Kyle Adams is reporting in The Daily Mail the general public weighed in on the question of reforming Green County's emergency medical services, Mon., Mar. 3. The meeting was the third and final public forum hosted by the Greene County Ambulance Task Force. The meeting, held at Catskill High School drew about 40 people. Most of those present were members of the emergency services community and elected officials from various valley towns. The task force asked attendees to offer their opinion of the current system, how the current system could be reformed and in what form they would like to see a new system take. When talk turned to a countywide ambulance system run as a county department, Greene County Treasurer and task force member Peter Markou said that is unlikely to happen. Task force co-chair Mark Evans said the task force has not formed any proposals yet and is gathering information and exploring all the options. Read the full story in The Daily Mail.

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo on March 4 urged federal officials to strengthen rail safety standards, after recent oil train accidents along the Hudson River on both ends of the WGXC listening area. On February 25, an Ulster County accident involved empty rail cars that had recently off-loaded crude oil and occurred after the conductor missed a red signal and reversed the train through a switch. In Albany County Feb. 28, a derailment at the Selkirk Rail Yards involved thirteen train cars fully-loaded with crude oil. "New York State is a key corridor for the transport of high volumes of crude oil from North Dakota and Canada, which is destined for refineries in the Mid-Atlantic and New Brunswick, Canada," Cuomo's said in a letter to U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx and Homeland Security chief Jeh Johnson. "I am not convinced that federal regulations and oversight sufficiently protect New York’s communities and natural resources from safety hazards in transporting this material. Therefore, I request that you move swiftly to strengthen regulations on tank car safety, require reporting of derailments when crude oil is involved, and increase inspections along the network in which crude oil is shipped." See the full letter below.



The Honorable Anthony Foxx
Secretary
U.S. Department of Transportation
1200 New Jersey Avenue S.E.
Washington, D.C. 20590

The Honorable Jeh Johnson
Secretary
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
12th & C Street S. W.
Washington, D.C. 20024

Dear Secretaries Foxx and Johnson:

I am deeply troubled by the pattern of incidents involving the rail transportation of crude oil, from major accidents in 2013 to two minor derailments in New York this week. As you know, New York State is a key corridor for the transport of high volumes of crude oil from North Dakota and Canada, which is destined for refineries in the Mid-Atlantic and New Brunswick, Canada. I am not convinced that federal regulations and oversight sufficiently protect New York’s communities and natural resources from safety hazards in transporting this material. Therefore, I request that you move swiftly to strengthen regulations on tank car safety, require reporting of derailments when crude oil is involved, and increase inspections along the network in which crude oil is shipped.

In the past week, two derailments have occurred in New York involving trains engaged in the transport of crude oil, the first in Ulster County and the second in Albany County. The Ulster County derailment on February 25th involved empty rail cars that had recently off-loaded crude oil and occurred after the conductor missed a red signal and reversed the train through a switch. The Albany County derailment at the Selkirk Rail Yards on February 28th involved the derailment of thirteen train cars fully-loaded with crude oil. Although neither incident resulted in spills or injuries, they reinforced our concerns in a time of heightened awareness.

In response to the considerable increase in crude oil shipments by rail through New York, I issued Executive Order 125, ordering a comprehensive review of the State’s crude oil accident prevention and response programs. As the federal government has nearly exclusive authority over railroad regulation, our effort has also included a coordinated approach with federal partners at the Federal Railroad Administration to focus inspections on crude oil trains. This past week, State and Federal transportation officials performed joint inspections of rail yards in Albany and Buffalo. I am grateful for this continuing inspection partnership with the FRA and ask that you commit to expanding inspections along the portion of New York’s rail network in which crude oil is transported.

Current regulations are insufficient to maximize accident prevention or to assist state and local responders adequately in the event of an accident. Inspections and enforcement are critical, but stronger, mandatory regulations and more federal assistance are needed to prevent accidents and to respond to any that may occur. I ask that you prioritize the following actions:
1. Swiftly move to incorporate the voluntary agreement between the FRA and railroad companies into the mandatory regulations governing the shipment of crude oil;
2. Require that the railroads report within one-hour to FRA and NYSDOT any incident in which crude oil is transported;
3. Require railroads to add additional identifiers to tank car placards so that local first responders understand the type of crude oil being transported. If there were to be an accident, first responders currently would have to physically locate the waybill on a damaged train before they could identify its content; and
4. Add crude oil to the list of hazardous materials that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security tracks and provides to the New York State Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Services. Secure real-time shipping notification about the movement of crude oil in New York State would make responses to derailments, spills and other accidents more expeditious and effective.

We look forward to continuing this important work with the U.S. Department of Transportation and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on the issues arising from the transportation of crude oil in order to ensure safety of New Yorkers and our environment.

Sincerely,



ANDREW M. CUOMO​

Scott Waldman in Capital New York reports that just as the state Department of Environmental Conservation considers expanding black bear hunting to manage the growing population, State Senators passed a bill sponsored by State Senator Tom Libous, by a vote of 56 to 4 on March 2, that would allow for rifle hunting of bears in the Southern Tier. The new DEC regulations may make New York, after Maine, the second state in the nation where it is legal to trap a bear. The new rules also would allow for the use of dogs and bait to attract bears during hunting, and increase the hunting season in the Catskills and allow for killing of females and bears younger than a year in other regions. New York has an estimated 8,000 bears, with about half in the Adirondacks, a third in the Catskills and the rest in the central and western part of the state. The DEC has a draft plan for bear management at http://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/wildlife_pdf/bbplandraft2014.pdf bit.ly/1azHyo3. The public comment closed on the plan Feb. 21. Read the full story in Capital New York.

Marc Santora in The New York Times reports that Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo and New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio took their battle over charter schools to Albany Tue., March 4. The Governor set up a rally a few blocks from de Blasio's group. "Mr. de Blasio has pledged to slow the growth of charter schools in New York City, and announced last week that he would block three schools from using space in traditional public school buildings," Santora writes. The move stirred unusual passion among charter school leaders, who have enlisted Cuomo in a battle royale now working out in the media and online. Even though the new mayor did allow several dozen other co-locations to remain, Cuomo saw an opening to do battle. “Parents deserve a choice,” he said at the rally March 4, promising that charter schools have the “financial capacity and physical space and government support to thrive and to grow.” After the theatrics, Cuomo and de Blasio met privately at the Capitol, which de Blasio described as “a very productive conversation.” Read the full story in The New York Times.

WGXC News
Click here to download or listen to today's local news. PLAY AUDIO (5:50)

Weather right now


[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="128"] Cairo: High 32F; low 1F.[/caption]

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="125"] Catskill: High 31F; low 1F.[/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 light snow showers after 7 a.m. Mostly cloudy. High near 30. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent. Wednesday night, a slight chance of snow showers before 9 p.m. Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly clear. Low around 4. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent.

Forecast for the next three days:

Thursday: Sunny. High near 26. Wind chill values as low as -5. Thursday night, mostly clear. Low around 10.
Friday: Mostly sunny. High near 37. Friday night, partly cloudy. Low around 25.
Saturday: Partly sunny. High near 45. Saturday night, mostly cloudy. Low around 23.

Sunrise today: 6:22 a.m.
Sunset today: 5:50 p.m.
Length of the day: 11:28 hrs.

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

GHENT Planning Board meeting at 7 p.m. at Town Hall, P.O. Box 98, Ghent (392-4644).
GREENE COUNTY Meetings for Human Services, Health, and Education Committees at 6 p.m. at County Building, 411 Main St., Catskill (719-3270).
GREENPORT Town Board meeting at 7 p.m. at Greenport Town Hall, 600 Town Hall Drive, Hudson (828-4656).
HUDSON Hudson Common Council Youth & Aging Committee meeting, 6 p.m., and Arts, Entertainment & Tourism Committee meeting at 6:45 p.m. at City Hall, 520 Warren Street, Hudson (828-1030).
LIVINGSTON Planning Board meeting at 7 p.m. at Town Hall, County Rte. 19, Livingston (851-9441).

STUYVESANT Power Lines in Columbia County Meeting. Hosted by the Stuyvesant Town Board with representatives from the Public Service Commission. 7 p.m. at Stuvesant Town Hall, 5 Sunset Drive, Stuyvesant, NY 12173.

The day ahead on 90.7-FM

7 a.m.: WGXC Morning Show: Germantown, Chatham, Catskill, East Durham, Hudson, Cairo Tom Roe hosts live from the Wave Farm Study Center in Acra to begin day four of the Radio On! Pledge Drive. This morning, local town songs are featured. Plus, morning news, weather, public meetings, local interviews and events, and more. Call in with your views at (518) 622-2598.
8 a.m.: Democracy Now! hosted by Amy Goodman and Juan Gonzalez.
9 a.m.: WGXC Morning Show The Morning Show continues with local news, weather and events.
10 a.m.: @Issue: The Affordable Care Act A discussion of the Affordable Care Act, and ways to access the health care exchanges and enroll in a plan. Guests include Holly Hedgepeth, Health Insurance Navigator for the Columbia Healthcare Consortium; Sherry Wyckoff, MPH, and Nalini Purvis from Hudson River Healthcare, plus an additional Navigator who will discuss plans for people with special needs. Hosted by Victor Mendolia.
11 a.m.: Zooms: Karen Schoemer Follow host Tyson Hauf as he welcomes Karen Schoemer to Zooms, as they tiptoe blindfolded in rusty fields of gray in an attempt to mine some color.
2 p.m.: The Barbershop Talks: Modern Relationships Dr. Slay, Mr. Spring Collection and LL Cool Slay will take over for the big men versus women debate on modern relationships.
4 p.m.: WGXC Afternoon Show: Jared Handelsman, Joel Shufeldt, the Athens Citizens Development Committee Jared Handelsman (from Catskill) and Joel Shufeldt, two local maple syrup masters, will discuss the history, the processes and techniques, and everything else to do with the glory that is maple syrup. Plus, Sam Sebren and other representatives of the Athens Citizens Development Committee will discuss the planned high voltage direct current project in that community. Plus, news, weather, events, music and more. Live from the Catskill Community Center. Hosted by Harry Matthews.
6 p.m.: Feature Story News

The Daily Freeman is reporting Tivoli Mayor Bryan Cranna is calling for safety upgrades after the second fatal accident this year at the intersection of Route 9G and West Kerley Corners Road. Brandon M. O'Connell, of Hudson, was killed Mon., Mar. 3, after the car he was driving was struck on the driver's side as he was turning left onto Route 9G south. The accident occurred near the spot where two Bard College students were killed in a hit-and-run accident in late January. In a statement released after the incident Monday, Cranna said that while improvements have been made to the intersection, more was left to be done. The mayor called upon the state Department of Transportation to make the requested, necessary changes. The intersection currently has stop signs on West Kerkey Corners Road and Broadway but not on Route 9G. Cranna said he requested a flashing yellow light at the crossing, to no avail. He also proposed a plan for a roundabout, but that idea was rejected by the DOT two years ago. Read the full story in the Daily Freeman.

The Times Record-Herald is reporting public meetings begin this week on proposals for high-speed passenger rail service in New York. The first of six hearings is Tues., Mar. 4, at the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering in Albany. Meetings are also planned in Syracuse, Buffalo, Rochester, Utica and Poughkeepsie. The state Department of Transportation says five options are proposed in an environmental review required for federal funding. Under the options, trains would have operating speeds ranging from 79 to 125 mph. The current top speed allowed west of Schenectady is 79 mph, although the study said the current average speed for Amtrak trains between Buffalo and Albany barely tops 50 mph. The costs of the plans range from $1.7 billion to $6.2 billion.

The Associated Press is reporting maple production is off to a slow start statewide because of the frigid weather. The best weather for sap is daytime temperatures in the low 40s and nighttime lows in the 20s. This winter has been so cold that many producers say they haven’t been able to get any sap yet.

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="215"] Chris Gibson. From Wikimedia.[/caption]

Congressman Chris Gibson (R-Kinderhook), who represents the NY-19 District, announced changes to his Congressional staff in a press release Mon., March 3. Current chief-of-staff Steve Stallmer is now running for the 113th Assembly district seat vacated by Republican Tony Jordan, who has become Washington County District Attorney. With Stallmer gone, the Columbia County-based Republican moves Stephanie Valle to Chief of Staff, from Deputy Chief of Staff and Communications Director. Valle, from Clifton Park, will continue to retain sole on-the-record spokeswoman duties. Brad Gentile becomes Deputy Chief of Staff, and retains his current duties as Legislative Director. Gentile, from Chappaqua, also previously worked for Speaker of the House John Boehner. Matt Sheehey, from Kinderhook, becomes Press Secretary, handling office communications and press efforts. Sheehey was a former reporter for The Independent in Columbia County, a Peace Corps volunteer in Panama, and has served on the Congressman’s staff since 2011. Ann Mueller has been promoted to Deputy District Director, managing the Congressman’s District Schedule. Mueller, who lives in Kinderhook, has served on the Congressman’s staff since 2011 and previously managed all of his district constituent casework assistance across the district.



Gibson's statement:

“Both in Washington and across the 19th District, I have assembled a staff that can help serve the constituents I am privileged to represent. Stephanie, Brad, Matt and Ann have all been members of my staff since I was first elected to Congress, and their dedication, insight, and work ethic have been a model for the rest of our staff. I am confident they will all excel in these new roles,” said Congressman Gibson. “Additionally, I want to thank Steve Stallmer for his outstanding tenure as my Chief of Staff for over three years. Steve led our office with distinction and his personal integrity and commitment to Upstate New York will serve him well in his future endeavors.”

Weather right now


[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="128"] Cairo: High 28F; low 14F.[/caption]

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="125"] Catskill: High 20F; low 15F.[/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: Increasing clouds. High near 24. Wind chill values as low as -8. Tuesday night, a slight chance of snow showers before 8 p.m. Mostly cloudy. Low around 13. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent.

Forecast for the next three days:

Wednesday: A slight chance of light snow after 11 a.m. Mostly cloudy. High near 31. Wednesday night, mostly cloudy. Low around 10. Wind chill values as low as -1.
Thursday: Partly sunny. High near 26. Thursday night, mostly cloudy. Low around 18.
Friday: Mostly sunny. High near 39. Friday night, mostly cloudy. Low around 26.

Sunrise today: 6:24 a.m.
Sunset today: 5:49 p.m.
Length of the day: 11:25 hrs.

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

CATSKILL Town Board meeting at 6:30 p.m. at Town Hall, 439 Main St., Catskill (943-2141).
COPAKE Park Commission meets at 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 230 Mt. View Road, Copake (329-1234).
DURHAM Town Board meeting at 7:30 p.m. at Town Building, 7309 State Rt. 81, East Durham (239-8260).
LEXINGTON Town Board meeting at 7 p.m., at Municipal building, 3542 Route 42, Lexington, (986-6303).
LIVINGSTON Zoning Board of Appeals meeting at 7 p.m., at Town Hall, County Rte. 19, Livingston (851-9441).
COLUMBIA COUNTY Finance Committee meets at 5 p.m. at County Office Building, 401 State St., Hudson.

The day ahead on 90.7-FM
12 a.m. (midnight): Radio News: Headlines Radio news about radio waves.
12:05 a.m.: Radio Stew: Fibber Magee and Molly Fibber McGee and Molly fall out of the closet on the radio. Sounds and songs of falling.
1 a.m.: Trustworthy Technology Conference Highlights from The Trustworthy Technology Conference, live from the Metreon in San Francisco, Feb 27, 2014. Topics and speakers include The Laws and Ethics of Trustworthy Technology - Christopher Soghoian; The Laws and Ethics of Trustworthy Technology - Marcia Hofmann; New Frontiers in Cryptography - Chris Palmer, Dan Boneh; Trusted Computing Tech and Government Implants - Steve Weis; Redesigning NSA Programs to Protect Privacy - Ed Felten.
5:30 a.m.: PCJ Media Network Plus: 20140304 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: Alexander Turnquist, Jess Puglisi Odd Weather host Alexander Turnquist and Jess Puglisi will host from the Hudson studio to begin day three of the Radio On! Pledge Drive. Morning news, music, interviews features and agriculture reporting. 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 The Morning Show continues with local news, weather and events.
4 p.m.: WGXC Afternoon Show
6 p.m.: Feature Story News

Some of the stories that made the news, Feb. 28 to Mar. 3:

Jessica Mosier reported in The Daily Mail voters in the Greenville Central School District will vote Tues., Mar. 4, on a capital project referendum to provide for extensive repairs and expanded technology in district buildings. The ballot will carry two propositions. The first would authorize the completion of a variety of projects, including a sewer connection to the town of Greenville, all at a cost of $10.3 million. The second proposition would authorize the Board of Education to establish a new capital reserve fund. If approved, the work on the projects is slated to begin in the summer of 2015. Polls are open 1 p.m. to 9 p.m., Tuesday in the Scott M. Ellis Elementary School cafeteria.

Paul Grondahl reported in the Times Union a fire Fri., Feb. 28, destroyed a newly built barn in Taghkanic and killed nearly three dozen animals, including small horses, pigs, sheep, chicken and rabbits. It was the second barn that burned in a year on the Sopak Road property owned by Joseph Macri. Macri's son said his father was "very distraught and absolutely devastated," by the event. No people were hurt in the blaze. Flames from the structure were spotted shortly after 11 p.m. and the building was full engulfed by the time firefighters arrived. An investigation is ongoing, but the fire is not considered suspicious, according to Macri's son. The barn that burned Friday, was built eight months ago on the spot of a wooden barn that burned down one year ago. The Daily Freeman is reporting on another barn fire, this one on the property of the Kaaterskill Resort in Kiskatom. Assistant Chief Pete Kusminski said the fire started around 7 a.m. Friday in a 16-by-30-foot barn that housed a pig and several chickens at the resort located on High Falls Road Extension. The chief said it appears that fire was electrical in origin. The barn was a total loss. The pig suffered a minor injury, but was treated by a local veterinarian.

Public News Service is reporting a million-dollar push is currently underway for public financing of elections in New York. Melinda Tuhus has the story: PLAY (1:40).

Jeanette Wolfberg reported in the Columbia Paper the Columbia County Sheriff proposed stationing deputies in the Hudson City School District during a meeting of the district's Board of Education last week. Sheriff David Bartlett proposed a deputy come regularly to Hudson schools and have an office set aside in a school building in order to be there on an "as needed" basis. Under Bartlett's proposal, the deputy would be present in the school approximately 20 hours a week and would also serve the Germantown Central School District. The officer's duties would vary, from patrolling sports events to eating lunch with students. The sheriff characterized the range of responsibilities as equal parts public relations and security.

Weather right now


[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="128"] Cairo: High 20F; low -3F.[/caption]

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="125"] Catskill: High 20F; low -3F.[/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, then gradually becoming sunny. Wind chill values as low as -6. Northwest wind 11 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph. Monday night, mostly clear. Low around -4. Wind chill values as low as -11. Northwest wind 5 to 9 mph.

Forecast for the next three days:

Tuesday: Increasing clouds. High near 26. Wind chill values as low as -9. Tuesday night, a slight chance of light snow. Cloudy. Low around 16.
Wednesday: A slight chance of light snow. Cloudy. High near 30. Wednesday night, a slight chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy. Low around 18.
Thursday: Partly sunny. High near 34. Thursday night, mostly cloudy. Low around 22.

Sunrise today: 6:25 a.m.
Sunset today: 5:48 p.m.
Length of the day: 11:22 hrs.

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

ANCRAM Conservation Advisory Council at 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 1416 County Rte. 7, Ancram (329-6512).
ATHENS Town meeting at 7 p.m. at 2 First Street, Athens (734-3636).
CLAVERACK Planning Board meeting at 7 p.m. at Town Hall, Church Street, Mellenville (672-7911).
CLERMONT Town Board meeting at 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 1795 Route 9, Clermont (537-6868).
HUDSON Mayor's Public Hearing to receive public comment on two proposed local laws to replace the Hudson City Planning Commission with a planning board at 4 p.m., 520 Warren St., Hudson (828-1030).
TAGHKANIC Town meeting at 7 p.m. at Town Hall, Route 82,West Taghkanic (851-7638).

The day ahead on 90.7-FM
12:05 a.m.: Radio Stew: William S. Burroughs William S. Burroughs lecture on Joseph Conrad's Lord Jim and Heart of Darkness, F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby and A Short Trip Home, and Stephen King's The Shining. Burroughs also discusses exercises for increasing awareness, books as mental film, codes of conduct, heroes, and the film of Burroughs's novel Naked Lunch. From Naropa University, August, 1979. This recording and the entire Naropa Collection is licensed under an Attribution-NonDerivs-NonCommerical license. This video is fair use of the material.
5 a.m.: This Week in Radio News: 20140303 Radio news about radio waves.

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: Cheryl K. Jazz Disturbance Host Cheryl K. will host from the Hudson studio to begin day two of the Radio On! Pledge Drive. Morning news, music, interviews features and agriculture reporting. 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 The Morning Show continues with local news, weather and events.
12 p.m. (noon): Monday Music Matinee: Radio On! Edition Hosts Lincoln Mayorga and Sheri Bauer-Mayorga live in the Hudson studio for the first edition of the WGXC Radio On Pledge Drive.
4 p.m.: WGXC Afternoon Show
6 p.m.: Feature Story News

Michael Ryan in the Windham Journal reports that the town of Lexington recently sent out 500 questionnaires, with 122 returns, with 67 percent of responses from full-time residents, 27 percent from part-time residents, and 6 percent from non-resident property owners. (Wikipedia says in 2000 Lexington had 830 residents.) Ryan writes, “In order to help Lexington become more resilient,” the report showed, “the top projects are to expand internet/broadband and develop a flood mitigation plan.” Toward that latter goal, there's a "Lexington Flood Mitigation Public Meeting" at 6:30 p.m. Monday, March 3, at the Methodist Church on CR 13A. The discussion will inform the Town’s Long Term Community Recovery plan from the Hurricane Irene damage, and a local flood analysis is being developed for the Town’s two hamlets, West Kill and Lexington/13A. Representatives from Laberge Group and Milone & MacBroom, two engineering companies working with the Town, will be at the meeting to discuss the local flood plans in the town in southwestern Greene County. Read the full story in the Windham Journal.

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, concerned that state beekeepers lost an average of 30 percent of their hives to Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) in 2013, wants USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack to expand a $3 million study of bee losses in the Midwest to also cover the Northeastern United States. “The alarming decline of the bee population comes at a steep price for our environment, our farms, and our economy," Gillibrand said in a statement. "It is critical for the USDA make this investment here in New York to respond to Colony Collapse Disorder, and help revive New York’s farms.” New York State has an estimated 52,000 beehives, each of which produce approximately 51 pounds of honey, ranking the state the tenth in honey production. Throughout the U.S., 45 percent of beehives were lost last year from the transmission of CCD, according to Gillibrand. See the full Gillibrand statement below.



PollinatorHealthLetter

WGXC "Radio On" Pledge Drive
WGXC Spring pledge drive begins at 9 a.m. Call 518­-697-­7400 or go online at: wgxc.org/donate
Hudson Studio Address: 704 Columbia Street, Hudson, NY
Mailing Address/Acra Studio Address: 5662 Route 23, Acra, New York, 12405
Click here for full information and links to the following audio:
• Radio On WGXC Spring Pledge Drive Promo March 2, 2014. Produced by Jim McCabe. (:30)
• Radio On WGXC Spring Pledge Drive Promo March 2, 2014. Produced by Sam Sebren and Tyson Hauf. (:30)
• Jack S. Radio On Promo Feb. 25, 2014 Produced by Katy Donnelly.
• WGXC Pledge Drive jingle for spring 2014. Feb. 22, 2014. Created by Tom Skarimbas and Tony Fallon. (3:33)
• Radio On Mash-Up Feb. 21, 2014. Created by Tom Roe. (4:45)
• Cheryl K Radio On Pledge Drive Promo Feb. 20, 2014. Produced by Jess Puglisi.
• Tom DePietro Radio On Pledge Drive Promo Feb. 20, 2014. Produced by Jess Puglisi.

Local News
Local news from Wave Farm‘s WGXC 90.7-FM in the Hudson Valley, New York for Sat., Feb. 22. PLAY AUDIO (2:56)

WGXC Ski Report
WGXC Ski Report: Resorts off to the races. PLAY AUDIO (1:23)

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

• Sunday: A slight chance of snow showers after 3 p.m. Increasing clouds, with a high near 28. Wind chill values as low as -4. Saturday night, a slight chance of snow showers, mainly after midnight. Cloudy, with a low around 18.

• Monday: A slight chance of light snow before 1 p.m. Cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 17. Wind chill values as low as -13. Monday night should be partly cloudy, with a low around -4.

• Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 18.

Sunrise 6:27 a.m.
Sunset 5:47 p.m.
Other celestial rises/sets
Moon 6:57 A.M. 7:43 P.M.
Mercury 5:25 A.M. 3:46 P.M.
Venus 4:08 A.M. 2:09 P.M.
Mars 9:25 P.M. 8:35 A.M.
Jupiter 12:24 P.M. 3:36 A.M.
Saturn 11:36 P.M. 9:42 A.M.
Uranus 7:39 A.M. 8:10 P.M.
Neptune 6:19 A.M. 5:08 P.M.
Pluto 3:25 A.M. 12:55 P.M.

WGXC Programming

Radia: WJM
March 2, 2014: 5 a.m. – 5:30 a.m.
CounterSpin: Shannon Young, Ashley Gorski
March 2, 2014: 5:30 a.m. – 6 a.m.

Lissa Harris reports that an unsolved local mystery made national television on Feb. 26, when "The Colbert Report" aired a segment about a seven-foot-tall Gumby statue stolen from a Saugerties backyard last fall. Made by local sculptor Ze'ev Willy Neumann, "The Saugerties Gumby" in the backyard of Bob Malkin and Barbara Pokras was linked to other missing backyard Gumbys in Grand Junction, Colorado and Arden, Delaware. The Saugerties couple now has a new Gumby with Pokey sidekick, made by Neumann and exhibited at Saugerties' First Friday celebration in February. Read the full story in The Watershed Post.

As the Olympics end, the local mountain resorts feature several races this weekend. At Hunter Mountain, the Ukraininan Ski Club Race heats up on March 1. Hunter Mountain boasts 45 trails, 40 groomed, with six lifts running over 66-130" of snow. At Windham Mountain there are 52 trails open, 38 groomed, with seven lifts running over 24-80" of snow. On March 1, Windham hosts both the Michael Gray Memorial Ski and Snowboard Race to support the Adaptive Sports Foundation, and also the Catskill Mountain Series Skiercross/Boardercross. Catamount Ski in Hillsdale has 32 of 34 trails open, with four of six lifts running over 36-60" of snow. The National Weather Service is predicting more snow for the area at the end of the weekend into Monday. Click here to play audio version of this report. PLAY AUDIO (1:23)

Local News
Local news from Wave Farm‘s WGXC 90.7-FM in the Hudson Valley, New York for Sat., Feb. 22. PLAY AUDIO (4:24)

WGXC Ski Report
WGXC Ski Report: Resorts off to the races. PLAY AUDIO (1:23)

Public Meetings

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

• Saturday: A slight chance of snow showers after 3 p.m. Increasing clouds, with a high near 28. Wind chill values as low as -4. Saturday night, a slight chance of snow showers, mainly after midnight. Cloudy, with a low around 18.

• Sunday: A chance of snow showers. Cloudy, with a high near 31. Sunday night, snow begins. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 9.

• Monday: Snow likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 18.

Sunrise 6:29 a.m.
Sunset 5:46 p.m.
Other celestial rises/sets
Moon 6:22 A.M. 6:32 P.M.
Mercury 5:27 A.M. 3:49 P.M.
Venus 4:09 A.M. 2:10 P.M.
Mars 9:29 P.M. 8:39 A.M.
Jupiter 12:28 P.M. 3:40 A.M.
Saturn 11:40 P.M. 9:46 A.M.
Uranus 7:43 A.M. 8:13 P.M.
Neptune 6:22 A.M. 5:12 P.M.
Pluto 3:29 A.M. 12:59 P.M.

WGXC Programming

Low Power Hour: De Certify
March 1, 2014: 4 a.m. – 5 a.m.
Shortwave Hours: Mellish Reef DXpedition
March 1, 2014: 5 a.m. – 7 a.m.
Saturday Morning Serial: Marching In
March 1, 2014: 7 a.m. – 8 a.m.
Radia: WJM
March 1, 2014: 10 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
What's the Frequency, Kenneth?: Reading the News
March 1, 2014: 11 a.m. – noon
Cinema Terrorisme: March 2014
March 1, 2014: 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Human Machine: Earthsearch, Part Five
March 1, 2014: 3 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Off The Hook: 20140227
March 1, 2014: 6 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Framework: Mecha/Orga
March 1, 2014: 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Saturday Night Special: Air Raid
March 1, 2014: 8 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Saturday Night Seance: You Are Getting Sleepy
March 1, 2014: 10 p.m. – 2 a.m.

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="449"] The PS21 tent
(Courtesy ps21chatham.org)[/caption]

Katie Kocijanski is reporting in the Register Star Performing Spaces for the 21st Century bowed out of its three-month battle with the Chatham Zoning Board of Appeals to build a pavilion on its property, Thurs., Feb. 26. The pavilion would have replaced the tent currently used by PS21. The board and the performing arts organization were unable to come to an agreement over the application. A majority of the board members voiced concerns over the hours of operations. The application requested a continuation of the current hours of operation, which run until 11 p.m. weekdays, and 11:30 p.m. on weekends. Read the full story in the Register Star.

Jim Planck is reporting in The Daily Mail the Greene County Democratic Committee has endorsed Athens resident and retired New York State Trooper and law enforcement counsel Paul Salvino for District Attorney in the November election. Salvino received the unanimous support of the committee, party chairwoman Doreen Parsley-Davis told the paper. She said Salvino has a strong history in the community and "an outstanding record in law enforcement," having served for 32 years before his recent retirement. The designating committee for the Greene County Republicans is expected to meet in late May to select the GOP candidate. Republican Charles Bucca is currently the county's Acting District Attorney. Read the full story in The Daily Mail.