[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="240"] The Old Stone Bridge in Leeds.
(Courtesy Riverkeeper)[/caption]

Kyle Adams reports in The Daily Mail a new report indicates the water quality in the Catskill Creek is seriously compromised. In 44 percent of samples taken during the past two years, the water was found to be unacceptably contaminated, according to officials. Village President Vincent Seeley said, “We’re extremely concerned over the high level of contamination in the water. We take this very seriously because our creek is used for recreation and for some people’s livelihoods.” A water quality advocate for Riverkeeper said the findings were in the middle range. The report was prepared by the Catskill Creek Watershed Awareness Project of the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Columbia and Greene Counties in cooperation with Riverkeeper. The study showed high levels of a microbe used as an indicator of fecal contamination after heavy rains, and especially at the Old Stone Bridge site in Leeds. During especially heavy rain events, all sites reported unacceptable levels, though none as drastic as the Old Stone Bridge. Read the full story in The Daily Mail.

Nathan Mayberg reports in the Register Star the Columbia County Board of Supervisors Government Committee voted Tues., June 25, to sell the former Ockawamick School in Claverack. The decision comes nearly five years after the board approved the purchase of the 78,000-square-foot building and 24 acres of land for $1.5 million. The motion Tuesday, was made by Board of Supervisors Chairman Patrick Grattan. He cited the county’s financial concerns and a desire to cut expenses as reasons for the sale. The county purchased the school in 2008 as part of a plan to consolidate county offices and departments, including the Department of Social Services, Office for the Aging and others. The facility is currently used for storage. The Finance Committee and full board must still approve the measure. Read the full story in the Register Star.

Nathan Mayberg reports in the Register Star while the estimated $8 million renovation of the Columbia County Courthouse is proceeding on time, the cost of asbestos removal far exceeds what was projected, while estimates continue to climb. Approximately $192,000 in change orders for asbestos work have already been submitted, according to Columbia County Department of Public Works Commissioner David Robinson. The county originally estimated $70,000 for asbestos abatement work. The Board of Supervisors Public Works Committee were briefed Wed., June 26, on additional project costs, including a $500,000 new heating system and a $56,000 overrun for electric design plans. The project is expected to be completed Jan. 7. Read the full story in the Register Star.

Weather right now


[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="128"] Cairo: High 83F; low 67F.[/caption]

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="125"] Catskill: High 81F; low 66F.[/caption]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

READ TEMPERATURE IN HUDSON: On thermometer in Studio A.

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

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

The National Weather Service in Albany has declared a Flood Watch for northwestern Connecticut, western Massachusetts, east central New York and southern Vermont beginning noon, Thursday through Friday afternoon. Rain with embedded thunderstorms are expected to spread northeast across eastern New York and western New England Thursday afternoon and evening, and continuing Thursday night. Widespread rain should exit eastern New York and western New England Friday morning. Rainfall amounts between one and four inches are possible. Localized amounts of three to four inches of rain are possible especially around the high peaks of the eastern Catskills and southern Adirondacks.

Today: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 2pm. Some of the storms could produce gusty winds and heavy rain. Patchy fog before 8 a.m. Otherwise, mostly cloudy. High near 81. Chance of precipitation 70 percent. Rain and possibly a thunderstorm, Thursday night. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Low around 67. Chance of precipitation is 90 percent.

Forecast for the next three days:

Friday: Rain likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 11 a.m., then a chance of rain and thunderstorms between 11 a.m. and noon, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Mostly cloudy. High near 80. Friday night, a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy. Low around 63.
Saturday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny. High near 85. Saturday night, a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy. Low around 66.
Sunday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy. High near 83. Sunday night, a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy. Low around 68.

Sunrise today: 5:21 a.m.
Sunset today: 8:35 p.m.

Length of the day: 15:14 hrs.

Town meetings

Today is the fourth Thursday of the month.
(WGXC recommends calling ahead to comform time and location.)

CHATHAM Village Board meeting at 7:30 p.m. at Village Hall, 77 Main Street, Chatham (392-5821).
COLUMBIA COUNTY Financial Review Committee at 1 p.m. and .1 [point one] Committee at 2 p.m., at County Office Building, 401 State Street, Hudson (828-1527).
COPAKE Zoning Board of Appeals meeting at 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 230 Mt. View Road, Copake (329-1234).
GERMANTOWN Planning Board meeting at 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 50 Palatine Park Road, Germantown (537-6687).
GREENE COUNTY a Special Meeting of the Greene County Legislature at 5 p.m., to consider awarding a contract for the stabilization of the Westkill bank in the town of Lexington, at the County Office Building, 411 Main St., Catskill (719-3270).
HUDSON Hudson Community Development and Planning Agency Board meeting (tentative) at 6:30 p.m., at City Hall, 520 Warren St., Hudson (751-1044).
STUYVESANT Greenway Committee meeting at 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 5 Sunset Drive, Stuyvesant (758-6248).
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

Midnight to 5:59 a.m.: Free103point9 Transmission Arts overnight

12 a.m. (midnight): Radio News: Headlines Media and radio news.
12:05 a.m.: Radio Stew: Devo Alan Myers, drummer for Devo from 1976-1986, died on June 24, 2013, of cancer. Devo's work is featured.
1 a.m.: Selected Songs: Fela African composer and band leader Fela is featured.
4 a.m.: Barack Obama Climate Change Speech President Obama discussed his vision for a comprehensive plan to reduce carbon pollution, prepare for the impacts of climate change, and lead global efforts to fight it.
5 a.m.: Off the Hook: Edward Snowden 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 5 a.m. rebroadcast. This week the crew talks about Edward Snowden, the NSA leaker.


6 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.: WGXC Hands-On Community Radio

6 a.m.: Al Jazeera English
7 a.m.: WGXC Morning Show Hosted by Philip Grant. Morning news, music, interviews features and agriculture reporting. Also local news, previews of events in Greene and Columbia counties, music, and more. Call in to have your say at (518) 828-0290.
8 a.m.: Democracy Now! hosted by Amy Goodman and Juan Gonzalez.
9 a.m.: WGXC Morning Show continues with local news, weather, and events. Call 518-828-0290 to comment during the "WGXC Morning Show." Hosted by Philip Grant.
10 a.m.: The Prison Voices Project: Black and Pink, Hudson Pride Where does the struggle for equity for the LGBTQ community intersect with the struggle for justice in Prisons? This show will feature and interview with Jason Lyden of Black and Pink. Black & Pink is an open family of LGBTQ prisoners and “free world” allies who support each other. They are outraged by the specific violence of the prison industrial complex against LGBTQ people, and respond through advocacy, education, direct service, and organizing. The show also includes coverage of Milk not Jails and the Rude Mechanical Orchestra's participation in Hudson's Pride parade and the show also features music from gay hip hop artists, Melange Lavonne and the Deep Dickollective.
3 p.m.: Radio Theatre: Static Mash-up of Twilight Zone episode "Static," with 31 Down's radio play "Dead Dial Tone," and other static and dial sounds. Neptune's "Marconi's Belief" is also included.
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
6 p.m.: Al Jazeera English
6:30 p.m.: Free Speech Radio News

[caption id="" align="alignright" width="289"] Chatham Middle School will be closed under the consolidation plan approved by the Chatham Board of Education, Tuesday.
(newyorkschools.com)[/caption]

Matt Bathrick reports in the Columbia Paper the Chatham Board of Education voted Tues., June 25, to close the middle school building on Woodbridge Avenue and consolidate students into the district's remaining two school buildings, effective July 2015. Board member Craig Simmons was the lone dissenting vote. Under the consolidation plan, the 6th grade will be moved to the Mary E. Dardess Elementary School, and grades 7 and 8 will be relocated to the high school building. The board expects to realize approximately $450,000 in net savings as a result of the consolidation. Prior to the vote, the board was presented with a petition signed by 167 residents, asking the decision be delayed by a year in order to consider alternative proposals. Read the full story in the Columbia Paper.

Ariel Zangla reports in the Daily Freeman libraries in Athens and Haines Falls are two of eight libraries in the state's 46th Senate District to benefit from nearly $400,000 in construction and renovation grants, state Sen. Cecilia Tkaczyk announced Tues., June 25. In the village of Athens, a $5,700 grant to repair and repoint the exterior of the D.R. Evarts Library was awarded to the library district, and a $130,000 grant was awarded to the Haines Falls Free Library. That award will cover at least 75 percent of a new, energy-efficient heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system for a new library, as well as hardware for handicapped accessible restrooms. The grants are supported by a $14 million capital fund appropriation in the state budget for public libraries. Read the full story in the Daily Freeman.

Jimmy Vielkind reports at Capitol Confidential on the U.S. Supreme Court's decision, Tues., June 25, that struck down part of the Civil Rights-era Voting Rights Act. The portion of the law stricken required the Department of Justice to pre-clear changes to voting policies and procedures in certain parts of the country, including Brooklyn, Manhattan and the Bronx. In the 5-4 ruling, the justices left intact the part of the law that gives the Department of Justice its power to approve or strike down state voting statutes, but said the areas to which it is targeted are based on an outdated and no-longer justified set of criteria. Read the full story at Capitol Confidential, a Times Union blog.

Weather right now


[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="128"] Cairo: High 88F; low 66F.[/caption]

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="125"] Catskill: High 86F; low 63F.[/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 Hazardous Weather Outlook remains in effect Wednesday, for northwestern Connecticut, western Massachusetts, the greater Capital Region, eastern Catskills, and Mid-Hudson Valley through Tues., July 2. There is a slight risk of severe thunderstorms this afternoon into early this evening. Some of the thunderstorms could produce damaging winds of 58 mph or greater and/or large hail, one inch in diameter or greater. Frequent lightning and very heavy railfall is also possible. The thunderstorms will move east to southeast at 30 to 35 mph. The locally heavy rainfall from the thunderstorms could produce ponding of water on roadways and poor drainage flooding of low lying areas. Flood advisories may be necessary with some of the thunderstorms.

Today: Isolated showers, then scattered showers and thunderstorms after 9 a.m. Some of the storms could produce gusty winds and heavy rain. Patchy fog before 9 a.m. Otherwise, mostly cloudy. High near 87. Chance of precipitation is 40 percent. Wednesday night, scattered showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 10 p.m. Some of storms could produce gusty winds and heavy rain. Patchy fog after 2 a.m. Otherwise, partly cloudy. Low around 65. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent.

Forecast for the next three days:

Thursday: Patchy fog before 8 a.m. A chance of showers and thunderstorms before noon, then a chance of rain and thunderstorms between noon and 1 p.m., then rain likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 1 p.m. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Otherwise, mostly cloudy. High near 82. Rain and possibly a thunderstorm, Thursday night. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Low around 67.
Friday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before noon, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Cloudy. High near 82. Friday night, a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy. Low around 65.
Saturday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy. High near 81. Saturday night, a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy. Low around 67.


Sunrise today: 5:21 a.m.
Sunset today: 8:36 p.m.

Length of the day: 15:14 hrs.

Town meetings

Today is the fourth Wednesday of the month.
(WGXC recommends calling ahead to comform time and location.)

ATHENS Village meeting at 7 p.m. at Community Center, 2 First St., Athens (945-1551).
CAIRO Town Board meeting at Town Hall, 512 Main St., Cairo (622-3120).
COLUMBIA COUNTY Board of Supervisors Public Works Committee meeting at 6 p.m., 401 State Street, Hudson (828-1527).
HUDSON Development Corporation Board meeting (tentative) at 2 p.m., at 1 North Front St., Hudson (751-1044). Common Council Legal Committee meeting at 6:15 p.m., City Hall, 520 Warren St., Hudson (828-1030).
KINDERHOOK Historical Committee meeting at 7 p.m., Town Hall, 4 Church St, Niverville (784-2233).

The day ahead on 90.7-FM

Midnight to 5:59 a.m.: Free103point9 Transmission Arts overnight

12 a.m. (midnight): Radio News: Surveillance Two reports from "Free Speech Radio News": "Scheduled destruction of surveillance files delayed in Georgia; Two Senators call on NSA chief to correct "inaccurate" public statement."
12:05 a.m.: Radio Stew: Call-In Collage Live call-in collage. Call in 518-622-2598 and have your say, or Skype "free103point9," and say whatever, request whatever, your wishes will be answered on the radio.
1 a.m.: Vital Weekly: Ikue Mori Episode 887 of weekly experimental new music show, by folks formerly behind Staalplaat. Click here for playlist 887.
3 a.m.: Selected Songs: Merzbow Japanese noise artist Merzbow is featured, including a collaboration with Carlos Giffoni.
4 a.m.: Bob's Slacktime Funhouse: Apocalypse It's that time of year again, seekers--when we indulge ourselves of the masturbatory delights of envisioning total global annihilation! After surging through the gate so many times in the past, I felt burned out to the point that until yesterday, I was afraid this show was going to collapse like a shit soufflé...but suddenly it began to jell to a frightening consistency into a complete hellshow of appropriately apocalyptic proportions!
5 a.m.: Shortwave/Pirates: Not the Last Telegram Shortwave news, including a report debunking the myth that the final telegram in the world will be sent in July in India. Plus "The RAIN Report," with Hap Holly, KC9RP, reporting from Chicago: "AMSAT-NA Pres. Barry Baines/WD4ASW discusses today's challenges facing the Radio Amateur Satellite Corp." No "PiratesWeek" this week as host Ragnar Daneskjold is on summer holiday.


6 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.: WGXC Hands-On Community Radio

6 a.m.: Al Jazeera English
7 a.m.: WGXC Morning Show Hosted by Philip Grant. Morning news, music, interviews features and agriculture reporting. Also local news, previews of events in Greene and Columbia counties, music, and more. Call in to have your say at (518) 828-0290.
8 a.m.: Democracy Now! hosted by Amy Goodman and Juan Gonzalez.
9 a.m.: WGXC Morning Show continues with local news, weather, and events. Call 518-828-0290 to comment during the "WGXC Morning Show." Hosted by Philip Grant.
4 p.m.: WGXC Afternoon Show
6 p.m.: Al Jazeera English
6:30 p.m.: Free Speech Radio News

Kyle Adams reports in The Daily Mail principal account clerk Debra Gallo has been named Greene County Employee of the Year for her "“efficient, knowledgeable and professional” performance. Gallo's work in guiding the treasurer’s office through an extensive software overhaul was specifically noted by Greene County Legislature Chairman Wayne Speenburgh. Gallo has worked for the county since 2010. The Chairman’s Award was given to maintenance person Peter Lasher for his “outstanding work ethic and exemplary service” in the buildings and grounds department for more than 30 years. “He continually goes above and beyond what is requested and expected, is always ready to jump in and help, and never refuses to stay late or come in early when necessary,” said Speenburgh. Read the full story in The Daily Mail.

More than one month after the annual board election, the Hudson City School District Board of Education voted Mon., June 24, to seat Hudson resident Joseph E. Carr for a one-year term. The seat was made vacant by the resignation of former board president Peter Merante in April. Carr, a retired maintenance worker for the district, took the oath and assumed his place on the board immediately following the vote. Carr was one of five candidates on the ballot in May. He finished third behind incumbent Tiffany Martin Hamilton and district science teacher Lynn Lee. As an employee of the district, Lee was unable to be sworn before July 1. Martin made the motion to appoint Carr Monday night, noting his term will end June 30, 2014.

Debby Mayer reports in the Columbia Paper the Germantown Town Board is contemplating changes to the town's zoning laws to extend the area of town zoned for small, low-impact businesses. Current zoning allows for mixed use on Main Street to the intersection with Church Avenue. The extension would go on to Hover Avenue, which is currently zoned for residential use only. The town's Economic Development Committee made the recommendation to the Town Board in May. “The Committee believes this extension is warranted and economically beneficial to the town,” they wrote. The change has been approved by the Planning Board. A public hearing on the matter will be held July 22. Read the full story in the Columbia Paper.

Weather right now


[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="128"] Cairo: High 91F; low 63F.[/caption]

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="125"] Catskill: High 91F; low 66F.[/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 Hazardous Weather Outlook remains in effect Tuesday, for northwestern Connecticut, western Massachusetts, the greater Capital Region, Mohawk Valley, Schoharie Valley, Helderbergs, Taconics, eastern Catskills, and Mid-Hudson Valley through Mon., July 1. Scattered strong thunderstorms this afternoon into early this evening may have frequent lightning, and locally heavy rainfall that could produce ponding of water on roadways and poor drainage flooding of low-lying areas. The relatively slow movement of the thunderstorms and repeatedly moving over the same areas, could lead to bank full rises on streams, creaks and brooks.

Today: Scattered showers and thunderstorms, mainly after noon. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. Partly sunny. High near 90. Tonight, scattered showers and thunderstorms, mainly before midnight. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. Patchy fog after 2 a.m. Otherwise, mostly cloudy. Low around 66.

Forecast for the next three days:

Wednesday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after noon. Patchy fog before 8 a.m. Otherwise, partly sunny. High near 88. A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 11 p.m. Mostly cloudy. Low around 68.
Thursday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 2 p.m. Mostly cloudy. High near 85. Showers and thunderstorms likely and possibly a thunderstorm after midnight. Cloudy. Low around 69.
Friday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Mostly cloudy. High near 79. Friday night, a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy. Low around 67.

Sunrise today: 5:20 a.m.
Sunset today: 8:35 p.m.

Length of the day: 15:15 hrs.

Town meetings

Today is the fourth Tuesday of the month.
(WGXC recommends calling ahead to comform time and location.)

COLUMBIA COUNTY Board of Supervisors County Government Committee meeting, 5 p.m., at 401 State St., Hudson (828-1527).
GREENPORT Planning Board meeting, 7:30 p.m. at Greenport Town Hall, Town Hall Drive, Hudson (828-4656).

The day ahead on 90.7-FM

Midnight to 5:59 a.m.: Free103point9 Transmission Arts overnight

12 a.m. (midnight): Radio News: Ecuador and Edward Snowden From Free Speech Radio News: "Today, Ecuador said it is considering a request for asylum from Edward Snowden, the former employee of the private intelligence contractor Booz Allen. Snowden leaked documents to the Guardian that revealed details of the extensive NSA and FBI surveillance programs. While many around the globe have expressed support for Snowden’s disclosure of the massive private data collection that’s taking place, the Obama Administration announced charges against him Friday, including Espionage. The US government is seeking his extradition, but the whistleblower organization Wikileaks is aiding Snowden in finding a country for asylum. Ecuador’s Foreign Affairs Minister Ricardo Patino read a letter he said his government had received from Snowden. In it, Snowden says he has been accused of being a traitor and it is unlikely he could receive a fair trial. After reading the letter, Patino said Snowden’s request had to do with freedom of expression and with the security of citizens around the world. The attack on leakers is also broader, and includes the targeting of journalists, as was disclosed last month in the revelations that the Justice Department was spying on the Associated Press. In an interview Sunday, Glenn Greenwald, the journalist who broke the Snowden story for the Guardian, responded to questioning from David Gregory on Meet the Press about possible prosecution for his role in the disclosures."
12:05 a.m.: Radio Stew: Os Mutantes Music of the psychedelic Brazilian rock band is considered.
1 a.m.: Selected Songs: Wilco Wilco's radio songs, and others are featured. Plus, some by performers they played with at Mass MOCA last weekend.
3 a.m.: Golden Age of Radio: Frontier Gentleman Mary Livingstone was born on this date in 1905, and tonight we go to her birthday party on a very early Jack Benny broadcast for Chevrolet on this date in 1933. "Frontier Gentleman" returns tonight with #37 "Ther Preacher". We are skipping over #35 & 36 as these scripts were previously heard on the series. Kendell intervenes in a gunfight between the preacher and a man who wants to kill him.
5 a.m.: PCJ Media Network Plus: 20130625 International radio and media show. The show is produced jointly by PCJ in Taiwan and Canada. Producer/Presenter: Keith Perron.


6 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.: WGXC Hands-On Community Radio

6 a.m.: Al Jazeera English
7 a.m.: WGXC Morning Show Hosted by Philip Grant. Morning news, music, interviews features and agriculture reporting. Also local news, previews of events in Greene and Columbia counties, music, and more. Call in to have your say at (518) 828-0290.
8 a.m.: Democracy Now! hosted by Amy Goodman and Juan Gonzalez.
9 a.m.: WGXC Morning Show continues with local news, weather, and events. Call 518-828-0290 to comment during the "WGXC Morning Show." Hosted by Philip Grant.
4 p.m.: WGXC Afternoon Show
6 p.m.: Al Jazeera English
6:30 p.m.: Free Speech Radio News

Nathan Mayberg reports in the Register Star the Office of the State Comptroller has identified Columbia County as one of 127 municipalities statewide that failed to submit its 2012 financial reports. Chatham, Clermont, Germantown, Hillsdale and the town of Lexington in Greene County also did not file the required reports. The announcement by Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli's office was made as part of the state's new fiscal stress monitoring system, which began this year. The new fiscal stress monitoring system was meant to identify towns facing financial difficulties and intended to keep them from falling into financial crisis. None of the Columbia or Greene county towns and villages identified for failing to file the reports were found to be under stress. Read the full story in the Register Star.

The Daily Freeman is reporting Central Hudson Gas and Electric Co. is warning customers of a bill payment scam trageting residents and business owners in the area. According to company officials, customers have been contacted by phone by someone claiming to be from Central Hudson and told their account is past due. The customer is then advised to pay their bill through a pay-back money card, and to call a specific phone number with the card information. A Central Hudson spokesperson said the utility would never request bill payment this way. Customers are urged to report any such calls to police. Read the full story in the Daily Freeman.

Nathan Mayberg reported in the Register Star a new Hudson law to allow the raising of chickens was vetoed Fri., June 21, by Mayor William H. Hallenbeck Jr. The local law was narrowly passed by the Common Council, Tues., June 18. In his statement explaining the veto, Hallenbeck said that while he understood the rationale behind the desire to raise hens, he was also aware of the concerns of residents equally concerned about noise, odor and disease. The mayor called for "more though and consideration" of the matter. A public hearing on the law is scheduled for Fri., June 28. Read the full story in the Register Star.

Thomas Kaplan reported in The New York Times after more than five months of advocacy by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, state lawmakers ended their annual session over the weekend without approving a single element of the Women's Equality Act. The proposal was intended to strengthen the state's laws against sexual harassment, human trafficking, domestic violence and salary discrimination. The Assembly, controlled by Democrats, voted for the entire 10-point package, but the Senate, controlled by a coalition of Republicans and independent Democrats, approved only the nine provisions not about abortion. Read the full story in The New York Times.

More than 1,000 high school seniors in Columbia and Greene counties received their diplomas this weekend, as family and friends turned out to celebrate the successful completion of 13 years of education. Graduating classes varied in size — the Windham-Ashland-Jewett High School senior class consisted of 33 students, while the Ichabod Crane Class of 2013 boasted 151 members. Read the full stories in the Register Star and The Daily Mail.

Weather right now


[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="128"] Cairo: High 91F; low 66F.[/caption]

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="125"] Catskill: High 91F; low 64F.[/caption]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

READ TEMPERATURE IN HUDSON: On thermometer in Studio A.

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

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

The National Weather Service in Albany has declared a Hazardous Weather Outlook for northwestern Connecticut, western Massachusetts, east central New York and southern Vermont through Sat., June 29. Isolated to scattered thunderstorms are possible each day from Monday through Saturday, mainly during the afternoon and evening hours. Thunderstorms will have the capability to produce locally heavy rainfall and frequent lightning.

Today: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1 p.m. Partly sunny. High near 91. Tonight, a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 10 p.m. Partly cloudy. Low around 67.

Forecast for the next three days:

Tuesday: A slight chance of showers between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 3 p.m. Partly sunny. High near 89. Tuesday night, a chance of showers and thunderstorms before 9 p.m. Partly cloudy. Low around 69.
Wednesday: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 9 a.m. Mostly sunny. High near 89. A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms overnight. Mostly cloudy. Low around 65.
Thursday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 9 a.m. Partly sunny. High near 84. A chance of showers and thunderstorms, Thursday night. Mostly cloudy. Low around 67.

Sunrise today: 5:20 a.m.
Sunset today: 8:35 p.m.

Length of the day: 15:15 hrs.

Town meetings

Today is the fourth Monday of the month.
(WGXC recommends calling ahead to comform time and location.)

CATSKILL Village board meeting at 7 p.m. at Firehouse near Catskill Commons (Wal Mart) (943-3830).
COLUMBIA COUNTY Board of Supervisors Economic Development / Planning committee meeting at 5 p.m., 401 State Street, Hudson (828-1527).
HALCOTT Town meeting at 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 813 Route 3, Halcott Center (845-254-9920)
HUDSON Common Council Police Committee meeting at 6 p.m.; Fire Committee meeting at 6:45 p.m., at City Hall, 520 Warren Street, Hudson (828-1030).
PHILMONT Local Development Corp meeting at 7 p.m., Village Hall, 124 Main St., Philmont (672-7032).
STUYVESANT Planning Board meeting at 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 5 Sunset Drive, Stuyvesant (758-6248).

The day ahead on 90.7-FM

Midnight to 5:59 a.m.: Free103point9 Transmission Arts overnight

12 a.m. (midnight): Radio News: Edward Snowden Heads to Russia From Democracynow.org: "Amy Goodman interviews Michael Ratner, lawyer for Julian Assange and WikiLeaks, about the breaking news that NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden has freely left Hong Kong and has flown to Russia. He is seeking asylum in an unnamed country. Ratner is president emeritus of the Center for Constitutional Rights."
12:05 a.m.: Radio Stew: Radio Interference Are your cell phones tapped? Are your radios jammed? It sounds like it.
1 a.m.: Surveillance in Song and Story A recount of all the revelations of government surveillance recently. Plus news from the Bradley Manning trial, and new radio art, and more. Hosted by Tom Roe live from Wave Farm, from "Saturday Afternoon Show" June 22, 2013.
3 a.m.: Me and My Shadow "From The Vault," the Pacifica Radio Archive series, present "Me And My Shadow" documentary produced in 1975 that looks at how various agencies of the United States Government investigated politically Left leaning groups and individuals.
4 a.m.: Background Briefing: Edward Snowden We begin and go to Moscow where the fugitive from the NSA Edward Snowden is. Host Ian Masters talks to Dr. Pavel Felegenhauer about Edward Snowden, the NSA whistleblower who left Hong Kong for Russia Sun., June 23. The show also goes to Hong Kong to speak with Patrick Poon about China's possible role in leaning on the Hong Kong authorities to let Snowden go. And Simon Rosenberg discusses reaction to NSA revelations.
5 a.m.: The Week in Radio News: Surveillance Stories about government surveillance, FBI spying, low-power FM, the Bradley Manning trial, and more. Reports from "Free Speech Radio News," "Democracy Now!," and "Off The Hook."


6 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.: WGXC Hands-On Community Radio

6 a.m.: Al Jazeera English
7 a.m.: WGXC Morning Show Hosted by Philip Grant. Morning news, music, interviews features and agriculture reporting. Nan Marron of “Social Graces” joins Phil for her weekly “Good News” segment, a discussion the good news of the day. Also local news, previews of events in Greene and Columbia counties, music, and more. Call in to have your say at (518) 828-0290.
8 a.m.: Democracy Now! hosted by Amy Goodman and Juan Gonzalez.
9 a.m.: WGXC Morning Show continues with local news, weather, and events. Call 518-828-0290 to comment during the "WGXC Morning Show." Hosted by Philip Grant.
4 p.m.: WGXC Afternoon Show
6 p.m.: Al Jazeera English
6:30 p.m.: Free Speech Radio News

Assemblyman Pete Lopez (R,C,I-Schoharie) is crowing that legislation he sponsored, Assembly Bill 7682, to create the Mountain Cloves Scenic Byway from Hunter to Palenville, passed the Assembly and Senate, and now waits for Gov. Andrew Cuomo's signature. “The Mountain Cloves Scenic Byway will highlight the natural beauty and rich history of the Northern Catskills and invite people from across the state and nation to experience what the region has to offer,” said Assemblyman Lopez. “This designation will help strengthen economic viability in our small rural towns, bringing tourism and outdoor recreation, and supporting our shops, eateries and other businesses. The entire mountaintop community will benefit from this initiative.” The Mountain Cloves Scenic Byway will be a 41-mile route from Palenville to Hunter, along Route 214, with secondary loops to the Kaaterskill, Stony and Platte Cloves. Lopez's press release says, "The corridor management plan includes stewardship projects as well as improvement projects to the existing roadways, such as State Routes 23A, 214, Platte Clove Road, Greene County Routes 25, 23C, 18 and 16. These projects include adding turnouts, parking and viewing areas, picnic areas, and hiking trail access. The plan includes formulating an area-wide bicycle and pedestrian master plan as well as installation of interpretive displays to help visitors learn more about the history and environment of the Catskills."

Space.com reports that on Sun., June 23 the moon will be at perigee, its closest point to Earth. This year it happens as the moon enters its fullest phase, creating the so-called "supermoon." At its fullest and closest, the moon will appear about 12 percent larger in the sky, and up to 30 percent brighter, according to Space.com. Sunday night the moon rises in the evening, and should be visible, weather-permitting, in the WGXC listening area. See Space.com for more information about the supermoon.

Today's Local News and Weather
Click here to listen to audio recording of local news and weather, produced by Tom Roe and Philip Grant. PLAY CLIP (3:16)

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

Sunday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1 p.m. and before 1 a.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 84, and a low around 68.
Monday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon and before 11 p.m.. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 87, and a low around 65.
Tuesday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m., and before 8 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 85, and a low around 64.

Sunrise today: 5:19 a.m.
Sunset today: 8:35 p.m.

WGXC Programming
Tune in to these featured programs:

midnight – 12:05 a.m.: "Radio News: WBAI at the Cliff"
Radio Survivor reports that WBAI may have laid off its entire staff, and is on the brink of financial disaster.

12:05 a.m. – 5:30 a.m.: "Anna Friz Overnight"
Several performances and talks from Canadian radio artist are featured here, mostly collaborations with free103point9. Includes "The Joy Channel," about transmitting feelings, "Somewhere a Voice is Calling" for Art's Birthday 2013, keynote speech at Trans-X Transmision Arts Symposium 2013, and other recordings.

5:30 a.m. – 6 a.m.: "CounterSpin: Alexis Goldstein, Deepa Kumar"
Alexis Goldstein on foreclosure crisis; Deepa Kumar on NYPD Muslim spying.

8 p.m. - 10 p.m.: "The Irish Show: 20130623"
Hosted by Tony Fallon.

Nathan Mayberg in the Register-Star reports that on Fri., June 22 Hudson Mayor William Hallenbeck vetoed a Common Council law that would have allowed live chickens in Hudson. In a statement, Hallenbeck wrote, “I realize that there are some individuals who want to be able to raise chickens (hens) of their own for some of the health and other benefits provided. Such as eggs being a good source of nutrition, chickens providing companionship, chickens eating insects, and chickens helping to build communities. On the other hand, I realize the concerns of residents who are equally concerned about noise, odor, disease, slaughter, chickens running wild and property value declines.” Hallenbeck also said Hudson will hold a public hearing at 4 p.m. June 28 at City Hall about whether live chickens should be allowed in Hudson. Read the full story in the Register-Star.

Local News
Click here to listen to an audio version of the WGXC local news. PLAY CLIP (1:40)

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

• Saturday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 5 p.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 85, and a low around 60.

• Sunday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 2 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 88, and a low around 65.

• Monday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 87, and a low around 65.

• Tuesday A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 88.

Sunrise 5:19 a.m.
Sunset 8:35 p.m.
Other celestial rises/sets
Moon 7:46 P.M. 4:31 A.M.
Mercury 7:05 A.M. 9:50 P.M.
Venus 7:02 A.M. 10:09 P.M.
Mars 4:15 A.M. 7:23 P.M.
Jupiter 5:14 A.M. 8:22 P.M.
Saturn 3:42 P.M. 2:31 A.M.
Uranus 1:21 A.M. 1:56 P.M.
Neptune 11:53 P.M. 10:47 A.M.
Pluto 8:47 P.M. 6:24 A.M.

WGXC Programming

On Saturdays free103point9 Online Radio airs on WGXC 90.7-FM, bringing transmission arts to the airwaves in the Hudson Valley, in New York. Tune in Sat., June 22:

Jimmy Vielkind reports at Capitol Confidential the state Senate has taken action to exempt retired law enforcement officers from the new ammunition restrictions in New York's SAFE Act. All other provisions of the law would apply. A bill was passed early Fri., June 21, without warning, after the measure came to the Senate floor shortly before 2 a.m. The law enforcement exemption passed the Assembly in May, but languished in the Senate because of the split among Republicans who voted for the SAFE Act and those who believe it should be repealed completely. The measure now heads to Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo for his signature. Read the full post at Capitol Confidential, a Times Union blog.