especially when budgeting for the state has always been so contentious.” Read the full story in The Daily Mail.

Public News Service is reporting the benefits of putting down the wireless devices are increasingly touted as good for physical and mental health, but it's sometimes difficult to unplug, especially for managers and executives. There's help in the form of the first-ever Digital Detox retreat for executives in the U.S., taking place this week in upstate New York. Dr. Joseph Loizzo, executive director of the Nalanda Institute for Contemplative Science, is leading the retreat. "Our institute really focuses on taking time-tested practices from traditional contemplative science techniques," says Loizzo. "From contemplative yoga, meditation, different kinds of practices, and sort of tailoring them to specific modern life challenges." He says with personal stress and burnout at their highest points in 30 years, stress-related healthcare expenses costing American businesses $300 billion annually, and the escalating pace of information exchange, multi-tasking, and global business complexity, it's time to consider proven, innovative approaches and tools. Frank Clegg is the former CEO of Microsoft Canada and now heads Canadians for Safe Technology. He says he's concerned about potential harm if wireless devices aren't used safely. "There is no doubt any longer that holding the phone to your head, sticking it in your bra, putting it in your pants pocket, causes harm. Period," says Clegg. He points to studies that have shown an increased risk of brain cancer with long-term, heavy cell phone use and the World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer lists the radio frequency waves these devices emit as "possible carcinogens." Clegg is also concerned about the stress for business leaders that comes with always being connected. "You're always at work, you're always available, and I think you just don't have this down time," says Clegg. "We're starting to see now where people are almost addicted, but they're very connected and they feel they always have to be current; they can't miss an email, they can't miss a text message." He urges executives to start their own detox program by taking a one-hour break from their technology. Professor Robert Thurman, who holds an endowed chair in Indo-Tibetan Studies at Columbia University, will also be at the Mindfulness for Leadership Excellence retreat. He says it's important to have a spiritual component to life, whether through religion or a secular approach. "Keep the mental and physical things in proportion, and then even the negative impacts that might occur there will be minimized, and one will have a satisfying life," says Thurman. The Mindfulness for Leadership Excellence Retreat takes place April 9-12 at the Menla Mountain Retreat and Conference Center in Phoenicia, Ulster County. PLAY THE FULL AUDIO VERSION OF THIS STORY (2:45).

The Daily Freeman is reporting Vassar College on Tue., Apr. 7, was awarded $1 million for its accomplishments in enrolling and graduating low-income, high-achieving students. The award, the first of its kind, was made by the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation based in Northern Virginia. The newly established Cooke Prize for Equity in Educational Excellence goes to a college making strides in enrolling low-income students and supporting them to successful graduation. Nearly one out of four Vassar students comes from a family with an income low enough to qualify for federal Pell grants, according The New York Times. Read the full story in the Daily Freeman.

Weather right now


[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="128"] Cairo: High 45F; low 39F.[/caption]

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="125"] Catskill: High 45F; low 39F.[/caption]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

READ TEMPERATURE IN HUDSON: On thermometer in Studio A.

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 Catskill, in Greene County:

Today: A chance of drizzle, then a chance of rain or drizzle after 3 p.m. Cloudy. High near 45. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent. Thursday night, rain. Low around 41. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent.

Forecast for the next three days:
Friday: Showers and thunderstorms likely before 11 a.m., then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 4 p.m. Cloudy. High near 60. Friday night, a chance of showers, mainly before 7 p.m. Mostly cloudy. Low around 45.
Saturday: Mostly sunny. High near 56. Saturday night, mostly clear. Low around 35.
Sunday: Sunny. High near 64. Sunday night, mostly clear. Low around 39.

Sunset today: 7:30 p.m.
Length of the day: 13:07 hrs.

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

CHATHAM Village Board meeting, 7:30 p.m. at Village Hall, 77 Main Street, Chatham (392-5821).
CLAVERACK Town Board meeting, 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 91 Church St., Mellenville (672-7911).
COLUMBIA COUNTY Transportation Advisory Committee meeting, 1 p.m. at 401 State St., Hudson.
COPAKE Town Board meeting, 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 230 Mountainview Road, Copake (329-1234).
GALLATIN Town Board meeting, 6:30 p.m. at Town Hall, 667 Route 7, Ancram (398-7519).
HUDSON Common Council Legal Committee meeting, 6 p.m. at City Hall, 520 Warren Street, Hudson (828-1030).
KINDERHOOK Planning Board Workshop meeting, 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 4 Church St, Niverville (784-2233).
LIVINGSTON Town board meeting, 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 119 County Route 19.
NEW BALTIMORE Planning Board meeting, 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 3809 Co. Rte. 51, Hannacroix (756-6671).
PHILMONT Zoning Board of Appeals meeting, 7 p.m. at Village Hall, 124 Main St., Philmont (672-7032).
STUYVESANT Town Board meeting, 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 5 Sunset Drive, Stuyvesant (758-6248).
TANNERSVILLE Village trustees meet at 7 p.m. in their Village Hall on Route 23A.
WINDHAM Town board meets at 8 p.m. at Town Hall, 371 State Rt. 296, Hensonville (734-4170).

The day ahead on WGXC 90.7-FM
6 a.m.: Background Briefing with Ian Masters Inside breaking international and national news. A radio program featuring international and national news, expert guests, policy makers and critics with analysis and insight on national security, foreign and domestic policy, political, cultural and social issues. This program goes far beyond the headlines and deep under the radar to bring forward truths unheard in the American media.
7 a.m.: WGXC Morning Show News, music and and more. Broadcast from the WGXC Hudson studio.
8 a.m.: Democracy Now! hosted by Amy Goodman and Juan Gonzalez. National, daily, independent, award-winning news program providing audiences with access to people and perspectives rarely heard in the U.S. corporate-sponsored media.
9 a.m.: WGXC Morning Show continues.
10 a.m.: Prison Voices Project: Pascual Carpenter Update and re-broadcast of a previous show which focused on the felony-murder rule, and why Pascual Carpenter was incarcerated 23 years. Carpenter has just been released. This episode features an interview with Deirdre Sinnot, filmmaker of "23 Reasons Why 23 Years is Enough!" The film features Carpenter and explores the felony murder rule, which was used to sentence Carpenter to prison for 25 years to life. Carpenter contacted the "Prison Voices Project" from his cell in the Sing Sing Correctional Facility in Ossining, N.Y., and connected PVP with Sinnot, making this show possible. The film and the interview also explores the role the media plays in fueling a fear of young men of color, and the influence that fear has at sentencing. Produced by Alexandra Cox.
2 p.m.: The Passage: Mike Gladstone The late publisher, editor, designer, and historic preservationist M.J. "Mike" Gladstone loved Bob and Ray, and "Victory at Sea," the Richard Rodgers score to a documentary television series. In his honor selections from both will be played, along with short clips from a fireside interview at his home in Clermont approximately two years ago. Produced by Richard Roth.
3 p.m.: Radio Theatre: Railway Children Part 2 An anthology series of dramas and comedies for radio. Produced at KSVR Studios at the radio station KSVR-FM in Mount Vernon, Washington. The actors are from the Skagit Radio Repertory Company. The producer is Joseph C McGuire. The classic story from E. Nesbit about city children who move to the English countryside next to a Railway Station. Where they have many adventures. Taking place during the Crimean War. Produced by Joseph C McGuire. Edited by Jay Charles Performers: The Skagit Radio Repertory Company. Made with a grant from the Corporation For Public Broadcasting. From Pacifica Radio.
4 p.m.: WGXC Afternoon Show
6 p.m.: WGXC Evening News

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="262"] Mayor William H. Hallenbeck Jr. (left) and Victor Mendolia in the WGXC Hudson studio during a July 2012 broadcast of “@Issue.”
(Archive photo)[/caption]

John Mason is reporting in the Register Star Hudson Mayor William H. Hallenbeck Jr. will seek a third term this fall. “I am deeply grateful to the residents of Hudson for giving me the opportunity to serve and have the trust in my abilities to lead the city now and in the future,” Hallenbeck said in a statement released Tue., Apr. 7. He thanked the city and county Republican committees for their endorsement. Hallenbeck said he will seek the Conservative and Independence lines on the November ballot, as well. A former Hudson police officer, Columbia County Sheriff's deputy and Third Ward Supervisor, Hallenbeck took office in 2012. Hallenbeck is the fourth person to declare his candidacy for mayor this year, following Tiffany Martin Hamilton, Nick Haddad and Fred Stark. Read the full story in the Register Star.

Ryan Anglim is reporting in The Daily Mail on recent organizational changes at the Greene County Agricultural Society, host of the annual Greene County Youth Fair. Tara Licata of Greenville was elected president of the Agricultural Society, and Andrea Macko, also of Greenville, was chosen vice president, in October. Licata and Macko made a presentation recently to the Greene County Legislature on the plans for event this year, set for July 23 through July 26 at Angelo Canna Town Park in Cairo. During the presentation, legislator Vincent Seeley, who represents Catskill, asked if the Society might be willing to move the fair to another location within the county. Seeley said, “Having it in New Baltimore or Coxsackie would be great because it would draw Albany down." Licata said the Society attempted to identify other venues, but state regulations governing the festival are strict. She said the park in Cairo meets those requirements. Held each year in late July, the fair is free and offers entertainment for all ages. Its purpose is to celebrate the accomplishments of the community's children in an effort to preserve the county’s agricultural legacy. The Society is a non-profit organization responsible for furthering agricultural education within the county. The organization’s membership consists of a diverse group including farmers, teachers, nurses and business owners. This fair this year is dedicated to Greene County Legislator Wayne Speenburgh of Coxsackie, who said he has attended all but one of the past 60 fairs. Read the full story in The Daily Mail.

Public News Service is reporting the recent explosion and fire that destroyed part of a city block and left two men dead in downtown Manhattan has raised new concerns about the health of New York's aging gas pipelines. But the problem could extend well beyond the city's borders. Adam Forman, research associate for the Center for an Urban Future, said feeble gas systems pose safety risks in cities throughout the state and region. "Other major cities, like Boston and Philadelphia, suffer from really old infrastructure," he said. "This is something that's kind of endemic to the Northeast, and something where a lot of progress needs to be made going forward." Three buildings in Manhattan's East Village caught fire and collapsed last month, and a similar explosion and fire killed eight people and destroyed two buildings in Harlem last spring. Official investigations point to gas leaks as the cause. According to the Center for an Urban Future, more than half of New York's gas lines were installed before 1960 and some have fallen apart from corrosion and improper maintenance. While companies such as National Grid and Con Edison have made upgrades that have reduced leaks, Forman said, there's only so much they can do on their own. "The last 100 feet of every service delivery ends inside the building," he said. "So, we can't just think about these big companies -- we need to think about the building owners, the installers, the contractors, the unions as well, and how all these stakeholders play a role in making sure that our services are delivered efficiently and safely." The group estimated that New York experiences nearly 10,000 gas leaks per year. Mayor Bill de Blasio has convened a working group that includes major utilities and regulators to focus on improving the city's gas infrastructure. PLAY THE FULL AUDIO VERSION OF THIS STORY (1:34)

Scott Waldman is reporting at Capital New York the Champlain Hudson Power Express is facing a series of challenges that threaten its completion. The power corridor would connect 1,000 megawatts of Canadian hydropower to the New York City market. It would run through Lake Champlain and down the Hudson to New York City. Construction on the 333-mile project was to have begun two years ago, but the project has not received final permits and needs key federal energy market exemptions to remain economically viable. Observers say the $2.2 billion price tag is way under budget, and the planned main source of hydropower has not committed to the project yet. If built, the line would bring a major source of renewable, emissions-free energy into the state. The profitability of the Champlain Hudson Power Express project was originally based on the difference between the low cost of Canadian hydropower and high electricity prices in New York City. However, the infusion of natural gas as a result of fracking has closed that gap since the line was proposed. And the state's Energy Highway project to bring upstate power downstate through new power lines is on hold. Later this year, the state Department of Public Service will determine whether the transmissions lines are even needed. Read the full story at Capital New York.

Alexander Burns writes in The New York Times about U.S. Rep. Chris Gibson's quest to revive the Republican Party statewide before the next gubernatorial campaign in 2018. In visits to party organizations in Buffalo and around New York City, Gibson has attacked business as usual in Albany, calling for term limits on the governor and the Legislature. He has also accused Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo of failing to live up to his pledge to confront corruption in the state capital. Gibson won a landslide re-election bid last year, but stunned Republicans less than two months later by announcing he would not seek another term. He has since offered himself up to state party leaders as something of a motivational speaker for downcast Republicans. According to the Times, behind the scenes Gibson has instructed advisers to study his options for creating a new political fund-raising entity, to help collect and spend money for Republican causes throughout the state. While the congressman said he has not yet decided how to proceed, allies say Gibson is likely to declare his intentions in less than a year. Read the full story in The New York Times.

Weather right now


[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="128"] Cairo: High 39F; low 33F.[/caption]

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="125"] Catskill: High 40F; low 34F.[/caption]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

READ TEMPERATURE IN HUDSON: On thermometer in Studio A.

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 Catskill, in Greene County:

Today: Rain and sleet likely, becoming all rain after 2 p.m. Cloudy. High near 40. Chance of precipitation is 70 percent. Wednesday night, rain and sleet likely before 5 a.m., then a chance of freezing rain and sleet. Cloudy. Low around 32. Chance of precipitation is 70 percent.

Forecast for the next three days:
Thursday: A chance of rain, freezing rain and sleet before 11 a.m., then rain likely. Cloudy. High near 44. Thursday night, rain, mainly before 2 a.m. Low around 40.
Friday: A chance of rain, then rain likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 2 p.m. Cloudy. High near 62. Friday night, rain likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 8 p.m., then a chance of rain. Mostly cloudy. Low around 42.
Saturday: Mostly sunny. High near 57. Saturday night, mostly clear. Low around 36.

Sunrise today: 6:24 a.m.
Sunset today: 7:29 p.m.
Length of the day: 13:04 hrs.

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

ATHENS Village Board meeting, 6:30 p.m at the Athens Community Center, 2 First St., Athens (945-1551).
CATSKILL Zoning Board of Appeals, 6 p.m. at Town Hall, 439 Main St., Catskill (943-2141).
CLERMONT Planning Board meeting at Town Hall, 7 p.m. at 1795 Route 9, Clermont (537-6868).
COLUMBIA COUNTY Board of Supervisors .1 [point one] special meeting, 7:10 p.m.; Finance Committee special meeting, 7:20 p.m.; public hearing on Local Law #2, 7:25 p.m.; public hearing on Local Law #3, 7:27 p.m.; full board meeting, 7:30 p.m. All at 401 State St., Hudson (828-1527).
COPAKE Hamlet Revitalization Task Force, 7 p.m.; Environmental Committee meeting, 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 230 Mt. View Road, Copake (329-1234).
GHENT Planning Board Application meeting and Zoning Board of Appeals meeting, 7 p.m. both at Town Hall, 2306 State Route 66, Ghent (392-4644).
HUDSON Housing Authority Board of Commissioners meeting, 6 p.m. at Bliss Towers, 41 N. 2nd St., Hudson (822-9743).
HUDSON Planning Board public hearing on the amended site plan application for 78 Green St., Hudson, 6 p.m.; full board meeting, 7 p.m. at City Hall, 520 Warren Street, Hudson (828-1030).
JEWETT Town Board meeting, 7 p.m., at Municipal Bldg. 3547 Co. Rt. 23C (263-4626).
KINDERHOOK Town’s 9 & 9H Corridor Committee meeting, 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 4 Church St, Niverville (784-2233).
KINDERHOOK Village Board meeting and budget hearing, 7 p.m. at 6 Chatham Street, Kinderhook (758-9882).

The day ahead on WGXC 90.7-FM
1 a.m.: Vital Weekly: Chester Hawkins Episode 976 of weekly experimental new music show, by folks formerly behind Staalplaat. Click on title for playlist 976.
2 a.m.: FFFoxy Podcast: Good Area On this episode of the FFFoxy Podcast (#54), we started off the show with a premiere excerpt from the Philadelphia-based duo Good Area’s forthcoming LP called Macbeth. This release, following solid efforts out on the reputable Kye and Hanson labels, is due out later in the year on Vitrine, the private imprint started in 2013 by Good Area members Allen Mozek and Gabi Losoncy. Vitrine has been slowly issuing works from other like-minded artists dealing in primitive electronics, tape manipulation, sound poetry, and noise. On this episode, we be spoke with Allen about the work that he’s doing with Vitrine, along with the sound work that he is doing under the name No Intention and with Good Area. You will also hear several selections from the Vitrine catalog throughout, including some other new and forthcoming releases and a few other Philadelphia-related artists that Allen provided. If you are interested in checking out further sound clips, you can head over to the Vitrine YouTube page. If you’d like to purchase any Vitrine titles, we’d encourage you to check out the following mail order sites: Alberts Basement (AU), Art Into Life (JP), Crisis of Taste, Fusetron, Hanson, Infinite Limits (UK), Little Big Chief, Mimaroglu, Swill Radio, and Tordan Ljud (EU). Hope you enjoy this episode. Feel free to get in touch if you have any questions or comments.

6 a.m.: Background Briefing with Ian Masters Inside breaking international and national news. A radio program featuring international and national news, expert guests, policy makers and critics with analysis and insight on national security, foreign and domestic policy, political, cultural and social issues. This program goes far beyond the headlines and deep under the radar to bring forward truths unheard in the American media.
7 a.m.: WGXC Morning Show News, music and and more. Broadcast from the WGXC Hudson studio.
8 a.m.: Democracy Now! hosted by Amy Goodman and Juan Gonzalez. National, daily, independent, award-winning news program providing audiences with access to people and perspectives rarely heard in the U.S. corporate-sponsored media.
9 a.m.: WGXC Morning Show continues.
10 a.m.: The Right Opinion: Mike Buttino Mike Buttino, Vice Chairman of the Greene County Conservative Party, will be in the studio to discuss Greene County politics. Hosted by Ed Fertik.
4 p.m.: WGXC Afternoon Show
6 p.m.: WGXC Evening News

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="560"] Catskill Park
(Source: greatnortherncatskills.com)[/caption]

Jim Planck is reporting in The Daily Mail Catskill Park has received $500,000 for its economic growth and resource preservation. The funding came in the form of a line item in the 2015-16 state budget. The money will be used for comprehensive planning, land acquisition, stewardship and a small business grant program. Catskill Park Coalition co-chairs Ramsay Adams and Alan White expressed their gratitude to state senators George Amedore and James Seward for securing the support. White said, “With this investment, Senators Seward and Amedore are helping the region to proactively and strategically plan for the future,..." The Catskill Park Coalition is an alliance of approximately 30 regional not-for-profit groups, focused on broadening public appreciation of the park and seeking resources to enhance and maintain it for current and future generations. Read the full story in The Daily Mail.

Jad Mouawad is reporting in The New York Times the National Transportation Safety Board said Mon., Apr. 6, new oil tank train cars should come with much stronger ability to withstand high heat and pressure from a crash or a blast. New federal measures to make the oil-by-train business safer, which include added protections to rail cars, are not expected to take effect until 2017. The board said Monday the new measures needed to be significantly strengthened to include more robust thermal protections, like a ceramic thermal blanket on the cars. The board also called for increased capacity of pressure relief valves. Traditional tank cars used for crude oil transportation have long been known to rupture in crashes. A newer car, the CPC-1232, adopted by the rail industry in recent years, has also broken up and exploded in crashes this year. Read the full story in The New York Times.

Mark Hamilton is reporting at Capitol Confidential the Alliance for Quality Education is urging parents to consider opting their children out of state standardized tests this month. AQE is a pro-public education group with support of the New York State United Teachers. It sent an email blast Mon., Apr. 6, about opt outs. In the email the group wrote that too much emphasis is being placed on high-stakes testing, forcing teachers to teach to the tests too often. AQE’s plea comes just a week after New York State United Teachers President Karen Magee came out in support of parents opting their kids out of standardized tests. Exams for students in grades 3 through 8 will be administered between April 14 and April 24. Read the full story at Capitol Confidential, a Times Union blog.

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="527"] Yale Climate Opinion Map[/caption]

Brian Nearing is reporting at The Green Blog a team of researchers from Yale University unveiled Mon., Apr. 6, an interactive, online map that measures climate change opinion and public policy support in all 50 states. The map breaks down opinions on a variety of questions, including whether people are worried about climate change, whether human activity is causing it and what ought to be done in response. In the Capital Region, the majority of people are worried about climate change and want to see carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas created by fossil fuel combustion, regulated as a form of pollution. Public worry statewide ranges from a low of 49 percent in Niagara County to a high of 73 percent in Manhattan. Locally, that rate of worry was 62 percent in Albany County, 60 percent in Columbia County, 58 percent in Rensselaer County and 57 percent in Greene County. Saratoga County is the only local county where a majority of people do not believe that human activity, in the form of fossil fuel emissions, is causing climate change. The map can be accessed online at environment [dot] yale [dot] edu [slash] climate [dash] communication. Read the full story at The Green Blog, a Times Union blog.

Jessica Bakeman is reporting at Capital New York state education officials recently considered allowing unlimited time for the upcoming Common Core-aligned English language arts exams, but stakeholders shot down the idea. The exams are scheduled to begin April 14. Board of Regents chancellor Merryl Tisch said parents and teachers have complained that students struggle to finish the English exams during the time allowed. So she, with the state education department, tried to gauge interest among school groups for the tests to be untimed. Tisch told Capital. “I thought that was a way to value teachers and their discretion: let a teacher decide when a kid is working productively and give them time....We thought it was a productive idea. All of a sudden people said "no." I don’t think anyone thought it was a bad idea. I just thought the politics around doing anything positive about testing became too difficult to manage.” Tisch cited the failed attempt as an illustration of the contentious political environment surrounding public education these days. The powerful New York State United Teachers and the New York State School Boards Association opposed the plan. Lisa Rudley, a parent-activist who has helped organize opposition to the current testing arrangements, said Tisch’s plan shows the chancellor doesn’t understand parents’ concerns. She said, “The chancellor’s suggestion is completely outrageous, and it shows that she’s not listening to parents." The tests are required by the federal government. New York began using assessments that reflect the Common Core standards in 2013. Last year, about 31 percent of students statewide were proficient on the tests. Read the full story at Capital New York.

Weather right now


[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="128"] Cairo: High 50F; low 35F.[/caption]

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="125"] Catskill: High 48F; low 35F.[/caption]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

READ TEMPERATURE IN HUDSON: On thermometer in Studio A.

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 Catskill, in Greene County:

Today: Showers likely, mainly after 11 a.m. Cloudy. High near 48. Chance of precipitation is 70 percent. Tuesday night, rain showers likely before 5 a.m., then a chance of rain and snow showers. Cloudy. Low around 36. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent.

Forecast for the next three days:
Wednesday: A chance of rain and snow showers before 8 a.m., then rain showers likely. Cloudy. High near 42. Wednesday night, rain and snow showers likely before 5 a.m., then a chance of snow showers. Cloudy. Low around 32.
Thursday: A chance of snow and snow showers before 11 a.m., then rain showers likely. Cloudy. High near 43. Thursday night, showers likely. Cloudy. Low around 38.
Friday: Showers likely, with thunderstorms also possible after 11 a.m. Cloudy. High near 61. Friday night, scattered showers. Mostly cloudy. Low around 47.

Sunset today: 7:28 p.m.
Length of the day: 13:01 hrs.

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

CATSKILL Town Board meeting, 6:30 p.m. at Town Hall, 439 Main St., Catskill (943-2141).
COPAKE Park Commission meeting, 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 230 Mt. View Road, Copake (329-1234).
DURHAM Town Board meeting, 7:30 p.m. at Town Building, 7309 State Rt. 81, East Durham (239-8260).
HUNTER Planning Board meeting, 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 5748 Route 23A, Tannersville (263-4020).
ICHABOD CRANE Central School District Board of Education meeting, 7 p.m. at Ichabod Crane High School, 2910 Route 9, Valatie (758-7577).
LEXINGTON Town Board meeting, 6:30 p.m., at Municipal building, 3542 Route 42, Lexington, (986-6303).
LIVINGSTON Zoning Board of Appeals meeting, 7 p.m., at Town Hall, County Rte. 19, Livingston (851-9441).
TAGHKANIC Planning Board meeting, 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 909 Route 82, Taghkanic (851-7638).

The day ahead on WGXC 90.7-FM
6 a.m.: Background Briefing with Ian Masters Inside breaking international and national news. A radio program featuring international and national news, expert guests, policy makers and critics with analysis and insight on national security, foreign and domestic policy, political, cultural and social issues. This program goes far beyond the headlines and deep under the radar to bring forward truths unheard in the American media.
7 a.m.: WGXC Morning Show Local news, regional events, weather updates, and more, live from the WGXC Hudson studio. Hosted by Mr. "Peetie Pete" Lievense.
8 a.m.: Democracy Now! hosted by Amy Goodman and Juan Gonzalez. National, daily, independent, award-winning news program providing audiences with access to people and perspectives rarely heard in the U.S. corporate-sponsored media.
9 a.m.: WGXC Morning Show continues.
11 a.m.: The Music Maestro Hour: Rolling Stones The Rolling Stones in concert for the full hour. Hosted by James White.
6 p.m.: WGXC Evening News
7 p.m.: Leprous Garden: 20150407 The April episode will feature everything you've grown to know and love about this amazing show: Brutal music for a brutal world. Mantas will keep the blood flowing from your ears with two and a half hours of death and extreme metal. And if that doesn't sound appealing check out this month's Metallurgy, which will continue the series on evolutionary bands, this time showcasing Mastodon and Cynic, two outfits that set sail for the greener pastures of rock and roll. Hosted by Mantas.

Some of the stories that made the news Fri., Apr. 3 through Mon., Apr. 6

Jim Planck reported in The Daily Mail school districts in Greene County will see an overall increase in their state aid this year and a substantial repayment of a portion of the funds the state has owed districts statewide since 2010. According to information provided by the state, each of the six Greene County school districts will be given an increase in total aid, ranging from the smallest, to the Cairo-Durham school district, at less than one percent, to the highest, Hunter-Tannersville, at 6.35 percent. That amount includes funds held back by the state in 2010 to eliminate its own budget shortfall.

[caption id="" align="alignright" width="273"] The Lincoln funeral train in
West Philadelphia, Pa., Apr. 22, 1865.
(Source: Abraham Lincoln Research site)[/caption]

John Mason reported in the Register Star plans are moving ahead locally for the commemoration of the Lincoln Funeral Train. Hudson City Historian Pat Fenoff is busy preparing for the three-day exhibition, "Lincoln's Long Journey Home," beginning April 24. It will feature photographs on loan from the New York State Library of the final Emancipation Proclamation. That exhibit will take place at the Robert Jenkins House located at 113 Warren St. in Hudson. Hudson resident Carole Osterink and friends are preparing an elaborate, historically based tableau based on a passage from the journal of Edward Davis Townsend, the commander of the funeral train. That event will take place near the railroad tracks on the evening of April 25. The event now has a Facebook page: LincolnFuneralTrain2015.

Chris Bragg reported at Capitol Confidential Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo Fri., Apr. 3, registered a committee to raise money for a bid for reelection in 2018, according to the state Board of Elections website. Cuomo has been rumored as a possible presidential candidate in 2016, but that now appears unlikely with Hillary Clinton all but certain to run in the Democratic primary. Cuomo’s 2104 Republican challenger, Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino, is considering another run in 2018. Attorney General Eric Schneiderman is reportedly giving consideration to challenging Cuomo in the Democratic primary next time around.

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="252"] The 2009 Athens Street Festival
(Source: athensstreetfestival.com)[/caption]

Melanie Lekocevic is reporting in The Daily Mail the Athens Street Festival is a go and organizers are planning a series of new activities for the 40-year-old event. The future of the annual July celebration was recently called into question when it became known there was a shortage of volunteers to organize and stage the event. Athens Mayor Chris Pfister said Sat., Apr. 4, “The festival is back on. We are still recruiting for the Athens Street Festival Committee, but we are ready to go.” The event draws more than 10,000 people to the village of Athens. The festival this year will feature more events for children and youth. Activities under consideration include a strolling magician, circus performances, a rock-climbing wall and pony rides. The festival will take place July 11.

Weather right now


[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="128"] Cairo: High 62F; low 42F.[/caption]

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="125"] Catskill: High 61F; low 42F.[/caption]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

READ TEMPERATURE IN HUDSON: On thermometer in Studio A.

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 Catskill, in Greene County:

Today: A slight chance of rain showers, snow showers and sleet before 8 a.m., then a slight chance of rain showers after 4 p.m. Partly sunny. High near 58. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent. Monday night, a chance of showers, mainly after 10 p.m. Increasing clouds. Low around 42. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent.

Forecast for the next three days:
Tuesday: Periods of rain, mainly after 11 a.m. High near 53. Tuesday night, periods of rain. Low around 38.
Wednesday: A chance of rain. Cloudy. High near 47. Wednesday night, a chance of rain. Cloudy. Low around 35.
Thursday: A chance of snow and sleet before 8 a.m., then a chance of rain showers after 2 p.m. Mostly cloudy. High near 49. Thursday night, showers likely. Cloudy. Low around 36.

Sunset today: 7:27 p.m.
Length of the day: 12:58 hrs.

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

ANCRAM Conservation Advisory Council, 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 1416 County Rte. 7, Ancram (329-6512).
ATHENS Town Board meeting, 7 p.m. at 2 First Street, Athens (734-3636).
CAIRO Town Board meeting, 6:30 p.m.; both at Cairo Town Hall, 512 Main St., Cairo (622-3120).
CATSKILL Recreation Committee meeting, 7 p.m. at Catskill Town Hall,
439 Main St., Catskill (943-2141).
CLAVERACK Planning Board meeting, 7:30 p.m. at Town Hall, Church Street, Mellenville (672-7911).
CLERMONT Town Board meeting, 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 1795 Route 9, Clermont (537-6868).
TAGHKANIC Zoning Commission meeting, 6:30 p.m. at Town Hall, Route 82, Taghkanic (851-7638).

The day ahead on WGXC 90.7-FM
6 a.m.: Background Briefing with Ian Masters Inside breaking international and national news. A radio program featuring international and national news, expert guests, policy makers and critics with analysis and insight on national security, foreign and domestic policy, political, cultural and social issues. This program goes far beyond the headlines and deep under the radar to bring forward truths unheard in the American media.
7 a.m.: WGXC Morning Show Local news, regional events, weather updates, and more, live from the WGXC Hudson studio. Hosted by Mr. "Peetie Pete" Lievense.
8 a.m.: Democracy Now! hosted by Amy Goodman and Juan Gonzalez. National, daily, independent, award-winning news program providing audiences with access to people and perspectives rarely heard in the U.S. corporate-sponsored media.
9 a.m.: WGXC Morning Show continues.
10 a.m.: The Albany Report: Misti Duvall, Elizabeth Moran Fracking waste: Should we be concerned? A look at the use of low-volume fracking waste as a de-icer on roads, and the dumping of out-of-state high-volume fracking waste in New York landfills. Misti Duvall, Staff Attorney with the Watershed Program for Riverkeeper and Elizabeth Moran, Water and Natural Resources Associate of Environmental Advocates of New York will be in the studio to discuss the issue. Moran is the author of “License to Dump,” a report that details how, despite a state ban that does not allow high-volume hydrofracking, New York permits Pennsylvania to dump radioactive fracking waste inside our borders. Call (518) 828-0290 to go on air during the show, or send your comments or questions via email to info@wgxc.org. Or take three minutes and record a question or comment ahead of time at (518) 291-WGXC (9492). Hosted by Cecilia Tkaczyk.
11 a.m.: Zoom Hosted by Tyson Hauf.
6 p.m.: WGXC Evening News