The New York State Public Service Commission announced Thurs., Feb. 20, its intention to expedite the review process for certain transmission projects. In a statement, the Commission said it will develop "an expedited, 10-month review process for future transmission projects that can be built wholly within existing utility or state-owned rights-of-way." The Commission attributed the push for quicker approval to statements made by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo in his 2014 State of the State address, concerning the need for upgrades to an aging infrastructure and to address congestion problems. Also on Thursday, the Commission directed administrative law judges overseeing the Alternating Current Transmission Upgrade proceeding to establish a process by which competing developers could submit new or modified proposals that make greater use of existing transmission corridors. Current proposals include three that call for a 345-kilovolt electric power line to largely follow an existing corridor from Leeds in Greene County through Columbia County and south through Dutchess County. A fourth plan would largely use an existing corridor that runs from Hudson to Kingston and south to Ramapo. Information is available at dps.ny.gov.

Local News
Local news from Wave Farm‘s WGXC 90.7-FM in the Hudson Valley, New York for Sat., Feb. 22. PLAY AUDIO (3:10)

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

Public Meetings
Congressman Chris Gibson (R-Kinderhook) reports a local appearance today:
• Farming Our Future Conference
9 a.m. at Taconic Hills High School
Congressman Gibson will attend and speak about the recent farm bill, among other agriculture issues.

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

• Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 48. A 20 percent chance of rain showers before 10 p.m., then a slight chance of rain and snow showers between 10 p.m. and 1 a.m., then a slight chance of snow showers after 1 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 28.

• Sunday: A 20 percent chance of snow showers before 10 a.m., then a slight chance of rain showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 45, and a low around 22.

• Monday: A slight chance of snow showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 23, and a low around 10.

Sunrise 6:40 a.m.
Sunset 5:37 p.m.
Other celestial rises/sets
Moon 12:36 A.M. 10:43 A.M.
Mercury 5:53 A.M. 4:30 P.M.
Venus 4:15 A.M. 2:16 P.M.
Mars 9:55 P.M. 9:05 A.M.
Jupiter 12:56 P.M. 4:09 A.M.
Saturn 12:12 A.M. 10:13 A.M.
Uranus 8:09 A.M. 8:39 P.M.
Neptune 6:49 A.M. 5:38 P.M.
Pluto 3:56 A.M. 1:26 P.M.

WGXC Programming

Radio Stew: All Apologies
12:05 a.m. – 4 a.m.
A Soldier's Tale
4 a.m. – 5 a.m.
Shortwave Hours: FCC Process Reform
5 a.m. – 7 a.m.
Saturday Morning Serial: WGXC Goes On the Air
7 a.m. – 8 a.m.
Radia: OOO
10 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
What's the Frequency, Kenneth?: Income Inequality/News Inequality
11 a.m. – noon
Radius Sketchpad: Brett Ian Balogh
2 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Human Machine: Earthsearch, Part Four
3 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Saturday Afternoon Show: Knitted Radio
4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Low Power Hour: Throwing Signal
6 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Framework: Ernst Karel
7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Saturday Night Special: Diane Cluck, Liv Carrow
8 p.m. – 11 p.m.

Jim Planck is reporting in The Daily Mail the Hunter Town Board has renewed a disputed junkyard license for Haines Falls Auto. The license runs for two years, and is conditional upon the facility adhering to a list of requirements set by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. The decision came following the town’s receipt of a Feb. 13, DEC letter to the facility’s owner, Rory France, that said most of the violation issues had been addressed, and that a timeline had been spelled out for completing the others. At the meeting of the full board, Councilman David Legg moved the license be granted, conditional upon the timely fulfillment of all the DEC’s requirements, and that if violations occur, it be retracted, which was seconded by Councilman Raymond Legg. Read the full story in The Daily Mail.

Benjamin Weiser is reporting in The New York Times the state of New York has agreed to reforms intended to curtail the widespread use of solitary confinement, including prohibiting its use in disciplining incarcerated people under the age of 18. This move makes New York the largest prison system in the United States to prohibit the use of disciplinary confinement for minors, according to the New York Civil Liberties Union. The NYCLU represented the three individuals whose lawsuits led to the agreement cited in court papers filed Wed., Feb. 19. Under the agreement, corrections officials will also be prohibited from imposing solitary confinement as a disciplinary measure for pregnant women, and the punishment will be limited to 30 days for those who are developmentally disabled. Read the full story in The New York Times.

Weather right now


[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="128"] Cairo: High 44F; low 24F.[/caption]

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="125"] Catskill: High 43F; low 22F.[/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 northwestern Connecticut, western Massachusetts, greater Capital Region, Herkimer County, the Taconics, eastern Catskills and mid-Hudson Valley, effective Friday morning. A brief warm-up combined with some rainfall will lead to some snow melt into Friday afternoon. Rising water levels on area rivers and streams may create localized or isolated ice jam flooding. Snow-covered storm drains, slippery roads and patchy fog will make for hazardous driving conditions. Steady rain across parts of the area overnight has led to ponding of water on some roadways.

Today: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. High near 45. Chance of precipitation is 100 percent. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible. Friday night, mostly clear. Low around 26.

Forecast for the next three days:

Saturday: Sunny. High near 48. Saturday night, partly cloudy. Low around 27.
Sunday: A chance of snow showers before 10 a.m., then a chance of rain and snow showers between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., then a chance of rain showers after 1 p.m. Partly sunny. High near 44. Sunday night, a chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy. Low around 24.
Monday: Partly sunny. High near 32. Monday night, partly cloudy. Low around 10.

Sunrise today: 6:41 a.m.
Sunset today: 5:36 p.m.
Length of the day: 10:54 hrs.

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

HUDSON 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 a.m. (midnight): Radio News: Al-Jazeera Journalists Jailed in Egypt A report from Feature Story News.
2 a.m.: Morgan Evans-Weiler, Martin Freeman, TJ Borden + Pat Caine, Jesse Collins An evening of electro-acoustic drone, psych, and experimental performances.
5 a.m.: What's the Frequency, Kenneth?: Income Inequality/News Inequality From Paul Fischer, weekly mash-up of news and music, from Pacifica Radio. This week: "Context and perspective on media coverage of pay inequality, Chris Christie, The Winter Olympics and other current events. (told through narration, music and soundbites) ."

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?: Andrés Chamorro, Evelyn Elizabeth Garzetta Interview Andrés Chamorro, Director of the Youth Arts Group of Rural Migrant Ministry on their current art exhibtion, art for social change. Also, Evelyn Elizabeth Garzetta, of Grace Latino Outreach about their ESL program that includes child care and food, their "doculoan" or interest free loan for filing immigration paperwork, and other services. She also speaks about the Dial-A-Ride transportation service of the Northeast Community Center. Hosted by Mariel Fiori and Antonio Flores Lobos.
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

Jim Planck is reporting in The Daily Mail the Hunter Town Board Tues., Feb. 18, took action to suspend the creation or expansion of junkyards and mobile home parks for a period of nine months. During that time the town will review and update its existing zoning laws. Hunter Town Supervisor Daryl Legg promised a thorough review of the laws governing junkyards and mobile home parks. He said the review will be completed in the allotted time and he does not anticipate the moratoria will be extended. Read the full story at The Daily Mail.

[caption id="" align="alignright" width="245"] The Wagon House Education Center
(Courtesy jhpokorny.com)[/caption]

The Associated Press is reporting the Olana Partnership has received a grant of $30,000 over the next three years from the Hudson River Bank and Trust Company Foundation. The grant will help support Olana’s programs and activities in the Wagon House Education Center at the Olana State Historic Site. The Olana Partnership offers public programs that teach participants from all backgrounds and ages about Frederic Church, the Hudson River School of painting and Olana. Past programs include astronomy walks, landscape walks, paint-outs, painting, photography and cooking workshops, book signings, music and dance performances. Read the full story in the Poughkeepsie Journal.

Weather right now


[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="128"] Cairo: High 44F; low 34F.[/caption]

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="125"] Catskill: High 43F; 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: Mostly sunny. High near 45. Thursday night, rain likely, mainly after 1 a.m. and 3 a.m. Cloudy. Low around 35. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.

Forecast for the next three days:
Friday: Rain and possibly a thunderstorm before 4 p.m., then scattered rain. Patchy fog before 10 a.m. High near 49. Friday night, partly cloudy. Low around 27.
Saturday: Mostly sunny. High near 48. Saturday night, partly cloudy. Low around 28.
Sunday: Partly sunny. High near 41. Sunday night, partly cloudy. Low around 18.

Sunrise today: 6:43 a.m.
Sunset today: 5:35 p.m.
Length of the day: 10:51 hrs.

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

ANCRAM Board meeting at 7 p.m. in Town Hall at 1416 County Rte. 7, Ancram (329-6512).
CHATHAM Town Board meeting at 7 p.m. Town Hall, 488 State Route 295, Chatham (392-3262).
COLUMBIA COUNTY Public Safety Committee meeting at 5 p.m. at County Office Building, 401 State Street, Hudson.
COPAKE Comprehensive Planning Committee meeting at 7:30 p.m., at Town Hall, 230 Mt. View Road, Copake (329-1234).
DURHAM Town board meeting at 7:30 p.m. in Town Building, 7309 State Rt. 81, East Durham.
GHENT Town Board meeting at the Ghent Town Hall, 2306 State Route 66, Ghent (392-4644).
HUDSON Common Council Economic Development Committee meeting, 6 p.m. at City Hall, 520 Warren Street, Hudson (828-1030).
KINDERHOOK Planning Board meets at 7 p.m. Town Hall, 4 Church St, Niverville (784-2233).
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
3 a.m.: A Soldier's Tale Stravinsky's "A Soldier's Tale" from Pacifica Radio's "From the Archives." Originally from "Free Music Store: Stravinsky's L'histoire du soldat" on WBAI. In December 1971 Pacifica radio station WBAI paid tribute to one of the great composers of our time Igor Stravinsky who had died earilier that year in April. With a great body of work to choose from, including Firebird, Patrushka and Rite of Spring, The Music Department chose Stravinsky's theatrical work L'Histoire du Soldat (The Soldier's Tale) (1918). It was performed live in front of the typical in studio audience at WBAI's Free Music Store on December 18, 1971. This part contains a performance of Stravinsky's theatrical work L'Histoire du Soldat (The Soldier's Tale) (1918). Cast includes Tim Jerome, narrator; Arthur Miller, a soldier; and Pat Shea, the Devil. Musicians include Jeanne Benjamin, violin; Richard Fredrickson, bass; Paul Gallo, clarinet; Charles Nussbaum, bassoon; James Stubbs, trumpet; Lawrence Benz, trombone; and Howard van Hyning, percussion. Orchestra is conducted by Henry Schuman. Produced and recorded in stereo by WBAI's Music Department. -English version of text translated by Sheldon Harnick.
5 a.m.: The Michael Slate Show The music that rocked the revolutionary struggles of the 1960's: The Black Panther Party, soul music, jazz and rock and roll.

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.: One Size Fits All: 20140220 An hour-long investigation into the idea of amplified sound. Beginning with Wheelhouse and concluding with Rokia Traoré. Full playlist found at www.Facebook.com/OneSizeWGXC. Hosted by Your Host.
2 p.m.: Between the Lines: John McInerney This episode examines the nature of addiction in the wake of Philip Seymour Hoffman's death with family therapist, clinical social worker and psychoanalyst John McInerney. McInerney, with a practice based both in Greene County and Manhattan, has treated many addicts. He will discuss the physical, mental and spiritual ramifications of drug use, whether legal or illegal, and addiction. Hosted by Ann Forbes-Cooper.
3 p.m.: Radio Theatre: Marvellous Land of Oz Part 1 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.
3:30 p.m.: Kids Brain Radio Live from the Catskill Community Center. Hosted by Matt Bua and Sam Sebren.
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
7 p.m.: The Jazz Disturbance: Cory Fischer-Hoffman Join host Cheryl K. for an interview with media-maker, organizer and activist-scholar Cory Fischer-Hoffman who hosts the Prison Voices Project on WGXC. The Prison Voices Project strives to build communication about the prison system in Greene and Columbia Counties through the use of radio, art, culture and personal narrative. Also that evening at 7pm at the Hudson studio, Fischer-Hoffman will facilitate a volunteer letter-writing night to respond to the dozens of letters received (some addressed to The Jazz Disturbance) by the Prison Voices Project from individuals incarcerated throughout the state of New York.throughout the state of New York.

William J. Kemble is reporting in the Daily Freeman the village of Catskill runs the risk of being audited and losing grant money because it did not supply financial information to the state Comptroller’s Office for a recent fiscal stress report, according to a spokesman for the office. In response, Catskill Village Board President Vincent Seeley said he was not familiar with the state comptroller’s fiscal stress report and that he was too busy dealing with snow removal to be interviewed by phone about the matter. The village was previously criticized by the state Comptroller’s Office, notably in a report that covered the 2007-08 fiscal year. The report stated village officials had “not provided effective oversight of the village’s financial operations and ... failed to address significant weaknesses ... in budgeting, accounting, reporting, cash management and claims processing. The Comptroller's report concluded the village's management practices contributed to "the deteriorating financial condition of the village's primary operating funds...." Read the full story in the Daily Freeman.

Emilia Teasdale is reporting in the Columbia Paper the Valatie Village Board adopted a resolution last week calling for the federal Environmental Protection Agency and the state Department of Environmental Conservation to stop further contamination and to remediate the Dewey Loeffel Superfund site in "the most expedited and safest methodology presently available." The resolution was approved on a unanimous vote. Valatie Mayor Diane Argyle continues to be frustrated by the EPA's failure to meet with Columbia County residents on the issue of water quality. Toxic industrial waste was dumped by several companies for nearly 20 years at the Dewey Loeffel site, which is located in the town of Nassau, Rensselaer Co. Water and other fluids from the site are being treated, and since mid-January several thousand gallons of treated water have been released into the nearby Valatie Kill. Tests ordered by the EPA show the water meets current safety standards. Read the full story in the Columbia Paper.

Kyle Adams is reporting in The Daily Mail the Government Operations Committee of the Greene County Legislature Tues., Feb. 18, proposed a local law that would allow for greater flexibility in awarding contracts for goods and services. The law would shift the deciding criteria in awarding a bid from lowest responsible bid to “best value,” which could include considerations of “quality, reliability, maintenance, useful lifespan and performance,” according to the law. Greene County Attorney Carol Stevens said the new law allows the county to take into consideration a number of factors that standard New York state procurement law does not allow. If the law is approved by the full Legislature Wed., Feb. 19, a public hearing will be held March 19. Read the full story in The Daily Mail.

Weather right now


[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="128"] Cairo: High 40F; low 25F.[/caption]

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="125"] Catskill: High 40F; low 26F.[/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 Special Weather Statement for the region warning of areas of freezing fog and black ice Wednesday morning. Combinations of melted snow and areas of fog will freeze on untreated sidewalks and roads through the morning, forming areas of black ice. Extra caution is advised while walking and driving. Temperatures are expected to rise at or above freezing by noon.

Also, the National Weather Service's Hazardous Weather Outlook remains in effect Wednesday, for western Massachusetts, east central New York and southern Vermont. A period of snow or a rain snow mix could lead to light snowfall accumulations Wednesday afternoon and early evening. However, snowfall amounts should remain below advisory levels.

Today: Snow before 3 p.m., then rain likely. High near 39. Chance of precipitation is 90 percent. Total daytime snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible. Tuesday night, scattered rain and snow showers before 8 p.m., then a slight chance of snow showers between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. Cloudy during the early evening, then gradual clearing. Low around 25. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Forecast for the next three days:
Thursday: Mostly sunny. High near 44. Thursday night, rain likely, mainly after 1 a.m. Patchy fog after 1 a.m. Otherwise, cloudy. Low around 34.
Friday: Rain before 4 p.m. Patchy fog before 1 p.m. High near 48. Friday night, partly cloudy. Low around 26.
Saturday: Mostly sunny. High near 46. Saturday night, partly cloudy. Low around 26.

Sunrise today: 6:44 a.m.
Sunset today: 5:33 p.m.
Length of the day: 10:49 hrs.

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

CATSKILL at 6:30 p.m. at Town Hall, 439 Main St., Catskill.
COLUMBIA COUNTY Human Services meeting at 5 p.m. at County Office Building, 401 State Street, Hudson (828-1527).
GHENT Planning Board session at 7 p.m., at Town Hall, 2306 State Route 66, Ghent (392-4644).
GREENE COUNTY Legislature meeting at 6:30 p.m. at County Building, 411 Main St., Catskill (719-3270).
HUDSON Zoning Board of Appeals meeting (tentative) at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall, 520 Warren Street, Hudson (828-1030).

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: Melting Melting stories from "The Wizard of Oz" and other sources, and melting songs from the Old '97s ("Melt Show"), Siouxise and the Banshees ("Melt!"), Modern English ("I Melt With You"), Gary Numan ("Melt"), Massive Attack ("Black Melt"), Elf Power ("Icy Hands Will Never Melt Away"), XTC ("Melt the Guns"), Rascal Flatts ("I Melt"), and others.
1 a.m.: Vital Weekly: DJ Topgear Episode 919 of weekly experimental new music show, by folks formerly behind Staalplaat. Click on title for playlist 919.
2 a.m.: Bob's Slacktime Funhouse: Presidents Just in time for the specious holiday of Presidents' Day comes this Lymph Node Institute episode, unheard since 2004! With the second Bush election looming, Doc Ellis and Doktor Bugbladder don protective gear to dissect the historical parade of the temporary occupants of the highest office in the land and lay bare their oily secrets. Framed by the live recording of the Stones at Altamont, the doktors slice away the creature's plastic skin and expose the interweaving complexities of the insidious puppet hand within the system that controls its regularly "elected" manqués. Even the LNI's expertise can't eradicate the blight of our dummycratic setup--but like a physical lymphatic system, they can instruct you as to the truth so that you will be inoculated with the knowledge to armor you against the Slack-sapping works of the Conspiracy! Yes--that's where their name comes from, and that's what they do. And the Lymph Node Institute does it better than anyone else.
3 a.m.: All Mixed Up: Show of Shows Tributes to Sid Caesar, Ralph Waite and Shirley Temple with introductions from Rodney Dangerfield and Maggie Estep. Featuring the voices of Carl Reiner, Mel Brooks, Larry Gelbart, Sid Caesar, Ralph Waite, Imogene Coca, Eleanor Roosevelt, Rodney Dangerfield, Groucho Marx, Bill Murray, Bob & Ray, Randolph Scott, Ray Bolger and Shirley Temple, this half-hour tribute also includes music from Bernard Herrmann, Kronos Quartet, Max Steiner, Shirley Bassey, Bob Sinclair & Raffaella Carra, The Falls, Keb Mo, Willie Mason and more. Interview with the late Maggie Estep, music from Lou Reed, Garland Jeffreys, Glenn Tilbrook, Diana Dors, Luther & Toby, The Barry Sisters, Van Morrison, Largo, The Everly Brothers, Steve Winwood & Steve Cropper, Dixie Hummingbirds and more.
5 a.m.: Shortwave/Pirates: Rich Moseson/W2VU From "The RAIN Report," Rich Moseson/W2VU concludes his introduction to CQ Plus. Other 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.
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

Ariel Zangla is reporting in the Daily Freeman a countywide ambulance service may not be the option a task force charged with exploring ambulance services in Greene brings back to the county Legislature for its consideration, a co-chair said. “I’m not tied to a countywide ambulance service,” Greene County Ambulance Task Force Co-chairman Mark Evans said Mon., Feb. 17. He said if the answer ends up being that Greene County Emergency Medical Systems adds ambulance services to the paramedic ones it already provides, that’s fine. The comments were made during the first of three public meetings the task force is holding to obtain feedback on the establishment of a countywide ambulance service. Monday’s meeting was specifically geared toward getting comments from emergency medical services workers. More than 60 people, most of who worked in the emergency medical services field, attended the meeting, held in Cairo. The task force will meet again Mon., Feb. 24 at the Hunter Town Hall to obtain feedback from elected officials. The third meeting at 6 p.m., Mar. 3 at Catskill High School is for public comments on a countywide ambulance service. Read the full story in the Daily Freeman.

Emilia Teasdale is reporting in the Columbia Paper the Chatham Town Board is giving consideration to how it will provide a temporary solution for the lack of shelter and bathrooms at Crellin Park this summer, before it borrows the needed funds to build a new pavilion and bathrooms at the beach for the 2015 season. The old structure was torn down last spring. During the summer the recreation program used a second pavilion further away from the pond for changing and the snack bar. There were portable toilets at the beach but no structure to provide shelter. Deputy Clerk and Recreation Director Sheri Franks said the children found shade beneath trees last year but she is worried about having more 90-degree and hotter days again this summer. Franks said she would research tents and trailers, though she warned board members alternatives could be cost prohibitive. Read the full story in the Columbia Paper.

Closings and delays for Feb. 18, 2014:

Ulster-Greene ARC (Catskill) | Open. No transportation.

Source: Times Union

Jordan Carleo-Evangelist is reporting at Capitol Confidential the results of a new Quinnipiac University poll released Mon., Feb. 17, showed a majority of New Yorkers favor legalizing small amounts of marijuana for recreational use. They also overwhelmingly support the legalization of medical marijuana. Men tend tend to favor recreational use more than women, the young more than the old and Democrats and independents more than Republicans. Most men surveyed admit having smoked marijuana while most women denied it. Overall, most of the 1,488 New Yorkers polled between Feb. 6 and Feb. 10 denied ever having indulged. Read the full story at Capitol Confidential, a Times Union blog.

Weather right now


[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="128"] Cairo: High 36F; low 18F.[/caption]

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="125"] Catskill: High 35F; low 18F.[/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 east central New York, effective Tues., Feb. 18. One to four inches of snow is expected Tuesday as a fast-moving storm system moves across the region.

Today: Periods of snow, mainly before 5 p.m. High near 33. Chance of precipitation is 100 percent. Total daytime snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible. Tuesday night, a chance of snow before 7 p.m. Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly clear. Low around 21. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Forecast for the next three days:
Wednesday: A chance of snow showers before 2 p.m. and noon, then rain and snow showers likely. Mostly cloudy. High near 39. Wednesday night, a chance of rain and snow showers before 7 p.m., then a chance of snow showers between 7 p.m. and 1 a.m. Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly clear. Low around 23.
Thursday: Mostly sunny. High near 43. Thursday night, rain likely, mainly after 8 p.m. Cloudy. Low around 37.
Friday: Rain likely. Cloudy. High near 49. Friday night, showers likely. Partly cloudy. Low around 24.

Sunrise today: 6:46 a.m.
Sunset today: 5:32 p.m.
Length of the day: 10:46 hrs.

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

COLUMBIA COUNTY Health and Medical Services Committee meets at 4 p.m. at 401 State St. in Hudson (828-1527).
DURHAM Town Board meets at 7:30 p.m. at Town Building, 7309 State Rt. 81, East Durham (239-8260).
HILLSDALE Meeting at 7:30 p.m. at Town Hall on Main Street (325-5073).
HUDSON 5:30 p.m. Finance Committee meeting; 7 p.m. Regular Common Council meeting at City Hall, 520 Warren Street, Hudson (828-1030).
HUNTER Meeting at 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 5748 Route 23A, Tannersville (589-6150).
LEXINGTON Town board meeting at 7 p.m., at Municipal Building, 3542 Route 42, Lexington, (986-6303).
TAGHKANIC Planning Board workshop meeting at 7 p.m. at Town Hall on Route 82 in West Taghkanic (851-7638).

The day ahead on 90.7-FM
12:05 a.m.: Radio Stew: Pirate Radio History Historical pirate radio transmissions from around the world are featured.
5 a.m.: PCJ Media Network Plus: 20140218 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. 14 to Feb. 17:

Arthur Cusano is reporting in the Register Star as of Mon., Feb. 17, snow removal in the city of Hudson is expected to continue for several more days. Hudson Director of Public Works Robert Perry cautioned residents and visitors to obey the orange signs posted across the city advising not to park in front of large piles of snow. Perry said the orange signs "are the law;" they trump the odd/even parking rules normally in effect. Sun., Feb. 16, was the final day of the snow emergency declared in the wake of the storm last week, but to remove the high volume of snow crews must work for several more nights to remove it, Perry told the paper.

Kyle Adams is reporting in The Daily Mail the Catskill Village Board is considering some changes to its snow emergency parking law in an effort to improve snow removal. The changes include a total prohibition on Main Street parking between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m. while a snow emergency is in effect, setting a uniform towing fee of $175 for vehicles that violate the law, and increasing the fine for violation from $20 to $100. The proposed changes were developed in discussions with the police department, said Village Trustee Jim Chewens. A public hearing on the proposed changes will be held to coincide with the next meeting of the village board on Feb. 26.

Weather right now


[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="128"] Cairo: High 26F; low 14F.[/caption]

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="125"] Catskill: High 27F; 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 (Presidents Day): Sunny. High near 25. Monday night, a chance of snow, mainly after 3 a.m. Increasing clouds. Low around 17. Chance of precipitation is 40 percent. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Forecast for the next three days:
Tuesday: Snow, mainly before 3 p.m. High near 33. Chance of precipitation is 100 percent. New snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible. Tuesday night, partly cloudy. Low around 23.
Wednesday: A chance of snow showers between 9 a.m. and noon, then a chance of rain showers after noon. Mostly cloudy. High near 44. Wednesday night, partly cloudy. Low around 25.
Thursday: Mostly sunny. High near 46. Thursday night, showers likely. Cloudy. Low around 37.

Sunrise today: 6:47 a.m.
Sunset today: 5:31 p.m.
Length of the day: 10:43 hrs.

Today is Presidents Day
All nonessential federal, state, county and local municipalities are closed. Post offices, banks and school districts are also closed.

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

ATHENS Town meeting at 6:45 p.m. at Town Hall, 2 First Street, Athens (734-3636).
AUSTERLITZ Comprehensive plan meeting at 7 p.m., at 812 Route 203, Austerlitz (392-3260).
CANAAN Planning board meeting at 7 p.m., at Town Hall, 1647 Route 5 South, Canaan (781-3144).
GREENVILLE Town Board meeting at 7:30 p.m. at Town Offices, corner of routes 32 and 81, Greenville (966-8276).

The day ahead on 90.7-FM
12 a.m. (midnight): Radio News: Headlines Radio news about radio waves.
12:05 a.m.: Radio Stew: Air Raid

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: Mark Mulcahy A tribute to the music of Mark Mulcahy. Beginning with the first release from the first band he fronted, Miracle Legion, moving on to Polaris, which provided the music for the cult TV show "The Adventures of Pete and Pete," and ending with his solo work. Mulcahy will perform at BSP Lounge in Kingston Thurs., Feb. 20, with opening act Frank Bango. 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

The state of New York introduced Lifetime Licenses to hunt and fish in the state’s parks on Feb. 12. A lifetime hunting license costs $535 versus $22 each year that residents currently pay ($100 for non-residents). A lifetime fishing license is $460 versus annual fees of $25 (residents) or $50 (non-residents). Additionally, a lifetime parks license is $750 and comes with a week of free camping, a round of golf, or a free $100 gift card, and a New York parks license plate.