[caption width="300" align="alignleft"]From Hunter Mountain's website.[/caption]Heavy rain forecast Saturday and high temperatures all weekend do not forecast for the best of ski weekends. Windham Mountain has 37 trails, 29 groomed, with seven lifts over 10-50" of snow. It's Wounded Warrior weekend there, with Windham Mountain's Adaptive Sports Foundation hosting all sorts of events, local politicians such as Pete Lopez on skis, and local bands and DJs. Hunter Mountain has 14-62" of snow, with five lifts working for 43 trails. Both Hunter and Windham have discounts for college students off of school this week. Catamount Ski in Hillsdale has 26 of 34 trails open, with four of six lifts running over 18-36" of snow. Click here to listen to an audio version of this text report. PLAY CLIP (1:18)

Freezing Rain Advisory/Flood Watch

The National Weather Service issued two warnings for the WGXC listening area today: a Freezing Rain Advisory from midnight to 6 a.m., when the temperature will warm enough that the storm turns all rain, which continues during the day Saturday, when a Flood Watch is in effect from noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.

Local News
Local news from Wave Farm‘s WGXC 90.7-FM in the Hudson Valley, New York for Sat., Jan. 11. PLAY AUDIO (4:37)

Ski Report
WGXC Ski Report: Local resorts are faced with a rainy, warm weekend. PLAY AUDIO (1:18)

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

• Saturday: Rain. The rain could be heavy at times. Areas of fog. High near 51. Rain continues Saturday night, mainly before 10 p.m. Low around 34.

• Sunday: A slight chance of rain and snow showers before 9 a.m., then a slight chance of rain showers. Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 41. Sunday night should be partly cloudy, with a low around 28.

• Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 46.

Sunrise 7:22 a.m.
Sunset 4:44 p.m.
Other celestial rises/sets
Moon 1:27 P.M. 3:24 A.M.
Mercury 8:04 A.M. 5:18 P.M.
Venus 7:00 A.M. 4:58 P.M.
Mars 11:45 P.M. 11:22 A.M.
Jupiter 4:01 P.M. 7:09 A.M.
Saturn 2:47 A.M. 12:52 P.M.
Uranus 10:51 A.M. 11:16 P.M.
Neptune 9:31 A.M. 8:16 P.M.
Pluto 6:36 A.M. 4:05 P.M.

WGXC Programming

5 a.m. – 7 a.m.: Shortwave Hours: Dave Porter/K2BPP
Two hours of shortwave radio-oriented programming, starting with solar weather, news on meteor showers and ham radio, and other reports. Other reports include:
5 a.m., "The RAIN Report" from Hap Holly/KC9RP outside of Chicago, IL. This week: "Dave Porter/K2BPP (SK) recounts his harrowing experience on Jamaica during hurricane Gilbert in 1989."
5:30 a.m.: "Glenn Hauser's World of Radio" DX and station news countries all over the world.
6 a.m.: "Amateur Radio Newsline"
6:30 a.m.: "This Week in Radio News" from host Tom Roe at Wave Farm's WGXC with radio news about radio waves. This week: Tom Roe previews his interview with John Anderson, author of "Radio's Digital Dilemma." Plus this week in radio history, and more.
7 a.m. – 8 a.m.: Saturday Morning Serial: January
A tour of the songs, and sounds, and radio history from the first month of the year. Tune in January from Julie London ("June in January"), Max Roach ("January V"), Elton John ("January"), Pilot ("January"), the Goo Goo Dolls ("January Friend"), The Avett Brothers ("January Wedding"), Bruce Cockburn ("January In the Halifax Airport Lounge"), Bert Jansch ("The January Man"), Mountains ("January 17"), Psychic Ills ("January Rain"), and Thurston Moore ("January").
10 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.: Radia: Factors
Radia Show 458: "Factors." "Radia" is an international network of stations, including Wave Farm's WGXC, interested in new and creative ways to make radio. Each week, one station makes a show for all the others. This week's was produced by Lucinda Guy at Soundart Radio in Devon, UK.
11 a.m. – noon: What's the Frequency, Kenneth?: Let It Snowden
News mash-up show from Paul Fischer via Pacifica Radio. This week: "Both the New York Times and The Guardian have now declared Ed Snowden a "whistleblower"...who revealed the extent of NSA data collection and who made possible an important public debate that otherwise would not have been possible.They have called on the US government to grant him clemency or a plea deal and have him come home. The latest debate about Snowden.....including the press reaction to what he did...and what should happen to him...told through narration, music and soundbites."
4 p.m. – 6 p.m.: Saturday Afternoon Show: John Anderson
Tune in for an afternoon show in conversation with John Anderson, author of the newly published first critical and comprehensive analysis of the United States' digital radio transition Radio's Digital Dilemma: Broadcasting in the 21st Century (Routledge). John Anderson also serves as the Vice-President of Wave Farm's Board of Directors.
6 p.m. – 7 p.m.: Off The Hook: 20140111
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 Jan. 8, 2013.
7 p.m. – 8 p.m.: Framework: Sawako
This regular edition of framework features works by MUfi.re, Taavi Suisalu, Sawako, Jez Riley French, Hiroki Sasajima, Una Lee, Sleepersecond, Emmanuel Mieville, Artificial Memory Trace, and a framework intro recorded in the UK by Joe Stevens.
8 p.m. – 10 p.m.: WGXC Winter Pageant
The WGXC Winter Pageant will feature a wide range of seasonal performances, rescheduled from the snowed out Dec. 14 date. Hosted by The People's Glorious Improv Collective. Performers will include Phillip Grant, Carmen Borgia, Harry Matthew, Tanya Blue, Alec Butterfield, Liz Logiudice, Leroy Cartfracker, Tony Fallon, Peter Krug, Jillian Sutton, and the Diata Diata International Folkloric Theatre. With art from Thatcher Keats, Beth Schneck, John Peters, Matt Bua, Tyson Hauf. With Scopitone projections from Spike Priggen. If you'd like to get involved with the Pageant, please contact Matt Bua by emailing mattbua@gmail.com.
11 p.m. – Jan. 12, 2014: 2 a.m.: NRRF B Radio: Wint'ry Mix: Escape Pod to Snowland
It is thought that space is a cold and lonely place, and if there was water, and things for it to drip from, there would be icicles. And yet, as humankind, we, for some reason, are curious as to whether or not there is someone out there, maybe even a frosty someone; perhaps an angry frozen hoarde of burritos, or maybe just a whole lot of icy gnome-creme bars. In this episode of NRRF B Radio, called 'Wint'ry Mix,' the intrepid explorers on the good ship NRRF have had to abandon ship in their escape pods. Chased by Nebulor the Snowflakian, our heroes will be forced again to cross Nebulaeic Alliance territory to face the frozen clones in a cold battle of wits. The action begins to snowball as the escape pods blast free from the good ship NRRF. Will our heroes be forever separated from the NRRF, or will they defeat the frozen clones and re-join their mission to explore the outer limits of the Nebulaeic Allliance's space space? Or, will the entire episode devolve into an ice cream social?

Jim Planck is reporting in The Daily Mail contrary to rumors, Columbia Memorial Hospital is not for sale. Hospital spokesman William Van Slyke said Thurs., Jan. 9, the talk that St. Peter's Hospital in Albany is acquiring the 192-bed Hudson hospital is untrue. He said, "It’s really the rumor mill run amuck.” Van Slyke also denied the hospital was up for sale or looking for a buyer. A representative of St. Peter's also dismissed the story. Read the full story in The Daily Mail.

Delayed openings, Fri., Jan. 10:

Chatham Central School District | Delayed two hours.
Chatham Kids Club | Open now.
New Lebanon Central School District | Delayed two hours.

Source: Times Union and Fox23 Albany

John Mason is reporting in the Register Star two of the newest members of the Hudson Common Council are calling for the city to increase the diversity of its workforce. They are also asking the council to institute a diversity subcommittee to address the issue. Alderwomen Alexis Keith and Tiffany Garriga stated in a Jan. 1 letter Hudson currently has no minority commissioners, departments heads or professionals, and very few minorities on boards and commissions. The few minority city employees on the payroll are manual laborers. The proposed subcommittee would be charged with a variety of tasks, including enhancing recruitment of potential employees, facilitating civil service testing preparation and overseeing the implementation of a citywide diversity plan. The letter was addressed to council members, Council President Don Moore and Mayor William H. Hallenbeck Jr. Responding, Tues., Jan. 7, Hallenbeck said out of 85 applicants to the Department of Public Works over the last two years, only 17 percent were minority candidates. He said, “There are laws on the books to protect everyone from discrimination. We abide by that and we try to hire the best candidates for the job.” Read the full story in the Register Star.

Jordan Carleo-Evangelist is reporting at Capitol Confidential Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo has chosen Richard A. Ball, the owner of Schoharie Valley Farms in Schoharie, to be New York's next commissioner of Agriculture & Markets. The announcement was made Thurs., Jan. 9. Ball most recently has served as chairman of the tropical storm recovery efforts in Schoharie. He replaces former Commissioner Darrel Aubertine (AUH-ber-teen), who resigned in October to join Comptroller Tom DiNapoli’s staff. Ball will serve as acting commissioner pending his confirmation by the state Senate. Read the full story at Capitol Confidential, a Times Union blog.

Weather right now


[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="128"] Cairo: High 37F; low 27F.[/caption]

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="125"] Catskill: High 36F; low 29F.[/caption]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

READ TEMPERATURE IN HUDSON: On thermometer in Studio A.

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

Local weather forecast
Today's forecast is specific to Catskill, in Greene County:

A Special Weather Statement is in effect for the greater Capital Region and the Mid-Hudson Valley. Periods of light to occasionally moderate snow will continue for the early morning commute. Temperatures in the teens to mid 20s will allow the snow to stick on untreated surfaces, which may become suddenly slippery. Visibilities will lower under a mile at times in the snow. Snow accumulations will range from a coating to up to an inch in some locations. Motorists should use caution and allow extra time for the early morning commute.

The National Weather Service in Albany has declared a Flood Watch in effect for central New York and western New England, including Columbia, Greene, Albany, Berkshire, Dutchess, Rensselaer, Schoharie and Ulster counties, from Sat., Jan. 11 through Sun., Jan. 12. Temperatures will rise into the upper 40s to lower 50s allowing snow melt to occur across the region. Rainfall amounts will range from three quarters of an inch to an inch from the Capital Region north and west, to one to two inches to the south and east. The rainfall will fall on frozen ground, which will become runoff and may potentially cause street or poor drainage flooding of low-lying areas. The warm temperatures combined with the rainfall may cause ice movement and break up for ice jam flooding on some rivers and streams. Ice jam flooding would have its greatest threat late Saturday afternoon into Sunday.

Today: Light snow likely, mainly before 1 p.m. Cloudy. High near 35. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent. Total daytime snow accumulation of less than one inch possible. Friday night, a slight chance of rain, snow, and sleet before midnight, then a chance of rain. Cloudy. Low around 33. Chance of precipitation is 50 percent. Little or no snow accumulation expected.

Forecast for the next three days:
Saturday: Rain. The rain could be heavy at times. High near 53. Saturday night, rain mainly before midnight. The rain could be heavy at times. Low around 37.
Sunday: A chance of rain and snow showers before 10 a.m., then a chance of rain showers. Mostly sunny. High near 46. Sunday night, partly cloudy. Low around 29.
Monday: Mostly sunny. High near 48. Monday night, a chance of rain and snow showers. Mostly cloudy. Low around 34.

Sunrise today: 7:23 a.m.
Sunset today: 4:43 p.m.

Length of the day: 9:20 hrs.

Town meetings

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


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

The day ahead on 90.7-FM

12 a.m. (midnight): Radio News: Solar Flare Coming A solar flare Tuesday will reach earth early Thursday, and may cause the Northern Lights to be seen very far south, and may disrupt some electronic transmissions.
12:05 a.m.: Nat Baldwin + Otto Hauser, Victor Herrero Nat Baldwin (Dirty Projectors) returns to the Spotty Dog, accompanied by Otto Hauser. Hauser will also perform solo. Also performing will be Victor Herrero. From the Spotty Dog in Hudson.
2 a.m.: Taran's Free Jazz Hour: Angelica Sanchez Episode 31 of 2013 of two-hour free jazz show that airs on eight European radio stations and free103point9 Online Radio and WGXC 90.7-FM in the Hudson Valley, in New York, in the United States. Click on title to access the playlist.
4 a.m.: Selected Songs: Roy Campbell, Jr. The legendary free jazz saxophonist recently died, according to pianist Matthew Shipp. Roy Campbell, Jr. (born 1952) is a versatile American trumpeter frequently linked to free jazz, although he has also performed rhythm and blues, bebop and funk at times during his career.

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?: Wilfredo Morel, Juan Basilio Sanchez A discussion of resolutions for 2014 and an upcoming immigration clinic. Wilfredo Morel, from Comité Mi Gente and Hudson River Health Care will talk about the Three Kings Celebration, plus a conversation with radio host Juan Basilio Sanchez, about prospects for Latin America in 2014. Hosted by Mariel Fiori and Antonio Flores-Lobos.
2 p.m.: Work: Columbia Greene Workforce The Work Show checks in with two professionals working with those most challenged by the twin counties' current labor market. M.A. Wiltse of Columbia Greene Workforce discusses the effects of Congressional battles on national and regional employment, while Florence Ohle of Community Action of Greene County discusses the challenges her agency faces, and what is in store for 2014. Music by Roy Orbison, The Everly Brothers and Rick Danko. Hosted and produced by Paul Smart. (The Work Show is being broadcast at a special time, due to a live broadcast of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo's State of the State Address, Wed., Jan. 8.)
4 p.m.: WGXC Afternoon Show The Dyer Switch Band will join hosts Mark Bailey and Gregor Trieste in the Hudson studio to talk about their Jan. 18 performance as part of the Hillsdale Library Concert Series. Plus news, weather, music and more.
7 p.m.: Guest DJ: Radio Roulette Billy Lester is back for the Friday Night Guest DJ spot, along with Ken Landin and Chuck Tobias.

[caption id="" align="alignright" width="105"] Kevin Lewis[/caption]

Ariel Zangla is reporting in the Daily Freeman the Greene County Legislature appointed Legislator Kevin Lewis of Greenville acting chairman at its organizational meeting, Wed., Jan. 8. Lewis will lead the Legislature until Chairman Wayne Speenburgh of Coxsackie can resume his duties. Speenburgh is ill, and has been hospitalized at Albany Medical Center for a few weeks, county Administrator Shaun Groden said. He said Speenburgh was expected to be discharged from the hospital this weekend. The chairman's family has not disclosed the nature of the illness. Lewis has been majority leader of the Legislature since January 2013. He told the paper he wished Speenburgh a speedy recovery. In the meantime, Lewis said, the business of the county still had to be done. “Somebody’s got to sign the papers,” he said. Read the full story in the Daily Freeman.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="554"] Anti-fracking rally in Empire State Plaza, Albany, Wed., Jan. 8.
(Photo by Sam Sebren.)[/caption]

More than 2,000 anti-fracking protesters from across New York gathered in the corridor of Empire State Plaza before, during and after the 2014 State of the State Address, Wed., Jan. 8. The demonstrators called for a statewide ban on the controversial hydraulic fracturing process. For the third year in a row, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo did not mention hydrofracking in his speech. The assembled environmentalists stretched for a quarter of a mile chanting, with signs and information disputing safety claims, emphasizing the health and environmental risks of fracking. No apparent pro-frackers appeared at this year's event. The rally was organized by dozens of groups statewide, including New Yorkers Against Fracking, Food and Water Watch, The Sierra Club and Catskill Mountainkeeper. PLAY rally collage (2:45).

-- Sam Sebren

Other audio:

Dr. Sandra Steingraber of Concerned Health Professionals of New York PLAY (4:26)
Emily Bishop, from Syracuse, of New Yorkers Against Fracking and The Two Row Wampum Renewal Campaign PLAY (2:44). Speaks about a fracking ban and honoring the Two Row Wampum Treaty.
Walter Hang of Toxics Targeting PLAY (4:36). Describes the Health Review issue.
Daniel Morrissey of Honest Weight Food Co-op PLAY (7:30). About fracked oil coming to Albany
Phil Markham, a/k/a "Robber Barron Trillionaire" PLAY (2:18 ). Satirical take on the use of fracking brine.
Bhavani Jaroff, chef, food activist and founder of ieatgreen from Long Island PLAY (2:05). How contaminated water could affect Long Island.
Ruth Adams, grandmother from West Milford, N.J. PLAY (:36). About proposal to allow frack waste from Pennsylvania to be dumped in New Jersey.
Dave Ritchie, SUNY professor from Ithaca PLAY (1:31). How fracking could destroy the Finger Lakes of New York.
Leah Grady Sayvetz, from Ithaca PLAY (1:16). Talks about leases in Ithaca.
Leigh Strimbeck, actor/director from Valatie PLAY (2:56).

Interviewed by Sam Sebren.

Jordan Carleo-Evangelist and Rick Karlin report in the Times Union Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo's third State of the State delivered a more muted agenda than in previous years. The hour-long speech, titled "Building on Success," began with an extended review of the accomplishments of his first three years in office. Cuomo's proposals for the coming year include plans for $2.2 billion in tax cuts to businesses and individuals, an aggressive timeline to award the first four upstate casino licenses by fall, and called for universal pre-K throughout the state, as well as a $2 billion bond issue to end technology inequality in schools. Cuomo also called for new laws that would permanently revoke the driver's license of anyone convicted three times of driving while intoxicated or impaired by drugs. As expected, Cuomo also included a plan, leaked earlier this week, to administratively allow 20 hospitals around the state to begin dispensing medical marijuana to patients suffering from certain illnesses. Read the full story in the Times Union.

Weather right now


[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="128"] Cairo: High 29F; low 14F.[/caption]

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="125"] Catskill: High 29F; low 16F.[/caption]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

READ TEMPERATURE IN HUDSON: On thermometer in Studio A.

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

Local weather forecast
Today's forecast is specific to Catskill, in Greene County:

The National Weather Service in Albany has issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook for Fri., Jan. 10 through Tues., Jan. 14. There is a chance of a light wintry mix of sleet and/or freezing rain late Friday night into Saturday morning. A glaze of icing is possible in some areas. As warmer air moves into the region Saturday afternoon and night heavy rainfall is possible, which could potentially lead to some flooding. In addition, the rainfall and milder temperatures may lead to ice jam movement and possible flooding, as well. Hazardous weather is not anticipated on Thursday.

Today: Sunny. High near 26. Thursday night, a slight chance of light snow after 3 a.m. Increasing clouds. Low around 15. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent.

Forecast for the next three days:
Friday: A chance of light snow, mainly before noon. Cloudy. High near 34. Friday night, a slight chance of freezing rain after 1 a.m. Mostly cloudy. Low around 29.
Saturday: Rain. The rain could be heavy at times. High near 50. Saturday night, rain mainly before 1 a.m. Low around 38.
Sunday: A chance of showers before 1 p.m. Partly sunny. High near 46. Sunday night, partly cloudy. Low around 31.

Sunrise today: 7:23 a.m.
Sunset today: 4:42 p.m.

Length of the day: 9:19 hrs.

Town meetings

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


CHATHAM Village meeting at 7:30 p.m. at Village Hall, 77 Main Street, Chatham (392-5821).
COPAKE Town Board meeting at 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 230 Mountainview Road, Copake (329-1234).
GALLATIN Town Board meeting at 6:30 p.m. at Town Hall, 667 Route 7, Ancram (398-7519).
GREENE COUNTY Finance & Audit committee meets at 5 p.m. at County Building, 411 Main St., Catskill (719-3270).
KINDERHOOK Planning Board Workshop meeting at 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 4 Church St, Niverville (784-2233).
LIVINGSTON Town board meets at 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 119 County Route 19.
STUYVESANT Town board meets at 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 5 Sunset Drive, Stuyvesant (758-6248).
TANNERSVILLE Village trustees meet at 7 p.m. in their Village Hall on Route 23A.
WINDHAM Town board meets at 8 p.m. at Town Hall, 371 State Rt. 296, Hensonville (734-4170).

The day ahead on 90.7-FM

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 Best of 2013 Highlights of original local programming produced by the "Prison Voices Project" in 2013. The show will feature: Coverage of the local effort to re-route the school to prison pipeline, a vigil to honor those whose lives are impacted by mass incarceration, organizing efforts to bring about a restorative justice process and the wise and powerful words of Richard Smith.
2 p.m.: The Passage: Gold and Fizdale An all musical program featuring duo-pianists Arthur Gold and Robert Fizdale, whose 1944 New York debut included two works written for the occasion by John Cage. Included here, Johannes Brahms' "Variations on a Theme by Haydn," Opus 56b, Robert Schumann's "Spanische Liebeslieder" (William Warfield singing baritone) and Francis Poulenc's "Concerto for Two Pianos" with Leonard Bernstein and the New York Philharmonic.
3 p.m.: Radio Theatre: The Mysterious Key Written by Louisa May Alcott; Adapted for radio by Heather Elliot. "A young man named Paul shows up one day to become a servant to a wealthy family. This Victorian romantic melodrama is based on a story by the well known author of Little Women." Produced by Joseph C McGuire. Edited by Jay Charles. Performers: The Skagit Radio Repertory Company. Made possible by grant from the Corporation for the Public Broadcasting and KSVR Studios. From radio4all. http://www.radio4all.net/index.php/program/73303
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

[caption id="" align="alignright" width="277"] Guests at the Washington Irving Senior Center five-year anniversary celebration in Aug. 2010.
(Courtesy WISC Facebook page.)[/caption]

William J. Kemble, is reporting in the Daily Freeman the Catskill Town Board heard Tues., Jan. 7, from angry senior citizens who expressed great displeasure over reduced hours for the Washington Irving Senior Citizens Center and its director. The meeting attracted 60 residents. Some at the meeting contended the problems stem from poor board communication that leave senior citizens uncertain about the future of the center. The senior center director was one of three town employees who had their hours reduced from 40 to 29 per week under the 2014 budget. However, supporters complained the reduction could have been avoided if the town had not been turning down requests from groups to rent the center. Former Councilman and Greene County Legislator Kevin Lennon of Catskill said savings could have been found in the budget without cutting hours for the center. Town Supervisor Joseph Leggio said there would be a committee formed to explore operations of the senior citizens center as well as the Community Center and how the facilities can be funded. Read the full story in the Daily Freeman.

Public News Service is reporting activists are urging Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo to do more about climate change in the coming year. In anticipation of the Governor's State of the State Address, Wednesday afternoon, there's also hope 2014 could be an important year for the fracking issue, as well. Mike Clifford has the story: PLAY (1:48). The State of the State can be heard live on WGXC 90.7-FM or via the Web at wgxc.org, beginning at 1:30 p.m.

Kyle Adams is reporting in The Daily Mail a task force appointed to study the implementation of a countywide ambulance system met for the first time Mon., Jan. 6, in Cairo. The proposed plan would consolidate the 10 town-based ambulance systems currently operating in Greene County into a single countywide ambulance service that would provide paramedic-level care. No town ambulance service currently employs paramedics. The Greene County Emergency Medical Services, a private nonprofit corporation, provides that service. Much of the task force’s work will focus on the number of ambulances needed to effectively cover the county and how much the service will cost. The yearly operating cost of such a service was estimated at $5.7 million. The work of the task force is supported by a $25,000 grant from the New York State Rural Health Network. Read the full story in The Daily Mail.

Delayed school openings, Wed., Jan. 8:

Windham-Ashland-Jewett Central School District | Delayed two hours.

Source: Times Union and Fox23 Albany

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 -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:

A Wind Chill Advisory remains in effect for the Greater Capital District, Mohawk and Schoharie valleys, southeast Adirondacks, Taconics and the Mid-Hudson Valley, through 10 a.m., Wed. Wind chill readings may drop to less than -15 or -25. West winds of 10 to 20 mph, with gusts of 30 mph, are possible. A Wind Chill Advisory means that very cold air and strong winds will combine to generate low wind chills. This will result in frost bite and lead to hypothermia if precautions are not taken. The National Weather Service in Albany has issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook for Thurs., Jan. 9 through Tues., Jan. 14. There is a chance of a light wintry mix of sleet and/or freezing rain late Friday into Saturday morning. As warmer air moves in the region Saturday afternoon and night heavy rainfall is possible, which could potentially lead to some flooding. Rainfall amounts are highly uncertain at this time.

Today: Sunny. High near 19. Wind chill values as low as -15. Wednesday night, partly cloudy. Low around 11.

Forecast for the next three days:
Thursday: Sunny. High near 28. Thursday night, a slight chance of snow showers after 1 a.m. The snow could be heavy at times. Increasing clouds. Low around 15.
Friday: A slight chance of snow showers before 1 p.m. The snow could be heavy at times. Mostly cloudy. High near 37. Friday night, a slight chance of snow and freezing rain before midnight, then a slight chance of freezing rain and sleet. Mostly cloudy. Low around 26.
Saturday: A chance of freezing rain before 10 a.m., then rain likely. Cloudy. High near 49. Saturday night, rain and snow showers likely. Mostly cloudy. Low around 36.

Sunrise today: 7:23 a.m.
Sunset today: 4:41 p.m.

Length of the day: 9:17 hrs.

Town meetings

Today is the second Wednesday of the month.
WGXC recommends 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., Finance Committee at 7:15 p.m. and full board meeting at 7:30 p.m., all at 401 State St. in Hudson.
COPAKE Resource Advisory Committee meeting at 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 230 Mt. View Road, Copake (329-1234).
GHENT Planning Board Application meeting and Zoning Board of Appeals meeting, 7 p.m. both at Town Hall, 2306 State Route 66, Ghent (392-4644).
HUDSON Planning Committee (tentative) meets at 7 p.m. at City Hall, 520 Warren Street, Hudson (828-1030).
JEWETT Town meeting at 7 p.m., at Municipal Bldg. 3547 Co. Rt. 23C (263-4626).
KINDERHOOK Town’s 9 & 9H Corridor Committee meets at 7 p.m. at at Town Hall, 4 Church St, Niverville (784-2233).
KINDERHOOK Village Board meeting and budget hearing, 7 p.m. at 6 Chatham Street, Kinderhook (758-9882).

The day ahead on 90.7-FM

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: Kary Jablonka A conversation about growing old in Columbia County. Kary Jablonka joins host Ed Fertik and special co-host Columbia County Clerk Holly Tanner in the Hudson studio for an hour-long conversation about the county's aging population and how the priority needs of older residents are addressed through advocacy and services. Jablonka is the administrator of the county Office For the Aging.
1 p.m.: The 2014 State of the State Address WGXC will air New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo's 2014 State of the State speech live from the Empire State Plaza Convention Center. "@Issue" host Victor Mendolia and the host of "The Right Opinion," Ed Fertik, will co-host the broadcast, offering observations and commentary on the Governor's projected legislative agenda for coming year. The address will begin at 1:30 p.m.
4 p.m.: WGXC Afternoon Show

Jim Planck is reporting in The Daily Mail a recently granted federal waiver allowing New York State to stop double testing its accelerated math students is seen as a step forward at Catskill Central School District. Under the waiver, seventh and eight graders taking Algebra I or Geometry will no longer have to take the mandatory state assessment test in late spring. They can now sit for the Regents exams only, at the conclusion of the school year. Asked Mon., Jan. 6, about the change, Catskill Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kathleen Farrell, called the policy change beneficial. She said, “I think it’s a very positive step, and an acknowledgment by the state education department that we should only test when we need to test.” State Education Commissioner John B. King Jr., announced the federal Department of Education's decision, Thurs., Jan. 2. Read the full story in The Daily Mail.

Scott Waldman is reporting at Capital New York the chairman of the state Senate Energy Committee on Mon., Jan.6, praised Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo's plan to expedite transmission line approvals. He called it a “thumb in the eye” to special interest groups that he said oppose any plans to improve the energy grid. In his State of the State address this week, Cuomo is expected to speed up approval of proposed transmission lines by the state Public Service Commission to 10 months from four years as long as the lines follow existing right-of-ways. Sen. George Maziarz (MAY-zee-ah-rz) said he backs Cuomo's plan because it would make it easier for upstate producers to meet the heavy demand of New York City. The senator did not identify the groups which he was referring to, although opposition to the transmission lines has been primarily locally based. Read the full story at Capital New York.

Closings and delayed openings, Tues., Jan. 7:

Greene County

Cairo-Durham Central School District | Delayed two hours. No morning Pre-K.
Catskill Central School District | Delayed two hours. No morning Pre-K.
Coxsackie-Athens Central School District | Delayed two hours.
Early Childhood Center | Delayed two hours.
Grapeville Christian School | Closed.
Greenville Central School District | Delayed two hours.
Hunter-Tannersville Central School District | Closed.
KidZone preschool | Delayed on hour. Preschool starts at 10 a.m.
Questar III Catskill Academy | Delayed two hours.
UMC Daycare Norton Hill | Delayed one-half hour. No morning Pre-K.
Windham-Ashland-Jewett Center School District | Closed.

Columbia County

Chatham Central School District | Delayed two hours.
Chatham Kids Club | Delayed two hours. Will open at 8:30 a.m.
Faith Christian Academy | Closed.
Germantown Central School District | Delayed two hours.
Hawthorne Valley School | Delayed two hours.
Hudson City School District | Delayed two hours. No morning Pre-K. No morning BOCES. No breakfast. Tutoring center is closed.
Ichabod Crane Central School District | Delayed two hours.
Mountain Road School | Delayed two hours.
New Lebanon Central School District | Delayed two hours.
O.K. Kids Inc. | Delayed two hours.
Questar III Columbia-Greene Educational Center | Delayed two hours. No morning BOCES.
Taconic Hills Central School District | Delayed two hours. No morning BOCES.

Sources: Times Union and Fox23 Albany

The cold temperatures over the central U.S. will be moving into the eastern third of the country, Tues., Jan. 7, behind a strong cold front that is exiting into the Atlantic. The cold temperatures along with gusty winds will result in dangerously cold wind chills across most of the Eastern Seaboard. Locally, a Wind Chill Advisory remains in effect for the Greater Capital District, Mohawk and Schoharie valleys, southeast Adirondacks, Taconics and the Mid-Hudson Valley, through 10 a.m., Wed., Jan. 8. Wind chill readings may drop to less than -15 or -29. West winds of 15 to 25 mph, with gusts of 35 to 45 mph, are possible. A Wind Chill Advisory means that very cold air and strong winds will combine to generate low wind chills. This will result in frost bite and lead to hypothermia if precautions are not taken.