Joe Gentile reports in the Register Star the new contract between the city of Hudson and Animalkind was taken up by Common Council, at a meeting held Mon., Mar. 11. Under that agreement the non-profit's annual fee to spay and neuter the city's cats was specified to increase by $2,000. Third Ward Alderman John Friedman questioned why the pending resolution did not provide the number of felines the group was committed to treat. The discussion stalled after aldermen questioned why last year's contract with Animalkind was not finalized. Common Council President Don Moore confessed he failed to catch the contract snafu, in part because Animalkind's application was delayed after it was forced to relocate due to a fire in its Warren Street space. Read the full story in the Register Star.

Kyle Adams writes in The Daily Mail nearly 20 years of environmental remediation work may soon be coming to an end at the former Becker Electronics Manufacturing site in East Durham. The final stage of remediation at the Superfund site will likely be finished by early April. The site was identified after a significant amount of hazardous chemicals from the former electronics plant were found to have compromised the groundwater at the site, along with several private drinking water wells nearby. The site is currently approved for restricted use, and serves as a warehouse for Tip Top Furniture. The property is now owned by Tip Top's owner, Kenneth Dudley, through the Michael J. Quill Irish Cultural and Sports Centre. Read the full story in The Daily Mail.

Nathan Mayberg reports in the Register Star the state Senate has passed a budget resolution calling for the removal of approximately $36 million in funding from the Governor's Executive Budget proposal earmarked for the implementation of the NY SAFE Act. On Mon., Mar. 11, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said he will not entertain such a proposal as part of budget negotiations with state legislators. “I rule that out,” Cuomo said. State Senator Kathleen Marchione said she was in favor of cutting funds to support the gun control legislation. The amount targeted by the resolution included funds for a new statewide gun permit database and for police agencies to handle new permit applications. The Assembly did not adopt a similar resolution. Read the full story in the Register Star.

William J. Kemble is reporting in the Daily Freeman the Catskill Town Board has approved names for two roads to accommodate Greene County 911 requirements that locations are clearly designated for emergency calls. The names were adopted following recent public hearings. Town officials said one of the changes was made to avoid confusion among two Hill Roads in the town. One is located in Cementon, the other is in Palenville. The road in Palenville has been renamed Ben Hill Road after the first person to build on the road 25 years ago. Officials also established a shared driveway as Nappa Lane. It is located near Cairo Junction Road and state Route 23B. Read the full story in the Daily Freeman.

Weather right now


[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="128"] Cairo: High 52F; low 27F.[/caption]

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="125"] Catskill: High 50F; low 27F.[/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 rain showers before 3 p.m., then scattered rain and snow showers. Mostly sunny. High near 47. Scattered rain and snow showers before 9 p.m., then scattered snow showers. Mostly cloudy. Low around 25. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Forecast for the next three days:

Thursday: Mostly cloudy. High near 36. Thursday night, partly cloudy. Low around 19.
Friday: Mostly sunny. High near 41. A slight chance of snow after 2 a.m. Mostly cloudy overnight. Low around 28.
Saturday: A chance of snow before 11 a.m., then a chance of rain and snow between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., turning to rain thereafter. Cloudy. High near 40. Saturday night mostly cloudy. Low around 27.

Sunrise today: 7:11 a.m.
Sunset today: 6:59 p.m.

Length of the day: 12:12 hrs.

Town meetings

Today is the second Wednesday of the month.
(WGXC suggests you call ahead to confirm time and location.)


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

The day ahead on 90.7-FM

The WGXC 90.7-FM Spring Pledge Drive continues all week. To make your tax-deductible donation, call (518) 828-0290, or visit wgxc.org/donate.

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

12 a.m. (midnight): Radio News: FCC Senate Oversight Hearing Highlights from the Tue., Mar. 12, U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation hearing “Oversight of the Federal Communications Commission.”
12:05 a.m.: Radio Stew: Cartoons at Midnight Radio cartoons, songs from Carl Stalling, sound effects, and more, from Muppets to Warner Bros.
1 a.m.: Vital Weekly: Machinefabriek Episode 872 of weekly experimental new music show, by folks formerly behind Staalplaat. Click here for playlist 872.
2 a.m.: A Night of International Noise A Night of International Noise rebroadcast from June 1, 2001 featuring Einleitungszeit (Slovakia), Schloss Tegal (U.S.), Lux Mammoth (Australia), Perlonex (Berlin), Skrol (Czech Republic), Ortho (Brooklyn), Damian Catera (ex-Condemek), Brutum Fulmen (CT), Joe Christ (film "My Struggle"), DJ Dan Bodah (WFMU), DJ Brian Gilroy (Viodre), DJ Jared Turinsky (Extraction Records).
5 a.m.: Shortwave/Pirates: Man in the Moon Radio First, "The RAIN Report," with 14-year-old Danny McReynolds/KD4ILX reading his paper "Writing Your Own Radio Control Software" from the 2012 Dayton Hamvention Youth forum. Then, from "PiratesWeek," pirates in the news this week include a Boston Radio Pirate Runs for Mayor and we take a look at the FCC Activities. Chris Smolinski writes on his blog about the 2012 pirate activities. Select postings from the Free Radio Network, HF Underground and note stations logged per the Free Radio Weekly. ‭Off Air Recordings include the stations of: Man in the Moon Radio, Boombox Radio, Voice of Alix and another blast from the past- WSRR Solid Rock Radio. Radio confiscation in Zimbabwe and the pirate forum from the fest with George Zeller.

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

The WGXC 90.7-FM Spring Pledge Drive continues all week. To make your tax-deductible donation, call (518) 828-0290, or visit wgxc.org/donate.

6 a.m.: Al Jazeera English
7 a.m.: WGXC Morning Show Hosted by Philip Grant. Morning news, music, interviews features and agriculture reporting. 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 continues with local news, events, music and more, with host Philip Grant.
10 a.m.: The Right Opinion: Tom DePietro This edition of The Right Opinion will include guest Tom DePietro who will be discussing the meaning of "Libertarian" and the history and future of the libertarian movement. Plus music and more from the pledge drive. Hosted by Ed Fertik.
4 p.m.: WGXC Afternoon Show
6 p.m.: Al Jazeera English
6:30 p.m.: Free Speech Radio News

John Mason reports in the Register Star Germantown Deputy Supervisor Joel Craig, a Republican, recently announced his candidacy for town supervisor. Current Town Supervisor Roy Brown, also a Republican, announced in January he will not seek re-election in November. Craig will seek the endorsement of Republican voters at the spring caucus. Republican Committee Chairman George Sharpe Sr. said the committee members -- Sharpe, David Crawford, Bruce Bohnsack and Joseph Phelan -- have been meeting with Craig. The committee said in a press release it was pleased to have a strong candidate for the position of town supervisor. Craig has served on the Town Board since 2008. He has been employed by the Dutchess County Office of Central and Information Systems for the past 26 years. Read the full story in the Register Star.

Kyle Adams reports in The Daily Mail Cairo-Durham school district Board of Education hosted a forum Thurs., Mar. 7, to address questions and concerns about the upcoming grade realignment plan. That plan calls for housing grades K-2 in Durham Elementary School and grades 3-5 in the Cairo Elementary School. The forum featured representatives from the Lansingburgh school district and the Cobleskill-Richmondville school district. Similar realignment  plans were recently implemented in those districts. Cairo-Durham Board President Greg Koerner-Fox emphasized in his comments the decision-making phase of the process has passed and the district is now in the implementation phase. School representatives answered questions from community members about academics, operations and maintenance, transportation and finances. Most questions and concerns focused on transportation and details of the daily academic schedule. Read the full story in The Daily Mail.

Nathan Mayberg reports in the Register Star the state Assembly and state Senate approved spending budget resolutions Mon., Mar. 11, which would increase state aid to local schools far more than Gov. Andrew Cuomo originally proposed. Both houses also restored funding to Coarc by adding $120 million into the budget. The details of the two resolutions must be worked out before a final budget is passed. The Assembly’s budget bill rejected the governor’s proposal to limit the plea bargaining of traffic tickets but allows new state mandated surcharges for certain traffic violations. Read the full story in the Register Star.

Weather right now


[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="128"] Cairo: High 50F; low 30F.[/caption]

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="125"] Catskill: High 54F; low 32F.[/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: Rain. Patchy fog before noon. High near 51. Chance of precipitation is 100 percent. Tonight showers likely before 9 p.m. Cloudy, then gradually becoming party cloudy. Low around 32.

Forecast for the next three days:

Wednesday: A slight chance of showers after noon. Partly sunny. High near 49. A chance of rain showers before 9 p.m., then a chance of rain and snow showers between 9 p.m. and midnight, then a slight chance of snow showers after midnight. Mostly cloudy overnight. Low around 25.
Thursday: A slight chance of snow showers before 9 a.m. Mostly sunny. High near 38. Mostly cloudy overnight. Low around 24.
Friday: Mostly sunny. High near 41. Partly cloudy overnight. Low around 27.

Sunrise today: 6:12 a.m.
Sunset today: 5:59 p.m.

Length of the day: 11:47 hrs.

Town meetings

Today is the second Tuesday of the month.
(WGXC suggests you call ahead to confirm time and location.)


CHATHAM Planning Board meeting, 7 p.m. at 488 Route 295, Chatham (392-3262).
COPAKE Board of Ethics, 7 p.m.; Comprehensive Planning Comm., 7:30 p.m. at Town Hall, 230 Mt. View Road, Copake (329-1234)
COXSACKIE Town board at 7:30 p.m. at Town Hall, Reed St., Coxsackie (731-2727).

The day ahead on 90.7-FM

The WGXC 90.7-FM Spring Pledge Drive continues all week. To make your tax-deductible donation, call (518) 828-0290, or visit wgxc.org/donate.

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

12 a.m. (midnight): Radio News: Headlines Daily radio and media headlines.
12:05 a.m.: Radio Stew: First Fireside Chat President Franklin Roosevelt gives first radio Fireside Chat, about the banking crisis, March 12, 1933, and this show rolls that tape. From Wikipedia: "Roosevelt first used what would become known as "fireside chats" in 1929 as Governor of New York. Roosevelt faced a conservative Republican legislature, so during each legislative session, he would occasionally address the citizens of New York directly. In a New York History Quaterly article on the fireside chats' origin, Geoffrey Storm notes that while a WGY radio "address of April 3, 1929 was FDR's third gubernatorial radio address, historian Frank Freidel asserts that this was the first fireside chat." In these speeches, Roosevelt appealed to radio listeners for help getting his agenda passed. Letters would pour in following each of these "chats," which helped pressure legislators to pass measures Roosevelt had proposed. He began making the informal addresses as president on March 12, 1933, during the Great Depression."
1 a.m.: Radio Stew: Western Union Telegrams will be sent on this listen to the songs and sounds of Western Union. Grover from "Sesame Street" delivers a singing telegram. Songs by The Five Americans ("Western Union"), T. Rex ("Telegram Sam"), Elvis Presley ("Western Union"), Keith Loyd ("My Western Union Baby"), Jerry Butler ("Hey Western Union Man"), Mary Lou Lord ("Western Union Desperate"), Serge Gainsbourg ("Overseas Telegram"), Sonny Boy Williamson ("Western Union Man"), Kinky Friedman ("Western Union Wire"), Silver Connection ("Telegram"), Wire ("Dot Dash"), and other sounds and stories about telegrams.
2 a.m.: Stars Like Fleas Recording of 2006 performance at Wave Farm in Greene County.
3 a.m.: Victoria Estok and Steve Lambert Rebroadcast from March 9, 2013. The work of Victoria Estok and Steve Lambert, two sound artists. They will be at the Wave Farm Study Center in Acra, NY with host Tom Roe.
5 a.m.: Distant Early Warning System U.S. Army documentary from 1950s, about radar defense systems.
5:30 a.m.: PCJ Media Network Plus: 20130312 Weekly 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

The WGXC 90.7-FM Spring Pledge Drive continues all week. To make your tax-deductible donation, call (518) 828-0290, or visit wgxc.org/donate.

6 a.m.: Al Jazeera English
7 a.m.: WGXC Morning Show Hosted by Philip Grant. Morning news, music, interviews features and agriculture reporting. 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 continues with local news, events, music and more, with host Philip Grant.
10 a.m.: Your Friendly Neighborhood Economist: The Economy of Community Radio For this special pledge drive edition, Tom Masterson, Your Friendly Neighborhood Economist, breaks down the economy of community radio and why you should donate! Plus, introducing the new segment "Ask Me About The Economy", where people can call in and ask anything you want to know about the economy or pledge!
4 p.m.: WGXC Afternoon Show
6 p.m.: Al Jazeera English
6:30 p.m.: Free Speech Radio News

Some of the stories that made the news, March 8 to 11:

John Mason reported in the Register Star the Ghent Planning Board continued its review of TCI’s application to rebuild last week. The transformer recycler's facility was destroyed in an Aug. 1 fire. An environmental attorney retained by the town to assist in the TCI matter, disputed the company's description of its business as light industrial, and suggested the company may need additional permits. According to TCI's application to the state Department of Environmental Conservation, TCI was selling large quantities of mineral oil with PCBs inside. The attorney said there were trucking operations on site, as well as storage of transformers and other large pieces of equipment outdoors. “We’ve cooperated from the beginning,” said TCI President and co-owner Brian Hemlock. Hemlock told the board, “At no time were PCBs processed on our property. We don’t have 17 trucks; we have two trucks. We have numerous trailers.” Read the full story in the Register Star.

W. T. Eckert reported in The Daily Mail on the ongoing discussions in Greene County focused on the consolidation of paramedics and town ambulance into a single unified service. Greene County Emergency Medical Systems, Inc. President Mark Evans discussed the subject with lawmakers last week. Evans said it is time to study consolidation. He is now concerned town ambulance companies will begin to pull out of the system. “I’m not saying...we are going to just wipe out all of the town ambulances. Not at all,” Evans told lawmakers. Rural Health Network has offered to support a study, Evans said. That study will seek a variety of data including, the amount billed for ambulance services in the county, the amount collected, and the number of ambulances, EMTs and paramedics countywide. Evans anticipates a presentation on the findings in mid- to late summer. Read the full story in The Daily Mail.

The Daily Freeman reported the State Labor Department reported last week both Greene and Columbia counties experienced job growth during the 12-month period that ended in January. Columbia County had the most job growth in the Mid-Hudson/Catskill region, at 3.3 percent. Greene County jobs grew by .9 percent. Job growth was generally up region-wide during the period. The one exception was Sullivan County, which saw a decrease. Educational and health services continue to be the region’s leading job generator. The sector has grown year to year, added 4,300 jobs for the strongest January growth in three years. Read the full story in the Daily Freeman.

Weather right now


[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="128"] Cairo: High 52F; low 39F.[/caption]

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="125"] Catskill: High 54F; low 43F.[/caption]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

READ TEMPERATURE IN HUDSON: On thermometer in Studio A.
FAR LEFT:The temperature on the far left is from the Hawthorne Valley Farm Weather Page.
MIDDLE TEMP: Cairo from Weather Underground page.
FAR RIGHT: Catskill from Weather Underground page.

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

Today: Mostly cloudy. High near 52. A chance of rain, mainly after midnight. Mostly cloudy. Low around 42. Chance of precipitation is 50 percent.

Forecast for the next three days:

Tuesday: Rain. High near 52. Chance of precipitation is 100 percent. Tuesday night, a chance of showers before midnight. Mostly cloudy. Low around 32.
Wednesday: Isolated showers. Mostly sunny. High near 43. Partly cloudy overnight. Low around 29.
Thursday: Partly sunny. High near 36. Partly cloudy overnight. Low around 28.

Sunrise today: 6:13 a.m.
Sunset today: 5:58 p.m.

Length of the day: 11:45 hrs.

Town meetings

Today is the second Monday of the month.
(WGXC suggests you call ahead to confirm time and location.)


ANCRAM Conservation Advisory Council at 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 1416 County Rte. 7, Ancram (329-6512).
ATHENS Town meeting at 7 p.m. at 2 First Street, Athens (734-3636).
CLAVERACK Planning Board meeting at 7 p.m. at Town Hall, Church Street, Mellenville (672-7911).
CLERMONT Town Board meeting at 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 1795 Route 9, Clermont (537-6868).
HUDSON Joint meeting of HDC and HCDPA regarding the sale of 58 North Front Street to be used as parking, at 6:30 p.m., and the Informal Meeting of the Common Council at 7 p.m., City Hall, 520 Warren St., Hudson (828-1030).
TAGHKANIC Town meeting at 7 p.m. at Town Hall, Route 82,West Taghkanic (851-7638).

WGXC RADIO COUNCIL meeting 6:30 p.m. at the Catskill Community Center, 344 Main St., Catskill (697-7400). The WGXC Radio Council is the governing body for the community radio airtime on WGXC, and holds monthly meetings open to the public for input. The meeting is open to public observation, but the last 15 minutes of the meeting are reserved for public participation. Anyone in attendance wishing to participate will have equal time to address the Council, beginning at 8:30 p.m. The public is urged to attend and have their say in community radio.

The day ahead on 90.7-FM

The WGXC 90.7-FM Spring Pledge Drive continues all week. To make your tax-deductible donation, call (518) 828-0290, or visit wgxc.org/donate.

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

12 a.m. (midnight): Radio News: Radio Pledge Drives WGXC begins its spring pledge drive this week, WFMU continues theirs, and Resonance FM just completed there fund drive. A report.
2 a.m.: Radio Jamming Radio jamming, documentary about radio jamming, recent clips of China jamming the BBC and VOA.
3 a.m.: Disc Jockeys Songs about disc jockey, and on-air clips of famous hosts such as Bob Lassiter, Jean Shepherd, and others, are considered.
5 a.m.: This Week in Radio News: 20130309 Tune in to news about Kentucky Republican Rand Paul's Senate filibuster Wed., March 6. Paul questioned whether the U.S. administration felt it could bomb Americans with radio-controlled drones on U.S. soil. Also, Free Speech Radio News is in danger of going off the air. Plus, the White House says "It's time to legalize cell phone unlocking." More than 114,000 Americans signed an online petition to legalize cell phone unlocking, and the White House agreed it is a good idea. And Broadcasting & Cable reports on what cuts the Federal Communications Commission is making due to the budget sequester.

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

The WGXC 90.7-FM Spring Pledge Drive continues all week. To make your tax-deductible donation, call (518) 828-0290, or visit wgxc.org/donate.

6 a.m.: Al Jazeera English
7 a.m.: WGXC Morning Show Hosted by Philip Grant. Morning news, music, interviews features and agriculture reporting. 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 continues with local news, events, music and more, with host Philip Grant.
4 p.m.: WGXC Afternoon Show
6 p.m.: Al Jazeera English
6:30 p.m.: Free Speech Radio News

Daylight Savings Time
Remember, at 2 a.m. Sun., March 10, clocks move forward one hour.

Local audio for WGXC Morning Show
WGXC Ski Report (1:04)

Weather right now


[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="128"] Cairo: High 39F; low 21F.[/caption]

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="125"] Catskill: High 39F; 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 Acra, in Greene County:

Today: Mostly sunny, with a high near 54, and a low around 31.

Forecast for the next two days:

Monday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 52. Showers likely, mainly after 3 a.m., with a low around 38.
Tuesday: Showers. High near 48, low around 32.

Sunrise today: 7:15 a.m.
Sunset today: 6:57 p.m.

Length of the day: 11:42 hrs.

Town meetings

Today is the second Sunday of the month, and there are no town meetings.
(WGXC suggests you call ahead to confirm time and location.)

The day ahead on 90.7-FM
Midnight to 2 a.m.: Live from Wave Farm
Performances from Matt Bua, Stars Like Fleas, Bunnybrains, and others.
2 a.m. – 4 a.m.: "Lost/Last Transmissions"
First, mysterious lost transmissions never heard by humans, then at 3 a.m. famous last transmissions.
4 a.m. – 5 a.m.: "Exploration: 2013 Comets"
Discussion of celestial skies.
5:30 a.m. – 5:59 a.m.: "CounterSpin: Mark Weisbrot, Kevin Gosztola"
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: Mark Weisbrot on Hugo Chavez, Kevin Gosztola on Bradley Manning.
8 a.m.: Children's Storytime hosted by Christine Pacuk.
8:30 a.m.: Knock on Wood hosted by Steve Charney.
9 a.m.: WGXC Morning Show hosted by Tommy Sharp. Local news, weather, local events, music, and more. Call 518-828-0290 to participate.
11 a.m.: "The Score: Best of"
6-8 p.m.: "The Relationship Show Show: Snooping"
7-10 p.m.: PAWS
Live performance and webstream at Spotty Dog Books & Ale from Fatcat Records' three-piece band. Rebroadcast at midnight.
8 p.m.: The Irish Show hosted by Tony Fallon.

On Tue., March 5, the board of directors of Free Speech Radio News announced that the show will go off the air on March 15 unless $35,000 is raised. KGNU’s Maeve Conran has this audio report. The show is an independently-produced, half-hour daily national and international radio news program focusing on peace and social justice issues in the U.S. and around the world. It is a non-profit organization, with funding from Pacifica Radio Network, as well as community radio stations across the US and listener-donors. "Free Speech Radio News" airs Monday-Friday at 6:30 p.m. on WGXC 90.7-FM.
PLAY CLIP (2:33)

Nathan Mayberg reports in the Register Star the Columbia County Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing on a proposed mobile phone tax, Wed., Mar. 13. According to county officials, a plan to tax all county property owners 30 cents per month is under consideration, but details are still unknown. The funds will support the operations of Columbia County 911. The current plan represents a compromise reached after some supervisors objected to taxing every owner of a mobile device countywide. It is unclear if the supervisors will vote on the legislation Wednesday or wait until April. Read the full story in the Register Star.

WGXC audio clips for Saturday, March 9
• WGXC Ski Report (1:05)
• Free Speech Radio News faces fiscal deadline (2:33)
• Radio News: AG Holder Responds to Rand Filibuster About Drones (with Rand Paul, John McCain, Lindsey Graham, White House press briefing, and Fox News audio) (5:25)

[caption width="400" align="alignleft"][/caption]

Solar Weather
There is a slight chance for minor radio blackouts March 9-11, according to NOAA. The sunspot region in question has a history of radio blackout activity.

Night Sky
Skyandtelescope.com reports, The comet PanSTARRS are visible this week shortly after sunset with binoculars or a wide-field telescope, according to skyandtelescope.com.

Weather right now


[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="128"] Cairo: High 28F; low 19F.[/caption]

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="125"] Catskill: High 25F; low 18F.[/caption]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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 Acra, in Greene County:
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 42, and a low around 17.
Sunday: Increasing clouds, with a high near 46, and a 20 percent chance of isolated showers after 4 a.m. Low around 33.
Monday: Scattered showers, mainly after 7 a.m., with a high near 48, and a low around 38.

Sunrise today: 6:17 a.m.
Sunset today: 5:56 p.m.

Length of the day: 11 hrs., 39 min.

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., March 2:

Midnight – 12:05 a.m.: "News: FSRN No More?"

12:05 a.m. – 2 a.m.: "Radio Stew: Crank Sturgeon, Al Margolis, World Lines"
Live performances from Spotty Dog Books & Ale in Hudson from March 8, 2013.

2 a.m. - 3:15 a.m.: "Bob's Slacktime Funhouse: Adventures in Dentures"
Collage.

4 a.m. – 5 a.m.: "Radio Radio: Stephen Erickson"
Radio documentarian.

5 a.m. – 7 a.m.: "Shortwave Hours: Velveeta"
Two hours of shortwave radio-oriented programming, starting with solar weather, news on meteor showers and ham radio, and other reports. This week: China is accused of jamming VOA and BBC shortwave broadcasts, we tune in clips. Other reports include:
5:15 a.m.: "The RAIN Report" "A 1998 interview with audio groundbreaker Bob Heil, K9EID"
5:30 a.m., "The Shortwave Report" with host Dan Roberts and international news via shortwave radio. This week's show features stories from NHK World Radio Japan, Radio Deutsche-Welle, Radio Havana Cuba, Spanish National Radio, and the Voice of Russia.
6 a.m.: "Glenn Hauser's World of Radio"
6:30 a.m.: "Amateur Radio Newsline" Scientists say Solar Cycle 24 may have two separate peaks; APRS found to extend the range of underground communications; a United Kingdom ham finds a long abandoned satellite that has come back to life; Last Man Standing to feature an episode with ham radio and Amateur Radio Newsline opens the nominating season for the 2013 Young Ham of the Year Award.

7 a.m. – 8 a.m.: "Saturday Morning Serial: Dialing"
Turn your dial, or dial in your phone, to this show about the sounds and songs of dialing. We'll learn "How to Dial a Rotary Phone," "Dial M for Murder," and order a dial wand. Songs from The Kinks ("Around The Dial"), The Replacements ("Left of the Dial"), Morrissey ("Dial-A-Cliche"), Scanner ("Turning The Dial"), and others. Plus, radio theatre from 31 Down ("Dead Dial Tone").

8 a.m. – 10 a.m.: "Open Air: 20130309"
Anyone can contribute, in many ways, to "Open Air." Matt Bua hosts live from the Catskill Community Center. This is a live transmission art show about local transmissions. As many local frequencies, signals, and transmissions will be mixed in. Check in on CB radio, weather radio, shortwave, scanners, cell phones, strings-and-cups, or whatever else we can tune in. You make up the show with stories, phone calls, messages, requests, further information, and more. WGXC Program Director Shannekia McIntosh will call in and explain the new WGXC program schedule after 9 a.m. 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.

10 a.m. - 11 a.m.: "Radia: Cecilia Hultman"
International network of radio art stations in 13 countries interested in new and forgotten ways of making radio. Each week, one station makes a show for all the others. This week's episode of "Radia" is "Oro," a sound piece by Cecilia Hultman (b. 1985) for Radio Nova and Radia, which takes its title from the Swedish word for unrest.

10:30 a.m. - 11 a.m." "Radio Wonderland"
Joshua Fried remixes New York City radio from his Brooklyn apartment every Saturday on 90.7-FM in the Hudson Valley.

11 a.m. – noon: "Rodolphe Alexis"
This regular edition of show about field recordings and acoustic ecology features Jim Haynes, Sala, Matthew Sansom, David Velez, Rodolphe Alexis, and selections from the Aporee Soundmaps.

Noon – 1 p.m.: "Issue Project Room Radio: Mind Over Mirrors"
Hosted by Eve Essex, originally aired Jan. 14, 2013 on ARTonAIR.org. "Issue Project Room Radio" will air on free103point9 Online Radio and WGXC 90.7-FM at 2 p.m. the second Saturday of the month in 2013. Mind Over Mirrors, AKA Jaime Fennelly, performs here in a concert produced by Issue Project Room in November 2012. Part of Fennelly's two-night residency at Brooklyn exhibition space, in this set he was accompanied by renowned choreographer and long-time collaborator Miguel Gutierrez. After four years of constant collaboration, trans-continental performance, cohabitation, and detritus exorcising from 2001-2004 as their duo Sabotage and the early formative years of The Powerful People, this evening marks the first time Fennelly and Gutierrez had performed together in over eight years.

1 p.m. – 2 p.m.: "Issue Project Room Radio: Che Chen and Sherlock Terry"
Hosted by Eve Essex. Originally aired Feb. 4, 2013 on ARTonAIR.org. "Issue Project Room Radio" will air on free103point9 Online Radio and WGXC 90.7-FM at 2 p.m. the second Saturday of the month in 2013. For this new work, commissioned by Issue Project Room and premiered on September 8, 2012, Chen and Terry have devised customized instruments that feature large numbers of strings (as many as 80 on a single instrument) arranged according to highly redundant tuning schemes designed to maximize on the occurrence of string sympathy. These instruments- modified autoharps and a lapsteel guitar- are designed to reveal the subtle interactions of closely tuned strings as they sound and decay. Plucked single notes surrounded by halos of sympathetic vibration, chords made of shifting, sustained drones and cascading, harp-like washes of sound are made possible through playing techniques both borrowed and invented. Compositionally, this piece is intended to create an unhurried, focused listening experience, an immersive sound environment that lends itself easily to a slowing of sense perception. Structurally, it borrows much from what is known in North Indian classical music as the alap, the slow, preliminary stage of an improvisation in which the notes of the scale (raga) are gradually introduced one at a time.

2 p.m. – 3 p.m.: "Issue Project Room Radio: Poetry Out Loud"
Hosted by Eve Essex via ARTonAIR.org. "Issue Project Room Radio" will air on free103point9 Online Radio and WGXC 90.7-FM at 2 p.m. the second Saturday of the month in 2013. "Poetry Out Loud" was a series of ten LPs released between 1969 and 1977 as a magazine of oral poetry. The driving forces behind Poetry Out Loud were two couples: Peter and Patricia B McGarry (Harleman), from Topeka, Kansas, and Klyd and Linda Watkins, from Nashville; this is word-as-sound art, a heavy trip. On May 4th, 2012, ISSUE Project Room presented a rare live performance with the Watkins, along with special guests Tom Carter, Keith Connolly and Dave Nuss. The set starts with an opening instrumental track by Messages. Part of Issue Project Room's "Littoral" series, the event celebrated Poetry Out Loud's 2012 re-release by De Stijl records.

3 p.m. - 4 p.m.: "Human Machine: 20130309"
"Human Machine" is a program that presents projects, sounds, performance and research on the subject of the increasing convergence of humans and technology produced by Max Goldfarb and Jeremy Kelly in alternating weeks. This week, Kelly creates.

4 p.m. – 6 p.m.: "Saturday Afternoon Show: Victoria Estok, Steve Lambert"
The work of Victoria Estok and Steve Lambert, two sound artists. They will be live at the Wave Farm Study Center in Acra, NY with host Tom Roe.

6 p.m. – 7 p.m.: "PiratesWeek: Zimbabwe Shut Down"
After the Weekly Presidential Radio Address, Robert Mugabe's government in Zimbabwe shuts down pirate radio station, according to the International Radio Report and the show also takes a look at Federal Communications Commission activities in the United States. ‭Off Air Recordings include the stations of: The Crystal Ship, Wolverine Radio, Undercover Radio, Black Arrow Radio, Southern Music Radio. We look at the Solar Max update. Plus reports on LPFM, and Chinese jamming of english language broadcasts. And, at Winterfest Saturday the inductees for 2013 were announced for the NAPRHOF.

7 p.m. – 9 p.m.: "Catskill Community Center / WGXC Open Mic"
Matt Bua hosts an open mic, a chance for anyone to have their say. Come down to the Catskill Community Center to participate, or listen on-air. Anyone is invited to sing a song, read a poem, tell a story, or just say something in front of the open mic.

9 p.m. – 10 p.m.: "What's the Frequency, Kenneth?: Beyond 30-Second Soundbites"
News mash-up show from host Paul Fischer, who worked on Dan Rather's staff. This week: Beyond 30-Second Soundbites.

10 p.m. – 11 p.m.: "Love Letters from SCOPE New York 2013"
This sound work series consists of five minute love letters installed in the unisex bathroom in the basement of the New York City's landmark 33rd Street Post Office on the occasion of SCOPE New York 2013. Recognized for its influential voice in the emerging art market, SCOPE New York 2013 features 55 international galleries alongside 20 Breeder Program galleries, selected by curatorial panel. This year the fair is located at the landmark venue of Skylight at Moynihan Station. Artists and works include: Chistine Edwards Love poem with strings, Maya Hayuk The inspiration, Nick Stolle When I you, I will you, Sam Sebren xoxombss, Matt Bua xoxombss, Chloe Bass love letter, terry dame love letter master, happy tears noone, Sara Shaoul aliens on the moon, Rainer Judd love letter, Rainer Judd Homage to Leanord Cohen's " I'm Your Man" , Rainer Judd mind on lock down, Rainer Judd follow, Mitch Miller STE-004, Willian Hough love letter as toilet paper 1&2, Sara Mednick Love Letter, Craig Smith Monk Chance Event Parrallel Lines, Wolfy Part II Spank that Collage.

11 p.m. – 11:59 p.m.: "Some Assembly Required: Don Joyce"
Episode 08 of the mash-up show with host Jon Nelson, with 2001 Don Joyce (Negativland) interview about his album, "We'll Be Right Back" and three tracks by Negativland.

Midnight – 12:05 a.m.: "Radio News: Radio Pledge Drives"
WGXC begins its spring pledge drive this week, WFMU continues theirs, and Resonance FM just completed there fund drive. A report.

12:05 a.m. – 2 a.m.: "Radio Stew: Live from Wave Farm"
Recordings made at Wave Farm in Greene County, NY. Included: Stars Like Fleas' "Early Riser," works by Matt Bua, and others.

2 a.m. – 4 a.m.: "Last/Lost Transmissions"
Melissa Dubbin and Aaron S. Davidson compile historic last and lost transmissions.

4 a.m. – 5 a.m.: "Exploration: 2013 Comets"
Discussion of the comets in the skies in 2013. Hosted by Dr. Michio Kaku

5 a.m. – 5:30 a.m.: "Klipshow"
Transmaniacon MC's radio remix for free103point9.

5:30 a.m. – 6 a.m.: "CounterSpin: Mark Weisbrot, Kevin Gosztola"
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: Mark Weisbrot on Hugo Chavez, Kevin Gosztola on Bradley Manning.

John Mason reports in the Register Star Captain David Bartlet of the Columbia County Sheriff's Office, Thurs., Mar. 7, declared the opposition of the Sheriff’s Office to most parts of the NY SAFE Act, the gun control regulation that became law Jan. 15. Bartlett spoke at an event organized by the Hudson Valley Americans for Freedom. Bartlett encouraged the Columbia County Board of Supervisors to pass a resolution calling for repeal of the act. According to a poll released by Marist College Thursday, 36 percent of upstate voters surveyed said the NY SAFE Act was about right, while 48 percent said the legislation went too far. Downstate, the approval rate was 41 percent. A separate, Feb. 4 Siena poll found 50 percent of upstate voters supported the law compared to 46 percent who opposed it.The SAFE Act broadened the definition of banned assault weapons and made magazines containing more than seven bullets unlawful. It also increased penalties for illegal gun possession and reduced public access to gun permit information. It also allowed mental health professionals to report concerns about a gun-owning patient harming himself or others. Eleven counties in the 19th Congressional District have either passed or are considering resolutions asking for repeal of the act

 

 

 

The National Weather Service in Albany has issued a Winter Storm Warning for Columbia County. The warning will remain in effect until noon. The NWS is warning of heavy snow in eastern Columbia County. An accumulation of 7 to 12 inches is forecast, with snowfall rates of around half an inch per hour through early morning. The snow will remain steady and taper off during the mid- to late morning. Hazardous traveling conditions are expected. Some weakened tree limbs may succumb to the weight of the snow. North winds of 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 35 mph are expected.

Katie Kocijanski reports in the Chatham Courier the village of Chatham will have two choices for mayor in this year's village elections. Incumbent Tom Curran of the Chatham United Party is running for his second term, and will be challenged by Village of Chatham Sustainability Party candidate Maria De Marco. Curran was elected mayor in 2011 after defeating long-time incumbent Mayor Paul Boehme. Four candidates are competing for two open Village Board seats. Wayne Coe and Michael Wollowitz, are running on the Chatham United Party line, and Jay Rippel Jr. and David Silliman, are running on the Village of Chatham Sustainability Party line. The seats carry two-year terms. Daniel Brackett is seeking the town justice seat. The polls will be open noon to 9 p.m., Tues., Mar. 19 at village hall. Read both stories in the Chatham Courier.

Columbia County


Berkshire Union Free School District / Two-hour delay. DOL meeting on as scheduled. Delayed 2 Hrs, DOL meeting on as scheduled.
Chatham Central School District / Closed.
Chatham Kids Club / Closed.
COARC Adult Transportation / Open. Staff report; no transportation.
Columbia County All-County Band and Choir Festival (at Taconic Hills High School) / Cancelled.
Columbia County Healthcare Consortorium / Open. Staff report; no transportation.
Columbia County Senior Meals / Closed. Staff report.
Columbia-Greene Community College / Closed.
Germantown Central School District / Closed.
Hawthorne Valley School / Closed.
Hudson Area Library / Closed. Questar III's GED class held at the library is also canceled.
Hudson City School District / Closed.
Ichabod Crane (Kinderhook) Central School District / Closed.
Mountain Road School / Closed.
New Lebanon Central School District / Closed.
O.K. Kids, Inc. / Closed.
Questar III Columbia-Green Education Center / Closed.
Taconic Hills Central School District / Closed.

Greene County

Cairo-Durham Central School District / Closed.
Catskill Central School District / Closed.
Circle Of Friends (Ravena) / Closed. Daycare delayed two hours.
Coxsackie-Athens Central School District / Closed.
Early Childhood Learning Center / Closed.
Grapeville Christian School / Closed.
Greene County Nutrition Program / Closed. No Transportation.
Greenville Central School District / Closed.
Hunter-Tannersville Central School District / Closed.
Questar III, Catskill Academy / Closed.
Ulster-Greene ARC (Catskill) / Two-hour delay.
UMC Daycare Norton Hill / Delayed until 8 a.m. No morning Pre-K; no afternoon Pre-K.
Windham-Ashland-Jewett Central School District / Closed.

Source: WRGB-TV Channel 6 News

[caption width="225" align="alignleft"] From Hunter Mountain website.[/caption]Hunter Mountain hosts the fourth Winter Carnival Cardboard Box Derby at 3 p.m. Sat., March 9, where anyone can build a sled out of cardboard, paper, tape, glue, and string and compete for prizes. Awards are for creativity, rather then speed, and, "you also need to finish with all your team members on board." Download a registration form here. Hunter has six of ten lifts running over 18"-60" of snow, and a fireworks display after dark Saturday. Windham Mountain has 49 trails open, with six lifts over 16"-42" of snow. In Hillsdale, Catamount Ski has four of six lifts over 27 of 33 trails, and 20"-38" of snow. Click here to hear WGXC Ski Report.
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