WPDH reported the Dutchess Co. Department of Health Fri., Jan. 30 confirmed a case of measles at Bard College. The person with the disease took Amtrak train #120 on Sun., Jan. 25, from New York Penn Station to Albany. Health Dept. officials urge anyone who traveled on that train, who is not immune to the disease, to contact their doctor if they develop a fever. They are also advising anyone who may have been exposed and is experiencing symptoms to contact a doctor or emergency room before arrival, because measles is highly contagious. Bard did notify their campus. There have been two other measles cases in New York City this year.

John Mason reported in the Register Star a lodging tax on bed-and-breakfasts in Hudson will be the formal topic of discussion when the Finance and Legal committees of the Hudson Common Council meet for a joint public hearing Feb. 12. While some aldermen believe the proposed tax on short-term rentals would help to keep property taxes down and grow the economy, owners of bed-and-breakfasts are saying it will put them at an unfair disadvantage with short-term rental services. The proposal would levy a 4 percent tax on B&B rooms, on top of an 8 percent state sales tax for a total of 12 percent.

William J. Kemble reported in the Daily Freeman state Public Service Commission officials will hold a public information session and comment period Wed., Feb. 4, on a proposed overhaul of regulations governing electricity production and distribution. The meeting will be held 6 p.m. in Kingston City Hall council chambers at 420 Broadway. State officials are seeking to give utilities an easier regulatory route for bringing alternative energy sources online while giving customers more say in rules governing utilities. Rules proposed for revisions would include changing how utilities determine revenues to avoid swaying customers away from alternative energy, changing the rate structure paid by customers.

Audrey Matott reported in The Daily Mail the town of Cairo has begun the process of applying for $400,000 in Community Development Block Grant funding. The federal pass-through funds are used for grants to assist low and moderate income homeowners make non-cosmetic repairs to their homes. “It’s a great opportunity for income eligible residents to get necessary repairs done on their home,” town supervisor Ted Banta said. Acceptable repairs under the program include roof replacement, foundation and structural improvements, heating and hot water replacement, upgrades for windows and insulation and other repairs. A number of resident applications are required in order for the town to apply for the funding. The application deadline is February 27, 2015. Information is available by calling (518) 943-6700. Applications are available at Cairo Town Hall, the Cairo Public Library and the Cairo Branch of the Bank of Greene County.