[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="180" caption="Marc Molinaro has declared he is running for Dutchess County Executive, increasing the likelihood of a special election for his Assembly seat, which represents much of Columbia County."][/caption]Get ready for a special election to elect a new Assemblyman for State Assemblyman Marc Molinaro's 103rd District now that the former Tivoli Mayor has declared that he is running for Dutchess County Executive. Molinaro, R-Red Hook, made his formal announcement on Monday and sent formal letters to the county’s Republican, Conservative, and Independence committees of his intentions, according to the Daily Freeman. Meanwhile, at least one possible Republican opponent has dropped away from the race, increasing the odds of a win for the man who was elected a village trustee at age 18 and currently represents about two thirds of Columbia County in the state assembly. Last week, longtime Dutchess County Executive William Steinhaus announced he will not seek election to a sixth four-year term in office. Molinaro said he made the decision to run after speaking with party leaders, “reaching out to a significant number of business and community leaders and most importantly speaking with Christy (his wife) and the rest of my family.” Molinaro, 36, was tapped by Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo to serve on Cuomo’s transition team and as a member of the state’s newly formed Mandate Relief Redesign Team, created by Cuomo to examine unfunded and underfunded mandates imposed by the state onto school districts, local governments and other local taxing entities. He has also been making joint appearances around the region with freshman GOP Congressman Chris Gibson.

Flooding, outages strike the county
The Register-Star reports, with text and plenty of images, on the weather damage caused by raging creeks, ice, and nearly six inches of snow in some areas. Over 11,000 were without power on Monday afternoon, March 7, with states of emergency declared in Ancram and Livingston. For those remaining without power Monday night and today, “warming centers” were opened at the Kinderhook Fire Station and Niverville Fire Station 1, and a Red Cross station set up at Taconic Hills School in Copake. Roads, which were blocked off into Hudson from most directions at one point, were being cleared for today as much as risen creeks would allow. Those who require more information about the Red Cross shelters should call 518-458-8111. Residents who need transportation to a shelter can call 518-828-1212.

Ice, snow, flooding batter Greene
The Daily Mail's storm report is a simple photo of a car pulled over on the side of a road. Travel was difficult but, at least in valley towns, no power was lost, or major flooding reported.

Storm leaves outages, flooding; 2 rescued in New Paltz
The Daily Freeman highlighted downed trees and power lines in northern Dutchess and southern Columbia counties, as well as closed roads and a car rescue outside of New Paltz, in its storm coverage. About 6,500 were without power in Dutchess County, and two in Ulster. The worst part? They quote a meteorologist who notes that, "“Coming in Wednesday night through Thursday, another complicated storm, possibly becoming a Nor’easter. It could be another significant one."


Thousands go to bed in the dark
The Times Union adds on to the power outage news, reporting National Grid's estimate of hundreds of homes without power Monday evening, March 7, in Rensselear, Saratoga and Washington counties, as well as Columbia. NYSEG noted another 7,300 without power and suggested some might not get their lights back on until Wednesday.

Agency head raps release of Catskill man who later killed wife, cop
The Daily Freeman reports that Michele McKeon, chief executive officer of the New York State Coalition Against Domestic Violence, is saying that the Catskill man who fatally shot his wife and a Poughkeepsie city police officer before killing himself last month should not have been released on bail after he violated a court order mandating him to stay away from his spouse. More focus needs to be placed on perpetrators of domestic violence crimes and on holding them accountable for their actions, McKeon said, noting that as it stands now, more emphasis is placed on the victim and what they did to possibly cause violence or fail to escape from an abusive situation. The legal system tells the victim what they have to do to keep themselves and their children safe in such situations, but in no other crime do people look at the victim and ask them why they stayed or what buttons they pushed to cause the violence. “I think the systems involved need to take domestic violence much more seriously,” McKeon said, adding that proposed cuts to domestic abuse programs in Gov. Cuomo's budget proposal could prove disastrous.

Kohl’s grand opening slated
John Mason of the Register-Star reports that Kohl’s Department Store, the newest store in Greenport Commons, will hold its grand opening Wednesday. The ribbon-cutting ceremony, with Kohl’s executives and local officials, will be at 7:45 a.m., followed by the official store opening at 8 a.m. The 64,000 square foot store is located next to the Lowe’s Home Improvement store.

Financial troubles may force choices
The Daily Mail has a story about how Cornell Cooperative Extension has combined its Columbia and Greene county offices to save money as a key means to keeping its ambitious Agroforestry Resource Center in Acra afloat. “It’s challenging times for all of us,” said Andrew Turner, executive director of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Columbia and Greene counties, noting that things are no different the academic organization devoted to providing agricultural, environmental, health and youth programming to communities around the state, which has seen a $13 million decrease in the organization’s $100 million statewide budget over the past two years.

The National Weather Service predicts this morning will see a mix of clouds and sun. High 44F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph. Tonight, mostly clear. Low 23F. Winds light and variable. Possible snow mixed with rain tomorrow.

Town meetings tonight
COXSACKIE Town board at 7:30 p.m. at Town Hall, Reid St.

Astronomical bodies
TIDES Hudson: High, 5:16 p.m./Low, 11:30
SUNRISE/SUNSET 6:19 a.m./5:53 p.m.
MOONRISE/MOONSET 7:32 a.m./9:55 p.m.

Birthdays
March 8 Kenneth Grahame, Mississippi John Hurt, Cyd Charisse, Anselm Kiefer, and Gary Numan.

Tune in today
WGXC MORNING SHOW Tom Roe and Jackie Thomas are on-air guides. 6-8 a.m.
DEMOCRACY NOW! 8-9 a.m.
WGXC MORNING SHOW 9 a.m.-noon.
VOCAL CHORDS Hosted by Andrew Sosnowski Noon to 2 p.m.

ANTOINE'S MUSIC SHOW with Antoine Guerlain, 7 - 9:30 p.m.
BATTLESHIP EARTH With Dan Seward, 9:30 - midnight

Thousands without power; many outages may last through Tuesday
Jamie Larson of the Register-Star reports that thousands of homes were without power today throughout Columbia County, as pounding wind and precipitation brought down trees and power lines and flood waters entered basements. Many outages are expected to last through Tuesday and for those remaining without power tonight and Tuesday, Columbia County Board of Supervisor’s Chairman Roy Brown and the Emergency Management Office have announced the opening of “warming centers” at the Kinderhook Fire Station and Nivervile Fire Station 1 and at a Red Cross shelter opened at the Taconic Hills High School on County Route 11 in Craryville at 4 p.m.


Sweeney talks of loss, healing
John Sweeney, the once-rising Republican Representative whose career nose-dived after he lost a tough re-election battle to current U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand in 2006, speaks freely to the Times Union's Carol DeMare in a new story. The 55-year-old father of four who says he had his last drink on April 6, 2009 recounts -- in the presence of his priest -- the damage caused by his drinking -- to his children, his career and himself. "Losing a seat in Congress wasn't my biggest loss," the four-term representative of the 20th District says. "It was the loss of myself and the loss of everything that went with it, the harm and hurt I created for people around me who I love and love me." Sweeney pinpoints the end of his political career not to the loss to Gillibrand, but when it was reported that State Police responded to a 911 call at Sweeney's Clifton Park residence for a domestic dispute between him and his wife, Gayle. The couple divorced in 2007.

Hinchey seeks to end tax increase on low-income workers
Congressman Maurice Hinchey (D-Hurley), according to Mid Hudson News Network, has announced that he is sponsoring legislation to help end what he calls a tax increase levied on low-income wage earners. The congressman has noted that the tax bill signed by President Obama last year that lowers income taxes on individuals earning less than $20,000 a year and families earning less than $40,000-a-year (part of the same Bush tax cut extension) also did away with a tax credit which was more beneficial to than the federal two percent payroll tax cut... by about $200 a taxpayer. $200 is a lot of money,” Hinchey said. “Waiters, waitresses, grocery store clerks, those earning minimum wage, should not be paying for huge tax cuts. And they should be given tax breaks.”

Judge gives Mittnight 60 days to clean up property or face arrest
The Register-Star reports that a New York State Supreme Court Justice has signed an order giving New Lebanon resident Robert Mittnight Jr. 60 days to “remove from the premises" located on his Route 20 New Lebanon property, "all mobile home parts, construction demolition material, and the unregistered motor vehicles.” Mittnight was also order to pay $250 and ordered him to reimburse the town (plaintiff) for attorneys fees and disbursements incurred in the amount of $7,602.60. The judgment further stated that if the defendant failed to comply in removing the aforementioned items from his property, a warrant of commitment would be issued by the court directing the Columbia County sheriff to seize and incarcerate Mittnight until the contempt is purged. Mittnight's attorney said his client wouldn't sit around to get arrested and would appeal the judge's ruling.

In idyllic Easton, nuclear future?
The Times Union looks into the Washington County town east of Saratoga where Rep. Chris Gibson is talking about putting a nuclear plant, with its dairy farming town board ready to hear their residents' views on the matter before making any judgment. The other spot Gibson's talked about putting a plant? In Greene County, south of Catskill...

Orange County has largest population gain
Mid Hudson News Network looks at population growth figures in the Hudson Valley from 2000 and July 2010. Orange County experienced the largest population growth of all counties in the region by growing by 42,000 people, while Columbia County was the only county in the greater region that lost population, about 1,400. The county with the largest population remains Westchester, with 180,821 while the least population was recorded in Greene County with 48,562 people.

Several Columbia County town supervisors are circulating an e-mail this morning warning residents of road conditions. There are trees and wires down on roadways as well as roads that are flooded. The public is asked to avoid any unnecessary travel. The following majors roads are closed due to flooding:
1. Rt 66 Bunkers Bridge by Dutch Village Mobile Home Park
2. Spook Rock Road
3. Rt 9 by the Kinderhook Animal Hospital
4. Rt 9G Mount Merino

[caption id="" align="alignright" width="200" caption="Hudson p/t resident Glenn Ligon, as seen in a self-portrait, opens a mid-career retrospective at the Whitney Museum of American Art on March 10."][/caption]Part-time Hudson resident Glenn Ligon, who also keeps a studio and home in Brooklyn, will be the focus of a mid-career retrospective, "Glenn Ligon: America," that opens this Thursday, March 10 at the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York City for a three month run through June 5. Ligon, who works with text and concept in his paintings, sculptures, photographs, videoa and multi-media works, has described his own focus as being on what he calls "outsiderness." "Artists are disturbers of the peace," he has been quoted as saying of his work. "How does one break down the barrier between people? It's a global question, and it probably reflects what I've been trying to do -- reach out more." Ligon, 51, has been showing in major worldwide institutions since the early 1990s. In 2009, President Barack Obama added Ligon's 1992 "Black Like Me No. 2" to the White House collection. In 2010, he won a United States Artists Fellow award.

As we embark on Mardis Gras 2011, we thought it key to share this preview of a film by WGXC-FM friend Gillian Farrell of Woodstock, who has been following Hudson Valley piano technician and salesman Adam Markowitz of Adam's Pianos to New Orleans in the years following Hurricane Katrina as he delivers pianos, free, to deserving churches, schools and individuals as a one-person crusade to keep the Crescent City's musical heritage alive. A few years back, this reporter followed Adam's trail to Louisiana and looked up the pianos in their homes, where all were being treated with special care, and the joy brought by the man's largesse still brings tears to the eyes of all touched by this unique endeavor. Click here to help with this project as it continues...

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="200" caption="Baitfish, the state has warned, can spread disease... but not when carried within a specific watershed. Rules are changing..."][/caption]Pining for the start of fishing season? Note that the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is proposing revisions to the current rule restricting overland transport of uncertified baitfish and now looking to allow baitfish to be transported overland within defined "transportation corridors" for use within the same waterbody from which they are collected. DEC anticipates issuing a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking later this month to be followed by a 45-day public comment period. The current baitfish regulations contain prohibitions on the overland motorized transport of baitfish, including personally collected baitfish and baitfish collected for commercial sale. The rule was established in 2007 after an outbreak of viral hemorrhagic septicemia (VHS), a disease that can cause internal bleeding and death in certain fish, in the Great Lakes system and several other waters in 2005 and 2006. While VHS was the primary concern, other serious fish pathogens were also addressed when the rule was established. Since the regulation was established, though, anglers have voiced concern that the overland transport restriction impedes their ability to use personally collected baitfish on the same body of water from which the baitfish are collected. Acting DEC Commissioner Peter Martens said that his agency wants to show their appreciation for fishing's economic impact in the state.

[caption id="" align="alignright" width="200" caption="A Franz Kline painting from the state's Empire State Plaza collection, recently used as inspiration for art by students in Capitol District high schools, on view in Albany over the coming week."][/caption]The New York State Office of General Services (OGS) recently announced that students in grades kindergarten through eight, from eight capital region school districts including Kinderhook's Ichabod Crane, are exhibiting original artwork inspired by the Empire State Plaza Art Collection on the South Concourse beneath the Empire State Plaza from March 8 through 14. The exhibit got its last September when the Empire State Plaza Art Commission began to collaborate with the Capital Area Art Supervisors Group to use the paintings and sculptures that are part of the Plaza Art Collection in their classrooms. Special presentations and educational resources introduced the collection into the curriculum of elementary and middle school children. Students were then invited to explore and create their own works of art in response to the Plaza Art Collection. As a result, students produced nearly 400 colorful paintings and drawings. The Empire State Plaza Art Collection consists of 92 modern art paintings, sculptures and tapestries that were purchased in the late 1960's and early 70's under the leadership of Gov. Nelson Rockefeller, noted as a major art collector and philanthropist as well as a key political figure. The collection includes works from Alexander Calder, Franz Kline, Joan Mitchell and Mark Rothko. In all, 82 artists who were working in New York at the time the collection was acquired are represented.

Firefighting at 90
The Daily Mail's Colin DeVries has a story about Kiskatom Fire Company member Jim Katt, who joined the company a year after it started and celebrated hisr 57th year as a fireman along with his 90th birthday recently.

Chatham Co-op kicks off Friday Feasts
Paul Crossman writes in the Register-Star about how nearly 40 people showed up at the Chatham Real Food Co-op for the first of three First Friday Feasts on March 4, a series of benefit dinners to help raise money for the educational initiative “Chatham Chickens," a collective of seven young adults in their late teens and early 20s who are starting an enterprise to raise heritage breed chickens for organic, free-running and pastured egg production.

Ulster lawmakers plan hearings on hydrofracking
The Daily Freeman reports that Ulster County hearings on hydraulic fracturing for natural gas are being planned for May to help county lawmakers gather information about impacts of the controversial process, put together by County Legislature Government Operations and Environmental Services Committee Chairman Brian Shapiro of Woodstock. Shapiro said a date will be set after determining the availability of state Department of Environmental Conservation officials, and expects the sessions will take place at Ulster County Community College.

Get ready for more flooding
Lyssa Harris at Watershed Post reports on flooding in the Catskills, which is at its worst in Delaware County and downstream below the Ashokan Reservoir in Ulster County. In Greene and Columbia counties, ice and snow abated the flooding, although high waters have been reported on a number of back roads where flooding usually occurs.

State health care oversight lacking bids
The Times Union concludes a weeks-long inquiry with a report on the no-bid situation surrounding most state health insurance, with no one knowing exactly how or why the situation ended up this way, "suggesting the contracts are sort of evergreens that are extended without review." The Office of the State Comptroller official said that major parts of state insurer United Healthcare's deals "never got passed on for approval, contrary to what is supposed to happen."

The National Weather Service warns of overnight freezing rain and sleet turning to snow before 7 a.m. Cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 31. Blustery, with a north wind between 17 and 21 mph, with gusts as high as 36 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70 percent. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible, up to 2 inches in some areas. At night, mostly clear, with a low around 10 in higher elevations, 17 in valley towns. Northwest wind between 8 and 11 mph becoming calm.

Town meetings tonight
ANCRAM Conservation Advisory Council at 7 p.m. at Town Hall. ATHENS town meeting at 7 p.m. at 2 First Street, Athens
CLAVERACK Planning Board Meeting at 7 p.m. at town hall.
CLERMONT Town Board meeting at 7 p.m. at town hall.
HUDSON Informal meeting of Common Council at 7 p.m.
TAGHKANIC town meeting at 7 p.m. at Town Hall, Route 82,West Taghkanic.

Astronomical bodies
TIDES Hudson: High, 4:40 p.m./Low, 11:03
SUNRISE/SUNSET 6:21 a.m./5:51 p.m.
MOONRISE/MOONSET 7:06 a.m./8:55 p.m.

Birthdays
March 7
Luther Burbank, Anna Magnani, Townes Van Zandt, Wanda Sykes, and Arthur Lee.

Tune in today
WGXC MORNING SHOW Philip Grant and Tom Roe are on-air guides. 6-8 a.m.
DEMOCRACY NOW! 8-9 a.m.
WGXC MORNING SHOW 9 a.m.-noon.
WGXC AFTERNOON SHOW 4-7 p.m.

Just seven supervisors return county administrator survey
Francesca Olsen of the Register-Star reports that only seven supervisors out of 23 have filled out and returned a seven-question survey seeking their thoughts and suggestions related to the development of a county manager/administrator. The survey was also given to the county’s department heads — 11 out of 28 sent their responses to Human Resources Director John Rutkey Jr. who is compiling the results for the subcommittee. It was handed out in mid-February.

Chamber awards local businesses at Mardi Gras party
Miguel Madera of the Daily Mail reports on Saturday night's March 5 event where the Heart of Catskill Association gave awards to business of the year Hillcrest Press, businessman of the year Joe Annese, of the Wine Cellar, and business woman of the year, optometrist Dr. Christine Scrodanus.

Hudson on TV
Carole Osterink of Gossips of Rivertown writes that WMHT has announced plans to do a 60-minute television special called Our Town Hudson which will air in June 2011 and is recruiting volunteers to shoot video that shows what's special about Hudson. There's to be an informational meeting and training session here on Monday, March 14, at 7 p.m. at John L. Edwards Primary School, 360 State Street (behind the Hudson Area Library).

Flood watch in effect throughout region
The Daily Freeman reports on the potential for rising waters in rivers and streams in the Catskills and Ulster County, with warmer temperatures, melting snow cover, and rain raising the potential for ice breakups and jams, as well as blocked storm drains. A flood watch means there is a potential for flooding based on current forecasts. Residents should monitor later forecasts and be alert for possible flood warnings. Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop.

The National Weather Service says today will see lots of rain, High 52F. Winds SSE at 10 to 15 mph. Rainfall possibly over one inch. Tonight, heavy rain followed by a mix of rain and snow overnight. Low 33F. Winds NNE at 10 to 15 mph.

Astronomical bodies
TIDES Hudson: High, 4:04 p.m./Low, 10:32
SUNRISE/SUNSET 6:22 a.m./5:50 p.m.
MOONRISE/MOONSET 6:42 a.m./7:55 p.m.

Birthdays
March 6 Cyrano de Bergerac, Michelangelo,Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Bob Wills, and Shaquille O'Neal.

Tune in today
GREENHORN RADIO 6-7 a.m.
GRACE NOTES 7-8 a.m. Spiritual matters with Nicholas Walton
WGXC CHILDREN'S READING SHOW 8-8:30 a.m.,
KNOCK ON WOOD with Steve Charney and Harry, 8:30-9 a.m.
MUSIC with Antoine Guerlain, 9-10 a.m.
WGXC EXCHANGE 10-11 a.m.
CRIMINAL LAW With Dan Arshack 11 a.m. - 12 noon
JACKIE THOMAS SHOW Music from 12 noon - 2 p.m.
LI LE, LI TAN Haitian news and music with Carline Murphy & Azouke 4-4:30 p.m.
BENGALI SHOW 4:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
THE IRISH SHOW with Tony Fallow, 7-9 p.m.
LOCAL MUSIC hosted by Tommy Sharp, 9-11 p.m.
IMPRINT with Terry Doyle 11 p.m. to midnight

Flood watch posted
The National Weather Service says there is a chance of rain all weekend in the WGXC listening area, but according to Mid Hudson News Network, has posted a flood watch for areas in Ulster and Dutchess county, as well as the Catskills. What with the remaining snow cover, warming temperatures, and heavier precipitation expected in higher altitudes, concerns are raised for the New York City reservoir system and mountain creeks.

Village officials mull moving elections to November
Melanie Lekocevic of the Daily Mail writes that Athens Deputy Mayor Herman Reinhold suggested moving Village of Athens elections from March to November as a means of saving $1,500 a year during a recent Village Board to little enthusiasm, and is now leading discussion of changing term lengths from the current two years to three or four, also as a means of saving taxpayer dollars.

Preliminary report on jet crash cites pilot inexperience
The Daily Freeman reports that 38-year-old Dr. Michael Faraldi of Germantown, the Columbia County pilot who died when his small jet crashed into the icy Hudson River last weekend, was performing aerobatic maneuvers for which he wasn’t trained just before the accident, according to a preliminary report issued on Friday by the National Transportation Safety Board. Witnesses said they the BAC 167 Strikemaster doing maneuvers described as a “roll” or “barrel roll.”

Three indicted in Cairo home invasion case
The Times Union has a piece on three men getting indicted in Greene County Court on March 4 after prosecutors said they took a safe, rifles and shotguns from a Cairo home in November where a couple were tied up and four young children were present. Marc Litchko, 22, Jeffrey Field, 22 and Adolfo Lopez, 18, are set to be arraigned on a total of 15 charges including kidnapping and robbery in the coming week.

The National Weather Service says today will be cloudy with a few showers. High 51F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 30%. Tonight will also be cloudy with a few showers. Low 47F. Winds SSE at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 50%.

Astronomical bodies
TIDES Hudson: High, 3:28 p.m./Low, 9:58
SUNRISE/SUNSET 6:24 a.m./5:49 p.m.
MOONRISE/MOONSET 6:20 a.m./6:56 p.m.

Birthdays
March 5 Frank Norris, Pier Paolo Pasolini, Penn Jillette, Eva Mendes, and John Frusciante.

Tune in today
TRANSMISSION ARTS The best in experimental radio and new art forms

Observers see Molinaro as possible successor to Steinhaus
The Daily Freeman has a new angle on the announcement by longstanding Dutchess County County Executive William Steinhaus, who announced that he would not be seeking a sixth term this week. According to reporter Patricia Doxsey, State Assemblyman Marc Molinaro, who also represents much of Columbia County, is seen by some Dutchess County politicos as the heir apparent even though the Red Hook Republican hasn’t announced his candidacy and has only said he’ll make a decision next week about whether to run. Molinaro, 36, has been involved in politics since 1994, when he was elected to the Tivoli Village Board at age 18. A year later, he was elected village mayor. He then served on the Dutchess County Legislature before being elected to the state Assembly in the 103rd District.

Correctional experts: prison programs need revamping
It’s no secret that there is lots of substance abuse in prisons, notes a piece by the Times Union's Rick Karlin, who then presents a new study by the state Correctional Association which finds that the efforts to control and treat addictions in prisons is in need of an overhaul. Along with other protocols.

Privatizing public health nursing a hard sell in Sullivan County
Mid Hudson News Network reports that at a meeting in Monticello on March 3, "There was virtually no support for fixing something several Sullivan County seniors say is not broken." They were talking about public health nursing, or more specifically, the Certified Home Health Agency operated by Sullivan County Public Health Services, which several Republicans have talked about privatizing.

Prison ruling is made binding
The Watertown Daily Times reports that Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo's 30-day budget amendments, released March 3, include a stipulation taht any ruling of the prison-closure task force would be binding on the commissioner of the state's prison system. Which means that the prison system HAS TO make $72 million in cuts for the 2011-12 budget year and $112 million after that. With no directives as to how... possibly affecting state facilities in Hudson and Coxsackie. Plus, the law's been amended so the task force doesn'tconvene until 10 days after the budget is approved, making it impossible for legislators to prevent specific facilities from closure.

Bill to require bicycle registration dies in Albany
The Rochester Democrat and Chronicle has a story about how proposed legislation that would require registration fees, and license plates, for bicycles died in Albany on March 3 after being criticized by politicians around the state. Other legislation that would exempt bikes and bike helmets from sales tax and provide a $50 tax credit for adult bike purchases and a $25 credit for kids' bikes, however, is still under consideration. Assemblyman Michael DenDekker, a Queens Democrat, withdrew the bill after one of his fellow assemblyman called the move "utterly insane."

New Baltimore gears up for bicentennial opening celebration
Melanie Lekocevic of the Greene County News reports on plans to kick off the Town of New Baltimore's year-long bicentennial birthday celebration on March 13 with opening ceremonies including a parade and remarks by Congressman Chris Gibson, State Senator James Seward and Assemblyman Steve McLaughlin.

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="200" caption="Historic homes in Hudson,. as seen on the Gossips of Rivertown website."][/caption]Carole Osterink writes on her Gossips of Rivertown website about the March 3 public hearing for this year's Hudson Community Development Block Grant application, which she says drew more community involvement than past years. "One got the impression that the ideas put forward had a genuine chance of being pursued," she wrote, while also mentioning sparse attendance. Among ideas aired, and now under consideration, for the $400,000 maximum in funding, dedicated last year for the creation of a Senior Center in the city's Youth Center at Third and Union streets, was the placement of an elevator in that building; use of the money for low- and moderate-income homeowners in the City's historic districts to undergo housing rehabilitation; improvements to the plaza surrounding Washington Hose, including the provision of handicapped access to Promenade Hill and upgrading of the playground there; the addition of bathrooms to same Washington Hose building; and the building of a parking garage at Fourth and Columbia streets. The idea that generated the most interest, Osterink adds, was housing rehabilitation. The CDBG application is due on May 27, and before then there will be a second public hearing to present the project that the City is proposing for CDBG funding. Let's now see what sticks...

So what's happening with all the old lever voting booths? Last week, it turns out, Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed a bill that allows for use of the old-style voting machines, as well as special elections such as those for library and fire districts. The law was heralded for the ways in which it will save money for villages by exempting them from use of the county-owned electronic ballot scanners. Governor Cuomo has signed into law a measure that will allow villages that administer their own village elections to use lever voting machines, rather than the new optical scan voting systems, until the end of 2012. This law was needed to ensure that these villages can transition to the new voting systems in a fair and orderly manner. "We must ensure that there are orderly elections at all levels of government," Cuomo said in a February 28 press release about the bill. "This measure makes sure that villages can properly carry out their local elections and gives them the extra time they need to transition to the new voting system." "The law reflects a narrowly tailored solution to immediate and significant problems faced by villages. Specifically, the law provides only a temporary exemption to Election Law § 15-114," the release goes on to note. "The law does not apply to the administration of any federal elections covered by HAVA or to village elections administered by a county board of elections. In August 2010, an exemption allowing the use of lever machines was granted to school districts for their elections. The new law is in effect only through the end of 2012.

Grant funding made available by the Foundation for Community Health, Sharon CT, has allowed the Healthcare Consortium to help residents in the towns of Ancram and Copake get financial assistance for their prescription medications, according to a press release from the Columbia County Healthcare Consortium. In the past year, 12 residents have received prescription medications at no cost to them at local pharmacies. Participating pharmacies ainclude Copake Pharmacy, Pine Plains Pharmacy and Wal-Mart Pharmacy at the Hudson Super-Center. The program offers financial assistance up to $250 per month, per person for prescription medications to residents of Copake and Ancram only. To be eligible for this program, residents of Copake and Ancram must have a household income at or below 300% of the Federal Poverty guideline, cannot be eligible for Medicaid, and must have exhausted all other local resources for funds. The Foundation for Community Health is a private, not-for-profit foundation dedicated to improving the health and well-being of the residents of the greater Harlem Valley in New York and the northern Litchfield Hills of Connecticut. The Healthcare Consortium is Columbia County’s rural health network and has been increasing access to health care since 1998.

You know all that information published by the New York Times this week about gas drilling? The Independent Oil and Gas Association of New York countered this week with a press release that starts, "As the State Senate considers the confirmation of a new commissioner at the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), and Governor Cuomo and the Legislature strive to identify budget-balancing solutions for our state, New York's oil and gas industry offers a realistic solution: Natural gas development in New York's Southern Tier." The piece goes on to highlight the "outward migration of our best and brightest young citizens; the highest taxes in the nation; shuttered businesses throughout the state; sky-rocketing energy costs; and job losses in the tens of thousands" as reasons why "the viable solution and an element of the state recovery is under our feet in the form of natural gas." The press release then turns into a missive as the association "asks Commissioner designate Joseph Martens, the Legislature and Governor Cuomo to consider the potential economic impact and at the conclusion of the Department's environmental review of the processes associated with capturing natural gas, and to move swiftly to capitalize on an opportunity that advances energy independence and economic growth." The interesting factoid? Instead of focusing statewide, or on the Catskills watershed counties of Delaware and Sullivan, the association is stressing action only in Broome, Tioga and Chemung counties.