Casey Seiler is reporting at Capitol Confidential on the latest report on telemarketing from the office of state Attorney General Eric Schneiderman. The annual study, “Pennies For Charity,” found that more than half of the $249 million raised by telemarketers statewide in 2012, went to telemarketers fees and the cost of the campaigns. The authors of the report noted in nearly eight out of 10 fundraising campaigns in 2012, charities lost money or retained less than half of the gross amount of contributions raised. Of the 589 telemarketing campaigns conducted in New York during that time, more than half were carried out on behalf of organizations located outside of the state. Read the full story at Capitol Confidential, a Times Union blog.

Weather right now


[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="128"] Cairo: High 19F; low 1F.[/caption]

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="125"] Catskill: High 19F; low -6F.[/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 19. Wind chill values as low as -8. Friday night, partly cloudy. Low around -1. Wind chill values as low as -8.

Forecast for the next three days:
Saturday: Partly sunny. High near 33. Wind chill values as low as -6. Saturday night, a slight chance of snow showers. Cloudy. Low around 20.
Sunday: A chance of snow showers. Cloudy. High near 33. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent. Sunday night, a chance of snow. Mostly cloudy. Low around 11. Chance of precipitation is 50 percent.
Monday: Snow likely. Mostly cloudy. High near 21. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent. Monday night, a chance of snow. Mostly cloudy. Low around 4.

Sunrise today: 6:30 a.m.
Sunset today: 5:44 p.m.
Length of the day: 11:14 hrs.

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

CLERMONT Zoning Board of Appeals, 7:30 p.m. at Town Hall, 1795 Route 9, Clermont (537-6868).
HUDSON Historic Preservation Committee (tentative) at 10 a.m., Common Council Legal Committee Zoning Workshop, 11 a.m., at City Hall, 520 Warren Street, Hudson (828-1030).

The day ahead on 90.7-FM
12:05 a.m.: Art Is Rebroadcast of a special radio iteration of George Quasha's expansive art is/Speaking Portraits project. This program will feature "radio portraits" in-process and broadcast live from the free103point9 Wave Farm Study Center and WGXC's Acra studio including Jim Holl, Susan Wides, Suzy Sureck, Anthony Martin, Peter Wexler, Julie Hedrick, Brian Dewan, Tom Roe, eteam, Rebecca Wolff, and others.

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 Morning news, music, interviews features and agriculture reporting. Hosted by Phil 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 The Morning Show continues with local news, weather and events.
10 a.m.: ¿Qué cocinaré hoy?: David Sterman Conversation with David Sterman, who leads a Spanish conversation group at the Kingston Library. Sterman worked on Wall Street for 11 years, before he became a journalist. Plus some of the stories from the March issue of "La Voz," including an account of the conditions that immigrants suffer in detention centers managed by private prisons (from Prison Voices) and the story of Elmer Martinez, a Guatemalan farm worker who recently become a U.S. citizen. Hosted by Mariel Fiori and Antonio Flores-Lobos.
4 p.m.: WGXC Afternoon Show
6 p.m.: Feature Story News
9:30 p.m.: Newline Radio: William H. Hallenbeck, Jr. Hudson Mayor Bill Hallenbeck will discuss community issues, upcoming city events, and life in Hudson. Hosted by Martin Martinez.

John Mason is reporting in the Chatham Courier the Columbia County Republican Committee this week nominated candidates for Assembly and county Coroner. Dutchess County real estate agent and Fourth District Legislator Sue Serino was chosen to challenge incumbent Didi Barrett of Hudson, and Chatham funeral home director Michael Blasl will oppose county Coroner Roberta Davis in the November general election. The GOP also endorsed incumbents Chris Gibson for Congress, Kathleen Marchione for the state Senate, Steve McLaughlin for Assembly and Holly Tanner for county Clerk. Serino was unanimously chosen over Copake Committee member Terry Sullivan. Chairman Greg Fingar said the committee believed Serino had a greater chance of being elected, noting she has conservative values in line with the Republican and Conservative parties. Read the full story in the Register Star.

The Daily Mail is reporting work is ongoing on the water main break at the Catskill Public Library, located on Franklin Street in the village. Library services have been curtailed, and computer service interrupted, since the break occurred in January. Library Director Sue Ray hoped work would be concluded by March 1, but said Wed., Feb. 26, the weather has caused delays. It could be another month before the library is fully operational, largely due to the lack of bathroom facilities. A schedule of the library's revised hours can be found online at Catskill Public Library [dot] org.

 

Jordan Carleo-Evangelist is reporting at Capitol Confidential Colonie Republican Nathan Lebron says he will seek Libertarian Party line for governor at the party’s April convention. Lebron is a Harlem native with a master's degree in IT from Harvard and has been involved in Albany County politics in recent years. Lebron said he is convinced neither of the state’s two main political parties are truly interested in change, and that they may in fact be colluding to maintain the status quo. Lebron said his campaign will focus on the way Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo rushed the passage of the SAFE Act through the Legislature last year, and on how the state’s implementation of the Common Core educational standards has stoked outrage among liberals and conservatives, alike. State Libertarian Party Chairman Mark Axinn said Lebron will face at least two other declared candidates -- Richard Cooper of Westbury, Long Island, and Chris Edes of Rochester. Read the full story at Capitol Confidential, a Times Union blog.

Weather right now


[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="128"] Cairo: High 26F; low -1F.[/caption]

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="125"] Catskill: High 28F; 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:

The National Weather Service in Albany has issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook for the greater Capital Region, Mid-Hudson Valley, eastern and central Mohawk Valley, Lake George/Saratoga region, Taconics and for southern Vermont, effective Thurs., Feb. 27. Scattered to numerous snow showers and embedded heavier snow squalls are expected Thursday afternoon and early evening. This may lead to periods of greatly reduced visibilities and snow-covered roadways. A storm system may impact the region with significant snowfall late Sun., Mar. 2 through Mon., Mar. 3.

Today: Scattered snow showers, mainly between noon and 3 p.m. Partly sunny. High near 26. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent. Total daytime snow accumulation of less than one inch possible. Thursday night, a slight chance of snow showers before 10 p.m. Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming clear. Low around 3. Wind chill values as low as -10. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent.

Forecast for the next three days:
Friday: Mostly sunny. High near 17. Wind chill values as low as -11. Friday night, increasing clouds. Low around 6.
Saturday: A chance of snow showers, mainly after noon. Mostly cloudy. High near 34. Saturday night, a chance of snow. Cloudy. Low around 24.
Sunday: A chance of snow. Cloudy. High near 33. Sunday night, a chance of snow. Cloudy. Low around 15.

Sunrise today: 6:32 a.m.
Sunset today: 5:43 p.m.
Length of the day: 11:11 hrs.

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

CHATHAM Village Board meeting at 7:30 p.m. at Village Hall, 77 Main Street, Chatham (392-5821).
COLUMBIA COUNTY Board of Supervisors .1 [Point One] Committee at 1 p.m.; Finance Committee meeting at 2 p.m.; Pine Haven Sub-Committee meeting at 3 p.m., all at County Office Building, 401 State Street, Hudson (828-1527).
COPAKE Zoning Board of Appeals meeting at 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 230 Mt. View Road, Copake (329-1234).
GERMANTOWN Planning Board meeting at 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 50 Palatine Park Road, Germantown (537-6687).
HUDSON Community Development and Planning Agency Board meeting at 6 p.m. at 1 North Front St., Hudson (751-1044).
STUYVESANT Greenway Committee meeting at 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 5 Sunset Drive, Stuyvesant (758-6248).
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
5 a.m.: Off The Hook: 20140227 Do not call during rebroadcast. Off The Hook, from the hacker zine 2600, airs every Wednesday night at 7 p.m. ET in New York City on WBAI 99.5 FM, and is rebroadcast the next morning at 5 a.m. on WGXC and free103point9 Online Radio. It is simulcast online via streaming MP3 and via shortwave on WBCQ The Planet at 5110 KHz. Join #offthehook on irc.2600.net to chat during the show. Email show at oth [at] 2600.com. Do not call during the rebroadcast. Rebroadcast from Feb. 12, 2013.

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 Morning news, music, interviews features and agriculture reporting. Hosted by Phil 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 The Morning Show continues with local news, weather and events.
10 a.m.: Prison Voices Project: 'A New Way of Life and the New Underground Railroad' Melody Burns A documentary produced by Chris Moore-Backman for Making Contact. After serving time, the options for finding food, a job and a place to live with a criminal record can become an almost impossible task. In this episode, women discuss building their own support network after being released from prison. Featuring: Susan Burton, A New Way of Life Re-Entry Project executive director and founder; Michelle Alexander, "The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness" author; Alika Savage, Yolanda Brown, Renee Levi, Maisha Bailey, Sabrayiah DeMoss, Samantha Jenkins, A New Way of Life residents. Hosted by Cory Fischer-Hoffman.
3 p.m.: Radio Theatre: Marvellous Land of Oz Part 2 An anthology series of dramas and comedies for radio. Each week a program will be made up of one radio play. Produced at KSVR Studios at the radio station KSVR-FM in Mount Vernon, Washington. The actors are from the Skagit Radio Repertory Company. The producer is Joseph C McGuire. This week: Based on the story by L. Frank Baum; Adapted for radio by Heather Elliott. Here is the Oz story that has been partially adapted in the Disney film "The Return to Oz", but without the "controversial ending. This book is relatively unknown outside Oz fans as it does not feature Dorothy, but a new character named Tip. Who meets some old friends and introduces some new friends. From Pacifica Radio.
4 p.m.: WGXC Afternoon Show: Ryder Cooley, Karen DiPeri Performer Ryder Cooley will be in the Hudson studio to talk about her new show opening in Albany, Sat., Mar. 1. Plus Karen DiPeri, an organizer of Farming Our Future, will discuss the conference held Sat., Feb. 22 in Craryville. Plus news, events, weather, music and more. Hosted by Ellen Thurston and Thomas DePietro.
6 p.m.: Feature Story News

The Cairo Town Board continued its work toward implementing a town zoning law Tues., Feb. 25, during a workshop held at the Cairo Library. Dozens of residents were in attendance, many of whom had submitted "feedback forms" expressing concerns about the impact of the current draft zoning law on their own properties. Town board members met with several of the residents Tuesday, discussing their concerns in detail and working together to find a feasible solution to address both the individual's concerns, as well as the vision for the town. Town Supervisor Ted Banta and Town Attorney Tal Rappleyea alluded to a cut-off being set soon for accepting new feedback form submissions; however, they did not announce a specific date. Feedback forms, as well as previous zoning law drafts and maps are available on the town's website at townofcairo [dot] com [forward slash] pages [forward slash] zoning. The next Town Board Zoning Review meeting will take place March 11. A full recording of the February 25 meeting is available at wgxc.org/archives.

-- Galen Joseph-Hunter

Jordan Carleo-Evangelist is reporting at Capitol Confidential U.S. Rep. Chris Gibson Tues., Feb. 25, said defense cuts outlined by Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel represent a misguided desire to continue acting like the “world’s policeman” while withholding the resources to do it. The administration's proposal would reduce the Army to its smallest size since before World War II and cause a scaling-back of operations at some military bases. In an interview with Paul Vandenburgh on Talk 1300 Kinderhook Republican said, in his estimation, the plan will not get support on Capitol Hill. PLAY (1:27)

Kyle Adams is reporting in The Daily Mail opiate addiction in Greene County has reached epidemic proportions. Officials report heroin and opiate abuse countywide has increased in recent years, due to a long trend of the over-prescription of powerful, addictive painkillers and the falling cost and increasing availability of potent heroin. To shed light on the problem and begin to foster a community solution, Twin County Recovery Services will host a forum at the Catskill Community Center, Tues., Mar. 4. The forum will feature representatives from the judicial system, health care industry, chemical dependency treatment field and recovering addicts to provide information, answer questions and raise community awareness. Greene County Legislator Gene Hatton, chairman of the County Resources Committee, said the approach in this forum is a far cry from the “Just Say No” policy of the 1980s or the scare-tactic “reefer madness” days of the 1960s. He said, "We've got to do something that will work." Read the full story in The Daily Mail.

Weather right now


[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="128"] Cairo: High 22F; low 2F.[/caption]

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="125"] Catskill: High 23F; low 2F.[/caption]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

READ TEMPERATURE IN HUDSON: On thermometer in Studio A.

FAR LEFT: The temperature on the far left is from the Hawthorne Valley Farm Weather Page.
MIDDLE TEMP: Cairo from Weather Underground page.
FAR RIGHT: Catskill from Weather Underground page.

Local weather forecast

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

Today: A chance of snow showers, mainly before 11 a.m. Cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny. High near 22. Wind chill values as low as -2. Breezy, with a west wind 15 to 20 mph in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent. Total daytime snow accumulation of less than one inch possible. Wednesday night, mostly clear. Low around 2.

Forecast for the next three days:
Thursday: A chance of snow showers, mainly between noon and 4 p.m. Increasing clouds. High near 23. Wind chill values as low as -6. Breezy, with a light and variable wind becoming west 17 to 22 mph in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 33 mph. Thursday night, a slight chance of snow showers before 1 a.m. Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming clear. Low around 2. Wind chill values as low as -13. Breezy, with a west wind 11 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.
Friday: Sunny. High near 18. Friday night, partly cloudy. Low around 6.
Saturday: A chance of snow showers after noon. Mostly cloudy. High near 34. Saturday night, a chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy. Low around 18.

Sunrise today: 6:33 a.m.
Sunset today: 5:42 p.m.
Length of the day: 11:08 hrs.

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

ATHENS Village meeting at 7 p.m. at Community Center, 2 First St., Athens (945-1551).
CAIRO at 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 512 Main St., Cairo (622-3120).
COLUMBIA COUNTY Public Works Committee at 6 p.m. at County Office Building, 401 State Street, Hudson (828-1527).
HUDSON Common Council Public Works Committee meeting at 5:15 p.m.; Legal Committee meeting starts at 6:30 p.m at City Hall, 520 Warren Street, Hudson (828-1030).
HUDSON Development Corporation meeting at 12 p.m. (noon) at 1 North Front St., Hudson (751-1044).
KINDERHOOK Historical Committee meeting at 7 p.m., Town Hall, 4 Church St, Niverville (784-2233).

The day ahead on 90.7-FM
12:05 a.m.: Radio Stew: WGXC Goes on Air Feb. 26, 2011 Highlights from WGXC's first moments on the air, and other transmissions from three years on the air. Includes songs and contributions from Brian Dewan, Dharma Dailey, Tom Skarimbas, Sara Kendall, and others.
1 a.m.: Vital Weekly: Florian Wittenburg
2 a.m.: Diane Cluck, Liv Carrow Special broadcast of live performances from Spotty Dog Books & Ale from Sat., Feb. 22, 2014. Diane Cluck and Columbia County-based singer/songwriter Liv Carrow perform.
4 a.m.: Calling Slowly Slowed down phone calls, and songs about phone calls, slowed down.
5 a.m.: Shortwave/Pirates: Heathkit On "The RAIN Report" at the top of the hour, Chuck Penson/WA7ZZE chronicles the rise and fall of Heathkit, from host Hap Holly in Chicago.

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 Morning news, music, interviews features and agriculture reporting. Hosted by Phil 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 The Morning Show continues with local news, weather and events.
10 a.m.: The Right Opinion: Melody Burns Radio host Melody Burns will be in the studio to discuss the future of conservative talk radio, her personal issues with WGDJ-AM Talk 1300 in Albany and her political activism. Until she was taken off the air last year, Burns was the only conservative woman talker on the radio in the Capital District. Hosted by Ed Fertik.
4 p.m.: WGXC Afternoon Show Hosted by Mark Bailey, Gregor Trieste and Jack Ross-Pilkington from the Hudson studio.
6 p.m.: Feature Story News

The Preservation League of New York State has named the historic and cultural resources of Columbia County to its list of the Empire State's most threatened historic resources, Seven to Save. The NYS Electric and Gas proposal to construct an 11.1 mile, 115 kv high voltage power line through the town of Ghent was the impetus for placing the county on the list of the state's most threatened historic places. With this designation, the Preservation League and Protect Ghent, a not-for-profit organization opposed to new high-voltage power lines, will urge utility companies and policy makers to protect historic, culture, and scenic resources as part of their utility planning processes. The Preservation League's announcement was lauded by a variety of elected officials, including Rep. Chris Gibson, state Senator Kathleen Marchione, Assembly member Didi Barrett and Ghent Town Supervisor Mike Benvenuto. Read the full press release online at readmedia.com.

Debby Mayer is reporting in the Columbia Paper the Germantown Central School District Board of Education ratified an agreement with district administrators at a meeting, Feb. 12. The agreement marks the first step in concluding negotiations with district employees. Also during that meeting, board President Eric Mortenson responded to the state's recent audit of the district. Mortenson said the board "welcomes guidance from the state audit team," and said the district is "committed to a plan of fiscal accountability to the community as we enter the upcoming budget season." Mortenson said the board is moving forward and will not point fingers at anyone for mistakes made in the past. In a report released in January, the Office of the State Comptroller disclosed that during the past four years, district officials consistently overestimated expenditures in adopted budgets by a total of $5.5 million. As a direct result, the district amassed operating surpluses totaling $2.7 million, an amount in excess of the legal limit. Read the full story in the Columbia Paper.

Casey Seiler is reporting at Capitol Confidential a new Siena Research Institute poll finds voters divided over whether the Common Core educational standards are too demanding, not demanding enough or about right, and whether they help to prepare students for the adult world. But those surveyed overwhelmingly said they would rather have the state Education Department setting educational policy than Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, 62 to 21 percent. And while New Yorkers strongly support universal pre-K, the majority of those surveyed say they would prefer new state education funding be used to support existing public school programs, over pre-K. The governor’s ratings took a slight dip since the last poll; however, in head-to-head match-ups, Cuomo continues to lead Rob Astorino by 42 points and Donald Trump by 44 points. This Siena College poll was conducted Feb. 16-20, 2014 by telephone calls to 802 New York State registered voters. Read the full post at Capitol Confidential, a Times Union blog.

Weather right now


[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="128"] Cairo: High 29F; low 11F.[/caption]

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="125"] Catskill: High 29F; low 12F.[/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 snow showers, mainly before 10 a.m. Mostly cloudy. High near 26. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent. Tuesday night, a slight chance of snow showers after 4 a.m. Increasing clouds. Low around 12. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent.

Forecast for the next three days:
Wednesday: A chance of snow showers, mainly before 10 a.m. Partly sunny. High near 23. Breezy, with a west wind 6 to 11 mph increasing to 16 to 21 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 31 mph. Wednesday night, partly cloudy. Low around 6.
Thursday: Partly sunny. High near 22. Breezy, with a south wind 5 to 10 mph becoming west 17 to 22 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 33 mph. Thursday night, a slight chance of snow showers after 1 a.m. Partly cloudy. Low around 4.
Friday: Sunny. High near 21. Friday night, mostly cloudy. Low around 4.

Sunrise today: 6:35 a.m.
Sunset today: 5:41 p.m.
Length of the day: 11:05 hrs.

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

COLUMBIA COUNTY Board of Supervisors County Government Committee meeting, 5 p.m.; Board of Supervisors Fiscal Oversight Committee meeting at 6 p.m.; both at 401 State St., Hudson (828-1527).
COLUMBIA Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) Board Meeting, 8:30 a.m. at 4303 Route 9, Greenport (828-0901).
GREENPORT Planning Board meeting, 7:30 p.m. at Greenport Town Hall, Town Hall Drive, Hudson (828-4656).

The day ahead on 90.7-FM
5 a.m.: PCJ Media Network Plus: 20140225 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 Morning news, music, interviews features and agriculture reporting. Hosted by Phil 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 The Morning Show continues with local news, weather and events.
4 p.m.: WGXC Afternoon Show Hosted by Mark Bailey, Gregor Trieste and Jack Ross-Pilkington from the Hudson studio.
6 p.m.: Feature Story News

Some of the stories that made the news, Feb. 21 to Feb. 24:

Joe Gentile reported in the Register Star the Columbia County Board of Supervisors is considering the addition of text messaging to the county's 911 capabilities. Columbia County 911 Director Robert Lopez said the proposal would provide residents "...an opportunity to reach out for help by texting if they’re in a position where they can’t reach out by talking." The added functionality would cost the county nearly $70,000 over five years. The Public Safety Committee voted unanimously in favor of the measure. The matter next goes to the Finance Committee, before moving on for a vote by the full board.

Public News Service is reporting trucks on New York roadways will face stricter fuel-efficiency standards under a new directive aimed at decreasing greenhouse-gas emissions. Mark Scheerer has the story PLAY (1:38).

Melanie Lekocevic reported in The Daily Mail Michael Veeder of Earlton has been appointed by the Coxsackie Town Council to fill the seat vacated by Rick Hanse in November, following his election as town supervisor. Veeder’s appointment was approved on a unanimous vote. Veeder and his family own the Veeder Tree Farm. He is a graduate of Coxsackie-Athens High School and earned a degree in mechanical engineering technology from Alfred State College. Veeder founded Kool Temp Heating and Cooling, and for the past seven years taught the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning program at Questar III BOCES. The members of the Town Council voiced bipartisan support for Veeder’s appointment.

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="260"] Didi Barrett (right) in a campaign photo, with (from left) Elena Mosley and Olivia Williams.
(Courtesy didibarrett.com)[/caption]

New York State Assembly member Didi Barrett is requesting state funding for Universal Pre-K include coverage for pre-kindergarten special education programs. According to a statement released by her office Fri., Feb. 21, Barrett recently sent a letter to Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver asking for both UPK and pre-K special education funding to be included in the 2014-15 budget. Barrett noted in New York, opportunities for preschool children with special needs and disabilities are limited under the state’s current preschool Special Education structure and must be brought into line with federal standards, which require that special education services in school-based settings to be provided to children ages 3-21.

Weather right now


[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="128"] Cairo: High 28F; low 12F.[/caption]

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="125"] Catskill: High 28F; low 12F.[/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 snow showers between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. Increasing clouds. Breezy, with a west wind 9 to 14 mph increasing to 16 to 21 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 31 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent. High near 30. Monday night, a slight chance of snow showers after 10 p.m. Partly cloudy. Low around 12. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent.

Forecast for the next three days:

Tuesday: A chance of snow showers, mainly before 10 a.m. Partly sunny. High near 26. Wind chill values as low as zero. Tuesday night, a slight chance of snow showers after 8 p.m. Increasing clouds. Low around 13.
Wednesday: A chance of snow showers, mainly after 8 a.m. Mostly cloudy. High near 24. Wednesday night, a chance of snow showers before 8 p.m. Mostly clear, with a low around 5.
Thursday: A chance of snow showers after 1 p.m. Partly sunny. High near 26. Thursday night, partly cloudy. Low around 5.

Sunrise today: 6:37 a.m.
Sunset today: 5:40 p.m.
Length of the day: 11:02 hrs.

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

CATSKILL Village board meeting at 7 p.m. at Firehouse near Catskill Commons (Wal Mart) (943-3830).
COLUMBIA COUNTY Board of Supervisors Airport Committee meeting at 3 p.m., Economic Development Committee meeting, 5 p.m., both at 401 State St., Hudson (828-1527).
HALCOTT Town meeting at 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 813 Route 3, Halcott Center (845-254-9920)
HUDSON Common Council Police Committee Meeting, 6 p.m. at City Hall; Fire Committee Meeting at 6:45 p.m., at City Hall, 520 Warren Street, Hudson (828-1030).
PHILMONT Local Development Corp meeting at 7 p.m., Village Hall, 124 Main St., Philmont (672-7032).
STUYVESANT Planning Board meeting at 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 5 Sunset Drive, Stuyvesant (758-6248).

The day ahead on 90.7-FM
5 a.m.: CounterSpin: Lori Wallach, Gareth Porter 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: "Lori Wallach on TPP, Gareth Porter on Iran."
5:30 a.m.: This Week in Radio News: 20140124 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 Morning news, music, interviews features and agriculture reporting. Hosted by Phil 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 The Morning Show continues with local news, weather and events.
11 a.m.: The Bedazzled Radio Hour: 60's Canadian Garage Rock This episode features the re-issued LP of 60's Canadian garage rock, "Nightmares From the Underworld, Vol. 2," including The Quiet Jungle, The Purple Haze, Naughty Boys, Expedition To Earth, Satan & The D-Men, Sound Box, The Royal Family and more. Hosted by Spike Priggen.
4 p.m.: WGXC Afternoon Show Hosted by Mark Bailey, Gregor Trieste and Jack Ross-Pilkington from the Hudson studio.
6 p.m.: Feature Story News

[caption width="100" align="alignright"] Cecilia Tkaczyk.[/caption][caption width="100" align="alignright"] Pete Lopez.[/caption]Jordan Carleo-Evangelist in Capitol Confidential reports that Albany County Democrats Sat., Feb. 22 backed Cecilia Tkaczyk (SD46) for re-election, and failed to nominate an oppenent for the 102nd Assembly District, which covers Westerlo, Rensselaerville, and Coeymans (as well as parts of Greene and Schoharie counties). That seat is currently held by Schoharie Republican Pete Lopez. Tkaczyk represents much of Greene, Albany, and Schoharie counties. Albany Democrats also endorsed Congressman Paul Tonko (NY-20), and state Sen. Neil Breslin (SD44) and Assembly members Patricia Fahy (AD109), John T. McDonald III (AD108), Phil Steck (AD110), and Angelo Santabarbara (AD111). The full Democratic Committee meets at 7 p.m. Wed., Feb. 26 at the Polish Community Center in Albany to vote on the party’s endorsements. Read the full story in Capitol Confidential.

[caption width="346" align="alignright"] The NWS predicts the third visit from the arctic vortex, as cold air dips into the eastern United States next week.[/caption]A third so-called "arctic vortex" is about to descend over the eastern United States, sending the local ski resorts into another deep chill. Recently melted snow should be replaced with manufactured flakes this week. Windham Mountain, which hosts a Bavarian Fest this weekend, has 52 trails running, 39 groomed, with 12 lifts over 24-80" of snow. Hunter Mountain has 53 trails, 40 groomed, with 10 lifts over 66-130" of snow. Catamount Ski in Hillsdale has all 34 trails and six lifts open over 36-60" of snow. The resort hosts its annual chili cook-off Sun., Feb. 23 at 3 p.m. Click here to listen to an audio version of this report. PLAY AUDIO (1:14)

Local News
Local news from Wave Farm‘s WGXC 90.7-FM in the Hudson Valley, New York for Sun., Feb. 23. PLAY AUDIO (2:05)

Ski Report
WGXC Ski Report: More cold on the way. PLAY AUDIO (1:14)

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

• Sunday: A chance of rain and snow showers before noon, then a slight chance of rain showers between noon and 1 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 43. Sunday night there is a slight chance of snow showers after 3 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 19.

• Monday: A slight chance of snow showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 27, and a low around 10.

• Tuesday: A slight chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 26.

Sunrise 6:38 a.m.
Sunset 5:38 p.m.
Other celestial rises/sets
Moon 1:38 A.M. 11:35 A.M.
Mercury 5:49 A.M. 4:22 P.M.
Venus 4:14 A.M. 2:14 P.M.
Mars 9:51 P.M. 9:02 A.M.
Jupiter 12:52 P.M. 4:04 A.M.
Saturn 12:08 A.M. 10:09 A.M.
Uranus 8:06 A.M. 8:35 P.M.
Neptune 6:46 A.M. 5:34 P.M.
Pluto 3:52 A.M. 1:22 P.M.

WGXC Programming

11 p.m. – 6 a.m.: Saturday Night Seance: First WGXC Broadcast
Listen back to radio waves from days gone by. Tune in to 2011, as WGXC goes on the air for the first time.

Lissa Harris in the Watershed Post reports that community radio station WJFF (90.5-FM, Jeffersonville) has made Adam Weinreich station manager. After eight of the station's nine board members resigned last April, along with station manager Winston Clark, largely because of Clark's secretive style and other issues, the station appointed assistant manager Adam Weinreich to serve as interim manager. Weinreich had been assistant manager at the station since 2009. The Jeffersonville-based WJFF celebrates its 24th anniversary this month. Read the full story in the Watershed Post.