Brian Hubert is reporting in The Daily Mail the Cairo-Durham Central School District is about to embark on the process of creating its new strategic educational plan. The district will be guided through the procedure by Questar III BOCES Assistant Superintendent Andrew DeFeo (Deh-FAY-oh). The plan will begin with the selection of 30 community members, including parents, local business owners, school personnel and Board of Education to serve as members of the Long Range Educational Committee. DeFeo said, “We have found that the process of building a strategic operating plan works best when we have as wide of a cross section of the community as possible." Committee members must commit to attend all four committee sessions to be held on Jan. 16, 17, 18, and Feb. 3. Prospective participants are asked to complete a questionnaire that will help school officials to ensure one segment of the community is not overrepresented or overlooked. Nominations are due by Dec. 31, and can be emailed to the District at e doolan [at] cairodurham [dot] org or mailed to the District Clerk, Cairo Durham Central School District, Post Office Box 780, Cairo, N.Y, 12413. Read the full story in The Daily Mail.

Arthur Cusano is reporting in the Register Star a financial audit of the city of Hudson has raised concerns. While the audit determined the city's financial statements fairly reported the city's financial position, there were some exceptions. Of chief concern, the city does not maintain a complete list of the its fixed assets at historical cost or donated value, and no records are maintained for current-year acquisitions or disposals, according to outgoing City Treasurer Eileen Halloran. The audit also noted some department heads were paid bonuses in lieu of raises in 2012, as were employee members of the Civil Service Employee Association, despite the lack of a formal procedure for authorizing and documenting employee pay rates. The auditors recommended the city implement a system of centralized payroll and personnel records. The audit was conducted by the accounting firm Sickler, Torchia, Allen and Churchill. Read the full story in the Register Star.

The improvements have been completed at RamsHorn-Livingston Sanctuary in Catskill and the preserve has reopened, Scenic Hudson reported Wed., Dec. 18. The Sanctuary is a popular destination for bird watching, hiking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and paddling. The work completed at RamsHorn-Livingston focused on improvements to the Old Farm Road—the preserve’s main path. The sanctuary’s parking lot also was resurfaced. The 480-acre preserve, which protects part of the Hudson River’s largest tidal swamp forest, is co-owned by Scenic Hudson and Audubon New York. It is located at 80 Dubois Road in Catskill.

Weather right now


[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="128"] Cairo: High 39F; low 29F.[/caption]

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="125"] Catskill: High 37F; 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:

Today: Partly sunny. High near 39. Thursday night, mostly cloudy. Low around 30.

Forecast for the next three days:

Friday: A slight chance of freezing rain before 9 a.m., then a chance of rain. Mostly cloudy. High near 42. Friday night, light rain likely, mainly before 1 a.m. Mostly cloudy. Low around 35.
Saturday: A chance of rain, mainly after 1 p.m. Cloudy. High near 49. Saturday night, rain likely. Cloudy. Low around 39.
Sunday: Rain likely before noon, then showers likely after noon. Cloudy. High near 55. Sunday night, showers likely. Cloudy. Low around 39.

Sunrise today: 7:20 a.m.
Sunset today: 4:25 p.m.

Length of the day: 9:05 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).
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).
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

12 a.m. (midnight): Radio News: Silence The Federal Communications Commission considers an end to "sports blackouts," and an Italian label releases LP compilation of silent tracks. Plus the latest surveillance headlines from "Democracy Now!"
12:05 a.m.: Radio Stew: Pirate Transmission Cammisa Buerhaus and C. Lavender take over the airwaves.
1 a.m.: Live On The Way Out Performances recorded at Freddy's in Brooklyn, before the basketball arena tore it down, with Shayna Dulberger, Bruce Eisenbeil, Ras Moshe, Andrew Drury, and others.
2:30 a.m.: Pauline Oliveros Recordings from the Kingston-based composer are featured.
3:30 a.m.: Bruce Schneier, Eben Moglen Security expert Bruce Schneier talks with Eben Moglen about what we can learn from the Snowden documents, the NSA's efforts to weaken global cryptography, and how we can keep our own free software tools from being subverted. The talk was at Columbia Law School's Jerome Greene Hall Dec. 12, 2013.
5 a.m.: Off The Hook: 20131219 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.

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: 20131219 An hour long investigation into the idea of amplified sound, with Your Host. The program will begin with the Hampton Hawes Quartet, and conclude with William S. Burroughs and Kurt Cobain. Full playlist can be found at www.facebook.com/OneSizeWGXC
3 p.m.: Radio Theatre: To All a Goodnight From Julio Martinez of KPFK 90.7-FM Los Angeles, via Pacifica Radio Network archives. "To All A Good Night"(26:07). "This is an an original radio drama written by Julio Martinez which traces the history of Santa Claus in a new and fun way. This story features Nicholas the Bishop of Smyrna, John Winthrop, the Puritans of 1647, The Saxons, the vikings, ChristKleinlein from Gernmany, Pere Noel from France, Washington Irving, John Pintard, the Montgomery Ward staff who brainstormed the Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer for their holiday catalog in 1939 and of course Mr. and Mrs Santa Claus."
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

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 Learning Center | Delayed two hours.
Grapeville Christian School | Delayed two hours.
Greenville Central School District | Delayed two hours.
KidZone preschool | Delayed one hour. Preschool begins at 10 a.m.
Questar III Catskill Academy | Delayed two hours.
UMC Daycare Norton Hill | Delayed one hour. No morning Pre-K.
Windham-Ashland-Jewett Central School District | Delayed two hours.

Columbia County

Ichabod Crane Central School District | Delayed two hours.
O.K. Kids, Inc. | Delayed two hours.

Sources: Times Union and Fox23 Albany

Michael Ryan is reporting in The Daily Mail an 11-member task force has been established to explore the idea of creating a Greene County ambulance service. Mark Evans and Durham Legislator Patty Handel will co-chair the task force, which will evaluate the current system of ambulance services and advanced life support countywide. Evans, president of county Emergency Medical Services, has headed the effort to formulate the countywide plan. The proposal calls for establishing a non-profit entity to provide a full shared-services network and take towns and villages out of the ambulance business, according to Evans. The county currently spends an estimated $5.8 million for the operation of eight full-time ambulances and an unspecified number of backup units. Read the full story in The Daily Mail.

The Daily Freeman is reporting nominations are being accepted for the annual Greene County Senior Citizen Awards. The two awards presented are the Senior Citizen of the Year and Outstanding Contribution by a Senior Citizen. The awards recognize the contributions and achievements of senior citizens who have volunteered their time and energy to help other people, their communities or special projects. Alice Schubert of Coxsackie, was named Senior Citizen of 2013 for her more than 25 years of work as a volunteer for various organizations. Any Greene County resident over the age of 60 is eligible. For information, call the Greene County Department of the Human Services at (518) 719-3555. Read the full story in the Daily Freeman.

Rick Karlin is reporting at Capitol Confidential the state Department of Environmental Conservation will institute a brief halt on the issuance of new hunting, fishing and trapping licenses for up to two weeks while the department sets up a new computerized licensing system. Beginning Thurs., Dec. 26, the public will not be able to purchase hunting, fishing or trapping licenses, or secure a recreational marine fishing registration or report harvested game. Licenses, stamps and permits must be purchased prior to Dec. 26 in order to hunt or fish during the blackout period. Hunters are required, by law, to report deer, bear, and turkey harvested within seven days of taking the animal. During the blackout period, hunters will not be able to report their harvest; however, they will be given a seven-day grace period to report their harvest once the new system is up and running. Read the full story at Capitol Confidential, a Times Union blog.

Weather right now


[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="128"] Cairo: High 32F; low 15F.[/caption]

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="125"] Catskill: High 32F; 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:

Today: A slight chance of snow showers before 11 a.m. Partly sunny. High near 33. Wednesday night, partly cloudy. Low around 15.

Forecast for the next three days:

Thursday: Partly sunny. High near 39. Thursday night, a slight chance of snow showers after 1 a.m. Mostly cloudy. Low around 27.
Friday: A chance of snow showers before 10 a.m., then a chance of rain and snow showers between 10 a.m. and noon, then a chance of rain showers after noon. Cloudy. High near 41. Friday night, a chance of rain and snow showers before 1 a.m., then a chance of rain and snow showers. Cloudy. Low around 35.
Saturday: Scattered showers before noon, then a chance of rain after noon. Cloudy. High near 46. Saturday night, rain likely. Cloudy. Low around 37.

Sunrise today: 7:19 a.m.
Sunset today: 4:25 p.m.

Length of the day: 9:05 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.
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: NPR's Digital Streams News about new grants to unite the varied National Public Radio streams and apps.
12:05 a.m.: Radio Stew: Ping Pong Ping pong sounds and stories from Stereolab, Dolly Parton, Can, Antipop Consortium, Art Blakey, Momus, The Cyrckle, and others. Plus ping pong stories, and Abbott and Costello paddling back and forth on "Who's On First?"
1 a.m.: Vital Weekly: KK Null Weekly 910.
5 a.m.: Shortwave/Pirates: Tim Duffy/K3LR Noted contester Tim Duffy/K3LR talks about his Contest University on "The RAIN Report" from Hap Holly, KC9RP, in Chicago. Plus other shortwave, radio, and media news, clips, excerpts, surprises, and more.

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.: @Issue: William Hughes Jr. Hudson Fourth Ward Supervisor William Hughes Jr will discuss county issues. Hosted by Victor Mendolia with Debora Gilbert.
4 p.m.: WGXC Afternoon Show: A Child's Christmas in Wales Dylan Thomas reads from "A Child's Christmas In Wales" (via the magic of recording), plus songs of devotion and holiday cheer, local news and upcoming events. It is the holiday edition WGXC Afternoon Show, broadcast live from the Catskill Community Center. Hosted by Ron Diamondstein.

Cairo-Durham Central School District is reporting a minor bus accident occurred following dismissal, Tuesday afternoon. According to a statement released by the district, a bus leaving the Cairo-Durham Middle/High School campus at 2:24 p.m., slid from the roadway on Roosevelt Ave. into a snow bank as the bus pulled over to let an oncoming snowplow pass. No students were injured. School districts throughout Greene and Columbia counties were either closed or dismissed early Tuesday, due to a day-long snowstorm. Cairo-Durham and the Greenville school district were the only schools in the region to remain in session all day. The full text of the Cairo-Durham statement follows:

This afternoon at approximately 2:24 p.m., bus #165 departed from the Middle School/High School building and experienced a minor accident as the Route 5 bus slid from the roadway on Roosevelt Avenue and into a bank as it pulled over to let an on-coming snowplow pass. District officials and nurses reported to the scene to access the accident and meet with the students and the driver. There were no student injuries. Students were transferred to a second bus that was quickly dispatched and is completing the route. Please expect delays as this route is completed. Anyone with any questions please contact Mary Fassett, Superintendent, at 662-8740.

See more at: http://www.cairodurham.org/news/notice-minor-bus-accident#sthash.UnB0vfoZ.dpuf

UPDATED (12:35 p.m.)

Greene County

Catskill Central School District | Closed
Circle of Friends (Ravena) | Closing at 11:20 a.m. No afternoon Pre-K. Day Care open. All classrooms dismissing at 11:20 a.m. Day Care is open.
Coxsackie-Athens Central School District | Closed
Early Childhood Learning Center | Closed
Greene County Nutrition Program | Closed. No transportation.
Greene County YMCA | Delayed, no morning classes.
Greenville Central School District | Open. No evening activities; no after-school events; regular dismissal.
Hunter-Tannersville Central School District | Closed
Questar III Catskill Academy, Catskill | Closed
Windham-Ashland-Jewett Central School District | Closed

Columbia County

Chatham Central School District | Closing at 11:30 a.m.; lunch will not be served.
Chatham Kids Club | Closed
Columbia County Senior Meals | Closed. Staff report.
Columbia-Greene Community College | Closed. Tues. exams are moved to Wed.; Wed. exams to Thurs.
Faith Christian Academy | Closing at 10:30 a.m. No afternoon activities; no after-school events.
Germantown Central School District | Closed
Hudson City School District | Closing at 1 p.m. No after-school programs; no evening activities; no after-school events.
Ichabod Crane Central School District | Closing at 10:30 a.m.; Elementary school 11:30 a.m. dismissmal; Middle/High schools 10:30 a.m. dismissal; Primary 11:30 a.m. dismissal.
Little Wonders E.C.E.C. | Closing at 3 p.m.
New Lebanon Central School District | Closing three (3) hours early.
Mountain Road School | Closing at 12 p.m.; Elementary/middle schools 12:15 p.m. dismissal.
Taconic Hills Central School District | Closing at 1:15 p.m. No after-school programs; no afternoon/evening activities; no after-school events.

Source: Times Union and Fox23 Albany

Kyle Adams is reporting in The Daily Mail the Public Safety Committee of the Greene County Legislature Mon., Dec. 16, appointed an interim EMS coordinator to fill the role of former coordinator Aidan O’Connor Jr., who was unexpectedly dismissed earlier this month. Reay Mahler of Durham was appointed to serve as interim director until February 28, 2014. Mahler has been the administrator of Cairo Ambulance for more than 10 years and is a member of the Greene County Paramedics Council. Mahler was also named to a task force that will explore the creation of a countywide paramedic-level ambulance service to replace the network of individual town ambulances that currently operates in the county. The county EMS Coordinators Office is a branch of Emergency Services and consists of the coordinator and two deputy coordinators. The EMS coordinator is a politically appointed position. Read the full story in The Daily Mail.

Jim Planck is reporting in the Register Star the Columbia-Greene Partnership Academy has received approval from the New York State Education Department to operate its special program at 364 Warren St. in Hudson. The Academy is a collaborative effort between the Berkshire Union Free, Hudson City and Catskill Central school districts. Berkshire teachers will conduct the classes for students from all three districts likely to fare better in a small class setting, and are at risk for dropping out of school. Approximately 36 students will attend the program at the Warren St. location beginning in January. Read the full story in the Register Star.

Public News Service is reporting a Manhattan Democrat in the state Senate has put forward a measure that could legalize marijuana statewide, making it one of three states in the country to do so. Mark Scheerer has the story: PLAY (1:52)

Weather right now


[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="128"] Cairo: High 23F; low 15F.[/caption]

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="125"] Catskill: High 22F; low 15F.[/caption]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

READ TEMPERATURE IN HUDSON: On thermometer in Studio A.

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

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

The National Weather Service in Albany has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for light to moderate snow in Greene, Columbia, Dutchess, Ulster and Rensselaer counties from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tues., Dec. 17. Accumulations of two to six inches, with higher amounts across the higher terrain of the Taconics and the eastern Catskills, are expected, with maximum snowfall rates of one-half to one inch per hour, possible. Light snow will develop and overspread the region early Tuesday morning. The snow will become steadier during the late morning hours and into the afternoon before ending late in the day. Temperatures will be in the single digits and low teens during the morning hours, rising into the upper teens to mid-20s during the late afternoon before falling into the teens to lower 20s Tuesday night. A Winter Weather Advisory for snow means that periods of snow will cause primarily travel difficulties. Be prepared for snow-covered roads and limited visibilities and use caution while driving.

Today: Periods of snow. High near 20. Chance of precipitation is 100 percent. A total daytime snow accumulation of two to four inches possible. Tuesday night, a chance of snow showers, mainly before 11 p.m. Mostly cloudy. Low around 19. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch is possible.

Forecast for the next three days:

Wednesday: Partly sunny. High near 35. Wednesday night, mostly cloudy. Low around 16.
Thursday: Mostly sunny. High near 40. Thursday night, mostly cloudy. Low around 29.
Friday: A chance of snow before 10 a.m., then a chance of rain. Cloudy. High near 44. A chance of rain and snow showers. Cloudy. Low around 34.

Sunrise today: 7:19 a.m.
Sunset today: 4:25 p.m.

Length of the day: 9:05 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.
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 Regular Common Council meeting at 7 p.m. 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 a.m. (midnight): Radio News: Surveillance is Unconstitutional Feature Story News listens to a court ruling about the NSA's surveillance program.
12:05 a.m.: Radio Stew: Radio Stations Jonathan Winters is the co-host in spirit, live from the Wave Farm, as Tom Roe goes station to station with Man or Astroman?, The Mountain Goats, Robart Pollard, The Hold Steady, Hall of Fame, The Tornados, and Six Organs of Adminttance.
1 a.m.: Virginia Madsen and Gregory Whitehead Rebroadcast of discussion between Australian radio historian Virginia Madsen and radio artist Gregory Whitehead from Wave Farm, Dec. 14, 2013.
3 a.m.: David Simon Excerpt of a talk by "The Wire" creator at the Festival of Dangerous Ideas.
5 a.m.: PCJ Media Network Plus: 20131217 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.
10 a.m.: The World According to Lawrence: 20131217 A blend of commentary, guests, sound clips of politics, pop culture, current events and science. You will hear the views or take on the news and events that surround us as a nation, a state and the counties of Greene and Columbia. Hosted by William Lawrence with Debra Kamecke.
11 a.m.: Classic Country Show: A.P. Carter Celebration of the birthday of A.P. Carter and other Sagittarians.
2 p.m.: Hudson Valley Tap Show: Johnny Pavich Host Ken Landin interviews Johnny Pavich from the Dutch Ale House in Saugerties.
3 p.m.: Social Graces: Laura Margolis Host Nan Marron interviews Laura Margolis, artistic director at Stageworks in Hudson.
4 p.m.: WGXC Afternoon Show

The National Weather Service in Albany has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for light to moderate snow in Greene, Columbia, Dutchess, Ulster and Rensselaer counties from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tues., Dec. 17. Accumulations of two to six inches, with higher amounts across the higher terrain of the Taconics and the eastern Catskills, are expected, with maximum snowfall rates of one-half to one inch per hour, possible. Light snow will develop and overspread the region early Tuesday morning. The snow will become steadier during the late morning hours and into the afternoon before ending late in the day. A Winter Weather Advisory for snow means that periods of snow will cause primarily travel difficulties. Be prepared for snow-covered roads and limited visibilities and use caution while driving.

Some of the stories that made the news, Dec. 12 to Dec. 15:

Joe Gentile reported in the Register Star the Columbia County Board of Supervisors gave a tentative green light to its 2014 budget last week. The spending plan totals $148.6 million and requires a two percent tax levy increase. The budget reflects a $6.6 million decrease from the 2013 total of $155.2 million. Expenditures for unemployment insurance and the county's new re-entry program are among the costs slated to increase in the coming year. Read the full story in the Register Star.

Jessica Mosier reported in The Daily Mail details of the proposed $10.3 million Greenville Central School District Capital Construction Project were made public last week. Architect Philip Snyder provided a detailed overview of the sewer, roof, security, technology and energy project for the district's board of education during its regular meeting, Thurs., Dec. 12. The extensive project will include upgrades to all district schools and its transportation facility, as well. It will be financed with a $9.4 million bond along with just over $900,000 from the district's capital reserve fund. Read the full story in The Daily Mail.

Kenneth C. Crowe II reported in the Times Union a local auctioneer perished Thurs., Dec. 12, when he rushed into a burning barn in an attempt to rescue his four horses. Keith Meissner Sr., 60, one of the owners of Meissner's Auction Service in Lebanon, lived on a farm located along the Wynants Kill in West Sand Lake. Meissner was found inside the barn with his four horses. Due to the extensive damage to the barn, authorities have not determined the cause of the fire. Meissner's Auction Service is located at the intersection of routes 20 and 22 in New Lebanon. The family-run business has been open for approximately 25 years. Read the full story in the Times Union.

Jim Planck reported in The Daily Mail the Greene County Highway Department has completed a brand new bridge across the Cauterskill Creek. Located at the old-time hamlet of Cauterskill at the intersection of County routes 30 and 47, the new bridge replaces one built in 1991. That bridge replaced one which had been there since 1921, the replacement for a 19th century covered, wooden bridge. The bridge was informally opened for traffic Dec. 6, following an expedited three-month replacement project. The first drivers across the new bridge were members of the Pflegl family, descendants of the first residents to cross the older bridge, in 1921. The new bridge has a life expectancy of 50 years. Read the full story in The Daily Mail.

Adam Clayton reported in the Register Star Ginsberg’s Foods will expand its operations beginning next year, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo announced Fri., Dec. 13. Ginsberg’s is the largest independent food service distributor in the Capital Region and Hudson Valley. The company will construct an $11.3 million, 65,000-square-foot refrigerated warehouse, creating 51 new jobs and retaining 233 existing jobs. The state’s support will ensure that Ginsberg’s Foods remains a source of economic activity in the region, according to Cuomo. The new facility will be built in the Columbia County Commerce Park located on Route 66, at the Claverack and Ghent border. Read the full story in the Register Star.

News10 Albany is reporting two local snow emergencies remain in effect:

Village of Catskill – Vehicles should be parked on the even side of village streets from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. They should be parked on the odd side of the street from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. Vehicles should continue to switch sides of the street every 12 hours, until all streets have been cleaned.

Hudson - The City of Hudson declared a snow emergency beginning Sun., Dec. 15 at 8 a.m. On Monday at 8 a.m., there will be no parking on even sides of streets for 16 hours. On Tuesday at 12 a.m. the snow emergency will end and snow removal will begin and last 12 hours. On Wednesday at 12 a.m., snow removal will continue for 12 hours.

Weather right now


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

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="125"] Catskill: High 21F; low 4F.[/caption]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

READ TEMPERATURE IN HUDSON: On thermometer in Studio A.

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

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

Today: A slight chance of snow showers before 7 a.m. Mostly sunny. High near 20. Monday night, a chance of snow, mainly after 4 a.m. Partly cloudy. Low around 3.

Forecast for the next three days:

Tuesday: Periods of snow, mainly before 4 p.m. High near 22. Tuesday night, a chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy. Low around 15.
Wednesday: Partly sunny. High near 33. Wednesday night, partly cloudy. Low around 16.
Thursday: Partly sunny. High near 35. Thursday night, cloudy. Low around 28.

Sunrise today: 7:18 a.m.
Sunset today: 4:24 p.m.

Length of the day: 9:06 hrs.

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).
GERMANTOWN Town Board meets at 7 p.m., at Town Hall, 50 Palatine Park Road, Germantown (537-6687).
GREENE COUNTY 6 p.m. meetings of Government Ops and Finance committees, plus party caucuses at County Building, 411 Main St., Catskill (719-3270).
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

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: Columbia County Airport Committee Meeting Coverage Special edition of "WGXC Afternoon Show." The proposed expansion of the runway at the Columbia Country Airport in Ghent, run by the Richmor Corporation under lease from the county, continues to generate controversy. Last week, a special committee of the county Board of Supervisors held an afternoon meeting at which the public was allowed to participate. Richmor representative, Mahlon Richards, submitted to questioning, and his answers surprised many on both sides of the issue. We recorded the entire meeting and it will be played in its entirety, which should interest anyone living in our hearing range. Hosted by Tom DePietro.
9:30 p.m.: LunarMoss: Holo-Daze Tune into LunarMoss for the annual Holo-Daze special! Space music all night long. Enjoy the full moon soundtracked by what will also be part 2 of a 2013 retrospect. Neo-kosmische, western psych-ragas, analog drones and baroque beats with artists such as Stygian Stride, Date Palms, Mountains, and still time to feature a few key reissues from the year, too. Who couldn't use a little space for the holidays?

The National Weather Service in Albany has a Winter Storm Warning for the entire WGXC listening area from 8 a.m. Sat., Dec. 14 through 1 p.m. Sun., Dec. 15.

• CATSKILL All vehicles should be parked on the even side of Village streets from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., then on odd side, switching every 12 hours, until all streets have been cleaned. No parking on Main Street from Greene Street to Summit Avenue beginning at 8 p.m. to 8 a.m., per News10 Albany.

• GREENPORT No parking on public streets through noon Sun., Dec. 15, per News10 Albany.

• HUDSON Snow emergency begins 8 a.m. Sun., Dec. 15, with no parking on odd sides of streets for 24 hours. On Monday at 8 a.m., there will be no parking on even sides of streets for 16 hours. On Tuesday at 12 a.m. the snow emergency will end and snow removal will begin and last 12 hours. On Wednesday at 12 a.m., snow removal will continue for 12 hours, per News10 Albany.