Local News
Local news from Wave Farm‘s WGXC 90.7-FM in the Hudson Valley, New York for Sat., Feb. 15. PLAY AUDIO (3:03)

Ski Report
WGXC Ski Report: More snow on local mountains. PLAY AUDIO (1:22)

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

• Saturday: Snow, 1-3" predicted. High near 30, and a low around 11. Wind chill values as low as -6.

• Sunday: A slight chance of snow showers before noon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 21, and low around -1, with wind chill values as low as -7.

• Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 24.

Sunrise 6:50 a.m.
Sunset 5:28 p.m.
Other celestial rises/sets
Moon 6:27 P.M. 6:49 A.M.
Mercury 6:37 A.M. 5:34 P.M.
Venus 4:25 A.M. 2:27 P.M.
Mars 10:19 P.M. 9:30 A.M.
Jupiter 1:26 P.M. 4:37 A.M.
Saturn 12:38 A.M. 10:40 A.M.
Uranus 8:36 A.M. 9:05 P.M.
Neptune 7:16 A.M. 6:04 P.M.
Pluto 4:23 A.M. 1:53 P.M.

Public Meetings
Congressman Chris Gibson (R-Kinderhook) reports two local appearances today:
• Kingston Press Conference on Farm Bill
10:30 a.m. at Kingston Winter Farmers Market, Old Dutch Church.
• Rensselaer Plateau Alliance Gathering
6 p.m. at Sand Lake Center for the Arts, 2880 New York 43, Averill Park.

WGXC Programming

Radio News: More WBAI Turmoil
midnight – 12:05 a.m.
Sen. Rand Paul Sues NSA
3 a.m. – 4 a.m.
Occupy Radio: Valentines to the NSA
4 a.m. – 5 a.m.
Shortwave Hours: High Frequency Digital Audio
5 a.m. – 7 a.m.
Saturday Morning Serial: Walkie-Talkie
7 a.m. – 8 a.m.
Radia: Lutz Rainer Mueller, Stian Ådlandsvik
10 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
What's the Frequency, Kenneth?: Climate Change
11 a.m. – noon
Noon News: Maggie Estep
noon – 12:30 p.m.
Human Machine: Earthsearch, Part Three
3 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Saturday Afternoon Show: Public Service Broadcasting, FSRN
4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Off The Hook
6-7 p.m.
Framework
7-8 p.m.
Satruday Night Special
8-10 p.m.
Tabs Out
10 p.m. - 1 a.m.

Adam Clayton is reporting in the Register Star Columbia Memorial Women’s Health has expanded the surgical services it offers. The formal, ribbon-cutting ceremony for the minimally invasive surgery center was held Wed., Feb. 12. Members of the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce and Columbia Memorial Hospital staff were in attendance. The center has been fully operational for eight months, according to hospital CEO Jay Cahalan. The creation of the surgery center was spearheaded by Dr. Edward Marici, and it now offers a variety of laparoscopic gynecological surgeries, focusing on pelvic conditions. Marici said it is the only treatment center of its kind in both Columbia and Greene counties. Read the full story in the Register Star.

Katie Kocijanski is reporting in the Chatham Courier the Chatham school board officially welcomed its newest member this week. Edward Knight was sworn in before a regular meeting of the full board, Tues., Feb. 11. Knight was appointed to fill the seat vacated by David O'Connor. He will serve until the annual school board election, May 20. In other school board news, Superintendent Cheryl Nuciforo updated the board on the district's ongoing efforts to incorporate the Common Core Learning Standards and the Annual Professional Performance Review. Business Administrator Mike Chudy made a presentation on select sections of the proposed 2014-15 district budget. Chudy projected an increase to the administrative portion of just under .2 percent. He reported a savings of more than $20,391 in central data processing costs this year. Read the full story in the Chatham Courier.

Jim Planck is reporting in The Daily Mail the Village of Tannersville has added a $25 flat rate increase to its annual water bills, both residential and commercial. At the village board meeting Tues., Feb. 11, Mayor Lee McGunnigle said there were three issues driving the increase: The cost of upgrading the equipment necessary to maintain the system and increases in fuel costs and electric rates. McGunnigle noted the board is examining various cost-saving options and ways for potentially improving heating and electric efficiency, possibly utilizing greener methods, he said. Read the full story in The Daily Mail.

[Updated 8 a.m.]
Closings and delays for Feb. 14, 2014:

Columbia County

Berkshire Union Free School District | Delayed two hours.
Chatham Central School District | Delayed two hours. Closed.
Chatham Kids Club | Delayed two hours. Open at 8:30 a.m. Closed.
Coarc Adult Transportation | Open. Staff report; no transportation.
Columbia-Greene Community College | Closed. No day classes. No evening classes.
Columbia-Greene Partnership Academy | Delayed two hours. Closed.
Faith Christian Academy | Closed.
Germantown Central School District | Delayed three hours. Lunch will be served. Closed. All offices are closed.
Hawthorne Valley School | Delayed two hours. Closed.
Hudson City School District | Delayed two hours. No morning Pre-K; no morning BOCES; no breakfast; no tutoring center. Closed. ATP and all offices closed.
Hudson Day Care Center | Closed.
Ichabod Crane Central School District | Closed.
Little Wonders Early Childhood Educational Center | Delayed until 9 a.m.
Mountain Road School | Delayed. No after-school program; no Big Circle; no aftercare. Closed.
O.K. Kids Inc. | Delayed two hours. Closed.
New Lebanon Central School District | Closed.
Questar III Columbia-Greene Educational Center | Delayed two hours. No morning classes. Closed.
Taconic Hills Central School District | Delayed two hours. Closed. Offices open at 10 a.m.
TLC Day Care Center | Closed.

Greene County

Cairo-Durham Central School District | Closed. District Office open from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Catskill Central School District | Closed. School offices closed.
Circle of Friends (Ravena) | Closed. No 2.5- and 4-hour programs. Day care delayed two hours.
Coxsackie-Athens Central School District | Closed. Offices closed.
Early Childhood Learning Center | Closed.
Grapeville Christian School | Closed.
Greenville Central School District | Closed.
Hunter-Tannersville Central School District | Delayed three hours. Closed.
KidZone preschool | Closed.
Mrs. Puddle Duck's Childcare | Delayed opening at 9 a.m. Closed. Closed President's Day.
Questar III Catskill Academy | Closed.
Ulster-Greene ARC (Catskill) | Open. No transportation.
UMC Daycare Norton Hill | Closed.
Windham-Ashland-Jewett Central School District | Delayed three hours.

Sources: Times Union and Fox23 Albany.

• The village of Catskill has declared a snow emergency and enacted an emergency parking plan, effective 8 p.m., Thurs., Feb. 13. During the snow emergency, all vehicles must be parked on the even side of village streets from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and on the odd side from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. There is no parking on Main Street from Greene St. to Summit Ave., effective 8 p.m., Thurs., Feb. 13. The restriction will remain in effect from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. each day until the snow is cleared from the street. Residents are encouraged to park in municipal lots. Any vehicle found in violation of the emergency parking regulations will be ticketed and towed at the owner’s expense.


• The town of Greenport has declared a snow emergency, effective midnight Wed., Feb. 13, through midnight, Fri., Feb. 14. No parking is permitted on the streets and roads during the emergency. All violators will be ticketed and towed.

• The city of Hudson has declared a snow emergency, effective 8 a.m., Thurs., Feb. 13. The full schedule:

Weather right now


[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="128"] Cairo: High 34F; low 18F.[/caption]

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="125"] Catskill: High 35F; low 17F.[/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 Winter Storm Warning remains in effect until 10 a.m., Fri., Feb. 14, for western New England, the Mid-Hudson Valley, central and southern Taconics and the eastern Catskills. Total snowfall accumulations of 12 to 24 inches, with more than two feet across portions of the eastern Catskills is forecast. The snowfall will diminish through mid-morning. The wind will pick up producing some areas of blowing snow. Difficult travel conditions will continue. Winds of 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph are expected. Temperatures will remain in the 20s.

Today: Periods of snow before 9 a.m., then areas of blowing snow after 9 a.m. High near 35. West wind 8 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 29 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent. Total daytime snow accumulation of less than one inch possible. Friday night, a chance of snow, mainly after 2 a.m. Mostly cloudy. Low around 22. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Forecast for the next three days:
Saturday: Snow likely. Cloudy. High near 34. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent. New snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible. Saturday night, mostly clear. Low around 15.
Sunday: Mostly sunny. High near 25. Sunday night, mostly clear. Low around 0.
Monday (Presidents' Day observed): Mostly sunny. High near 27. Monday night, snow likely. Mostly cloudy. Low around 17.

Sunrise today: 6:51 a.m.
Sunset today: 5:27 p.m.
Length of the day: 10:35 hrs.

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

HUDSON Historic Preservation Commission CANCELLED (tentative) at 10 a.m., 520 Warren Street, Hudson (828-1030). Note: Hudson City Hall is closed, Fri., Feb. 14.

The day ahead on 90.7-FM
12 a.m. (midnight): Radio News: Sen. Rand Paul Sues U.S. Over Surveillance From "Democracy Now!": "Republican Sen. Rand Paul has filed a class action lawsuit against the White House and the National Security Agency over the bulk collection of U.S. telephone records. Teaming with the right-wing libertarian group FreedomWorks, Paul said the NSA’s mass retention of phone data violates privacy rights while offering no intelligence gains. Sen. Rand Paul: "The interesting thing is, is as we’ve looked at this both at the Intelligence Committee level and through investigations by the media, there’s no evidence that there’s been one terrorist caught or detained or prevented uniquely on this information. I’m not against the NSA. I’m not against spying. I’m not against looking at phone records. I just want you to go to a judge, have a person’s name and individualize the warrant. That’s what the Fourth Amendment says." Paul says his suit will seek to cover every American who’s used a phone in the last five years. He expects it to reach the U.S. Supreme Court."
12:05 a.m.: Radio Stew: Shelter From the Storm Listen to the silence of a fresh foot of snow. Music, sounds from the storm, and more. Tom Roe hosts live from Wave Farm.
1 a.m.: Taran's Free Jazz Hour: Satoko Fujii
5 a.m.: Sprouts: Surveillance This week on Sprouts, A round table discussion about Civil liberties, privacy, espionage, and how technology is affecting all of these things in our daily lives. Mike Janke: a retired navy seal and security technology expert Dr. Chris Seghoian: ACLU freedom fighter Dr. Matt Green: assistant research professor at John Hopkins university Tamzen Conoy: Privacy advocate Phil Zimmermann: the inventor of PGP encrypted communications, and a living tech legend Cyber terrorism, and drones w/ "the Back channel" technology group/radio show
5:30 a.m.: Sea Change Radio: Bicycle Waves Are you one of the many people who thinks about taking your bike to do an errand more often than actually taking your bike for that errand? If one of your reasons for driving instead is that you don’t have the energy for a workout or it’s just too dark outside, you won’t want to miss this week’s episode of Sea Change Radio. First, we hear from Jon Stevens of Superpedestrian, an innovative company that has designed the Copenhagen Wheel, a bicycle wheel that can make a sweaty, tiring hill ascent a thing of the past. Then, host Alex Wise speaks with Laurent Rains of Monkey ‘Lectric, whose cutting-edge wheel lights make it much more fun to ride a bike in the dark. From radio4all.net.

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

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="650"] The Route 23 bridge in Prattsville, following Tropical Storm Irene (2011).
(Photo by Charles. Courtesy CatskillSearch.com)[/caption]

Michael Ryan is reporting in the Windham Journal Prattsville is in line for federal bridge replacement money. Town board members were told at a meeting, Mon., Feb. 10, the funds are expected to be earmarked for the rebuilding of the Route 23 bridge, which crosses the Schoharie Creek. At that time the final results of a Flood Hazard Mitigation Analysis done by the engineering firm of Milone and MacBroom were presented. The preliminary findings of that report were announced two years ago, five months after the flood waters of Tropical Storm Irene blasted through Prattsville's Main Street. The engineers found the Route 23 bridge is too small and recommended it be replaced. The estimated cost of the bridge replacement range from $12 million to $20 million. As many as 110 bridges statewide have been identified as requiring major maintenance, and the Route 23 bridge has been moved high up on that list, Ryan writes. Read the full story in the Windham Journal.

Joe Gentile is reporting in the Register Star an eleventh-hour proposal by the principal owner of Meadowgreens Golf Course, Wed., Feb. 13, delayed a vote on the resolution by the Columbia County Board of Supervisors to implement a 1,000-foot safety zone at the Columbia County Airport. Carmen Nero bypassed the full board and presented the Airport Committee with a list of options, including the purchase of the entire property located directly adjacent to the airport in Ghent. Nero previously rejected the county's offer to buy 16 acres of the Meadowgreens property, and the 90 acres of conservation easements needed for the airport’s safety zone. Committee Chairman Art Bassin said, “We’re not going to do anything with those properties until we get specific numbers for those options." Read the full story in the Register Star.

Jordan Carleo-Evangelist is reporting at Capitol Confidential U.S. Rep Chris Gibson fired back at Democratic challenger Sean Eldridge Wed., Feb. 12. He said House Speaker John Boehner “let us down” by allowing a vote to raise the country’s debt ceiling Tuesday without also imposing conditions to rein in federal spending. Eldridge, an Ulster County investor, slammed Gibson for putting politics first when the two-term Kinderhook Republican voted against a so-called clean bill to lift the debt ceiling. Gibson said he favored a simple, bipartisan condition that would have blocked members of Congress from being paid if there is no federal budget in place. Gibson said it would have passed had Boehner allowed amendments to the debt bill. With two weeks left until the debt deadline at the end of the month, Gibson said there was still plenty time left to continue to negotiate a compromise. Gibson said, “Our speaker, he just basically gave up and he gave the president what he wanted.” Read the full story at Capitol Confidential, a Times Union blog.

Closings and delays for Feb. 13, 2014:

Columbia County

Berkshire Union Free School District | Closing at noon.
Chatham Central School District | Closed.
Chatham Kids Club | Closed.
Coarc Adult Transportation | Open. Staff report. No transportation.
Columbia Christian Academy | Closed.
Columbia-Greene Community College | Closed. No day classes. No evening classes.
Columbia-Greene Partnership Academy | Closed. Day program closing at noon.
Faith Christian Academy | Closed.
Germantown Central School District | Closed.
Hawthorne Valley School | Closed.
Hudson City School District | Closed. All offices are closed.
Hudson Day Care Center | Closed.
Ichabod Crane Central School District | Closed.
Mountain Road School | Closed.
New Lebanon Central School District | Closed.
O.K. Kids, Inc. | Closed.
Questar III Columbia-Greene Educational Center | Closed.
Taconic Hills Central School District | Closed.
TLC Day Care Center | Closed.

Greene County

Cairo-Durham Central School District | Closed. All district offices closed.
Catskill Central School District | Closed.
Coxsackie-Athens Central School District | Closed.
Early Childhood Learning Center | Closed.
Grapeville Christian School | Closed.
Greenville Central School District | Closed.
Hunter-Tannersville Central School District | Closed.
KidZone preschool | Closed.
Mrs. Puddle Duck's Childcare | Closing at 11 a.m.
Questar III Catskill Academy | Closed.
Ulster-Greene ARC (Catskill) | Open. No transportation.
UMC Daycare Norton Hill | Closing at 2 p.m. No morning Pre-K; no afternoon Pre-K.
Windham-Ashland-Jewett Central School District | Closed.

Sources: Times Union and Fox23 Albany.

Weather right now


[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="128"] Cairo: High 24F; low 14F.[/caption]

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="125"] Catskill: High 24F; low 14F.[/caption]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

READ TEMPERATURE IN HUDSON: On thermometer in Studio A.

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

Local weather forecast

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

The National Weather Service in Albany has declared a Winter Storm Warning for western New England, the Mid-Hudson Valley and eastern Catskills beginning 7 a.m. Thurs., Feb. 13 to 10 a.m., Fri., Feb. 14. A snowfall accumulation of 10 to 20 inches is forecast, with the greater amounts falling across the higher terrain of the eastern Catskills, Berkshires and northern Litchfield Hills. Ice accumulations of up to a tenth of an inch are possible. Snow will overspread the region by mid-morning, Thursday. It may briefly diminish late in the day as it briefly mixes with sleet and perhaps freezing rain. Dangerous travel conditions are expected with snow-covered roads and near white-out conditions at times. Blowing snow across the higher terrain could further hamper travel. Temperatures will range from the 20s to 30.

Today: Snow. The snow could be heavy at times. High near 28. Chance of precipitation is 100 percent. Total daytime snow accumulation of 4 to 8 inches possible. Thursday night, snow, mainly before 5 a.m. The snow could be heavy at times. Low around 23. Chance of precipitation is 100 percent. New snow accumulation of 4 to 8 inches possible.

Forecast for the next three days:
Friday: A slight chance of snow before 10 a.m. Mostly cloudy. High near 37. Friday night, a chance of snow showers, mainly after 1 a.m. Cloudy. Low around 22.
Saturday: A chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy. High near 32. Saturday night, partly cloudy. Low around 12.
Sunday: Partly sunny. High near 25. Sunday night, mostly clear. Low around -1.

Sunrise today: 6:53 a.m.
Sunset today: 5:26 p.m.
Length of the day: 10:33 hrs.

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

CHATHAM Village meeting at 7:30 p.m. at Village Hall, 77 Main Street, Chatham (392-5821).
COPAKE Town Board meeting at 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 230 Mountainview Road, Copake (329-1234).
GALLATIN Town Board meeting has been rescheduled to 6:30 p.m., Feb. 20, due to the inclement weather.
GREENE COUNTY Finance & Audit committee meets at 5 p.m. at County Building, 411 Main St., Catskill (719-3270).
KINDERHOOK Planning Board Workshop meeting at 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 4 Church St, Niverville (784-2233).
LIVINGSTON Town board meets at 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 119 County Route 19.
STUYVESANT Town board meets at 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 5 Sunset Drive, Stuyvesant (758-6248).
TANNERSVILLE Village trustees meet at 7 p.m. in their Village Hall on Route 23A.
WINDHAM Town board meets at 8 p.m. at Town Hall, 371 State Rt. 296, Hensonville (734-4170).

The day ahead on 90.7-FM
12 a.m. (midnight): Radio News: Apple Drops Objections to Drone-Tracking App From Amy Goodman and "Democracy Now!": "A new iPhone app has been released that tracks every reported U.S. drone strike overseas. Over the course of two years, Apple rejected different versions no less than five times. Now, for the first time, the app is finally available under the name of Metadata+, created by New York University graduate student Josh Begley. Madiha Tahir, a filmmaker whose documentary "Wounds of Waziristan" looks at the drone war, says Apple stalled the app’s approval for political reasons before Begley found a workaround."
12:05 a.m.: Deep But Not Profound: February 2014 Live from the newly renovated studio at Wave Farm in Acra, Leroy Cartfracker and Matt Bua take your calls and talk about things.
2 a.m.: In Other News: Dr. Carmen Boulter In Other News topics range from the conspiratorial, controversial, and esoteric near the fringe of belief systems. One hour is not usually enough time to explore each topic. Some topics, such as geo-engineering, will be revisited many times. Dr. Carmen Boulter Notes: Credits: Last week Dr. Carmen Boulter's work was mentioned in the context of following the thread in past shows that discussed telluric energy, leylines and megalith builders. Dr. Boulter as many may know is the director, producer and writer of the powerful documentary series called The Pyramid Code. The series has aired in 34 countries and describes how the Great Pyramid served as an energy generator. It was built on intersecting leylines and constructed with specific materials that are now thought to have harnessed and stored power. The power was created by the interaction of sunlight on water moving through passageways to build a charge using large crystals. This concept is similar to Nikola's Tesla's tower design at the Wardenclyffe tower. Dr. Boulter, a former professor at the University of Calgary is also producing another documentary series titled The New Atlantis and is author of the book Angels and Archetypes: An Evolutionary Map of Feminine Consciousness. Her new website is Interactive-u.com

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: The Convict Lease System A black history month special program. Following the emancipation of African Americans from slavery, the convict leasing system allowed white plantation owners to "lease" prisoners from the state and force them to do grueling physical labor. This system, which was practiced throughout the South immediately followed the legal emancipation of African Americans, lasted in some locations until World War II. This little known history provides context for the current disproportionate incarceration of African Americans and the growth of the private prison system: The incarceration of blacks and the use of coerced prison labor have deep historical roots in slavery. Excerpts from the PBS documentary, "Slavery by Another Name," will be featured. Hosted by Cory Fischer-Hoffman.
2 p.m.: The Passage: Holly Peppe, Wendy McDaris Holly Peppe, the literary executor for Edna St. Vincent Millay (1892-1950), and curator Wendy McDaris discuss an exhibition opening Sat., Feb. 22 at Wendy McDaris Fine Art in Hudson. Photographs, memorabilia and artifacts from the poet's collection at Steepletop, her home in Austerlitz, will be shown off site for the first time ever. Hosted by Richard Roth.
3 p.m.: Radio Theatre: Wonderful Wizard 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. Based on the story by L. Frank Baum; Adapted for radio by Joseph McGuire. This is the story that started the series of books about Dorothy, her dog Toto, and her many friends in the fairy country of Oz. This radio play is based on the original story written in 1900. The first truly american fairy tale written in an american idiom. We ve tried to capture that flavor in this adaptation. In the original tale Oz is just as real as Kansas. A place that Dorothy will revisit many times. 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 Ellen Thurston and Tom DePietro from the Hudson studio.
6 p.m.: Feature Story News

Kyle Adams is reporting in The Daily Mail the Health Services Committee of the Greene County Legislature Mon., Feb. 10, heard from anti-Styrofoam activist Charles Lake, who asked the legislature to consider a countywide ban on Styrofoam food containers. Lake appealed to lawmakers to follow the example of more than 100 other communities statewide and ban the use of Styrofoam as a food container for environmental and health reasons, alike. Lake said the toxicity from Styrofoam is exactly like the toxicity from tobacco smoke. In 2011, the Department of Health and Human Services National Toxicology Program listed styrene as “reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen.” Health Services Committee Chairwoman Patricia Handel of Durham said she and other committee members will have to research the issue before considering any action. Read the full story in The Daily Mail.

William J. Kemble reported in the Daily Freeman the Catskill Town Board is considering whether to demolish a vacant two-story house at 285 Hamburg Road. The structure was discussed during a public hearing last week, with town Code Enforcement Officer John Cashin noting there has been significant deterioration during the past two years. Cashin said the house is unsecured and must be either taken down or substantially secured. The property is owned by Jerome Sterritt, of New Baltimore. According to neighbors, the house has been unoccupied for at least 12 years. Sterritt has 30 days to respond. Read the full story in the Daily Freeman.

Casey Seiler is reporting at Capitol Confidential the full state Board of Regents had second thoughts about the proposed reform to the Common Core implementation as announced by the Regents' P-12 and Higher Education committees, Mon., Feb. 10. That plan provided a mechanism that would allow teachers whose evaluations are imperiled by low student test scores to claim the deficient scores were due to improper professional development and materials. That initial proposal was tabled until the Regents’ April meetings. Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo called it yet another delaying action for teacher evaluations and a sign the Regents’ capacity and performance needs to be examined. Cuomo said in an interview with Capitol Pressroom's Susan Arbetter, Tues., Feb. 11, a teacher evaluation system has been in the works since 2009 when it was included in the state's bid to receive federal Race to the Top money. He said, “Every year there is another excuse and another problem....Enough is enough. Government is supposed to perform. Effort is nice. Trying is nice. Results are better and we haven’t had results.” Read the full story at Capitol Confidential, a Times Union blog.

Weather right now


[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="128"] Cairo: High 24F; low 14F.[/caption]

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="125"] Catskill: High 24F; low 14F.[/caption]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

READ TEMPERATURE IN HUDSON: On thermometer in Studio A.

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

Local weather forecast

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

The National Weather Service in Albany has declared a Winter Storm Warning for western New England, the Mid-Hudson Valley and eastern Catskills beginning 7 a.m. Thurs., Feb. 13 to 10 a.m., Fri., Feb. 14. A snowfall accumulation of 8 to 14 inches is forecast. Snow will begin to fall during the morning hours Thursday and persist into Thursday night before diminishing Friday morning. Dangerous travel conditions are expected Thursday into Friday morning. Blowing snow across the higher terrain could further hamper travel. Temperatures will be in the 20s.

Today: Sunny. High near 24. Wind chill values as low as -14. Wednesday night, a slight chance of snow after 4 a.m. Increasing clouds. Low around 14. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent.

Forecast for the next three days:
Thursday: Snow, mainly after 10 a.m. Cloudy. High near 31. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of 3 to 7 inches possible. Thursday night, snow. Low around 23. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Friday: A chance of snow before 1 p.m. Partly sunny. High near 37. Friday night, a chance of snow showers. Cloudy. Low around 24.
Saturday: Mostly cloudy. High near 29. Saturday night, partly cloudy. Low around 5.

Sunrise today: 6:54 a.m.
Sunset today: 5:24 p.m.
Length of the day: 10:30 hrs.

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

VILLAGE OF ATHENS Board meets at 6:30 p.m at the Athens Community Center, 2 First St., Athens (945-1551).
CLERMONT Planning Board meets at Town Hall at 7 p.m. at 1795 Route 9, Clermont (537-6868).
COLUMBIA COUNTY Board of Supervisors Airport Committee meeting at 3 p.m.; Board of Supervisors Special Meeting re. Airport Committee presentation at 6 p.m.; and full Board of Supervisors meeting at 7:30 p.m. at 401 State St. in Hudson (828-1527).
COPAKE Resource Advisory Committee meeting at 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 230 Mt. View Road, Copake (329-1234).
GHENT Planning Board Application meeting and Zoning Board of Appeals meeting, 7 p.m. both at Town Hall, 2306 State Route 66, Ghent (392-4644).
HUDSON Hudson Common Council Youth & Aging Committee meeting, 6 p.m.; Arts, Entertainment & Tourism Committee meeting at 6:45 p.m.; and, Planning Committee meets at 7 p.m., all at City Hall, 520 Warren Street, Hudson (828-1030).
JEWETT Town meeting at 7 p.m., at Municipal Bldg. 3547 Co. Rt. 23C (263-4626).
KINDERHOOK Town’s 9 & 9H Corridor Committee meets at 7 p.m. at at Town Hall, 4 Church St, Niverville (784-2233).
KINDERHOOK Village Board meeting and budget hearing, 7 p.m. at 6 Chatham Street, Kinderhook (758-9882).

The day ahead on 90.7-FM
12 a.m. (midnight): Radio News: The Day We Fight Back Report on protests against U.S. NSA surveillance.
12:05 a.m.: Radio Stew: Tainted Radio Experimental computer sounds made by physical computer parts, plus other radio art.
1 a.m.: Vital Weekly: Advanced Dreams Episode 918 of weekly experimental new music show, by folks formerly behind Staalplaat. Click on title for playlist 918.
2 a.m.: Tabs Out: Somnaphon Cassette show. All new music from new cassettes. Guest tape slinger Ian Franklin sits in for episode 40 while we crank cassettes from Knit Prism, Somnaphon, Bastian Void, Obscure Lupine Quietus, Columba Fasciata, Long Distance Poison, Silver Casket, Friesen/Waters Duo, Son Of Dad, A Snake In The Garden, Grant Evans, Sparkling Wide Pressure, Juche, Order Of Nine Angels, Scratch And Sniff, and Ryan Harris.
5 a.m.: Shortwave/Pirates: Rich Moseson/W2VU This week on "The RAIN Report": Rich Moseson, W2VU, introduces CQ Plus. replacing Pop Comm, CQ VHF and World Rad on Line...sort of. Hosted by Hap Holly/KC9RP. Also radio art, and other news.

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: Kathleen Marchione State Senator Kathleen A. Marchione will be in the Hudson studio to discuss the issues currently facing the state of New York. Marchione represents New York's 43rd Senate District, which includes Columbia County and parts of Rensselaer, Saratoga and Washington counties. Marchione’s legislative agenda includes stopping unfunded mandates, reducing taxes and fees and cutting regulations on small businesses. She is the former County Clerk of Saratoga County and is serving her 33rd year in public service. Hosted by Ed Fertik.
2 p.m.: The Work Show: Rachel Loshak The February episode of the Work Show focuses on the working side of love, with a conversation and concert by singer-songwriter Rachel Loshak. Loshak has a new album out after years of managing her husband’s Gustafer Yellowgold work, and raising two boys. We caught up on a snowy afternoon for a talk about creative work and how one can give up elements of one's own creativity for a family. Music for this episode is by Loshak, her husband Morgan Taylor as well as some backing vocals by Norah Jones. Hosted and produced by Paul Smart.
6 p.m.: Feature Story News

Melanie Lekocevic is reporting in The Daily Mail Coxsackie Republicans have nominated incumbent Village Trustee Dianne Ringwald and political newcomer Dan Hellen for two open seats on the Village Board. Ringwald and Hellen do not face any opposition; the Democratic Committee has not put forward any candidates. Village Trustee Damian Johnston has chosen not to run for re-election due to family and professional commitments. Ringwald has served 30 years as a trustee. Ringwald told the paper she contemplated not running again, but in the end opted to run for another two-year term. Hellen is a sales manager for an auto dealership, the father of seven, and an active member of St. Mary’s Church. He moved to the village approximately 10 years ago from Long Island. Village elections are Tues., Mar. 18. Read the full story in The Daily Mail.

Rick Karlin is reporting at Capitol Confidential under pressure from teachers unions, parents and the state Legislature, the state Board of Regents Mon., Feb. 10, agreed to delay until 2022 the full implementation of tests aligned with the new Common Core learning standards. The Regents also agreed to change the evaluation systems so it would be almost impossible to fire a teacher whose students turned in poor test scores on standardized tests. State Education Commissioner John King Jr. laid out a detailed 19-point plan for altering the implementation of the testing program. The plan will implement a five-year extension to 2022 as the date at which students will have to achieve the new higher scores of 75 on Regents exams in order to meet graduation requirements. The vote Monday involved the Regents’ P-12 and Higher Education committees; the full Board will vote on the measure Tues., Feb. 11. Read the full story at Capitol Confidential.

Columbia Opportunities, Inc. announced Mon., Feb. 10, the Hudson-based community action agency will once again offer free income tax preparation services for individuals and families with low or moderate incomes. According to a statement released by Executive Director Tina Sharpe, three options are offered this year: The traditional IRS-trained volunteer-aided one-on-one assistance, a self-service option and a web-based option that allows individuals to prepare their own returns from any computer with internet access. Columbia Opportunities serves residents of Columbia County with a variety of programs and activities to help solve poverty-related problems. Information is available at columbiaopportunities.org or (518) 828-4611.

Weather right now


[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="128"] Cairo: High 21F; low -3F.[/caption]

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="125"] Catskill: High 22F; 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 sunny. High near 24. Wind chill values as low as -2. Tuesday night, mostly clear. Low around -3.

Forecast for the next three days:
The National Weather Service in Albany has issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook for Wed., Feb. 12 through Fri., Feb. 14. A storm system developing in the gulf states is forecast to track up along the eastern seaboard Thurs., Feb. 13. This storm will likely bring moderate to possibly heavy snow to the region, especially from the Capital Region south and east. There is still uncertainty in the ultimate track of the storm and its projected snowfall amounts.

Wednesday: Sunny. High near 25. Wind chill values as low as -3. Wednesday night, a chance of snow after 3 a.m. Increasing clouds. Low around 13.
Thursday: Snow likely, mainly after noon. Cloudy. High near 31. Thursday night, snow. Cloudy. Low around 25.
Friday: A chance of snow before 8 a.m. Partly sunny. High near 39. Friday night, a chance of snow. Mostly cloudy. Low around 25.

Sunrise today: 6:55 a.m.
Sunset today: 5:23 p.m.
Length of the day: 10:27 hrs.

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

CAIRO Planning Board meeting at 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 512 Main Street, Cairo (622-3120).
CHATHAM Planning Board meeting, 7 p.m. at 488 Route 295, Chatham (392-3262).
COLUMBIA COUNTY Industrial Development Agency Board meeting at 9:30 a.m., Capital Resource Corporation Board meeting at 10 a.m., both at 4303 Route 9, Hudson (828-4718).
COPAKE Board of Ethics, 7 p.m.; Comprehensive Planning Comm., 7:30 p.m. at Town Hall, 230 Mt. View Road, Copake (329-1234)
COXSACKIE Town board at 7:30 p.m. at Town Hall, Reed St., Coxsackie (731-2727).

The day ahead on 90.7-FM
12 a.m. (midnight): Radio News: Drones Target Cell Phone SIM Cards, Not People "Democracy Now!" reports on Glenn Greenwald's latest NSA revelations: the U.S. drones target cell phone SIM cards, rather then actual terrorist humans.
12:05 a.m.: Radio Stew: Walking and Talking Two-way, hand-held communication is explored, in story, and in songs. Includes "Walkie Talkie" (DJ Shadow), "Walk and Talk" (The Velvet Underground), "Walkie Talkie Man" (Steriogram), "Le Talkie Walkie" (Serge Gainsbourg), "Oh Wee Walkie Talkie" (Dinah Washington), "Walk and Talk It" (Lou Reed), and "Are You Receiving Me" (Golden Earring).
1 a.m.: Tuning In LaMonte Young and others are featured, with various radio art.
3 a.m.: All Mixed Up: Valentine A special Valentine's Day mix of romance and love songs featuring new music from Beck, Broken Bells (with Ringo Starr), The Well Pennies, Johanna Warren, David Bowie, Billie Holiday, Wilbur DeParis & Jimmy Witherspoon, Nina Simone, Paul McCartney, Tony Bennett, Ella Fitzgerald, Johnny Mathis, 10 C.C. and more. From WBAI via Pacifica Radio.
5 a.m.: PCJ Media Network Plus: 20140211 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.
6 p.m.: Feature Story News