Local News
Local news from Wave Farm‘s WGXC 90.7-FM in the Hudson Valley, New York for Sat., March 15. PLAY AUDIO (2:57)

WGXC Ski Report
WGXC Ski Report: Cardboard Box Derby at Hunter Mountain. PLAY AUDIO (1:26)

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

• Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 24. Wind chill values as low as zero. Sunday night Increasing clouds, with a low around 7. Wind chill values as low as -6.

• Monday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 29. Wind chill values as low as -6. Monday night should be clear, with a low around 12.

• Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 36.

Sunrise 7:04 a.m.
Sunset 7:03 p.m.
Other celestial rises/sets
Moon 7:18 P.M. 6:48 A.M.
Mercury 6:09 A.M. 4:38 P.M.
Venus 4:59 A.M. 3:10 P.M.
Mars 9:22 P.M. 8:36 A.M.
Jupiter 12:29 P.M. 3:42 A.M.
Saturn 11:40 P.M. 9:47 A.M.
Uranus 7:45 A.M. 8:18 P.M.
Neptune 6:25 A.M. 5:16 P.M.
Pluto 3:31 A.M. 1:01 P.M.

WGXC Programming

5:30 a.m. - 6 a.m.: CounterSpin: Miguel Tinker Salas, Ali Abunimah
This is the 20th year of Fairness and Accuracy in Reporting's media analysis radio show, hosted by Janine Jackson, Steve Rendall, and Peter Hart. This week: "Miguel Tinker Salas, Ali Abunimah are guests.'"

Noon - 2 p.m.: In the Cut: Lucas Fox
Lucas Fox will be playing two hours of music in Effie Asili's hiatus.

Scenic Hudson and Columbia Land Conservancy (CLC) announced on March 14 several conservation easements, with over 450 acres of farmland involved. The local groups worked with the USDA Farm and Rand Lands Protection Program, and Dutch Hollow Farm in Stuyvesant and Kinderhook, and the Diehl Brothers farm in Clermont. "The total cost of these projects, involving four distinct properties, is approximately $1.3 million, including funding from the Farm Bill, Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program (FRPP), and an equal amount from Scenic Hudson," according to Scenic Hudson's press release. "The transactions provide a direct infusion of capital to the farmers involved, who can invest the funds in the productive capacity of their farms and expand their operations. CLC will hold, monitor and enforce the easements."

A few more inches of snow fell locally this week, and Hunter Mountain claims they've recorded 99" so far this year. Both Greene County resorts are open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. this weekend, and Hunter has 47 trails open, serviced by six lifts, running over 68-132" of snow. Hunter also hosts the 5th Annual Winter Carnival Cardboard Box Derby March 15. Anyone can make their own racers with cardboard, paper, tape, glue, and string (see below for complete rules). Windham Mountain has 52 trails, 48 groomed, running with six lifts open over 24-80" of snow. According to their
website, "a Windham Mountain leprechaun will ski around and give out prizes." Catamount Ski in Hillsdale reports between four and five inches of new snow, with 33 of 34 trails open four of six lifts running over 22"-40" of snow. Click here to hear an audio version of this report. PLAY AUDIO (1:26)




CARDBOARD BOX DERBY AND DUMMY RACE
March 15, 2014, Hunter Mountain
Come join us for the 5th Annual Winter Carnival Cardboard Box Derby. Watch as cardboard artists and mechanics turn little more than cardboard, paper, tape, glue, and string into the most creative sculptures that you can think of like dragons, race cars, UFO's, buses, airplanes and other themes. Promote your business with a one-of-a-kind creation!

Test your creativity by constructing a cardboard craft able to swoosh down the ski hill carrying you and your team members. The rules to building your craft are simple: constructed solely of cardboard, sonotube, paper, glue, tape, and string. Sponsors names must be printed somewhere on the craft.

Judging:

This is not a race! There are no points for speed. A panel of judges will rate each craft for originality, costumes, and construction. Of course you also need to finish with all your team members on board.
Your cardboard vehicle may be simple or complex with up to 4 adult (or 6 under 18 yrs of age) pilots to maneuver down the ski hill. Remember the more creative your craft the better your chances for winning. Group entries are encouraged: local businesses, bars, restaurants, motels, ski shops, coworkers, etc.

Awards:

Prizes will go to the top team in each category.

1. Best Overall design
2. Best Spirit and Attitude
3. Best Construction/Engineering.

Awards to follow on the front deck or at the Stage in the Main Bar.

Rules:

1. All participants must have a valid lift ticket or season pass to participate.
2. All participants must wear a manufacturer made helmet, no exceptions!
3. You may participate individually or in teams. Teams can be up to six people per vehicle.
4. Teams must register between 9:00am and 12:00pm inside Colonels Hall.
5. Every participant is required to have signed a release of liability (back of this form).
6. Any minor under the age of 18 must have a parent signature.
7. All cardboard vehicles must be built solely of cardboard, tape, glue, paint, string/twine and paper. Sonotubes or similar concrete forming tubes may be used in building the vehicle frame. No flat industrial pressed cardboard, plastic, metal, wood, or staples will be permitted; your vehicle will be disqualified.
8. Cardboard vehicles must have a front, rear, bottom and two sides.
9. Absolutely no pyrotechnic effects of any kind are permitted.
10. No waxing the bottom of your cardboard vehicle or completely covering it in duct tape. At least 80% of the sliding surface must be uncoated cardboard.
11. Any Hunter Mountain representative at the event who deems a vehicle to be unsafe has the authority to disqualify the team.
12. All vehicles must cross the finish line to qualify for prizes… not necessarily intact, but all participants and most of the vehicle must cross the finish line.
13. Un-sportsmanlike conduct is grounds for disqualification.
14. No strapping into the crafts.
15. Teams must be able to stop their craft.
16. Cardboard Box vehicles can be left at Hunter Mountain and we will recycle them. Please put your derby box or remnants of the box in the bin we will have assembled at the finish of the slope.

Local News
Local news from Wave Farm‘s WGXC 90.7-FM in the Hudson Valley, New York for Sat., March 15. PLAY AUDIO (3:36)

WGXC Ski Report
WGXC Ski Report: Cardboard Box Derby at Hunter Mountain. PLAY AUDIO (1:26)

Public Meetings
• VALATIE 9:30 a.m.: Congressman Chris Gibson at Valatie Free Library Check Presentation, Valatie Free Library, Church Street, Valatie
Congressman Gibson will join Boy Scout Troop 114 as the Scouts present a donation to the library. The funds were raised by participants of the 2013 Valatie Veterans Run.

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

• Saturday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 45, and a low around 20.

• Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 27. Sunday night there is a 20 percent chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 9.

• Monday: A 20 percent chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 22, and a low around 16.

Sunrise 7:05 a.m.
Sunset 7:02 p.m.
Other celestial rises/sets
Moon 6:18 P.M. 6:20 A.M.
Mercury 6:09 A.M. 4:37 P.M.
Venus 4:59 A.M. 3:09 P.M.
Mars 9:27 P.M. 8:41 A.M.
Jupiter 12:33 P.M. 3:46 A.M.
Saturn 11:44 P.M. 9:51 A.M.
Uranus 7:49 A.M. 8:22 P.M.
Neptune 6:29 A.M. 5:20 P.M.
Pluto 3:35 A.M. 1:05 P.M.

WGXC Programming

Radio Stew: Mirrored Transmission
midnight – 4 a.m.
Shortwave Hours: 20140315
5 a.m. - 7 a.m.
"The RAIN Report," "ARRL Audio Report," "Glenn Hauser's World of Radio," "Amateur Radio Newsline," "This Week in Radio News."
Saturday Morning Serial: Melting Radios
7 a.m. – 8 a.m.
Open Air: Radio On
8 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Radio show about radio airwaves.
Radia: Dahelujokn
10 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Five radiophile artists: David Haines (AU), electric guitar, laptop Henk Bakker (NL), bass clarinet, laptop Lukas Simonis (NL), electric guitar, electronics Joyce Hinterding (AU), open source radio scanner, painted antennas, laptop Knut Aufermann (DE), feedback Recorded by Lukas Simonis in Rotterdam on 18th January 2014. Edited by Knut Aufermann for the Radia Network.
Radio Wonderland: 20140315
10:30 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Joshua Fried remixes NYC radio on Hudson Valley radio.
What's the Frequency, Kenneth?: Issa Capades
11 a.m. – noon
Noon News: Diane Feinstein
noon – 12:30 p.m.
For years, Sen. Diane Feinstein has advocated expanding NSA surveillance of Americans, but now that Congress is being spied upon, she is ready to curb surveillance of senators. "Democracy Now!" and "The Daily Show" reports are excerpted.
Other Music: Matthew Shipp
12:30 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Tune in to hear new releases from The Matthew Shipp Trio ("Root of Things"), Matthew Shipp and Michael Bisio ("Floating Ice"), and Michael Bisio solo ("Travel Music").
Distract and Disable: March 2014
2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Hosted by Jonny Farrow.
Human Machine: Brave New World, Part Two
3 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Hosted by Max Goldfarb.
Saturday Afternoon Show: Empty Words
4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Excerpts of John Cage's "Empty Words," courtesy The John Cage Trust.
Framework: Ernst Karel
7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
This regular edition features works by Marc and Olivier Namblard, Gerard Fieberg and Alexander Mockl, Sabri Meddeb, Emmanuel Mieville, and a framework introduction recorded in the United States by Carter Reichmann.
Saturday Night Special: The Matthew Shipp Trio
8 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Live from The Sanctuary for Independent Media in Troy, NY. The Matthew Shipp Trio celebrate the release of their new recording, "Root of Things" (Relative Pitch Records), and the Sanctuary's newly donated nine-foot Baldwin concert grand, with Matthew Shipp, piano, Michael Bisio, bass, and Whit Dickey, drums.
Tabs Out: Wrong Signals
10 p.m. - 1 a.m.
Cassette show episode #42. Secret identities, sex in Ian’s car, and cassettes from Andreas Brandal, A.P. Vague, Anthony Janas, En Nihil, Pillowdiver, Nighthammer, Ay Fast, Sunatirene, Tumul, Wrong Signals, Peoples Temple, Tiger Village, Dane Patterson, Cinnabaris, and Rash.

Katie Kocijanski is reporting in the Chatham Courier the only candidates in the Chatham village elections next week are incumbent trustees Adrienne Morrell and Lenore Packet. Both are running unopposed for a second term. And both are members of the Chatham United Party. Morrell grew up in Ohio and moved to New York when she attended New York University. She is employed as the executive director at the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute in Williamstown, Mass. Morrell said she is looking forward to another term as trustee. Among the achievements she's been most proud: The creation of the village administrator position and a police department with a different outlook. A Chatham native, Packet is currently serving as deputy mayor. She is employed as the director and teacher at the Chatham Preschool. Polls will be open noon to 9 p.m. Tues., Mar. 18, at the Tracy Memorial Village Hall. Read the full story in the Chatham Courier.

Emilia Teasdale is reporting in the Columbia Paper the Ichabod Crane Central School District Board of Education is now in the process of developing its 2014-15 school budget. As it now stands, the $35.5 million spending plan will include a tax levy increase of 2.16 percent. During a presentation to the full board last week, Superintendent George Zini reported special education costs are projected to decrease next year, while transportation costs will increase. At this point of the budget development process the district is looking to fill a $133,000 gap. Zini said that could be resolved with additional state aid. The board will hold a special budget meeting, Tues., Mar. 25. Read the full story in the Columbia Paper.

Weather right now


[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="128"] Cairo: High 43F; low 34F.[/caption]

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="125"] Catskill: High 42F; low 33F.[/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: Partly sunny. High near 41. Friday night, a slight chance of rain showers, mainly before 1 a.m., then a slight chance of rain and snow showers. Mostly cloudy. Low around 34. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Forecast for the next three days:

Saturday: A chance of rain and snow before 10 a.m., then a chance of rain showers between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Partly sunny. High near 48. Saturday night, mostly cloudy. Low around 21.
Sunday: Mostly sunny. High near 33. Sunday night, a slight chance of snow showers after 9 p.m. Mostly cloudy. Low around 14.
Monday: Mostly cloudy. High near 28. Monday night, mostly cloudy. Low around 15.

Sunrise today: 7:07 a.m.
Sunset today: 7:01 p.m.
Length of the day: 11:53 hrs.

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

HUDSON Historic Preservation Commission at 10 a.m., 520 Warren Street, Hudson (828-1030).

The day ahead on 90.7-FM

12:05 a.m.: Radio Stew: Solar Wind Live from Wave Farm, Tom Roe collages solar winds, local winds, and more.
1 a.m.: Taran's Free Jazz Hour: Nate Wooley Episode 7 of 2014 of two-hour free jazz show that airs on eight European radio stations and free103point9 Online 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.: PCJ Radio International Five-Year Anniversary 5 Year Anniversary Special from PCJ Radio International.

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 The Radio On! Pledge Drive continues. Morning news, music, interviews and features. Hosted by Philip Grant. Call in with your views at (518) 828-0290.
8 a.m.: Democracy Now! hosted by Amy Goodman and Juan Gonzalez.
9 a.m. WGXC Morning Show continues with local news, weather, interviews and events.
4 p.m.: WGXC Afternoon Show
6 p.m.: Feature Story News
9:30 p.m.: Newline Radio: Sandy McKnight Sandy McKnight from the Columbia Arts team will be in the Hudson studio with Mr. Moscato, Lady Slim, DJ Spice, DJ Ill and DJ Geova.

William J. Kemble is reporting in the Daily Freeman two candidates are vying for a three-year term on the Catskill Village Board in next Tuesday’s village elections. Competing for the seat are Democratic incumbent Joseph Kozloski and Republican challenger Rick Paolino. Kozloski is seeking his fourth term. He is also currently serving the second year of a three-year term as a Greene County legislator. Kozloski is a retired foreman for the New York State Bridge Authority. His priorities include the revitalization of the Black Bridge area, and to promote the village as a location for new businesses. Paolino is a semi-retired officer with the Hudson Police Department. He has lived in Catskill village since 1990. Paolino served in the U.S. Air Force from 1981 to 1985, and is a member of the American Legion, the Elks Lodge and the village Planning Board. He believes a move to consolidate essential services would help the village realize some significant savings. He also supports promoting the village and recruiting more businesses to locate in Catskill. Incumbent Village Justice Maria LaRosa will also be on the ballot, running unopposed for a second, two-year term. Polls are open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Tues., Mar. 18, at the Catskill Fire Department building on Central Ave. Read the full story in the Daily Freeman.

The Times Union is reporting the Columbia County Sheriff's Office is increasing patrols to catch and arrest drunken drivers on St. Patrick's Day. In a statement released Wed., Mar. 12, the department said it was giving fair warning to anyone traveling in the county that additional patrols will be out. Sheriff David Bartlett recommended some steps to stay safe:

• Before the festivities begin, plan a way to safely get home at the end of the night.


• Before drinking, designate a sober driver and leave your car keys at home.


• If you're impaired, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation to get home safely.


• If you know people who are about to drive while impaired, or ride with someone who is impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get to where they are going safely.

John Mason is reporting in the Register Star plans for a paid-admission music festival the first weekend of August at Hudson’s waterfront, known as the Hudson River Fest, have been postponed until 2015, according to organizer Chad Weckler. However, the free Hudson Music Festival, slated for August 8 to 10, is still in the works. The Hudson Music Festival has been an annual event since 2011, under the guidance of Weckler and Rob Johansen. When Weckler’s idea for the paid event came up at a recent public meeting, concerns were raised about the possibility of shutting down Ferry Street and charging admission in a city park, and the work the festival would entail in a short period of time. Weckler told Mason in an email, “A lot of activity has been going on, vast majority very positive, but I've decided to hold off 2014 plans till 2015.” Ed. Note: Chad Weckler is a WGXC programmer. Read the full story in the Register Star.

Closings and delays, Thurs., Mar. 13:

Berkshire Union Free School District | Delayed two hours.
Cairo-Durham Central School District | Delayed two hours. No morning pre-K.
Catskill Central School District | Delayed two hours. No morning pre-K.
Chatham Central School District | Delayed two hours.
Chatham Kids Club | Delayed two hours. Open at 8:30 a.m.
Circle Of Friends (Ravena) | Delayed two hours. Four-hour program delayed two hours. Half-day morning program cancelled. Daycare delayed two hours.
COARC Adult Transportation | Delayed two hours.
Columbia Christian Academy | Closed.
Columbia-Greene Partnership Academy ("The Bridge") | Delayed two hours.
Coxsackie-Athens Central School District | Delayed two hours.
Early Childhood Learning Center | Delayed two hours.
Germantown Central School District | Delayed two hours.
Grapeville Christian School | Closed.
Greenville Central School District | Closed.
Hawthorne Valley School | Delayed two hours.
Hudson City School District | Delayed two hours. No morning pre-K. No morning BOCES. No breakfast. No tutoring center. ATP delayed two hours.
Hunter-Tannersville Central School District | Delayed two hours.
Ichabod Crane Central School District | Delayed two hours.
Little Wonders Early Childhood Education Center | Delayed until 2 a.m.
Mountain Road School | Delayed two hours.
New Lebanon Central School District | Delayed two hours.
O.K. Kids, Inc. | Delayed two hours.
Questar III Catskill Academy | Delayed two hours.
Questar III Columbia-Green Educational Center | Delayed two hours. No morning BOCES.
Taconic Hills Central School District | Delayed two hours.
TLC Day Care Center | Delayed two hours.
Ulster-Greene ARC (Catskill) | Delayed two hours.
UMC Daycare Norton Hill | Delayed two hours.
Windham-Ashland-Jewett Central School District | Delayed two hours.

Source: Times Union

Weather right now


[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="128"] Cairo: High 19F; low 6F.[/caption]

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="125"] Catskill: High 20F; low 8F.[/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:

A Winter Weather Advisory for the Mid-Hudson Valley, Taconics, southern Berkshires and Litchfield County, remains in effective until 11 a.m., Thurs., Mar. 13. Periods of snow, sleet or freezing rain will cause travel difficulties. Be prepared for slippery roads and limited visibilities. Use caution while driving.

Today: A slight chance of snow showers before 2 p.m. Mostly cloudy. High near 26. Wind chill values as low as -4. Blustery. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent. Thursday night, mostly clear. Low around 9. Wind chill values as low as zero.

Forecast for the next three days:

Friday: Partly sunny. High near 40. Friday night, a slight chance of snow showers, mainly before 9 p.m., then a slight chance of rain and snow showers between 9 p.m. and 2 a.m., then a chance of snow showers after 2 a.m. Mostly cloudy. Low around 32.
Saturday: A chance of rain and snow before 10 a.m., then a chance of rain and snow showers between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Partly sunny. High near 50. Saturday night, mostly cloudy. Low around 24.
Sunday: Mostly sunny. High near 35. Sunday night, mostly cloudy. Low around 15.

Sunrise today: 7:09 a.m.
Sunset today: 7 p.m.
Length of the day: 11:51 hrs.

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

CHATHAM Village meeting at 7:30 p.m. at Village Hall, 77 Main Street, Chatham (392-5821).
COPAKE Town Board meeting at 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 230 Mountainview Road, Copake (329-1234).
GALLATIN Town Board meeting at 6:30 p.m. at Town Hall, 667 Route 7, Ancram (398-7519).
GREENE COUNTY Finance & Audit committee meets at 5 p.m. at County Building, 411 Main St., Catskill (719-3270).
KINDERHOOK Planning Board Workshop meeting at 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 4 Church St, Niverville (784-2233).
LIVINGSTON Town board meets at 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 119 County Route 19.
STUYVESANT Town board meets at 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 90.7-FM

2 a.m.: Robert Ashley Tribute to Robert Ashley, who died March 3, 2014. Ashley was, according to Wikipedia, "an American composer, who was best known for his operas and other theatrical works, many of which incorporate electronics and extended techniques. Along with Gordon Mumma, Ashley was also a major pioneer of audio synthesis." On the occasion of Ashley's death, we rebroadcast "Morton Feldman Says," by Robert Ashley, performed by Bill Hellermann and Max Goldfarb. Bill Hellermann and Max Goldfarb perform Robert Ashley's Morton Feldman Says live in WGXC 90.7-FM's Hudson Studio on April 9, 2011. Following the performance the two join Galen Joseph-Hunter in conversation.
5 a.m.: Sea Change Radio: Nanotechnology All about nanotechnology. From Pacifica Radio.

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 The Radio On! Pledge Drive is extended. Morning news, music, interviews and features. Hosted by Philip Grant. Call in with your views at (518) 828-0290.
8 a.m.: Democracy Now! hosted by Amy Goodman and Juan Gonzalez.
9 a.m. WGXC Morning Show continues with local news, weather, interviews and events.
10 a.m.: Prison Voices Project: Pascual Carpenter Focus on the felony-murder rule, and why Pascual Carpenter has been incarcerated 23 years. 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. Hosted by Cory Fischer-Hoffman.
3 p.m.: Radio Theatre: Radio On The history of the Modern Lovers' "Road Runner" song is traced, from The Velvet Underground's "Sister Ray" to the February 13, 2013 introduction, by then State Representative Marty Walsh, of a bill to have '‘Roadrunner’' named the official rock song of Massachusetts. Plus, many version from M.I.A., Shellac, Joan Jett, and the Sex Pistols. Live from Wave Farm, on Wave Farm Radio at http://comm.free103point9.org:8000/transmissionarts.mp3.m3u. Tom Roe hosts, during the WGXC "Radio On" Pledge Drive.
4 p.m.: WGXC Afternoon Show
6 p.m.: Feature Story News

[Updated, 2:15 p.m.]

• Cairo-Durham schools have announced they are closing the middle/high school March 12 at 11:45, and K-5 schools at 12:45 p.m. They first announced the closings as noon and 1 p.m., and then moved them up 15 minutes.


• Coxsackie-Athens Central School District is closing early; no afternoon BOCES.


• Greenville schools are closing early, with all afternoon and evening events are cancelled for March 12. Elementary dismissal at 11:30 a.m. and middle/high school dismissal at 11:47 a.m.


• Hudson City School District is open. The John L. Edwards Primary School Family Night with Clifford is cancelled; will be rescheduled.


• Ichabod Crane Central School District is open. Regular dismissal, Mar. 12. All evening activities are canceled.


• Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk schools closing early at 1 p.m., and the elementary school at 2 p.m., No PM Pre-K, No PM BOCES, No PM Activities, AWB Concert rescheduled to March 17.


• UMC Daycare Norton Hill is open. No afternoon Pre-K.

Source: Except where noted: Times Union

On Thurs., Mar. 6, Athens residents attended a public meeting presented by the Athens Citizens Development Committee at the Athens American Legion, concerning the proposed West Point Partners high voltage direct current converter station and buried power lines project. The standing-room only crowd heard the details of the matter, currently in the Article VII approval process at the New York State Public Service Commission. West Point is being considered as part of Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo's Energy Highway initiative to provide additional power to New York City. The proposal will not deliver power locally. Cortlandt Fire Department Deputy Chief and Cortlandt Fire Inspector Holly Haight presented video footage depicting the buzzing sound of a 660 megawatt converter station in an industrial area of Hicksville. Civil engineer Bernard Vaughey provided numerous details surrounding the construction phase of West Point and the property devaluation that would result. He also spoke about the complications of buried lines, the size of underground vaults and waivers to get around local codes: PLAY (1:58). Vaughey and Haight also represent the Town of Cortlandt Task Force led by Town Supervisor Linda Puglisi, a group that strongly opposes West Point. The presentation also included speakers from ACDC, Andrea Smallwood, Forest Cotten and Sam Sebren. Athens Village Mayor Chris Pfister announced during the Q&A session he opposes West Point's proposed route through the village, but he does not oppose the project overall because he believes the project will provide a financial benefit for Athens. Several residents spoke following the presentation, and voiced concerns over property values, health, blight, disruption to traffic and daily life in the village during the proposal's projected two years of construction. Neither the town of Athens or the Greene County Legislature have taken a position on the project so far. ED NOTE: Sam Sebren is a founding member of the Athens Citizens Development Committee.

-- Sam Sebren

March 6, 2014 Public Information meeting presented by the Athens Citizens Development Committee
(All audio recorded and produced by Sam Sebren)

BERNARD VAUGHEY (#1), guest speaker, retired civil engineer for the state of New York PLAY (2:02)
Speaks about AC versus DC; the cost of the West Point project.
BERNARD VAUGHEY (#2), guest speaker, retired civil engineer for the state of New York PLAY (1:58)
Speaks about the complications of buried lines, the size of underground vaults and waivers to get around local codes.
BERNARD VAUGHEY (#3), guest speaker, retired civil engineer for the state of New York PLAY (2:07)
Speaks about "duct banks" and the depth of buried lines related to water levels and other buried projects, also the complications of repairs to lines buried in the river.
BERNARD VAUGHEY (#4), guest speaker, retired civil engineer for the state of New York PLAY (1:47)
Speaks about redacted info in West Point applications.
BERNARD VAUGHEY (#5), guest speaker, retired civil engineer for the state of New York PLAY (:43)
Speaks of the need to verify if the West Point project is needed.
CHRIS PFISTER, Athens Village Mayor PLAY (1:48)
On whether the village opposes West Point Partners.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE AUDIENCE MEMBER PLAY (2:34)
Identifies himself as a litigator; urges Athens to fight and oppose the West Point project.
AL RAMM, Athens resident; retired electrician for LeHigh Cement PLAY (1:08)
Speaks of the dangers of high voltage going past the schools and homes.
JOANNE ADAMO CONWAY, broker/owner of Heartland Realty in Coxsackie PLAY (:35)
Speaks about the relationship between power lines and the reduction of property values.
JACQUELINE GODDEAU, Athens resident PLAY (1:15)
Speaks about the waivers West Point has requested to remove noise, work restrictions.

PLAY full meeting recording (1:41:11)
Agenda:

1. ACDC speakers: Andrea Smallwood, Forest Cotten, Sam Sebren


2. Special guest speakers: Holly Haight, Deputy Fire Chief and Fire Inspector for Cortlandt, NY; and Bernard Vaughey, retired NYS civil engineer and lifelong resident of Verplanck, NY


3. Question and Answer session

Jim Planck is reporting in The Daily Mail a potentially low turnout for the village election in Tannersville next week is expected, as candidates run unopposed. Trustee Leigh McGunnigle is completing his second two-year term and Trustee Brian Walsh is concluding his first. Both are seeking re-election. McGunnigle is a Republican, endorsed by both the GOP and Democratic committees. He works as the general manager of Villa Vosilla in Tannersville. He called the past four years a pretty enjoyable experience. Walsh, a Democrat, was also endorsed by both committees. He is employed in contractor sales at GNH Lumber in Windham. Walsh said his personal goal is to have some form of renewable energy brought into the village. Polls are open noon to 9 p.m., Tues., Mar. 18 at Tannersville Village Hall. Read the full story in The Daily Mail.

Rick Karlin is reporting at Capitol Confidential incumbent Regents Wade Norwood, James Cottrell and Christine Cea were re-elected Tues., Mar. 11, to the panel that oversees the state education system. The fourth slot was taken by a relative newcomer to the education field: Sullivan County Lawyer Josephine Victoria Finn. Finn edged out a former Albany school administrator Maxine Fantroy-Ford and Columbia County educator Helen Regina Rose, who had the backing of an organization fighting the Common Core rollout. Finn won the open seat by a comfortable margin of 121 over 10 for Fantroy-Ford and 20 for Rose. Finn was a late entry who was allowed to submit her application well past the Jan. 31 deadline. Her bid came amid reports that lawmakers were not happy with the other choices. A slot on the Board of Regents is a voluntary position. Read the full story at Capitol Confidential, a Times Union blog.

Weather right now


[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="128"] Cairo: High 39F; low 16F.[/caption]

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="125"] Catskill: High 40F; low 16F.[/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 in Albany has declared a Winter Weather Advisory for sleet, freezing rain and snow in the Mid-Hudson Valley, Taconics, southern Berkshires and Litchfield County, effective 6 p.m., Wed., Mar. 12 through 11 a.m., Thurs., Mar. 13. Snow and sleet accumulations of two to four inches, and ice accumulations of up to a tenth of an inch are expected. Rain will transition to mixed precipitation of sleet and freezing rain early Wednesday evening, with a changeover to snow before midnight. The snow will taper off to snow showers early Thursday morning. A flash freeze is likely as temperatures rapidly drop Wednesday evening. Roads may quickly freeze as the colder air pushes in making travel hazardous; snow will make matters worse. Northerly winds of 10 to 20 mph will increase to 15 to 25 mph, with gusts up to 35 mph possible, Wednesday night.

Today: Rain. High near 41. Chance of precipitation is 90 percent. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible. Wednesday night, rain, freezing rain, and sleet before 11 p.m., then snow. Low around 14. Wind chill values as low as -1. Blustery, with a north wind 14 to 23 mph, with gusts as high as 33 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100 percent. Little or no ice accumulation expected. New snow and sleet accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible.

Forecast for the next three days:

Thursday: Snow showers likely, mainly before 7 a.m. Cloudy. High near 24. Wind chill values as low as -3. Blustery. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible. Thursday night, partly cloudy. Low around 10. Wind chill values as low as zero.
Friday: Mostly sunny. High near 37. Friday night, a chance of snow showers, mainly after 3 a.m. Mostly cloudy. Low around 30.
Saturday: A chance of snow showers before 11 a.m., then a chance of rain and snow showers between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., then a chance of rain showers after 1 p.m. Mostly cloudy. High near 48. Saturday night, a chance of showers. Mostly cloudy. Low around 26.

Sunrise today: 7:10 a.m.
Sunset today: 6:59 p.m.
Length of the day: 11:48 hrs.

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

VILLAGE OF ATHENS Board meets at 6:30 p.m at the Athens Community Center, 2 First St., Athens (945-1551).
CLERMONT Planning Board meets at Town Hall at 7 p.m. at 1795 Route 9, Clermont (537-6868).
COLUMBIA COUNTY Board of Supervisors Airport Committee meeting at 5:30 p.m.; Columbia County Board of Supervisors Special Public Works Committee meeting at 6 p.m.; Columbia County Board of Supervisors Special Finance Committee meeting at 6:15 p.m.; full Board of Supervisors meeting at 7:30 p.m., all at 401 State St. in Hudson.
COPAKE Resource Advisory Committee meeting at 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 Planning Committee meets at 7 p.m. at City Hall, 520 Warren Street, Hudson (828-1030).
JEWETT Town meeting at 7 p.m., at Municipal Bldg. 3547 Co. Rt. 23C (263-4626).
KINDERHOOK Town’s 9 & 9H Corridor Committee meets at 7 p.m. at 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 90.7-FM

12:05 a.m.: Radio Stew: Stonehenge Recent science suggests stonehenge was an ancient musical instrument. Nigel Tufnel explains the ancient rocks, with newer rocks from Ruins, Hawkwind, King Missile. Ylvis, John Carpenter, Eddie Izzard, and others.
1 a.m.: Vital Weekly: Pan Sonic Episode 922 of weekly experimental new music show, by folks formerly behind Staalplaat. Click on title for playlist 921.
2 a.m.: Tabs Out: Wrong Signals Cassette show episode #42. Secret identities, sex in Ian’s car, and cassettes from Andreas Brandal, A.P. Vague, Anthony Janas, En Nihil, Pillowdiver, Nighthammer, Ay Fast, Sunatirene, Tumul, Wrong Signals, Peoples Temple, Tiger Village, Dane Patterson, Cinnabaris, and Rash.
5 a.m.: Shortwave/Pirates: Don Keith/N4KC First, on "The RAIN Report," Ham radio author Don Keith/N4KC gives some HF basics...what bands to use and when. Then more radio news, and radio art.

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: Tracy Brown Live from Wave Farm Study Center in Acra, NY. Local interviews, news, weather, public meetings, local events, and more, during the WGXC Spring Radio On! Pledge Drive. Tracy Brown from Riverkeeper, will discuss the Catskill Creek Water Quality Presentation at 7 p.m. March 13 at Cornell Cooperative Extension's Agroforestry Resource Center, 6055 NYS Route 23, in Acra. Riverkeeper has been testing the Hudson River for fecal contamination and sewage discharges since 2006 and sharing the results with the public. In 2010 Riverkeeper partnered with the Catskill Creek Watershed Awareness Project to test Catskill Creek for fecal contamination, from the head of tide in Catskill to the South Cairo Bridge.
8 a.m.: Democracy Now! hosted by Amy Goodman and Juan Gonzalez.
9 a.m. WGXC Morning Show continues with local news, weather, interviews and events.
2 p.m.: The Work Show: Pledge Drive Edition The show looks at the work involved at WGXC via two interviews, one with Morning Show host Phil Grant, who talks about the various careers that allowed him to come to this station during his retirement, and Galen Joseph-Hunter, the executive director of Wave Farm, of which WGXC is a program division. She talks about the origins of the station. Both conversations address the ways in which listener pledges allow for a platform to exist for those willing to work for love. Music from Beck's "The Information" (2006). Hosted by Paul Smart.
4 p.m.: WGXC Afternoon Show: Hudson Talbott, Jay Collins, Johnny Crunch Hudson Talbott talks about goings on around Catskill; saxophonist Jay Collins (Gregg Allman, Levon Helm) about his music, and an upcoming local show; and NYC subway graffiti artist Johnny Crunch about the early days of graffiti in NYC, Central Park, and graffiti today. Also, at 4 p.m. and 5 p.m., the local news. Plus, weather, weather warnings and traffic alerts, music, and more. Hosted by Harry Matthews. Live from the WGXC studio in the Catskill Community Center.
6 p.m.: Feature Story News

Jordan Carleo-Evangelist is reporting in the Times Union Greene County was ranked near the bottom of state Comptroller Tom DiNapoli's list of places with affordable rents in the state of New York. In 2012, according to an analysis conducted by DiNapoli's office, more than 57 percent of Greene County renters paid housing costs in excess of 30 percent of their income. That is the federal benchmark for affordable housing. Three other Hudson Valley counties -- Ulster, Rockland and Orange -- ranked near the bottom, as well. Columbia County fared far better, ranking 6th in rental affordability statewide. Overall, the number of rental households living beyond affordability statewide jumped more than 50 percent between 2000 and 2012. The trend was fueled by declining household incomes and rising housing costs, the analysis found. The rankings are based on a combination of local incomes and housing costs culled from census data. The trend was fueled by declining household incomes and rising housing costs. Read the full story in the Times Union.

John Mason is reporting in the Register Star a proposal to turn the former Dunn warehouse into an aquarium/history museum was presented to the Hudson Common Council Mon., Mar. 10. The fate of the warehouse, located on Water St., across from Henry Hudson Riverfront Park, and near near the Amtrak station and Basilica Hudson, has been the focus of discussion among city officials. The proposal, for the creation of a multi-use space with education at the core, is the work of the group Hudson Praxis. The main coordinators of the project are Damara Stolfo, bar manager for Helsinki Hudson, and Sarah Dibben, chef and co-owner of Swallow Cafe. Council President Don Moore said the project could be very useful as an anchor for that area of the city. Stolfo told the Council the group has established an online fundraiser to raise money for a feasibility study. Read the full story in the Register Star.

William J. Kemble is reporting in the Daily Freeman the Catskill Town Board has secured agreements governing how Ricky Cramer Field will be shared among three baseball programs. American Legion members have agreed to work with Catskill Little League to prepare the field for the Catskill High School season that begins the end of this month. Little League President Adam Davies said there was some confusion over who was responsible for what last year. In a letter to the Town Board, legion officials said they would prepare the field in advance of the high school season. Catskill High School Athletic Director Bruce Schmidt said it is hoped the snow will be gone before teams need the field for games. He said he could almost guarantee the snow would be gone by April 2. The high school’s varsity and junior varsity team will have nine home games each, and the modified team will play seven home games, this year. Read the full story in the Daily Freeman.