Governor Andrew Cuomo released the above video message the morning of Wednesday, March 23, and later backed up his suggestion that he might try to push through a budget proposal without full agreement from the State Senate or Assembly. The former's Majority Leader, Dean Skelos, said he'd make surer Senate Republicans support the Governor's pushing of a budget through what they call extender legislation but cautioned that, “If you have power, I don’t think you have to flaunt it. We all understand that the governor has a tremendous amount of power… The idea of leadership is to get a result, and that’s where we are.” Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, reacting to both Cuomo's statement and Skelos suggestion that he's do anything to put the blame for a government shutdown on Assembly Democrats, said of the governor, "I don’t know what motivates him to make those statements. I think we are very close, period... As far as I’m concerned, I have negotiated with the governor, continue to do that and don’t understand his comments.”

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="200" caption="A rare 34-star flag from the SS Oregon, created by two Hudson women during the Civil War, has made itself back home for a summer exhibition by the Columbia County Historical Society in Kinderhook."][/caption]The Columbia County Historical Society announced in a press release on March 23 that they recently “welcomed back” a 34-star American flag that flew on the Steamship Oregon during the Civil War, whose bicentennial gets honored over the next four years. The garrison size (80.5 inches high by 123 inches wide) flag will be the centerpiece of the Society’s 2012 exhibition on Columbia County and the Civil War and recently underwent extensive conservation at Spicer Art Conservation in Delmar, NY. Before it is returned to storage until next year, CCHS will host a special 2-hour preview showing of the flag on April 2nd from 4-6pm at the James Vanderpoel House at 16 Broad Street in Kinderhook. Tickets to the special showing will go towards supporting the Civil War exhibition program at CCHS. The flag was hand-stitched by Sarah (1841-1925) and Clara Clark (1842-1934) of Hudson. Their father, William H. Clark (c.1812-1884), was a partner in Haviland, Clark and Company of Hudson, the owners of the Oregon. Inscribed in ink on the flag’s hoist is “W.H. Clark.” The 34-star flag became the official United States flag on July 4, 1861 and remained so for only two years. Abraham Lincoln was the only President to serve under this flag. This short period of use makes the flag quite rare. Beginning in 1845, the Oregon made regular trips on the Hudson River between New York and Albany and contributed to New York’s effort in the Civil War. On May 5, 1862, The Hudson Daily Star reported that “the proprietors of the steamers Oregon and Connecticut, both tendered their boats free of charge to take the sick and wounded to Troy.” It is probable that this flag was flying on the Oregon on the evening of September 5, 1862 as the steamer left Hudson bound for New York City carrying the 128th Regiment Infantry of New York Volunteers from Columbia and Dutchess Counties. The ship made many trips until October 22, 1863, when she collided with the steamer City of Boston, an accident reported in detail the next day in the New York Times. A $5,000 grant from Greater Hudson Heritage Network covered most of the cost of the flag restoration. For reservations to the Salute the Flag event, contact CCHS at 758-9265 or cchs@cchsny.org. Reservations may also be made online at www.cchsny.org.

Sam Pratt has been very busy of late, researching and then publicizing one of the greatest journalistic tools to come around in some time, and open for anyone's use - a Property Tax Tracker on the Times-Union’s website which allows you to track what people are paying for property taxes throughout the state. He has also been checking out records of property sales in the City of Hudson, finding plenty of interesting tidbits, surprise cases of incorporation, and transfers of ownership here and there with a few key lawyer's names duly noted. In terms of the taxes paid, each county's site lists the top 50 taxpayers, but without noting which entities are nonprofit and hence NOT actually paying the listed tax amounts. Of real interest... schools and county buildings top the list, such entities as Hunter Mountain Ski Center are lower on the list than expected, and one of the top Columbia County taxpayers is former Governor Eliot Spitzer, who owns property in Gallatin near the Dutchess County border. For added measure, Pratt also lets the cat out of the bag with a mention that Hudson Democrats seem to have endorsed independent Nick Haddad for Mayor and Democrat Sarah Sterling for Council President in a meeting earlier this week. Way to get to the core, Sam! Catch his blog here...

The National Weather Service has announced a Winter Storm Warning to remain in effect primarily for Greene and Ulster counties until N12 noon on Thursday, March 24. Heavy wet now with accumulations of 6 to 12 inches are expected for the Catskill Mountains and environs into Thursday morning, although impacts into more snow and poor visibility will make for dangerous travel and roads in the mountains will become snow covered and very slippery. Heavy wet snow may cause some isolated downed tree limbs and power lines resulting in power outages. Strong winds are also possible. For Columbia County and the Hudson Valley, the forecast is for two to four inches of similar wet, heavy snow, with clearing expected by noon tomorrow. School closings for tomorrow are already being announced for most area educational institutions.

New York State News Service shot this video of the rally outside of the state capitol in Albany that drew an estimate "more than a thousand" members of NYSUT, UUP, UFT, CSEA and other union and union-supporting groups on Tuesday afternoon, March 22, to oppose cuts to education programs and the sunsetting of the state income tax surcharge on high-income New Yorkers. The rally, which started at noon in West Capitol Park, saw speaker after speaker noting that education budgets have been cut enough already in recent years, and that shortchanging this sector now could lead to long-term costs. “We must speak against the special interests who put their greed ahead of New York’s greater cause,” said NYSUT President Dick Iannuzzi. “The unions, the students, the advocates for the poor, the teachers, thousands of state and local workers and others who have protested here in Albany … are being ignored,” added PEF President Ken Brynien. “It turns out that those that vote with large amounts of cash are the ones being heard loud and clear.” “What they want to do to our schools is despicable,” said Kathy Garrison, president of CSEA’s Capital Region branch. CSEA and PEF are going into contract negotiations with Cuomo’s team. Video by Kyle Hughes.

NRC to make Indian Point top priority in nuclear plant seismic risk review, says governor
Mid Hudson News Network, and all our newspapers, report that the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission is going to make the Indian Point power plant in Buchanan its “first and top priority” in its review of seismic risk at 27 nuclear power plants throughout the country. The move comes at the request of the Cuomo administration, which held a meeting at the NRC’s Maryland headquarters Tuesday, March 22, where the NRC agreed to a cooperative review of Indian Point with the state.

Missing man found after two years on the road
Andrew Amelinckx of the Register-Star has a story about how a Canadian man who has been considered missing for more than two years will soon be reunited with his family thanks to the intercession of a local good Samaritan from Hudson. Rader Sherma, a Canadian citizen originally from Punjab, India, got on a Greyhound bus in Abbotsford, British Columbia, a suburb of Vancouver, two and a half years ago thinking he was heading "to the market” and ended up in New York City. There his passport was stolen, he ended up living on the streets, and eventually took a train to Poughkeepsie, from which he walked north to Hudson. Earlier this week local pastor John Ogden found Sherma wandering near his house on Route 9 and brought him to a Greenport convenience store whose owner spoke Hindi.

Black Bridge to be studied for waterfront walking loop
Colin DeVries of the Daily Mail reports that a structural investigation on the Village of Catskill's 19th century rail bridge spanning Catskill Creek, used for utilities and a pedestrian crossing in recent years, has been approved by Greene County legislators. "The Black Bridge, a treasured walkway for many pedestrians and students traversing the banks of the Catskill Creek, will undergo a study of its structural integrity and an overall analysis before restoration plans are furthered," DeVries writes of the $8,905 contract's approval. Its restoration has been incorporated in the Greene County Economic Development, Planning and Tourism Department’s Catskill Downtown and Waterfront Revitalization Strategy, which sees the bridge as part of a waterfront walking loop proposed along Water Street and West Main Street, and including the Uncle Sam’s Bridge to the south.

25 to life given in Hudson slaying
The Times Union has a front page story on the Hudson courtroom sentencing of William Demagall, 27, who claimed he was on a mission from God when he killed a retired schoolteacher in 2006, to 25 years to life in prison. Demagall, who escaped from a secure mental ward at Berkshire Medical Center in Massachusetts and hid in a cave just before the killing, was found guilty in November of second-degree murder after a second trial for the stabbing and bludgeoning death of George Mancini, 56. The retired Hillsdale schoolteacher and mathematician was killed, then set on fire Feb. 11, 2006, at his Breezy Hill Road home. When asked by Judge Jonathan Nichols if he had anything to say before sentencing during the emotional sentencing hearing in the Columbia County Courthouse on Tuesday, March 22, staff writer Bob Gardinier writes that Demagall looked straight ahead and said, 'No thank you, your honor.' "Law enforcement officials said at the time that Demagall told them he looked directly into Mancini's eyes as he stabbed him dozens of times because he wanted to see Mancini's soul as he died," the author writes.

Logging, gravel exemptions draw concern from resident
Jim Planck writes in the Windham Journal of concerns voiced against proposed Town of Hunter exemptions for a new Site Plan Review local law discussed at a town meeting on March 22. The purpose of the law’s amendment is to “specify certain activities which shall explicitly not be subject to review by the Town of Hunter Planning Board, relating to Site Plan Review,” and it states 13 of them. Several residents questioned exemptions for logging and gravel mining, describing those activities as more disruptive to the land.

Deja vu all over again
Carole Osterink reports in her Gossips of Rivertown on new discussion at the Hudson Library regarding what had been a local Cinderella story -- the raising of funds to purchase the historic old orphanage building on State Street after it had been gifted to the local school district, and subsequent listing of the structure as an historic structure. Seems that funding problems in recent years have left the library again looking for a new home, with accompanying concerns about what to do with what many consider the city's most striking historic building. We'll be getting Ms. Osterink and various involved parties on air to discuss this issue more deeply in the coming weeks. Sometimes the best intentions, it turns out, get thwarted by the brutal economics of the day.

The National Weather Service says today will be cloudy with snow showers this morning and steady snow likely this afternoon. Temps nearly steady in the mid 30s. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of snow 80%. Snow accumulations less than one inch. Tonight, cloudy with snow. Low 32F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of snow 70%. 3 to 5 inches of snow expected. Tomorrow, more snow, but accumulating to less than another inch. Then it clears, but stays cold.

Town meetings tonight
ATHENS Village Meeting at Community Center, 2 First St., Athens
HUDSON Department of Public Works Committee meeting starts at 6:00 p.m.; Legal Committee meeting starts at 6:45 p.m.
KINDERHOOK Historical Committee at 7:00 p.m., Town Hall
COLUMBIA COUNTY Public Works Committee at 6:00 p.m.
COLUMBIA COUNTY IDA The Industrial Development Agency holds a public hearing on the subject of Greenport Commons at 9:30 a.m. at Greenport Town Hall.

Astronomical bodies

TIDES Hudson: Low, 1:08 p.m./High, 6:57 p.m.
SUNRISE/SUNSET 6:53 a.m./7:10 p.m.
MOONSET/MOONRISE 8:56 a.m./12:30 a.m. Thursday

Birthdays
MARCH 23
Erich Fromm, Joan Crawford, Akira Kurasawa, Michael Nyman, and Chaka Kahn.

Tune in today
WGXC MORNING SHOW Philip Grant and Reid Ishmael are on-air guides. 6-8 a.m.
DEMOCRACY NOW! 8-9 a.m.
WGXC MORNING SHOW contnues 9-10 a.m.
@ISSUE with Victor Mendolia and Francesca Olsen, with a report from the Greenport Commons meeting 10 - 11 a.m.
AL JAZEERA RADIO INternational News 10-11 a.m.
THE SCHOEMER SHOW with WGXC Musical Director Karen Schoemer 12 noon - 2:00 p.m.
THE DECIDING MIND Psychiatry show from Mitch Belgin and Shelley Menoluscio. 2-3 p.m.
THE CATSKILL REVIEW OF BOOKS from WJFF, 3:00 - 3:30 p.m.
RADIO EXPLOSION! kids programming... by kids. 3:30-4:00 p.m.
THE AFTERNOON SHOW 4-6:45 p.m.
TOWN HALL MEETING WITH REP. CHRIS GIBSON live from Chatham High School 6:30-9:30 p.m.
GUEST DJs, Alexander Turnquist, local 12-string guitar play, hosts tonight, in a pre-recorded broadcast. 9:30 - midnight

NYSUT, other groups posit kids-vs.-rich at rally
The Times Union reports on a large rally against education cuts held outside of the state capital in Albany the afternoon of March 22 just a week to go before the budget deadline. "The largest contingent must be more than a thousand members of NYSUT, UUP, UFT, CSEA and other groups," their story goes. "At a noontime rally in West Capitol Park, their message was loud and stark: That the budget battle boils down to a fairly simple battle between rich folks, whose federal tax cut is about to be augmented by a reduction in their state income tax burden, versus kids faced with smaller classes, fewer services and programs, etc."

Farm to Market: An interview with Deb Kavakos
The Watershed Post reported in advance of the Farm to Market Conference being held in Sullivan County this Sunday by Pure Catskills, an annual conclave of growers, distributors, marketers, and buyers from all points in the food chain, by interviewing the intrepid Deb Kavakos of Stoneledge Farm, a 200-acre family farm in South Cairo, in Greene County. Stoneledge is one of the pioneers of the community supported agriculture movement, having sustained its operations with CSA shares and groups since 1996.

Spiraling gas prices causing “economic emergency,” says Hinchey
Mid Hudson News Network reports that Congressman Maurice Hinchey (D-Hurley) wants to put a stop to price gougers and financial speculators who he says are the culprits in the drastically increasing prices of gas in recent weeks. He is calling on immediate action to halt the problem that he calls an “economic emergency” and is cosponsoring the Federal Price Gouging Prevention Act to make it illegal to sell gasoline at excessive prices, Hinchey said he will be urging the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission to immediately crack down on speculation.

Volunteers needed for Meals on Wheels
Francesca Olsen of the Register Star reports that the Columbia County Office for the Aging is looking for volunteers for the agency’s Meals on Wheels program, which delivers between 250 and 300 meals to county seniors every weekday. 108 people already volunteer for this challenging logistical venture — but there are 150 routes incorporated into the program, spread over five days. Sign on up!

Superfund site back on tax rolls
Colin DeVries of the Daily Mail reports that Greene County legislators have approved putting the American Thermostat superfund site in South Cairo back on the tax rolls after a buyer acquired two of the contaminated properties. The defunct thermostat manufacturer was found to be improperly dumping toxic chemical compounds down an abandoned septic system for many years. In 1985 the company ceased operations at the site and filed for bankruptcy without fulfilling the agreement with the state to cleanup the site. Four parcels were then taken off the tax rolls in 1996. The four parcels bridge State Route 23 near Cairo Junction Road.

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="200" caption="The Stockport Creek Basin, as seen on Stockport Alliance's website."][/caption]The Hudson Basin River Watch has announced that it is receiving funds for the Greater Stockport Creek Watershed Alliance from the state Department of Environmental Conservation's Hudson River Estuary Program and the NYS Environmental Protection Fund to continue stream protection activities in the area. The grant was one of four given statewide, and will amount to $36,000 in total to HBRW, with the organization matching it with $12,000. The Alliance is a stream protection organization for the Kinderhook and Claverack creeks, that feed into the Stockport Creek. Funds will go to pay for stream watch training, which will be key as part of ongoing studies, as well as clean-up activities. The Stockport Creek Watershed is the second largest tributary watershed to the tidal Hudson River. Its streams flow through parts of Columbia and Rensselaer Counties in Eastern New York, and Berkshire County in Western Massachusetts before entering the Hudson River at Stockport, in Columbia County. It includes parts of the towns of Stockport, Greenport, Claverack, Hudson, Canaan, Ancram, Austerlitz, Copake, New Baltimore and Ghent.

[caption id="" align="alignright" width="200" caption="A dry hydrant allows for firetrucks to pull water directly from standing ponds, streams and lakes. "][/caption]State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I – Oneonta) recently introduced special legislation to allow for the installation of an essential fire protection system in Greene County. Senate Bill 3898 would authorize the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to permit a dry hydrant on Colgate Lake in the Town of Jewett, according to a March 22 press release. Local officials have requested permission to construct the dry hydrant and would assume any costs. “There are times when well-meaning state regulations stand in the way of fulfilling local needs, and that is the case in this situation,” said Senator Seward. “Installing a dry hydrant on Colgate Lake will offer significant fire protection for the Town of Jewett and the surrounding communities with minimal environmental impact.” Assemblyman Pete Lopez (R/C/I-Schoharie) is sponsoring the same legislation, Assembly Bill 6351, in the state assembly. “Fire protection needs for rural areas are unique and sometimes the state’s one-size-fits-all concept does not apply,” said Assemblyman Lopez. “This legislation will meet a need recognized by local emergency officials who understand best what is required to help them protect the community they serve.” The Catskill Park state land master plan does not allow the installation of dry hydrants as fire control devices because they are not defined as conforming use structures in the park’s current land use regulations. So what is a dry hydrant? Let the image explain...

Like it when prime time television creeps into our everyday lives here in Greene and Columbia counties. Well consider this... a new DIY Network Dream House reality television show series of episodes focuses on a Manhattan couple, Fred and Natasha, who buy land to bring their second home rural retreat wishes to fruition. Along the way, they run into untrustworthy excavators, a foundation contractor who tries to cut corners... and then a locally-owned hardware company that pretty much turns out to be their saving grace. In answer for their being featured in the show, GNH Lumber of Greenville, Windham and Coxsackie is hosting a special "I Did It With GNH" celebratory event from 6 to 8 p.m. this Thursday, at their Greenville location in Bryants' Country Square. Founded in 1937 as the Greenville Norton Hill Lumber Company by friends Stanley L. Ingalls and James M. Freeman, the business has stayed in the Ingalls family ever since. For more information on the upcoming event, where Fred & Natasha WILL be in attendance, click here...

Unofficially speaking, 11 positions at stake
Jim Planck of the Daily Mail reports that Catskill School District Assistant Superintendent for Business Kimberly Lewis has given Board of Education members a breakdown of where savings potentially might be found for the district’s 2011-12 budget. The largest area for potential savings, $705,000, is in staffing changes, with Lewis noting, however, “We’re talking about positions, not people.” She said it would total the equivalent of 11.0 FTE (full time employees) and stressed she was presenting them in alphabetical order, not in any type of priority. Also being discussed are the elimination of Pre-K busing, cuts in computer leasing, and elimination of the ski team. Final tax figures would be between a high 8.75 percent tax levy increase down to a 5 percent tax levy increase.

C-GCC accepts bids for capital projects
Doron Tyler Antrim reports in the Register-Star that Columbia-Greene Community College’s board of trustees has approved bids for the replacement of roofs on the arts center and technology building and a recoating of the campus’ water tank as part of a $1.9 million set of capital projects. The cost of the three projects will be paid by $950,000 from the State University Construction Fund and matching grants from Columbia and Greene counties.

Questions raised on Albany diocese action
The Times-Union reports that the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany's announcement on March 19 that it placed three priests on leave amid allegations they sexually abused a minor raises questions about an earlier diocesan investigation that effectively cleared the same clerics seven years ago, according to advocates for abuse victims. Mark Lyman, Capital Region director of Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, said the new accusations validate earlier claims and call into question the diocesan review process.

Gas price climb stalls
Albany Business Journal reports that gas prices dipped a fraction of a penny a gallon in the past week in the Albany, New York, area. A gallon of gas is selling for an average price of $3.709 in the Albany-Schenectady-Troy region on March 21, down from $3.715 a gallon last week, according to figures released by the American Automobile Association. A month ago, a gallon of gas was $3.377. And a year ago, Albany residents were paying $2.91 a gallon. Nationally, a gallon of gas sells for $3.549, down from $3.558 a gallon a week ago.

Police critique Valatie neighborhood watch
Emilia Teasdale of The Columbia Paper reports that members of Valatie's village neighborhood watch group held an informational meeting at Barnwell Nursing and Rehabilitation Center recently to prepare for the crime that comes with warmer weather. Representatives from the Columbia County Sheriff's Office and the State Police attended the meeting as well as most of the village trustees and a few village residents. Deputy Guntert said that the Valatie Village Watch was the only active neighborhood watch group in the county, created after a string of burglaries last summer. She warned that neighborhood watches get started when there are issues and then people lose interest as issues get resolved and stressed that people need to call 911 if they have something to report. The watch group, which next meets on Thursday evening, have been concerned with traffic issues and crosswalks of late.

The National Weather Service says today will be partly cloudy with areas of dense morning fog. Times of sun and clouds. High around 50F. Winds NW at 10 to 20 mph. Tonight, ostly cloudy. Low 31F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph. Tomorrow, a 50 percent shace of afternoon snow showers.

Town meetings tonight
HUDSON Economic Development Committee meeting starts at 6 p.m.
STUYVESANT Zoning Board of Appeals meeting, 7 p.m. at Town Hall
COLUMBIA COUNTY County Government Committee at 6 p.m.

Astronomical bodies
TIDES Hudson: Low, 12:17 p.m./High, 5:59 p.m.
SUNRISE/SUNSET 6:55 a.m./7:09 p.m.
MOONSET/MOONRISE 8:12 a.m./11:20 p.m.

Birthdays
MARCH 22 Chico Marx, Louis L'Amour, Stephen Sondheim, Angelo Badalamenti, and Reese Witherspoon.

Tune in today
WGXC MORNING SHOW Hosted by Tom Roe, with Board Operator Jackie Thomas. 6-8 a.m.
DEMOCRACY NOW! 8 a.m.
WGXC MORNING SHOW "Civil Liberties and the FBI" talk with a panel of four attorneys (Steve Downs, Valeria Gheorghiu, Kathy Manley and Michael Sussman) from Mon. March 21, at TSL in Hudson. Recorded by Christina Malisoff. 9-11 a.m.
AL-JAZEERA ENGLISH International news. 11 a.m.
BLIND SPOT RADIO Photography show hosted by David Bush and David LaSpina. 2 p.m.
COUNTERSPIN FAIR's media show. 3 p.m.
WGXC AFTERNOON SHOW Richard Roth and Ann Forbes Cooper host. 4-7 p.m.
BATTLEFIELD EARTH Music and more. Maybe an interview? 9:30-midnight.

To build on his 2010 Regional Education Forums, Assemblyman Pete Lopez (R,C,I-Schoharie) has announced that he will be hosting a series of team work sessions throughout the 127th Assembly district to build consensus on
education reform proposals. "In light of the success of last year's forums, I look forward to continuing my partnership with residents, business owners, farmers, taxpayers, school
officials, teachers, and parents to ensure that all views are represented,"
said Lopez in a March 21 press release. "The goal of these work sessions is to build a consensus. We need to keep education affordable without compromising quality. I look forward to bringing this cross-section of the community together, all with different backgrounds and ideologies, to see where we come together on educating the students of the 127th district." Last year, Assemblyman Lopez held a series of public forums to elicit grassroots ideas on how to ensure quality and affordable education in our local schools, and invited residents to participate in the follow-up team work sessions. Teams were put together for follow-up, which is who will be meeting in the coming weeks, although the public is invited to observe "By organizing these working teams, my goal is to bring all of the groups together, at one table to identify the most crucial areas where we can do better, to find and build consensus, and
ultimately, to offer statewide solutions," said Assemblyman Lopez. Locally, Lopez will be holding a work team session from 9 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 9, 2011 at Catskill High School in Greene County.

Late season snow leads to accidents
Mid Hudson News Network reports how snow accumulated fast in the region Monday morning with slippery conditions resulting in vehicles sliding on road surfaces. Route 23 from Route 32 to Route 23B in the Town of Cairo was closed at mid-morning due to an auto crash. It has since been re-opened. The precipitation is supposed to ease up and stop later in the day.

A Big Week for Public Hearings
Carole Osterink of Gossips of Rivertown has a story up on two Columbia County public hearings this coming week. On Wednesday morning, March 23, at 9:30 a.m., the Columbia County Industrial Development Agency will be hearing views on Greenport Crossings, a project including an 80-room Comfort Suites hotel and a family entertainment center proposed for the site of the old V&O plant on Route 66 in Greenport. The developers are seeking a 100 percent property tax abatement for twenty years. Public comments can relate to the financial assistance sought by the project or the nature and location of the project. The public hearing takes place at Greenport Town Hall, at the end of Town Hall Drive, off Healy Boulevard. Then, on Thursday, March 24, at 6 p.m., the Hudson Historic Preservation Commission will hold a public hearing on the new residential building project proposed for the corner of Union and First streets by Eric Galloway's Galvan Partners. This public hearing takes place at City Hall.

Area home sales tumble, but prices stable
The Times Union's Business Editor Eric Anderson reports that sales of new and existing single-family houses fell 20 percent in February in and around the Capital Region, according to a new Greater Capital Association of Realtors report released March 21. But the average and median sale prices both edged higher. The median price, the point at which half the houses sold for more and half for less, rose 1 percent to $185,500, its highest point since 2008. The average price rose 2 percent to $211,437. The data come from an 11-county area including the Capital Region.

New Lebanon Town Board Action – The Robert Mittnight Jr. Court Case
Thaddeus Flint of the Eastwick Press reports that a New Lebanon man ordered to remove materials from his Route 20 yard or face fines and possible jail time came before the town board to plead his case but was told they can't reverse court actions. In other local business, it seems recent floods have harmed an historic Shaker-built stone bridge that the town wants the nearby Shaker Museum to take the lead on fixing.

Gibson: ‘Not the time’ for U.S. action in Libya
The TImes Union reports that Rep. Chris Gibson, R-Kinderhook, released a strongly worded statement on Monday, March 21, opposing U.S. involvement in the international coalition enforcing a no-fly zone over Libya. “Now is not the time to take on new missions,” said Gibson, who will be hosting a Town Hall Meeting at the Chatham High School this Wednesday, March 23 at 6:30 p.m.

This past Saturday, the Hudson Pride Foundation held a gala fundraiser at the home of Peter Frank, where HPF President Rich Volo (also known as popular Hudson drag queen Trixie Starr) spoke about what's been expanded from a simple parade to three days of events June 17, 18 and 19 in Hudson. Footage by HPF Executive Director Martha Harvey, who stressed said the organization has purposefully left the word “gay” out of the name of the parade and foundation to show that the organization, and event, is about "bringing people together, not singling people out." Previously, on March 12, Harvey (and Ms. Starr), gave the following press conference... For further information click here.

Coxsackie bike races draws 245
Colin DeVries of the Daily Mail reports that more than 200 people and their support teams raced in the Trooper Brinkerhoff Memorial Spring Series bicycle race in Coxsackie on Saturday, March 19. Sponsored by the Capital Bicycle Racing Club, the race — which features three levels of competitiveness — seeks to not only train racers for the upcoming spring and summer circuit but also raise funds for the Trooper David Brinkerhoff Scholarship fund, named in honor of a Coxsackie native who was tragically killed April 25, 2007 while in pursuit of an armed fugitive. Saturday’s race was the first in a three-race series which will continue March 26 and April 2.

Hudson Pride announces 2011 programs
Jamie Larson of the Register-Star reports that The Hudson Pride Foundation, a local nonprofit citizens group that promotes and plans events and initiatives in support of greater tolerance for people of all sexual orientations (and ages), announced its programs for 2011 at a private gala event on Saturday in Hudson. This year the Hudson Pride Parade will become the Hudson Pride Weekend, lasting from June 17 to 19, with two boat cruises on the Hudson River Friday, the Parade Saturday and “Family Pride” events Sunday. IN addition, HPF has reached out to all seven high schools in Columbia County to offer their assistance with issues that impact LGBT youths. Beginning April 3, the HPF will begin holding a Youth Outreach Discussion Group Program at the First Reformed Church at 52 Green St. The discussion group, supporting young people from 16 to 23, will meet the first Sunday of every month.

Millions spent in battle over budget
Jimmy Vielkind of the Times Union writes about how millions are being spent by groups on both sides of the Cuomo budget cut issue as the governor seeks to close a $10 billion deficit with spending reductions and no new taxes. The Committee to Save New York, a collection of monied real estate and business groups, as well as a coalition of private-sector labor unions spent $2,593,854, for public relations consultants, research, canvassing, phone banks, print and broadcast ads and mailings. A review of records filed last week with the Commission on Public Integrity shows the principal groups opposing Cuomo's budget have spent less -- $1,882,770.

More about Union and First
Carole Osterink of Gossips of Rivertown has a comprehensive overview of last week's Hudson Zoning Board of Appeals hearing on a proposed series of houses in historic Hudson, including a focus on discourse regarding current zoning laws establishment of "suburban standards" now inappropriate for reviving towns and cities, and much talk about what constitutes compatibility with a neighborhood's character. Alleys, setbacks, and the jumble of architectural styles that have invaded our aesthetic in recent decades all come into play, along with some interesting conjectures and opinions on the author's part.

Jefferson Heights streetscaping contract approved
A $1.89 million contract for a Jefferson Heights streetscaping project along Route 23B was approved by county lawmakers last week, with two Democrats objecting based on the winning contractor's past performance on similar jobs in the Town of Catskill. Colin DeVries reports in the Daily Mail that the monies will go towards creation of a sidewalk along County Route 23B, improving handicapped accessibility, adding a pocket park and adding a bicycle lane along the roadway. Construction will be funded 80 percent by the federal Department of Transportation Highway Administration, 15 percent by the state DOT’s Marchiselli program, and a 5 percent local match by Greene County, about $100,000. The Greene County Legislature awarded the contract to Merritt Construction, Inc. of Saugerties, who also handled similar work on Grandview Avenue in Catskill in the past decade.

The National Weather Service says today will see rain diminishing to a few showers this afternoon. High 48F. Winds SSE at 10 to 20 mph. Rainfall near a quarter of an inch. Tonight, cloudy skies early, followed by partial clearing. Low 37F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph. Tomorrow, partly cloud with a high of 51F.

Town Meetings
ATHENS town meeting at 6:45 p.m.
AUSTERLITZ comprehensive Plan meeting tonight at 7:00 p.m., 812 Route 203, Austerlitz
CANAAN Planning board meeting at 7:00 p.m.
GERMANTOWN town board meets at 7 p.m.
COLUMBIA COUNTY Economic Development/Planning meeting at 5:00 p.m.

Astronomical bodies
TIDES Hudson: High, 5:04 p.m./Low, 11:44 p.m.
SUNRISE/SUNSET 6:57 a.m./7:08 p.m.
MOONSET/MOONRISE 7:34 a.m./10:04 p.m.

Birthdays
MARCH 21 Modest Petrovich Mussorgsky, Russ Meyer, Solomon Burke, Rosie O'Donnell, and Vivian Stanshall.

Tune in today
WGXC MORNING SHOW Hosted by Casson Kennedy; Board Operator: Mark Lacoy. Featuring news, listener call-ins, audio features, interviews, and more. 6-8 a.m.
DEMOCRACY NOW! International news. 8 a.m.
WGXC MORNING SHOW Hosted by Philip Grant; Board Operator: Norman Keyser. Interview with William Lawrence (R, Cairo), Greene County legislator and former Cairo High science teacher who is helping organize the Cairo Talent Show April 1 at the Cairo Elementary school. 9-11 a.m.
AL-JAZEERA ENGLISH International news. 11 a.m.
GREENHORN RADIO For farmers under forty. 2 p.m.
ROOTS, RHIZOMES, RUNNERS Alternative health show hosted by Sarah Falkner and Lauren Giambrone. 3 p.m.
WGXC YOUTH SHOW Radio made by youth for youth. 3:30 p.m.
WGXC AFTERNOON SHOW Hosted by Kaya Weidman. Featuring news, listener call-ins, audio features, interviews, and more. 4-7 p.m.
AMERICANA MUSIC Al Davis plays country, folk, and more. 7-9:30 p.m.
DJ LUNAR MOSS All vinyl music show from local DJ. 9:30-midnight.

Retired priest removed, 3 on leave
Cathy Woodruff of the Times Union reports that Bishop Howard Hubbard of the Albany Roman Catholic Diocese has placed three retired priests on administrative leave and removed another from the ministry based on allegations that they sexually abused minors. The Rev. Robert Purcell, 76, retired pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Margaretville, Delaware County, was removed from the ministry as the result of a recent abuse claim dating to 1957, 17 years before his ordination. Three other retired priests were place on leave as a result of allegations that they sexually abused a minor in Albany between 1986 and 1991. Two had remained in active ministry. They are: the Rev. Alan Jupin, 73, retired pastor of Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Schenectady, and the Rev. Donald Ophals, 77, who served as pastor at St. Francis de Sales Parish in Troy at one time. The third priest placed on leave, Louis Douglas, 82, retired from St. Catherine of Siena Parish in Albany in 1992 and is under medical care in a nursing facility. The Rev. John Bertolucci -- a fourth priest accused with Jupin, Ophals and Douglas -- was removed from ministry by Hubbard in 2002 based on unrelated sexual abuse allegations.

Young Republicans' Lincoln Dinner features Gibson
Jamie Larson of the Register-Star reports on the 50th annual Abraham Lincoln Anniversary Dinner, hosted by the Columbia County Young Republicans at Kozel’s restaurant in Ghent on Saturday night, March 19, After 50 years, the first such event to feature a sitting Congressman: Chris Gibson, R-20th District. Gibson was reported saying that the congressional budget impasse for the year is near a resolution in an accompanying story.

38th annual St. Patrick's Day parade celebrates the Emerald Isle
The Daily Mail has pieces, and photos, from Saturday parades in Greenville and Tannersville held in celebration of St. Patrick's Day... and probably the advent of sunny skies and warm weather, as well.

Assemblywoman calls on state to distribute iodine pills within 30 miles of Indian Point
Mid Hudson News Network reports that State Assemblywoman Naomi Rivera (D-Bronx) has asked that radiation-blocking iodine pills be made available to all New Yorkers within 30 miles of the Indian Point nuclear power plants immediately. The lawmaker, who is a member of the Assembly Health Committee, called for the pills one week after the devastating earthquake, tsunami and later nuclear power plant radiation in Japan.

Local Politics Notes
Dick May runs over the recent, sparsely-attended Greene County village races, as well as the legislature's appointment of Republican Patricia Handel to fill the seat vacated by Democrat Sean Frey in Durham. He particularly stresses what he terms "a quaint feature of election law in this State:" the requirement that in order to appear on the ballot, every candidate must "pretend to be the nominee of a political party."

Residents protest treatment of alleged document leaker
Jamie Larson of the Register-Star also has a story up about a Saturday, March 19 protest in the center of Chatham against the detention and treatment of American serviceman Pvt. Bradley Manning for his role in the Wikileaks release of government materials. The most controversial file leaked by Manning was a gun sight video from an Apache helicopter that shows solders firing not at armed insurgents, but rather at civilians and two Reuters newsmen who were killed along with the others in the attack. From images of the event it seems a little over a dozen were in attendance.

The National Weather Service says today will boast plentiful sunshine. High near 50F. Winds light and variable. Tonight will be partly cloudy followed by mostly cloudy skies and a few snow showers after midnight. Low 33F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of snow 30%. Tomorrow, mix of rain, snow and sleet with a possible accumulation of two inches.

Astronomical bodies
TIDES Hudson: High, 4:13 p.m./Low, 10:57 p.m.
SUNRISE/SUNSET 6:59 a.m./7:07 p.m.
MOONSET/MOONRISE 7:00 a.m./8:46 p.m.

Birthdays
MARCH 20 Ovid, Henrik Ibsen, B.F. Skinner, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Mr. Fred Rogers, and Spike Lee.

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WGXC EXCHANGE Barter, trade, rideshare, yard sales, tag sales, flea markets, thrift stores, CSAs, and other discounts and deals are discussed. Call in and participate: 518-828-0290. 10 a.m.
LI LE, LE TAN News and music for Haitian community, hosted by Carline Murphy. 4 p.m.
BANGLADESHI SHOW News and music for Bangladeshi community, hosted by Hosneara Kader. 4:30 p.m.
THE IRISH SHOW Music and sports scores for Irish community, hosted by Tony Fallon. 7 p.m.