Cairo-Durham Central School District | Delayed two hours. No morning Pre-K. Closed.
Catskill Central School District | Delayed two hours. No morning Pre-K.
Coxsackie-Athens Central School District | Delayed two hours. Delayed three hours. No morning BOCES. Lunches wil be served.
Early Childhood Learning Center, Greene County | Delayed two hours. Closed.
Germantown Central School District | Delayed two hours.
Grapeville Christian School | Delayed two hours. Closed. Meeting tonight. cancelled; rescheduled for tomorrow.
Greene County YMCA | Delayed. No morning classes.
Greenville Central School District | Delayed two hours. Closed.
Hunter-Tannersville Central School District | Delayed two hours. Closed.
Questar III Catskill Academy | Delayed two hours.
Red Hook Central School District | Delayed two hours.
Rhinebeck Central School District | Delayed two hours.
Saugerties Central School District | Delayed two hours.
Ulster-Greene ARC (Catskill) | Delayed two hours.
Ulster-Greene ARC (Kingston) | Delayed two hours.
Windham-Ashland-Jewett Central School District | Delayed two hours. Closed.

Sources: Fox 23 and the Times Union.

Some of the stories that made the news, Dec. 6 through Dec. 9:

William J. Kemble reported in the Daily Freeman a protest against additional power lines running through Greene, Columbia and Dutchess counties has been rescheduled for Wed., Dec. 11. It originally was to be held Thurs., Dec. 12. The protest will start as a caravan from Northern Dutchess to Albany. The protest was rescheduled to coincide with a hearing to be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday by the state Public Service Commission. The hearing will be in the 19th-floor board room at 3 Empire State Plaza. A second public hearing is scheduled for 6 p.m. Dec. 12 at Poughkeepsie City Hall.

The Public News Service is reporting teachers across New York are wearing blue Mon., Dec., 9, to protest what they characterize as an over emphasis on standardized testing in public schools, implementation of the Common Core Standards and cuts to education funding. Countrywide, a coalition of more than 100 unions and community groups are participating. PLAY (2:03).

John Mason reported in the Register Star several Hudson Common Council committees have failed to make their minutes available to the public for months, putting them in violation of the New York State Open Meetings Law. The law requires minutes of meetings of all public bodies be made available to the public within two weeks of the date of the meeting. The exception to that rule is for executive sessions, which must be made available within one week. Mason reported none of the Council's committees are in compliance with the law. Robert Freeman, executive director of the New York state Committee on Open Government said it is a myth that minutes have to be approved before they can be released to the public. He said, “Whoever prepares the minutes should make them available in two weeks.” Draft minutes are also obtainable via Freedom of Information Law requests, Freeman said.

Kyle Adams reported in The Daily Mail a cultural exchange program by the Catskill-based Planet Arts recording label will bring a handful of Tunisian jazz artists to Catskill this spring for a week of musical events. In March, artists from the Jazz Club of Tunis, will participate in a week of workshops and performances with American jazz musicians. American artists will travel to Tunisia for a similar week of activities in April, leading up to a performance in celebration of International Jazz day on April 30. The program is coordinated in partnership with the U.S. State Department.

Weather right now


[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="128"] Cairo: High 39F; low 25F.[/caption]

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="125"] Catskill: High 39F; low 26F.[/caption]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

READ TEMPERATURE IN HUDSON: On thermometer in Studio A.

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

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

The National Weather Service in Albany has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for the Mohawk Valley, Schoharie Valley, the greater Capital District, Eastern Catskills, Taconics, Mid-Hudson Valley, the Berkshires and Litchfield Hills. Light snow changing to sleet and freezing rain is expected, with ice accumulations of a trace to a tenth of an inch, and snow accumulations of a dusting to two inches. Periods of light snow will transition to sleet and freezing rain or freezing drizzle, Monday morning, turning to rain by early afternoon. Periods of snow, sleet or freezing rain will cause travel difficulties. Be prepared for slippery roads and limited visibilities. Use caution while driving.

Today: Freezing drizzle before 11 a.m., then drizzle likely. Cloudy. High near 38. Monday night, a slight chance of snow showers before 7 p.m., then a slight chance of snow showers after 3 a.m. Mostly cloudy. Low around 26.


Forecast for the next three days:

Tuesday: A chance of snow showers, mainly between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Cloudy. High near 30. Tuesday night, mostly clear. Low around 16.
Wednesday: A slight chance of snow showers. Mostly sunny. High near 30. Wednesday night, a slight chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy. Low around 14.
Thursday: Partly sunny. High near 24. Thursday night, partly cloudy. Low around 3.

Sunrise today: 7:13 a.m.
Sunset today: 4:23 p.m.

Length of the day: 9:10 hrs.

Town meetings

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

ASHLAND Town Board meeting at 7:30 p.m. at Town Hall, Main Street, Ashland (734-3636)
CATSKILL Village meeting at 7 p.m. at the Firehouse, 1 Central Ave. (behind Walgreens) (943-3830).
COPAKE Environmental Committee meeting at 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 230 Mt. View Road, Copake (329-1234).
GREENE COUNTY LEGISLATURE holds Buildings & Grounds, Conservation, Public Safety, Highway, Government Operations, and Finance committee meetings at 6 p.m. at County Building, 411 Main St., Catskill (719-3270).
HUDSON Informal Common Council meeting at 7 p.m., City Hall, 520 Warren Street, Hudson (828-1030).
HUNTER Village meeting at 8 p.m.
NEW BALTIMORE Town meeting at 7:30 p.m. at 3809 Rt. 51, Hannacroix (756-6671)/
PRATTSVILLE Town meeting at 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 14517 Main St., Prattsville (299-3125).

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 ocal news, weather and events.
4 p.m.: WGXC Afternoon Show

Palenville is one step closer to getting its own low-power FM radio station, while folks in Athens may have to wait longer to find out their fate on the dial. Last month the Maetreum of Cybele, Magna Mater, Inc., a pagan-oriented non-profit in Palenville, applied to the Federal Communications Commission for a low-power FM radio license, as did the jazz non-profit Planet Arts, from New York City/Athens. The Palenville group's application has been moved from "received" to "accepted for filing" by the FCC, and the group should receive a construction permit early next year. The FCC announced last week that it would grant construction permits as quickly as possible to applications without any competition. The group, led by Catherine Platine, was the only local non-profit group to apply for 102.9-FM. In Athens, the application process has not gone as smoothly. First, Planet Arts (run by Thomas Bellino of Catskill) applied twice, for two different frequencies, which is against the FCC's rules. On Nov. 26, the FCC dismissed the group's 93.9-FM application. The other application, for 96.7-FM, has just been "received," and so far not been moved along even without any other competition for the frequency. Stay tuned.

A distributed energy workshop next weekend in Albany looks at smaller-scale, on-site power generation and also storage technologies, for governments, businesses, and individuals to operate in parallel with the utility grid. The New York Independent System Operators are bringing speakers and panelists December 13 to the Desmond Hotel and Conference Center in Albany. New York State Public Service Commission Chair Audrey Zibelman will deliver opening remarks, and panels include, "Government Programs and Future Initiatives," "Technology Providers/Users on Behind-the-Meter Applications and Customer Motivations," "Market Participants on the State of Distributed Energy Resources," and "Utilities and End Users of DER on Rates, Regulations and Motivations." The Distributed Energy Resource workshop is free of charge but pre-registration is required by Dec. 10 by clicking the "RSVP here" link on the NYISO Committee Calendar on the NYISO website, www.nyiso.com.

Local News
Local news from Wave Farm‘s WGXC 90.7-FM in the Hudson Valley, New York for Sun., Dec. 8. PLAY AUDIO (3:12)

Ski Report
WGXC Ski Report: Catamount Ski in Hillsdale opens. PLAY AUDIO (:49)

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

• Sunday: Increasing clouds, with a high near 32. Sunday night snow is possible, mainly after midnight. Low around 25. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.

• Monday: Rain, snow, and sleet, becoming all rain after noon. High near 39. Rain and snow showers continue through 8 p.m., then possibly snow showers between 8 p.m. and 1 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 28.

• Tuesday: A slight chance of snow showers after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 29.

Sunrise 7:12 a.m.
Sunset 4:23 p.m.
Other celestial rises/sets
Moon 11:25 A.M. 11:16 P.M.
Mercury 6:16 A.M. 3:42 P.M.
Venus 10:05 A.M. 7:10 P.M.
Mars 12:41 A.M. 12:58 P.M.
Jupiter 6:35 P.M. 9:38 A.M.
Saturn 4:44 A.M. 2:56 P.M.
Uranus 1:04 P.M. 1:33 A.M.
Neptune 11:43 A.M. 10:25 P.M.
Pluto 8:45 A.M. 6:14 P.M.

Public Meetings
Later this week:
COLUMBIA COUNTY: Airport Informational Committee Meeting, Wed., Dec. 11, 3 p.m., 401 State St., Hudson.
DELAWARE COUNTY Open Forum for Education with New York State Assemblyman Pete Lopez (R,C,I-Schoharie) and New York State Senator James Seward (R,C,IP-51st Senate District) Wed., Dec. 11 at 7 p.m. at ONC BOCES, Northern Catskills Occupational Center, 2020 Jump Brook Road, Grand Gorge, NY.

WGXC Programming

4 a.m. – 5 a.m.: Off The Hook: 20131208
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.
5:30 a.m. – 6 a.m.: CounterSpin: Azadeh Shashahani, Marissa Alexander
This is the 20th year of Fairness and Accuracy in Reporting's media analysis radio show, hosted by Janine Jackson, Steve Rendall, and Peter Hart. This week: "Azadeh Shashahani on Honduras, Esther Armah on Marissa Alexander."

William J. Kemble writes in the Daily Freeman the Catskill Town Board is considering the installation of solar panels as a way to reduce the town’s $80,000 per year electricity costs. Consultant Gordon Cochrane told the board at a meeting this week the town’s electric bill would fall by $16,000 per year if it uses solar energy. Cochrane said the system would cost $1.2 million, but a grant from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority would lower the amount to $800,000. Town Board members said they want to review solar energy projects in other communities before proceeding. Read the full story in the Daily Freeman.

[caption id="" align="alignright" width="216"] (c) FreeFoto.com
(Provided by FreeFoto.com under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works License)[/caption]

Adam Clayton is reporting in the Register Star the state Public Service Commission is aware of the concerns of residents in Columbia County about planned power line expansions, and wants to emphasize the bidding process is in the beginning phase of the project, commission Chairworman Aubrey Zigelman said Wed., Dec. 4. Zigelman said, “The train has not left the station.” Jim Denn, commission director of public affairs, reiterated the project is in the information-gathering phase. The planned power line expansion is a part of Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo’s Energy Highway initiative to bring additional power downstate. The program does not provide power to communities in this region. New York Transco, North America Transmission, Boundless Energy and NextEra are all vying for the winning bid to move forward with the expansion. The Energy Highway initiative is slated to upgrade 153 miles of transmission lines from Edic, Oneida County to Pleasant Valley, Dutchess County. Thirty miles of lines are in Columbia County. Read the full story in the Register Star.

Kyle Adams writes in The Daily Mail Greene County government and business officials met with analysts from the federal Government Accountability Office Tues., Dec. 3, to discuss the challenges rural communities face in accessing broadband Internet service. The analysts are visiting rural counties in New York and Vermont to conduct in-depth interviews for a report to be released in the spring about the effectiveness of the Department of Agriculture’s Rural Utilities Service Broadband Loan Program. The group met with Warren Hart, director of Greene County Economic Development, Tourism and Planning, Jeff Friedman, executive director of the Great Northern Catskills Chamber of Commerce and Jim Gibbons, director of new business development for Columbia-Greene Media. Hart and Friedman answered questions about the demographics of the county, the Internet services already in place, the economic effects of dead zones and the projected benefits of broadband. The analysts were gathering data for a study, so the meeting is not likely to result in immediate material benefit to the county. Read the full story in The Daily Mail.

[caption width="350" align="alignleft"] From NWS Albany.[/caption]Fifteen trails are expected to be ready for opening weekend at Catamount Ski in Hillsdale. In between the forecast flakes, they'll be making their own to get more trails open. In Greene County, Windham and Hunter have been open a week already. Windham Mountain has 12 trails open, with 3 lifts running, and opens a new Whisper Run beginner area this weekend. Hunter Mountain has 16 trails open this weekend.

Local News
Local news from Wave Farm‘s WGXC 90.7-FM in the Hudson Valley, New York for Sat., Dec. 7. PLAY AUDIO (5:05)

Ski Report
WGXC Ski Report: Catamount Ski in Hillsdale opens. PLAY AUDIO (:49)

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

• Saturday: Cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 34, and a low around 14.

• Sunday: Partly sunny, with a high near 26. Sunday night snow is likely before 5 a.m., then snow and sleet likely. Cloudy, with a low around 22.

• Monday: Freezing rain and sleet before noon, then a chance of rain and sleet between noon and 1 p.m., then a chance of rain after 1 p.m. High near 37.

Sunrise 7:11 a.m.
Sunset 4:23 p.m.
Other celestial rises/sets
Moon 10:50 A.M. 10:07 P.M.
Mercury 6:12 A.M. 3:42 P.M.
Venus 10:08 A.M. 7:11 P.M.
Mars 12:43 A.M. 1:01 P.M.
Jupiter 6:40 P.M. 9:42 A.M.
Saturn 4:48 A.M. 2:59 P.M.
Uranus 1:08 P.M. 1:37 A.M.
Neptune 11:47 A.M. 10:29 P.M.
Pluto 8:49 A.M. 6:18 P.M.

Public Meetings
A public appearance, not a meeting. Congressman Chris Gibson (R-Kinderhook) attends Winter Walk in Hudson, at 5:30 p.m.

WGXC Programming

Dec. 6, 2013: 8 p.m. – Dec. 7, 2013: 2 a.m.: Ben Seretan, Many Trails
Ben Seretan with guitarist Alex Lewis performs. Also Many Trails performs. Live performances of experimental musicians at Spotty Dog Books & Ale in Hudson, NY are streamed live at wgxc.org, and occasionally broadcast live on WGXC 90.7-FM. Live webstream for this show available from Wave Farm and rebroadcast at WGXC at http://comm.free103point9.org:8000/spottydog.mp3.m3u and WGXC 90.7-FM at midnight, Sat., Dec. 7 on WGXC 90.7-FM.
2 a.m. – 4 a.m.: SPEKTR
Rebroadcast from July 27, 2013. The Dark Spectrum follows a series of electromagnetic (EM) spectrum mapping, interception and transmission performance structures, which the SPEKTR collective started exploring in 2004. Their new work in this series will focus on processes of encoding/decoding of the EM spectrum and natural/man made signals. SPEKTR will collectively spend time with a standard suite of tools: HF, VHF, UHF and L-band Receivers and Transmitters software defined radios, home-brew VLF receivers, and ELF probes complimented by software toolkits (COTS and custom coded) to decode, encode and visualize digital signals. Combined with image and audio recording devices and manipulation strategies, the collective will work together to develop new ideas and segments for a new performance focusing on the digital and encoded/encrypted signals domains.
4 a.m. – 5 a.m.: Tom Wheeler
New Federal Communications Commission chairman Tom Wheerler spoke Dec. 2, 2013 at Ohio State University, hist first policy address as chairman.
5 a.m. – 7 a.m.: Shortwave Hours: VHF Communications
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" includes "A Brief intro to micro controllers from George Zafiropoulos/KJ6VU" and "Amateur Radio Relay League Audio Report" reports: "Plans are Announced to Update the Communications Act of 1934; ARRL is Granted Use of W1ØØAW for the League's Centennial, and Canada Issues a Short-Term 472-479 kHz Experimental License."
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" This week: "Four youngsters get their names in space thanks to ham radio; the ARRL files erratum to its "symbol rate" rule making petition; The Department of Homeland will be giving emergency communications training at Hamvention 2014; VHF Communications magazine ceases publication after 45 years and its Youngsters on the Air Operating month in IARU Region One."
6:30 a.m.: "This Week in Radio News" from host Tom Roe at Wave Farm's WGXC. This week: "More in the almost 3,000 low-power FM applications recently submitted to the Federal Communications Commission in the United States. Also,, the new FCC chairman Tom Wheeler"gives his first policy speech, and says net neutrality might not need to be so neutral. Plus this week in radio history, and more.
7 a.m. – 8 a.m.: Saturday Morning Serial: December
December songs, sounds, and stories are explored. FDR's "Day of Infamy" speech recalls Pearl Harbor Day, and Phil Kline's annual December "Unsilent Night" boombox orchestra is unleashed. Plus, the 52 HZ "loneliest whale in the world" who sings at one frequency, while all the other blue whales sing between 15-20 Hz. Navy sonar in the Pacific hears his lonely cries as he approaches the U.S. coast each December. Tune in for December songs from Franki Valli and the Four Seasons, Julie London, Mazzy Star, Jay-Z, Willie Nelson, The Boxcars, Unwound, Pierre Henry, Teenage Fanclub, John Cale, and Eydie Gorme.
8 a.m. – 10 a.m.: Open Air: Catskill Studio
Hosts will look at new designs for the Catskill WGXC studio. "Please Assist Us With Transmission." Anyone can contribute to the show in many ways on "Open Air." There are a variety of hosts, including Matt Bua, on this live transmission art show about local transmissions from the Catskill Community Center. You make up the show with stories, phone calls, messages, requests, further information, and more. Please help be a part of the show. Stop by the Catskill Community Center in person. Call in at 518-219-WGXC. Tweet requests @WGXC. Skype calls at WGXCfm. Talk on Channel 6 on CB radio, we are tuning in. Features include solar weather, shortwave news, and more. Call 518-219-WGXC or Skype calls at WGXCfm to talk on the air.
10 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.: Radia: Protests in Slovenia
Radia Show 453: "radioCona: Protests in Slovenia 2012-2013" by Radio Student (Ljubljana, Slovenia). "During the closing months of 2012, Slovenia has seen a series of mass popular protests. Thirty thousand demonstrators gathered on November 17 for the first protest, organised by trade unions, students, and organisations of retired people and artists. Dozens of protests followed, large
and small, taking place in virtually all of the urban settlements of Slovenia, often organized spontaneously through Facebook and other social media. Art project radioCona (by Irena Pivka, Brane Zorman) first broadcasted on january 1st, 2008. Till present nine FM and internet broadcasts with series of sound art, radio art, discursive projects, thematic discussions and lectures were produced. radioCona appeared and exhibited in Modern Gallery Ljubljana, City Gallery Ljubljana, transmediale.11, RAM LIVE, among others.
11 a.m. – noon: What's the Frequency, Kenneth?: Family Values
From Paul Fischer, through Pacifica Radio, a mash-up news show: "Dread going home for the holidays? Be grateful you're not The Cheneys of Wyoming, The Fords of Toronto, The Obamas of D.C....or a journalist, anywhere. You'll hear what I mean."
noon – 12:30 p.m.: Noon News: NSA Surveillance
New revelations about more government surveillance are explored, after local radio news, and more.
12:30 p.m. – 2 p.m.: Other Music: Junior Murvin, Nelson Mandela
An ode to Junior Murvin and his "Police and Thieves" song, and songs about Nelson Mandela.
4 p.m. – 6 p.m.: Saturday Afternoon Show: Infamous Radio
A listen to Franklin Delano Roosevelt's radio address to Congress after the Pearl Harbor attack, and the 911 calls from the Newtown school shooting. Also, holiday radio incidents are tuned in. Plus "This Week in Radio News" and radio songs from Muslimgauze, Cornelius, Larry Graham, and others. Hosted by Tom Roe live at Wave Farm.
6 p.m. – 7 p.m.: Off The Hook: 20131207
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 p.m. – 7 p.m.: Framework: Broadcast
This edition, titled 'Broadcast', has been produced in Germany by regular contributor D.L. Lutz. "Framework" is a show about field recordings, acoustic ecology, and listening.
6 p.m. – 9 p.m.: Stone Symposium II
Three presentations in Catskill that deal with the ancient stone sites of the Hudson Valley. Glenn Kriesberg will present, "Lithic Alignments in the Northeast, Natural, Native or Nonsense." Polly Midgley will present, "Enigmatic Stone Chambers in Westchester, Putnam and Dutchess Counties." And Matt Bua will present, "When Walls Talk: Casting out the Myth that all Stone Walls were built Post-Colonially." Live WGXC webcast and broadcast at 90.7-FM from 7-9 p.m.

Kyle Adams is reporting in The Daily Mail Greene County Emergency Services Coordinator Aidan O’Connor Jr. was removed from his position Tues., Dec. 3. O’Connor’s unexpected ouster prompted deputy EMS coordinators Patty McAneny and Jeff Loucks to resign in solidarity. The reasons for his dismissal remain unclear. In an email to the newspaper, Thurs., Dec. 5, O'Connor wrote he was relieved of his duties as EMS Coordinator as of 10 a.m., Wednesday, and told his dismissal was based on unofficial complaints. Neither Greene County Emergency Services Director John Farrell nor Greene County Administrator Shaun Groden would comment on the matter other than to say O’Connor’s term as coordinator was set to expire Dec. 31, and he would not be reappointed. O’Connor recently received the Harriet C. Weber EMS Leadership Award from the Regional Emergency Medical Organization for his work in Greene County. Read the full story in The Daily Mail.

Casey Seiler reported at Capitol Confidential on the reaction of state leaders to the news of the passing of South African leader Nelson Mandela, 95, Thurs., Dec. 5. Mandela navigated his nation through the difficult transition from apartheid’s imposed white rule to one-person-one-vote democracy. Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said, "Nelson Mandela refused to accept injustice, fought relentlessly for what was right, and showed that a dedicated person of courage actually can change the course of history. His struggle to end racism, poverty and inequality began with his fight against apartheid, continued through his service as the first black President of South Africa and is now passed on for the world to continue." Senate Republican Leader Dean Skelos said "Nelson Mandela was recognized around the world as an enduring symbol of peace and freedom, and was an inspiration to everyone. He was a great humanitarian who persevered through great suffering to lead an historic revolution against racial oppression. His passing today is a tremendous loss, but his legacy will always be remembered." Cuomo announced that state flags will fly at half-staff Fri., Dec. 6, in Mandela’s honor. Read the full post at Capitol Confidential, a Times Union blog.

Weather right now


[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="128"] Cairo: High 41F; low 29F.[/caption]

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="125"] Catskill: High 49F; low 30F.[/caption]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

READ TEMPERATURE IN HUDSON: On thermometer in Studio A.

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

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

The National Weather Service in Albany has issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook for northwestern Connecticut, western Massachusetts, east central New York and southern Vermont. Colder air will arrive Friday and potentially set the stage for a more widespread light accumulating snowfall event Friday night.

Today: Showers likely, mainly after 4 p.m. Cloudy. High near 42. Friday night, rain, snow and sleet before 3 a.m., then a chance of snow. Low around 28. Chance of precipitation is 90 percent. New snow and sleet accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible.


Forecast for the next three days:
Saturday: Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny. High near 37. Saturday night, mostly clear. Low around 18.
Sunday: Mostly sunny. High near 33. Sunday night, periods of snow, mainly after 2 a.m. Low around 22.
Monday: Periods of snow and sleet before 11 a.m., then periods of rain. High near 42. Monday night, cloudy. Low around 21.

Sunrise today: 7:10 a.m.
Sunset today: 4:23 p.m.

Length of the day: 9:12 hrs.

Town meetings

Today is the first Friday of the month.
WGXC is unaware of any regularly scheduled town meetings today.

The day ahead on 90.7-FM

12 a.m. (midnight): Radio News: Headlines Radio and media news.
12:05 a.m.: Radio Stew: Nelson Mandela Speeches of the former apartheid prisoner, and later South African president. Also songs from Special AKA ("Free Nelson Mandela") and others.
1 a.m.: Taran's Free Jazz Hour: Shannon Graham "Episode 28 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.
3 a.m.: Selected Songs: Fela African composer and band leader Fela is featured.
5 a.m.: Nelson Mandela A tribute to the late President of South Africa. From Pacifica Radio.

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 ocal news, weather and events.
4 p.m.: WGXC Afternoon Show
7 p.m.: Guest DJ: Billy Lester, Ken Landin Billy Lester and Ken Landin will be playing "Radio Roulette" in their second guest DJ appearance together.

Two Greene County residents have been sentenced for personal income tax fraud, according to a statement released by the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance, Wed., Dec. 4. Melissa Carter and Mark Young, both of Tannersville, pled guilty to falsifying tax returns. Carter and Young were sentenced to time already served in jail and ordered to pay nearly $10,000 in restitution. Young created M&W Auto, a company that did not actually exist. He and Carter then issued phony W2s for earnings to fictional employees. The pair then filed personal income tax returns with the fake documentation and received tax refunds.

Weather right now


[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="128"] Cairo: High 51F; low 41F.[/caption]

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="125"] Catskill: High 52F; low 44F.[/caption]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

READ TEMPERATURE IN HUDSON: On thermometer in Studio A.

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

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

The National Weather Service in Albany has issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook for northwestern Connecticut, western Massachusetts, east central New York and southern Vermont. Hazardous weather is unlikely expected at this time; however, there is a potential for a winter storm to impact the region Sunday night through Monday, bringing possible snow and/or a wintry mix of sleet and freezing rain.

Today: Showers likely, mainly after 4 p.m. Mostly cloudy. High near 52. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent. Thursday night, rain. Cloudy. Low around 39. Chance of precipitation is 90 percent.


Forecast for the next three days:
Friday: Rain likely before noon, then a chance of showers, mainly after 1 p.m. Cloudy. High near 47. Friday night, rain, snow and sleet becoming all snow after 1 a.m. Low around 28. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Saturday: Mostly sunny. High near 38. Saturday night, partly cloudy. Low around 21.
Sunday: Partly sunny. High near 33. Sunday night, snow likely. Cloudy. Low around 27.

Sunrise today: 7:09 a.m.
Sunset today: 4:23 p.m.

Length of the day: 9:13 hrs.

Town meetings

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

ANCRAM Planning Board meeting at 7 p.m., at Town Hall, 1416 County Rte. 7, Ancram (329-6512).
AUSTERLITZ Planning Board meeting at 7 p.m. at the Town Hall, 812 Route 203, Spencertown (392-3260).
COPAKE Planning Board meets at 7 p.m., at Town Hall, 230 Mt. View Road, Copake (329-1234).
GHENT Planning Board meeting at 7 p.m., at Town Hall, 2306 State Route 66, Ghent (392-4644).
KINDERHOOK Zoning Board of Appeals meets at 7 p.m. at 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: Headlines Radio and media news.
12:05 a.m.: Radio Stew: Crash Landing Air traffic controllers transmitting last-minute instructions as take-off is in danger. Songs, sounds, and transmissions, live from Wave Farm, with host Tom Roe.
1 a.m.: Selected Songs: Lydia Lunch "Conspiracy of Women" and other Lunch tracks are featured.
2 a.m.: Monday Musical Matinee: Russian Pianists Host Lincoln Mayorga explores the sounds of Russian pianists.
4 a.m.: Nothing is Real Radio Hour: Junky Talk Rebroadcast from Nov. 30, 2013. From Sam Sebren, "Listeners will hear a selection of actual answering machine messages from Pete, a heroin user for over 35 years, and also messages from his mother and various social workers, all of which paint a grim picture of the downward spiral which heroin often leads to for users, their families, and their communities. Heroin use is on the rise across suburban and rural America as well as in cities around the world, yet it's a topic that's mostly swept under the rug in family and community conversations. This program begins with a collage of clips from the past 3 years, taken from various small news channels and short documentaries about heroin. Expletives have been edited, however this program may not be suitable for small children. Produced by Sam Sebren, creator of the NIRRH for Wave Farm's Transmission Arts programming on WGXC."
5 a.m.: Off The Hook: 20131205 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 ocal news, weather and events.
11 a.m.: One Size Fits All: 20131205 An hour-long investigation into the idea of amplified sound with Your Host. Beginning with Zoot Sims and concluding with Alela Diane. Full playlist at www.facebook.com/OneSizeWGXC.
2 p.m.: Art of the Hudson Valley: Tom McGill Tom McGill is an artist and the founder of 46 Green Street Studios, which offers spaces for artists to let in Hudson. Hosted by Chad Weckler.
4 p.m.: WGXC Afternoon Show

[caption id="" align="alignright" width="302"] Guests at the Washington Irving Senior Center five-year anniversary celebration in Aug. 2010.
(Courtesy WISC Facebook page.)[/caption]

Jim Planck is reporting in The Daily Mail in a cost-cutting effort, the Catskill Town Board has acted on a series of resolutions to reduce three full-time positions to part time, replaced one position with another, and reduced the hours of operation for the town’s senior center. The Washington Irving Senior Center will now be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., instead of the usual 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The center will still be open Monday through Friday. The change will be effective January 1. The senior center director position will be reduced from full to part time, as well. Town Supervisor Joseph Leggio said the actions taken were "all budgetary" necessities. The cuts are projected to save the town approximately $32,000. Read the full story in The Daily Mail.

The Associated Press is reporting the Columbia County man whose speeding commuter train ran off the rails nodded at the controls before the wreck, and by the time he caught himself, it was too late, a union official said Tues., Dec. 3. Engineer William Rockefeller “basically nodded,” said the leader of the rail employees’ union, relating what he said Rockefeller told him. Federal investigators said they still were talking to Rockefeller, who lives in Germantown, and that they would not comment on his level of alertness around the time of the Sunday morning wreck in the Bronx that killed four passengers. Two law-enforcement officials said the engineer told police at the scene that his mind was wandering before he realized the train was in trouble, and by then it was too late to do anything about it. A representative of the National Transportation Safety Board said it was too soon to say whether the accident was caused by human error. But he said investigators have found no problems so far with the brakes or signals. Read the full Associated Press story in the Daily Freeman.

Thomas Kaplan is reporting in The New York Times a panel appointed by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo issued its assessment of the state’s political culture Mon., Dec. 2, saying it found evidence of probable wrongdoing. The Commission to Investigate Public Corruption also recommended sweeping changes to state elections, ethics and campaign finance laws. The panel was appointed by Cuomo in July following a series of scandals involving members of the Legislature. The report offered a bleak picture of New York’s government, describing a political system in Albany where money is dominant and misconduct has become commonplace. Among its recommendations, the commission called for an overhaul of campaign fund-raising laws, including further limiting the amount of money that can be contributed and putting in place a system of public financing for elections like the one used in New York City. The commission was led by William J. Fitzpatrick, the Onondaga County district attorney; Kathleen M. Rice, the Nassau County district attorney; and Milton L. Williams Jr., an attorney. Read the full story in The New York Times.

Weather right now


[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="128"] Cairo: High 43F; low 34F.[/caption]

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="125"] Catskill: High 45F; low 35F.[/caption]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

READ TEMPERATURE IN HUDSON: On thermometer in Studio A.

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

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

The National Weather Service in Albany has issued a Special Weather Statement for northwestern Connecticut, western Massachusetts, east central New York and southern Vermont, forecasting patchy, light, freezing drizzle and freezing fog Wednesday morning. Temperatures will be below freezing. Combined with patchy, freezing fog and some light freezing rain or freezing drizzle, there will be the potential for patchy, black ice on untreated surfaces. Bridges and overpasses will be the most susceptible. Motorists and pedestrians are urged to use caution Wednesday morning while traveling. A Hazardous Weather Outlook is also in effect. There is a chance of some light freezing rain across portions of the southern Adirondacks, Lake George region and further south late Wednesday night.

Today: Patchy freezing fog before 8 a.m. Mostly cloudy. High near 43. Wednesday night, a chance of showers, mainly after 3 a.m. Mostly cloudy. Low around 34.


Forecast for the next three days:
Thursday: A chance of showers, mainly after 2 p.m. Mostly cloudy. High near 52. Thursday night, rain likely. Cloudy. Low around 41.
Friday: Rain likely. Cloudy. High near 45. Friday night, rain, snow and sleet likely before 1 a.m., then a chance of rain and snow between 1 a.m. and 2 a.m., then a chance of snow after 2 a.m. Cloudy. Low around 30.
Saturday: Mostly sunny. High near 37. Saturday night, mostly clear. Low around 24.

Sunrise today: 7:08 a.m.
Sunset today: 4:23 p.m.

Length of the day: 9:14 hrs.

Town meetings

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

GHENT Planning Board meeting at 7 p.m. at Town Hall, P.O. Box 98, Ghent (392-4644).
GREENE COUNTY Meetings for Human Services, Health, and Education Committees at 6 p.m. at County Building, 411 Main St., Catskill (719-3270).
GREENPORT Town Board meeting at 7 p.m. at Greenport Town Hall, 600 Town Hall Drive, Hudson (828-4656).
LIVINGSTON Planning Board meeting at 7 p.m. at Town Hall, County Rte. 19, Livingston (851-9441).

The day ahead on 90.7-FM

12 a.m. (midnight): Radio News: Wheeler Hedges on Net Neutrality Ted Johnson in Variety magazine reports new Federal Communications Commission chairman Tom Wheeler says he supports net neutrality rules, but left room for Internet providers to be able to charge users based on the amount of bandwidth they use. Wheeler gave his first policy speech, and then answered questions, Dec. 2, at Ohio State University (watch full video here). Net neutrality is defined as not being usage-based pricing. In the speech Wheeler said that, “we are seeing the market evolve in such a way that there will be variations in pricing, there will be variations in service.... I am a firm believer in the market. I think we’re also going to see a two-sided market where Netflix might say, ‘Well, I’ll pay to make sure that my subscriber receives the best possible transmission of this movie.’ I think we want to let those kinds of things evolve, and we want to observe what happens from that and we want to make decisions accordingly. I go back to the fact that the marketplace is where these decisions ought to be made, and the functionality of a competitive marketplace dictates the degree of regulation.” Also in the session, Wheeler said that the “number one issue” he has is the preparations for a spectrum auction, with broadcasters giving up public airwaves and sharing in the proceeds of an auction to wireless firms. Read the full story in Variety.
12:05 a.m.: Radio Stew: Junior Murvin From Wikipedia: "Junior Murvin (born Murvin Junior Smith, circa 1949 – 2 December 2013) was a Jamaican reggae musician. He is best known for the single "Police and Thieves," produced by Lee "Scratch" Perry in 1976." This show tunes in his version, as well as covers by The Clash and Culture Club, and The Upsetters dub version, plus other Murvin songs.
1 a.m.: Vital Weekly: Bad Sector Vital Weekly experimental music show #908.
2 a.m.: Tabs Out: Hong Chulki + Aaron Dilloway Tabs Out Episode #35. Cassette show: "We break in a brand new tape deck with cuts from Tetrahominoid, Luxury Elite, Karen Novotny X, Radio Shock, Dylan Ethier, The Kendal Mintcake, Hong Chulki + Aaron Dilloway, Cloud Destroyer, Sawi Lieu, Tom White, Floating Gardens, Ingen Nära Gudar, Idpyramid, Rangers, Mhzesent, and Woven Skull And Core Of The Coalman."
5 a.m.: Shortwave/Pirates: Micro-Controllers "A brief intro to micro-controllers from George Zafiropoulos/KJ6VU," on "The RAIN Report." Also, pirate radio news, radio art, 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 ocal news, weather and events.
10 a.m.: @Issue: World AIDS Day Sun., Dec. 1, marked the 25th observance of World AIDS Day. In this episode of @Issue, host Victor Mendolia will lead a discussion on the toll HIV/AIDS has taken in society at large and in the arts community, in particular. Mendolia will be joined in the studio by Debora Gilbert. Gilbert is a member of the Taghkanic Town Board and a writer for the Columbia Paper. Featuring music by Freddie Mercury, Ofra Haza, Fela Kuti and more.
4 p.m.: WGXC Afternoon Show