Michael Ryan is reporting in The Daily Mail a landslide that closed Route 42 between Lexington and Shandaken in Greene and Ulster counties has been cleared. The road is expected to reopen Wed., May 21. The slide occurred Thurs., May 15, in the Halcott Mountain Pass on the first hill above Spruceton Road. Heavy rains followed on Friday, prolonging the closure which affected an average of more than 700 vehicles daily. Lexington highway superintendent Frank Hermance said he continues to monitor the erosion at Beech Ridge Road North, three miles east of the slide. A hole is steadily widening at the base of Beech Ridge Road North at Route 42, alongside the West Kill. A geo-tech engineer has been hired to study the ground gap. Read the full story in The Daily Mail.

Weather right now


[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="128"] Cairo: High 75F; low 53F.[/caption]

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="125"] Catskill: High 75F; 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: Mostly cloudy. High near 74. Wednesday night, a chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 7 p.m. Cloudy. Low around 54. Chance of precipitation is 50 percent.

Forecast for the next three days:
Thursday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Cloudy. High near 66. Thursday night, a chance of showers. Cloudy. Low around 51.
Friday: A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy. High near 65. Friday night, a hance of showers, mainly before 2 a.m. Mostly cloudy. Low around 49.
Saturday: A chance of showers after 8 a.m. Partly sunny. High near 70. Saturday night, partly cloudy. Low around 51.

Sunrise today: 5:28 a.m.
Sunset today: 8:16 p.m.
Length of the day: 14:48 hrs.

Town meetings
Today is the third Wednesday of the month.
WGXC suggests calling ahead to confirm time and location.

CATSKILL at 6:30 p.m. at Town Hall, 439 Main St., Catskill.
COLUMBIA COUNTY Human Services meeting at 5 p.m. at County Office Building, 401 State Street, Hudson.
GHENT Planning Board session at 7 p.m., at Town Hall, 2306 State Route 66, Ghent (392-4644).
GREENE COUNTY Legislature meeting at 6:30 p.m. at County Building, 411 Main St., Catskill (719-3270).
HUDSON Zoning Board of Appeals Public Hearing on area variances for 233/235/237 Robinson St., and interpretation of the Schedule of Bulk Area Regulations for R-4 multiple dwellings at 6 p.m.; Zoning Board of Appeals meeting at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall, 520 Warren Street, Hudson (828-1030).

The day ahead on WGXC 90.7-FM
12:05 a.m.: Radio Stew: Crossover Tom Roe in Acra, and Dan Seward in Hudson, experiment with new transmission equipment.
1 a.m.: Vital Weekly: DJ Hazard Vital Weekly 932.
3 a.m.: FCC Oversight Hearing Federal Communications Commission Chairman Tom Wheeler discusses net neutrality.

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, weather, events, music and more.
8 a.m.: Democracy Now! hosted by Amy Goodman and Juan Gonzalez.
9 a.m.: WGXC Morning Show continues.
10 a.m.: @Issue: Don Moore, Debora Gilbert Hudson Common Council President Don Moore will discuss the Hostra Law report on Hudson government and Debora Gilbert will discuss her recent resignation from the Taghkanic Town Board. Hosted by Victor Mendolia.
2 p.m.: Catskill Cabin Conversations: George Paterson George Paterson has been a builder, a removal man, a tax inspector, a porter, a secretary and a waiter. For the last 30 years, he has also written and performed as a singer and songwriter for the bands WHITE and DMP, as well as being a regular contributor to various UK publications. Produced by Mike Porter and Andy Reid.
4 p.m.: WGXC Afternoon Show: Ward Fleming, Carmen Borgia Palenville resident Ward Fleming inventor of the Pinscreen and a local builder of yurts will discuss Pinart and the art of yurt building. Singer, songwriter, sound mixer and film sound designer Carmen Borgia will perform, and talk about music and film. Plus, news, weather, events, music and more. Hosted by Harry Matthews.
6 p.m.: Feature Story News

Kyle Adams is reporting in The Daily Mail crews from half a dozen fire companies battled a blaze Mon., May 19, at a building in Catskill. The building was reportedly under renovation. The fire blanketed the village in smoke and closed the main traffic arteries. No injuries were reported. It is unclear if anyone was in the building at the time of the fire. The structure was located at 609 Main Street, next to Tatiana's Italian Restaurant. A sign on the exterior of the building indicated the business under renovation was called Sofkuri's Room, a restaurant, lounge and music venue. It has been called a total loss. The cause of the fire is so far unknown. Catskill Assistant Fire Chief Ed Dolan said the Greene County Cause and Origin investigation team had been called in. Read the full story in The Daily Mail.

[caption id="" align="alignright" width="286"] Construction continues at TCI New York's new location in Coeymans, Albany Co.
(Paul Buckowski / Times Union)[/caption]

Lauren Stanforth is reporting in the Times Union TCI of New York held a small reception Mon., May 19, to formally acknowledge the construction of its new transformer processing facility in Coeymans, Albany Co. The building is expected to be completed by summer's end on land visible from the state Thruway. TCI President Brian Hemlock and Republican Assembly member Pete Lopez of Schoharie spoke to a crowd of 50 about the adversity TCI has overcome to make the $7 million facility a reality. The company's facility in Ghent was destroyed in a massive chemical fire in Aug. 2012. The fire burned for two days, leveling the company’s 30,000-square-foot facility on Falls Industrial Road. TCI's attempts to rebuild at the Ghent location failed. The company's relocation to Coeymans sparked protests by a group of residents and push-back from the town's planning board. TCI breaks down former electrical transformers and other oil-filled equipment and prepares the parts for recycling. At the reception Monday, Lopez called TCI's story one of "perseverance and commitment." Read the full story in the Times Union.

Public News Service is reporting advocates for the homeless say the New York State Education Department continues to disobey a federal act that protects against the dis-enrollment of schoolchildren whose families are in the process of appealing their homeless status. Mark Scheerer has the story: PLAY (2:15).

School board election and budget vote, Tues., May 20:

Cairo-Durham Central School District (622-8534)

• Polls open from 12 p.m. (noon) to 9 p.m., in the Cairo-Durham Middle School cafeteria.


• The 2014-15 budget totals $28,581,908, with a tax levy increase of 1.73 percent.


• Voters will candidates to fill three open seats on the Board of Education. Propositions to authorize the purchase of school buses and to increase the annual allocation to Cairo Public Library are also on the ballot.


• Board candidates are: Carolyn Miller, David Infantino, Robert MacGiffert, Stephen Brandow, John "Jay" Fortini.

Catskill Central School District (943-4696)

• Polls open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., in the Catskill High School gymnasium.


• The 2014-15 budget totals $41,049,058, with a tax levy increase of 1.75 percent.


• Voters will select candidates to fill three open seats on the Board of Education, as well as decide the fate of the Catskill Public Library’s proposed $655,915 budget for the coming year.


• Board candidates are: William Fiske, Michael Lanuto Jr., Kyle Lyles, Frances McCuster, Ryan Osswald.

Chatham Central School District (392-2400)

• Polls open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Tuesday, in the Mary E. Dardess Elementary School gymnasium.


• The 2014-2015 budget totals $29,468,429, with a tax levy increase of .66 percent.


• Voters will select candidates to fill four open seats on the Board of Education.


• Board candidates are: Wayne Coe, Edward Knight, James Marks, Steve Gilber, Chris Kelly, Gail Behrens Day, Teri Conte, Ted Miner.

Coxsackie-Athens Central School District (731-1710)

• Polls open from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m., at Coxsackie Elementary and E.J. Arthur Elementary schools.


• The 2014-15 budget totals $28,485,885, with a tax levy increase of 3.41 percent.


• Voters will select candidates to fill three open seats on the Board of Education (uncontested race). Voters will also be vote on two additional resolutions (1) to create a capital reserve account; and, (2) to allow board members to be elected on an at-large basis.


• Board candidates are: Carol Ann Luccio, Rich Jewett, Jamie Dorr.

Germantown Central School District (537-6281)

• Polls open 12 p.m. (noon) to 9 p.m., Tuesday, in the Germantown Central School, Main St. Lobby


• The 2014-15 budget totals $13,843,600, with no increase in the tax levy.


• Voters are also being asked to approve a $510,792.00 capital project.


• Voters will select candidates to fill two open seats on the Board of Education.


• Board candidates are: David Forman, Jeremy Smith, Donald Coons, Edward Colwell.

Greenville Central School District (966-5070)

• Polls open from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m., at Scott M. Ellis Elementary School.


• The 2014-15 budget totals $28,608,004, with a tax levy increase of 1.7 percent.


• Voters will select candidates to fill three open seats on the Board of Education (uncontested races). Other ballot initiatives include: Authorization to purchase seven 66-passenger buses and two, 28-passenger van at a cost not to exceed $803,561; and to authorize an appropriation for the Rensselaerville Public Library.


• Board candidates are: Duncan Macpherson, Thomas Connolly, Michael McAneny.

Hudson City School District (828-4360)

• Polls open 12 p.m. (noon) to 9 p.m., Tuesday at four locations: John L. Edwards Primary School; Greenport Pumper Company #1; Claverack Fire House; Stockport Town Hall; and, Livingston Town Hall.


• The 2014-15 budget totals $45,268,912, with a tax levy increase of 2.17 percent.


• Voters will select candidates to fill three open seats on the Board of Education.


• Board candidates are: Derrick Smart, Arthur A. Cincotti, Maria McLaughlin, David Kisselburgh.

Hunter-Tannersville Central School District (589-5400)

• Polls open from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m., at Hunter Elementary School.


• The 2014-15 budget totals $13,208,816, with a tax levy increase of 2.55 percent


• Voters will select candidates to fill two open seats on the Board of Education.


• Board candidates are: Eric Thorpe (five-year term), Erika Haines, John Aizstrauts (two-year term), Kimberly Thompson (write-in candidate).

Ichabod Crane Central School District (758-7575)

• Polls open 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Tuesday in the Ichabod Crane High School gymnasium.


• The 2014-15 budget totals $35,782,506, with a tax levy increase of 2 percent.


• Three incumbents are seeking re-election to new, three-year terms on the Board of Education (uncontested races). Voters will also decide four other propositions: Authorizing (1) the acquisition of five school buses, at a maximum cost of $372,500; (2) a $2.4 million capital project; (3) the addition of a non-voting student representative to the Board of Education; and (4) provide for the registration of voters in the district central office on school days.


• Board candidates are: Susan Ramos, Cheryl Trefzger, John Chandler.

New Lebanon Central School District (794-7600)

• Polls open from 12 p.m. (noon) to 9 p.m. in the Walter B. Howard Elementary School gym.


• The 2014-15 budget totals $12,765,996, with no increase in the tax levy.


• Voters will select candidates to fill two open seats on the Board of Education (uncontested races), as well as authorize the use of the Capital Reserve Fund and to authorize the establishment of a new Capital Reserve Fund.


• Board candidates are: Christine Sotek, Michael Bienes.

Taconic Hills Central School District (325-2890)

• Polls open from 12 p.m. (noon) to 9 p.m., in the Veterans' Community Room on the Taconic Hills campus.


• The 2014-15 budget totals $36,585,671, with no increase in the tax levy.


• Voters will select candidates to fill three open seats on the Board of Education (uncontested races), as well as to authorize the funding of the Repair Reserve in the amount of $500,000.


• Board candidates: Harvey Weber, Clifford Campbell, Nadine Gazzola.

Windham-Ashland-Jewett Central School District (734-3400)

• Budget voting will take place from 1 to 9 p.m. in the Windham-Ashland-Jewett Central School cafetorium.


• The 2014-15 budget totals $11,566,180, with a tax levy increase of 1.76 percent.


• Voters will select a candidate to fill one open seat on the Board of Education.


• Board candidates are: William Haltermann, William Lonecke.

Weather right now


[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="128"] Cairo: High 74F; low 50F.[/caption]

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="125"] Catskill: High 74F; low 37F.[/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: Sunny. High near 75. Tuesday night, increasing clouds. Low around 50.

Forecast for the next three days:
Wednesday: A chance of showers, mainly after after 1 p.m. Mostly cloudy. High near 75. Wednesday night, showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Cloudy. Low around 56.
Thursday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Mostly cloudy. High near 66. Thursday night, a chance of showers. Mostly cloudy. Low around 52.
Friday: A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy. High near 67. Friday night, mostly cloudy. Low around 51.

Sunrise today: 5:28 a.m.
Sunset today: 8:15 p.m.
Length of the day: 14:46 hrs.

Town meetings
Today is the third Tuesday of the month.
WGXC suggests calling ahead to confirm time and location.

COLUMBIA COUNTY Health and Medical Services Committee meets at 4 p.m. at 401 State St. in Hudson.
DURHAM Town Board meets at 7:30 p.m. at Town Building, 7309 State Rt. 81, East Durham (239-8260).
HILLSDALE Meeting at 7:30 p.m. at Town Hall on Main Street (325-5073).
HUDSON 5 p.m. Finance Committee meeting; 7 p.m. Regular Common Council meeting at City Hall, 520 Warren Street, Hudson (828-1030).
HUNTER Meeting at 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 5748 Route 23A, Tannersville (589-6150).
LEXINGTON Town board meeting at 7 p.m., at Municipal Building, 3542 Route 42, Lexington, (986-6303).
TAGHKANIC Planning Board workshop meeting at 7 p.m. at Town Hall on Route 82 in West Taghkanic (851-7638).

ANNUAL BOARD OF EDUCATION ELECTION AND BUDGET VOTE All school districts, statewide. Polls open until 9 p.m. Click here for details on the elections in Columbia and Greene counties.

The day ahead on WGXC 90.7-FM
12 a.m. (midnight): Radio News: Radio-Controlled Drones at National Parks Radio-controlled drones Blamed for Harassing Wildlife, People at Zion National Park: a report from Public News Service.
12:05 a.m.: Radio Stew: Trans-X Preview of this year's Trans-X Transmission Arts Symposium in Toronto and on Wave Farm Radio and WGXC this weekend, and also past conference events, and "Deep Wireless" shows from the NAISA folks in Canada.
5 a.m.: PCJ Media Network Plus: 20140520 International radio and media show. The show is produced jointly by PCJ in Taiwan and Canada. Producer/Presenter: Keith Perron.

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, weather, events, music and more. Peter Lievense hosts live from the Catskill studio.
8 a.m.: Democracy Now! hosted by Amy Goodman and Juan Gonzalez.
9 a.m.: WGXC Morning Show continues.
2 p.m.: Hudson Valley Tap Show: Justin Riccobono Conversation with Justin Riccobono, the Farm Director of Dutchess Hops. Hosted by Ken Landin.
3 p.m.: Social Graces: Jesse Waldinger Interview with Jesse Waldinger from PIP in Hudson. Hosted by Dick Sabol and Nan Marron.
4 p.m.: WGXC Afternoon Show
6 p.m.: Feature Story News

Some of the stories that made the news, Fri., May 16 to Mon., May 19:

New Yorkers statewide head to the polls Tues., May 20, to vote on local public school budgets. Rick Karlin reported in the Times Union most of the state's 669 school districts have budget plans that appear to have been crafted with Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo's tax freeze plan in mind. This year a "yes" budget vote will carry a tax rebate check for many residential property owners in districts where the tax levy increase falls below the state mandated cap. According to preliminary data submitted to the state, only 15 school districts statewide have reported they are going to try to override the cap. None of those 15 districts are located in Columbia or Greene counties. The increases sought locally range from no increase at all (in three Columbia County districts) to a high of 3.41 percent (in Coxsackie-Athens). To find a breakdown of local school board election and budget vote details, go to newsroom [dot] wgxc [dot] org.

Joe Gentile reported in the Register Star Columbia-Greene Community College held its 42nd annual commencement ceremony over the weekend. The school awarded associate degrees and certificates to 350 graduates. Greene County legislator Eugene Hatton, chair of the County Resources Committee, reminded the graduates there are no superheroes in life, only family. Columbia County Board of Supervisors Chairman Pat Grattan encouraged the matriculating students to use their strength, and know who they are.

[caption id="" align="alignright" width="166"] Howie Hawkins, Green Party gubernatorial candidate.[/caption]

Dennis Yusko reported in the Times Union Howie Hawkins, a Teamster employee who unloads UPS trucks in Syracuse, won the Green Party's nomination for governor at its convention in the Sanctuary for Independent Media in Troy, Sat., May 17. Party members also selected New York City educator Brian Jones for lieutenant governor, Bronx attorney Ramon Jimenez for attorney general and Theresa Portelli for state comptroller. The Green Party platform calls for a $15 minimum wage, public jobs for the unemployed, single-payer health care and fully funded public education. It sets a goal of 100 percent clean energy by 2030. On Fri., May 16, Republican Rob Astorino accepted his party's nod to challenge Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo in November, at the state GOP convention in Rye Brook. Jordan Carleo-Evangelist reported the two-term Westchester County Executive called the economic decline of New York a crime of historic magnitude. In a 25-minute speech, Astorino vowed to roll back the Common Core education standards and replace them with even more demanding local control, to repeal the SAFE Act and to create a tax credit that would encourage people to invest in public and private schools.

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="140"] Dick May[/caption]

Word came last week of the passing of Dick May, history professor, blogger and Greene County resident. Thomas Pletcher reported at BlueInGreene.org May founded the SeeingGreene blog and wrote on a wide range of issues for nearly a decade. "Dick's clear-eyed, common-sense approach to life in Greene County was widely appreciated, and he will be missed," Pletcher wrote. Blogger Sam Pratt remembered May's searing wit and gentlemanly manner in an online post, Sat., May 16. He said May's observations on Greene County life will be missed, "but their author will be missed far more so."

Weather right now


[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="128"] Cairo: High 67F; low 45F.[/caption]

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="125"] Catskill: High 68F; 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: A slight chance of showers after 1 p.m. Mostly sunny. High near 69. Monday night, partly cloudy. Low around 41.

Forecast for the next three days:
Tuesday: Sunny. High near 75. Tuesday night, a slight chance of showers after 2 a.m. Mostly cloudy. Low around 50.
Wednesday: Showers likely, with thunderstorms also possible after 2 p.m. Mostly cloudy. High near 70. Wednesday night, showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Mostly cloudy. Low around 54.
Thursday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Mostly cloudy. High near 70. Thursday night, a chance of showers. Mostly cloudy. Low around 51.

Sunrise today: 5:29 a.m.
Sunset today: 8:14 p.m.
Length of the day: 14:44 hrs.

Town meetings
Today is the third Monday of the month.
WGXC suggests calling ahead to confirm time and location.

ATHENS Town meeting at 6:45 p.m. at Town Hall, 2 First Street, Athens (734-3636).
AUSTERLITZ Comprehensive plan meeting at 7 p.m., at 812 Route 203, Austerlitz (392-3260).
CANAAN Planning board meeting at 7 p.m., at Town Hall, 1647 Route 5 South, Canaan (781-3144).
GERMANTOWN Town Board meets at 7 p.m., at Town Hall, 50 Palatine Park Road, Germantown (537-6687).
GREENE COUNTY 6 p.m. meetings of Government Ops and Finance committees, plus party caucuses at County Building, 411 Main St., Catskill (719-3270).
GREENVILLE Town Board meeting at 7:30 p.m. at Town Offices, corner of routes 32 and 81, Greenville (966-8276).

The day ahead on WGXC 90.7-FM
12:05 a.m.: Radio Stew: Readings Several "readings" of papers, reports, issuances, proclamations, transcripts, and radio theatre. This week tune in to a virtual press conference from the United Nations International Agency for Research on Cancer and their report on cell phones. Plus Cory Doctorow from "Boing Boing" reading his Guardian column, "Why it is not possible to regulate robots," and Anna Friz speaking about whale radio at the 2013 Trans-X Transmission Art Symposium.
12:30 a.m.: Noam Chomsky Noam Chomsky talk May 13 at the Cambridge MA Public Library, from "Truth and Justice Radio" via A-Infos Radio Project.
2 a.m.: Carousel Artist, producer, educator, Ann Heppermann, brings her Sarah Lawrence College students to Wave Farm and WGXC's Acra Studio for a live broadcast. Together, they bring you Carousel a world that only rides the waves of radio transmission. It’s a place where revolutionary movements rise up from the ground, girls in bikinis fight the patriarchy with herring, body snatchers drink frappuccinos, and dead men do tell tales. Carousel's stories collide to bring you a distorted world where radio functions as a mysterious plane of existence for strange creations to thrive. Warning: Carousel may include-cigarettes, deer, dancing orphans, bees, chemicals, manhole covers, arguing couples, daggers, gay uncles, and creamed herring. Carousel features works by James Bisno, Sarah Doherty Granoff, Gabrielle Greiner, Luke Hammerman, Ann Heppermann, Hannah Johnson, Nate LeBaron, Fossey Mettam, Richard Paek, Alexandra Pucciarelli, Cat Readick, Jeremy Slossberg, and Olivia Wohl. From May 10, 2014.
5 a.m.: This Week in Radio News: Net Neutrality A "Free Speech Radio News" report about the Federal Communications Commission's efforts to change net neutrality rules, and Amy Goodman from "Democracy Now!" offers an opinion on the matter. Plus, a look at radio waves, including cell phone waves, and their effects on humans, birds, and whales.

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, weather, events, music and more. Peter Lievense hosts live from the Catskill studio.
8 a.m.: Democracy Now! hosted by Amy Goodman and Juan Gonzalez.
9 a.m.: WGXC Morning Show continues.
2 p.m.: The Barbershop Talks: The Frenzy The Frenzy will be reunited in person, in the flesh. New music, countless Skittles to be given out. Also Joel Leggo Legend will be fresh off his HOC Battle. Hosted by Vern Cross and Kamal Johnson.
4 p.m.: WGXC Afternoon Show
6 p.m.: Feature Story News

Local News
Local news from Wave Farm‘s WGXC 90.7-FM in the Hudson Valley, New York for Sun., May 18. PLAY AUDIO (1:46)

WGXC Programming Report
Click here to hear WGXC Program Director give an audio report about the coming week in programming. PLAY AUDIO (1:34)

Public Meetings
COXSACKIE Harlem Wizards Charity Basketball Game, 5:45 p.m. at Coxsackie-Athens High School, Sunset Boulevard, Coxsackie. Congressman Chris Gibson (R-Kinderhook) will participate in post-game ceremonies.

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

• Sunday: Isolated showers after noon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 64, and a low around 38.

• Monday: Isolated showers after 2 p.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 67, and a low around 42.

• Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 70.

Sunrise 5:30 a.m.
Sunset 7:13 p.m.
Other celestial rises/sets
Moon 11:58 P.M. 9:18 A.M.
Mercury 6:35 A.M. 10:07 P.M.
Venus 3:57 A.M. 4:42 P.M.
Mars 3:51 P.M. 3:39 A.M.
Jupiter 8:56 A.M. 12:02 A.M.
Saturn 7:14 P.M. 5:28 A.M.
Uranus 3:45 A.M. 4:28 P.M.
Neptune 2:21 A.M. 1:16 P.M.
Pluto 11:20 P.M. 8:53 A.M.

WGXC Programming

Liz Page reports in The Mountain Eagle that Jefferson is considering partnering with other Schoharie County towns to employ solar energy. Jefferson Town Board members approved a motion at a May 8 meeting to join in an energy audit with Four Corners Energy LLC, an Albany firm working with other municipalities as well as Schoharie County officials to develop solar projects for increased energy efficiency in the county. Four Corners is attempting, "to get as many involved as possible as incentive to an energy company to bid on a larger package, thus reducing the cost to each municipality and offering more power to the electric grid." Read the full story in The Mountain Eagle.

[caption id="attachment_33783" align="alignright" width="300"] Many WGXC volunteers helped paint, clean, and refurbish parts of the WGXC transmitter shelter this past week.[/caption]Tune in the new WGXC Saturday morning lineup:
6 a.m.: "Amateur Radio Newsline"
6:30 a.m.: "Glenn Hauser's World of Radio"
7 a.m.: "Off The Hook"
8 a.m.: "What's The Frequency, Kenneth?"
9 a.m.-noon: "Saturday Morning Serial"
10:30 a.m.: "Radio Wonderland

• Tune in "Saturday Morning Serial," multi-locational radio show about local radio. Interrupted at 10:30 a.m. for "Radio Wonderland." "Saturday Morning Serial" is a live transmission art show with a cast of many regular characters, and regular radio segments, based out of Wave Farm. Local frequencies, signals, transmissions, and walk-in on-air guests are all mixed in. Skype in at WaveFarm. Check in on CB radio, weather radio, shortwave, scanners, cell phones, strings-and-cups, or whatever else we can tune in. Show alos includes Presidential Radio Address and Republican Response. Hear the best segments of the past week, and WGXC Program Director Katy Donnelly previewing the coming week on the air. Call in and be on the air at 518-622-2598. Twitter song requests and links to audio to play @free103point9 and @wgxc. Plus, radio theatre, cartoon music, stories, sound effects, songs, and more. "Radio Wonderland" from Joshua Fried, comes at at 10:30 a.m. until 11 a.m., as Fried remixes New York City morning radio on Hudson Valley frequencies. This week's show also includes segments from Tony Fallon, Cheryl K., Debora Gilbert, Petey Pete, Joshua Fried, and others.

• Adam Clayton in the Register-Star reports about Taghkanic councilwoman Debora Gilbert, who is also a volunteer programmer at WGXC. Gilbert resigned from her two-and-a-half-year stint on the town board, leaving an open seat. She said she resigned because of a nepotism claim she says goes unresolved in the town, though, at one point, she voted in favor of promoting the son of the highway department chief that she's now complaining about. According to the article, Gilbert said, "she regretted voting for his raise and promotion afterward and rescinded her vote on the grounds of moral conscience. 'I just feel that no father should be directly in charge of their own son,' Gilbert said. 'Other factors, like home life or personal problems or personal feelings of family, can and will influence that supervisor’s decisions in regards to his son. I just morally object to it.'" Gilbert co-hosts "@Issue" every other Wednesday at 10 a.m. on WGXC (90.7-FM). Read the full story in the Register-Star.

• "The Irish Show," hosted by Tony Fallon Sunday night at 8 p.m. on WGXC (90.7-FM) is now broadcasting from Acra's Wave Farm studio. Now closer to East Durham, Fallon says he expects to have many more local musicians as guests at the Wave Farm studio.

• WGXC is accepting donations via the Hands-On Radio Bank in advance of the WGXC June pledge drive. The bank is open through May 31. All contributions will be applied our $10,000 goal. Making a pledge to the radio bank is easy. Go online to make your contribution. Your tax-deductible donation will help sustain WGXC as a public platform for information, experimentation, and engagement.

• On Saturday, September 13, 2014, The Olana Partnership and Wave Farm's WGXC will co-present a new iteration of their award-winning exhibition event Groundswell. Join us at Olana State Historic Site for site-specific performance and works and in sound, installation, broadcast, and movement. Over a dozen new artists will reflect on and react to Olana and its integral viewshed as an ambitious and early environmental work. Participating artists include: Kenseth Armstead, William Basinski, Steve Bull, Jane Carver, Ellen Driscoll, Michael Garofalo, Mckendree Key, Hélène Lesterlin, Jack Magai, Man Forever, Laura Ortman, Mau Schoettle, and Bryan Zimmerman. Groundswell picnic delectables and libations provided by Swoon Kitchenbar. Solar powered performance amplification provided by Lotus Energy. Tickets are available now at groundswell2014.brownpapertickets.com. More information will be available soon at wgxc.org.

Local News
Local news from Wave Farm‘s WGXC 90.7-FM in the Hudson Valley, New York for Sat., May 17. PLAY AUDIO (4:45)

WGXC Programming Report
Click here for Katy Donnelly's audio report of the week in local programming May 25 through May 30. PLAY AUDIO (1:36)

Public Meetings
CATSKILL Greene County Honor a Veteran Program. At 10 a.m. Congressman Chris Gibson (R-Kinderhook) honors Virgil E. Deyo of Prattsville, who was killed in action during World War II. At Greene County Courthouse, Main Street, Catskill.

GREENVILLE Greene County Sons of the American Legion Dinner. At 1 p.m., Congressman Gibson meets with veterans and their families at the American Legion Post 291, Maple Avenue, Greenville.

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

A Flood Watch remains in effect for much of the WGXC Listening Area until noon.

• Saturday: Partly sunny, with a high near 67, and a low around 42.

• Sunday: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 67, and a low around 39.

• Monday: A chance of showers, mainly after 2 p.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 62.

Sunrise 5:31 a.m.
Sunset 8:12 p.m.
Other celestial rises/sets
Moon 11:09 P.M. 8:13 A.M.
Mercury 6:33 A.M. 10:04 P.M.
Venus 3:59 A.M. 4:40 P.M.
Mars 3:55 P.M. 3:43 A.M.
Jupiter 8:59 A.M. 12:05 A.M.
Saturn 7:18 P.M. 5:33 A.M.
Uranus 3:49 A.M. 4:32 P.M.
Neptune 2:25 A.M. 1:20 P.M.
Pluto 11:24 P.M. 8:57 A.M.

WGXC Programming

Radio Stew: Surveillance
May 17, 2014: 12:05 a.m. – 4 a.m.
Glenn Greenwald
May 17, 2014: 4 a.m. – 6 a.m.
Amateur Radio Newsline: Hamvention 2014
May 17, 2014: 6 a.m. – 6:30 a.m.
Glenn Hauser's World of Radio: 20140517
May 17, 2014: 6:30 a.m. – 7 a.m.
Off The Hook: Bicycle Mark
May 17, 2014: 7 a.m. – 8 a.m.
What's the Frequency, Kenneth?: Benghazi
May 17, 2014: 8 a.m. – 9 a.m.
Saturday Morning Serial: Tony Fallon, Katy Donnelly, Cheryl K., Debora Gilbert, Petey Pete, Joshua Fried
May 17, 2014: 9 a.m. – noon
Other Music: Alexander Turnquist
May 17, 2014: 12:05 p.m. – 2 p.m.

Michael Ryan is reporting in The Daily Mail a landslide has closed Route 42 indefinitely between the towns of Lexington and Shandaken in Greene and Ulster counties. New York State Department of Transportation crews were called to the scene Thurs., May 15, when a 50-foot section of the mountainside collapsed. Heavy rains are expected over the next few days, which could prolong the closure. The official detour established by the DOT sends motorists to Route 28 via routes 23A and 214. Engineers are assessing the situation. They are also examining erosion at Beech Ridge Road North, three miles east of the slide. A hole is widening at the base of that road where it meets Route 42, alongside the West Kill. Read the full story in The Daily Mail.

William J. Kemble is reporting in the Daily Freeman Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corp. and the state Public Service Commission have filed lawsuits asking the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission respond to requests for new hearings over restrictions about where utilities purchase electricity. The filings assert that federal energy officials failed to respond to previous petitions asking the new capacity zone rules either be delayed or phased in over a three-year period. In the new local capacity zone utilities will be required to buy at least 88 percent of their capacity from electricity producers within the zone. The Mid-Hudson Valley has been placed in the same zone as Westchester County and New York City. Federal regulators are encouraging existing electric producers to charge higher rates as a way to entice other producers to establish new power plants in the area. Central Hudson has estimated the implementation of the new zone could drive up electricity costs by as much as 6 percent for residential customers and 10 percent for businesses. Read the full story in the Daily Freeman.

Barbara Reina is reporting in the Register Star Columbia County residents and officials gathered for a community forum on the Dewey Loeffel Superfund site cleanup early this week. The event was sponsored by the Nassau-based organization UNCAGED. Residents raised questions about the possible cumulative effects of treated and discharged chemical compounds, the EPA timeline for continuous discharge flow from the treatment plant on site into the Valatie Kill and the potential impacts on organic farmers who may use the downstream waterways for irrigation. Residents also requested that fishing advisory signs be posted around Nassau Lake. Valatie Village Mayor Diane Argyle said Environmental Protection Agency officials have agreed to test the water at two points near Kinderhook Lake and at another spot below the lake. Columbia County Environmental Management Council member Ed Simonsen said there are plans for representatives from the council to speak with a subcommittee of the Columbia County Board of Supervisors in an effort to gather support for the creation of a map and water study of the area. Read the full story in the Register Star.

Weather right now


[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="128"] Cairo: High 67F; low 50F.[/caption]

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="125"] Catskill: High 67F; low 51F.[/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:

The National Weather Service has issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook in the Mid-Hudson Valley and the greater Capital District, for Fri., May 16. Moderate to heavy rain showers and scattered non-severe thunderstorms will occur during the day, into Friday night. This rainfall may lead to ponding of water on roadways, as well as minor flooding of poor drainage, urban and low-lying areas.

Today: A chance of rain and thunderstorms, then rain and possibly a thunderstorm after noon. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. High near 71. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible. Friday night, rain and possibly a thunderstorm, mainly before 5 a.m., then a chance of rain and thunderstorms after 5 a.m. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Cloudy. Low around 51. Chance of precipitation is 100 percent. New rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible.

Forecast for the next three days:
Saturday: A chance of showers, mainly before 7 a.m. Cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny. High near 72. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent. Saturday night, partly cloudy. Low around 44.
Sunday: Isolated showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny. High near 69. Sunday night, isolated showers. Partly cloudy. Low around 47.
Monday: A chance of showers. Mostly sunny. High near 69. Monday night, partly cloudy. Low around 45.

Sunrise today: 5:32 a.m.
Sunset today: 8:11 p.m.
Length of the day: 14:38 hrs.

Town meetings
Today is the third Friday of the month.
WGXC is unaware of any recurring meetings scheduled for today.

The day ahead on WGXC 90.7-FM
12:05 a.m.: Radio Stew: Salome From "From The Vault" from the Pacifica Archives, this 1963 performance of Oscar Wilde's classic play "Salome" adapted for radio and directed by Leonard Nimoy. This is the first of two parts because we invited Leonard and Susan Nimoy to the studio who were excited to accept our invitation upon hearing the news that this gem survived some 51 years.
1 a.m.: Taran's Free Jazz Hour: Ivo Perelman Episode 13 of 2014 of two-hour free jazz show that airs on eight European radio stations and Wave Farm Radio and WGXC 90.7-FM in the Hudson Valley, in New York, in the United States. Click on title to access the playlist.
5 a.m.: The Shortwave Report: 20140516 Dan Roberts hosts international news and opinion, via shortwave, from China Radio International, NHK Japan National Radio, Radio Havana Cuba, Radio Deutsche-Welle, Voice of Russia.

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: Cairo-Durham Candidates Listen to recordings of the Cairo-Board of Education Meet the Candidates Night hosted Thurs., May 15, by the High School Participation in Government class. Tom Roe hosts live from the Wave Farm in Acra.
8 a.m.: Democracy Now! hosted by Amy Goodman and Juan Gonzalez.
9 a.m.: WGXC Morning Show continues.
6 p.m.: Feature Story News
7 p.m.: Guest DJ: Tom Casey

Joe Gentile is reporting in the Register Star nearly 100 demonstrators marched in opposition to privatization of the Pine Haven Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center, Wed., May 14. Protesters waved signs, chanted and solicited honks from passing vehicles outside the county office building in Hudson before half of them silently filed into the Board of Supervisors chambers for the board's monthly meeting. Shawn Morse, a United Public Service Employees Union labor relations representative, spoke to the full board, explaining that Pine Haven is very important, if not the "nucleus" of Columbia County. He said the 120-bed facility takes in the sickest of the sick and the poorest of the poor, while providing decent jobs for the middle class. Morse asked the supervisors to include those fully invested in Pine Haven in the process of deciding the facility's fate. Morse said, “We’re not going to go away. We’ll be here at every meeting. We’ll demonstrate not for any other reason other than to show you we care about Pine Haven, we care about the seniors, we care about the workers, and we want to be a part of this process.” If the full board ultimately chooses to sell the facility, Board of Supervisors Chairman Pat Grattan said preference will be given to buyers with the best plan to retain as many current employees as possible, deliver high-quality care and to keep Pine Haven in Philmont. Read the full story in the Register Star.

Rotterdam resident and state Senate challenger George Amedore says incumbent Cecilia Tkaczyk (KAT-chik) may be a nice lady, but she is not representing everyone in the 46th Senate District right now. In an interview with Ed Fertik on WGXC Wed., May 14, Republican Amedore said he is taking a second shot at the seat he lost by 18 votes in 2012 because he does not believe government should be allowed to take away the individual's sense of freedom and ability to thrive: PLAY (1:28). Citing her record, Amedore accused Tkaczyk of failing to act in a bi-partisan manner. He also said she proposed legislation that, in his opinion, would do more harm to the state's economy than good: PLAY (1:16). Amedore appeared to be referring to Tkaczyk's introduction of a law to ban the transportation of hydraulic fracturing waste products into New York from out-of-state operations. That bill died in committee last month. Amedore is a homebuilder by profession. He represented the 105th Assembly District from mid-2007 through 2012. The 46th Senate District stretches across all or parts of Greene, Montgomery, Schenectady, Albany and Ulster counties. The full Amedore interview can be found at wgxc.org/archives.

Public News Service is reporting Internet freedom advocates are calling for a day of action Thurs., May 15, at the Federal Communications Commission. Mark Scheerer has the story: PLAY ( 1:47).