Previous fireworks at Hunter Mountain, from their website.
You are currently browsing the archive for the Hunter category.
Tags: Catamount Ski, fireworks, Hunter Mountain, Satellite Shine, ski, skiing, Windham Mountain
The Watershed Post’s Lissa Harris writes about a feature about skiing the Catskills in The Washington Post. In “The Impulsive Traveler,” freelancer Irwin Curtin takes his family for a weekend of skiing at Hunter and Windham, and compares the experience at the mountains which are ten miles apart. He also gives a thumbs up to several of the area’s inns and restaurants. Read the Washington Post’s feature about Hunter and Windham.
Tags: Hunter Mountain, ski, skiing, Windham Mountain
Weather right now
READ TEMPERATURE IN HUDSON: On thermometer in studio.
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 Surprise, in Greene County.
The National Weather Service predicts scattered snow showers before 8 a.m. Monday in Surprise. Then, mostly sunny, with a high near 35. Monday night should be partly cloudy, with a low around 17. The forecast for the rest of the week:
• Tuesday: A chance of rain and snow showers after 1 p.m. Cloudy, with a high near 37, low around 23. Chance of snow showers overnight.
• Wednesday: A slight chance of snow showers before 10 a.m., then a slight chance of rain and snow showers between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., then a slight chance of rain showers after 1 p.m. Cloudy, with a high near 41, with a low around 25.
• Thursday: A chance of showers. Cloudy, with a high near 41, low around 33.
• Friday: A chance of rain and snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 42.
Town meetings today
Today is the second Monday of the month.
ASHLAND Town Board meeting at 7:30 p.m. at Town Hall, Main Street, Ashland (734-3636)
CATSKILL Village meeting at 7 p.m. at the Firehouse, 1 Central Ave. (behind Walgreens) (943-3830).
COPAKE Environmental Committee meeting at 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 230 Mt. View Road, Copake (329-1234).
GREENE COUNTY LEGISLATURE holds Buildings & Grounds, Conservation, Public Safety, Highway, Government Operations, and Finance committee meetings at 6 p.m. at County Building, 411 Main St., Catskill (719-3270).
HUDSON Common Council workshop meeting at 7 p.m., City Hall, 520 Warren Street, Hudson (828-1030).
HUDSON Board of Education Curriculum Committee meeting. The discussion will focus on a variety of curriculum-related issues, including: The newly established Limited English Proficiency program, the ongoing curriculum mapping project and a Monday afternoon mentoring program for students at M.C. Smith Intermediate School. The meeting will be held in the Hudson Jr. High School conference room. Members of the community are invited
At 3 p.m. at Hudson Jr./Sr. High School, 215 Harry Howard Avenue, Hudson, 518-828-4360.
HUNTER Village meeting at 8 p.m.
NEW BALTIMORE Town meeting at 7:30 p.m. at 3809 Rt. 51, Hannacroix (756-6671)/
PRATTSVILLE Town meeting at 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 14517 Main St., Prattsville (299-3125).
TANNERSVILLE The Village of Tannersville ZBA holds a public hearing for an area variance for a parcel located at 93 Spruce Street (Vacant Land) Tax Map ID 182.09-1-36; and for an area variance for a parcel located at 6042 Main Street. At 5 p.m. at Tannersville Village Hall, 1 Park Lane, 518-589-5850.
The skies above
SUNRISE/SUNSET 6:54 a.m./ 5:27 p.m.
MOONRISE/MOONSET n/a (12:35 a.m. early Tuesday) / 9:48 a.m.
Last night/Today’s big games
(Hosts: Read scores in the a.m. only, and schedules in the p.m.)
Scores
NBA: Miami Heat 107, Atlanta Hawks 87, Lebron James, 23 points.
Schedules
NBA: LA Clippers at Dallas Mavericks, 8:30 p.m.
WGXC Program Notes
Special Programming Mon. Feb. 13:
• “Monday Musical Matinee,” Noon-2 p.m.: Host Lincoln Mayorga plays classical music and more.
Audio clips for WGXC programmers
This information is not meant to be read on-air.
The information below are options of pre-recorded material hosts can choose to play.
Audio clips to play
New PSAs/STATION IDs
• A OFF PSA 20120226 WGXC First Year Membership
• A OFF_PSA _20120226_WGXC ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY .mp3 Pamela Badilla Produced By Shannekia McIntosh
Audio headlines for top of the hour
• 5 a.m.: WGXC News 4:29 PLAY CLIP also International Network News (INN), through Audioport 3:08
• 6 a.m.: WGXC News 4:29 PLAY CLIP also International Network News (INN), through Audioport 3:08
• 7 a.m.: WGXC News 4:29 PLAY CLIP also International Network News (INN), through Audioport 3:08
• 9 a.m.: WGXC News 4:29 PLAY CLIP also International Network News (INN), through Audioport 3:08
• 4 p.m.: International Network News (INN), through Audioport
• 5 p.m.: Free Speech Radio News headlines, through fsrn.org
• Midnight: International Network News (INN), through Audioport
Tags: town meetings
Hunter Mountain snowmaking.
National Weather Service forecasters predict that it may actually feel a bit like winter on the area’s three mountains this weekend. Catamount Ski in Columbia County has 28 trails and four lifts open with 16-36″ of snow. Windham Mountain has a snow base between 14″ and 44″ on 40 trails with six lifts open. Hunter Mountain has up to 18″ to 72″ of snow on 43 trails with six lifts.
WGXC’s Paul Smart talked with Hunter Mountain snowmaker Bruce Fansue Wed., Feb. 8 on the “Work” show on WGXC, about just how many people it takes to make all the snow on the mountain. Click here to here an excerpt of that interview.
(Note to hosts: 10-second Ski report bumper is available in Campcaster for intro/outro.)
Tags: Catamount Ski, Hunter Mountain, ski, skiing, snow, Windham Mountain
Weather right now
READ TEMPERATURE IN HUDSON: On thermometer in studio.
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 New Lebanon, in Columbia County.
The National Weather Service predicts New Lebanon will be sunny, with a high near 39, and a low around 24. The weekend forecast:
• Friday: Sunny, with a high near 39. Friday night there is a 40 percent chance of snow showers, with a low around 24.
• Saturday: A 50 percent chance of snow showers, with a high near 24, low around 8.
• Sunday: Partly sunny and breezy, with a high near 19, low around 6.
• Monday: Sunny, with a high near 27.
Town meetings today
Today is the second Thursday of the month.
CHATHAM Village meeting at 7:30 p.m. at Village Hall, 77 Main Street, Chatham (392-5821).
COPAKE Town Board meeting at 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 230 Mountainview Road, Copake (329-1234).
GALLATIN Town Board meeting at 6:30 p.m. at Town Hall, 667 Route 7, Ancram (398-7519).
GREENE COUNTY Finance & Audit committee meets at 5 p.m. at County Building, 411 Main St., Catskill (719-3270).
KINDERHOOK Planning Board Workshop meeting at 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 4 Church St, Niverville (784-2233).
LIVINGSTON Town board meets at 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 119 County Route 19.
STUYVESANT Town board meets at 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 5 Sunset Drive, Stuyvesant (758-6248).
TANNERSVILLE Village trustees meet at 7 p.m. in their Village Hall on Route 23A.
WINDHAM Town board meets at 8 p.m. at Town Hall, 371 State Rt. 296, Hensonville (734-4170).
The skies above
SUNRISE/SUNSET 6:59 a.m./ 5:22 p.m.
MOONRISE/MOONSET 7:50 p.m. / 7:32 a.m.
Last night/Today’s big games
(Hosts: Read scores in the a.m. only, and schedules in the p.m.)
Scores
NBA: New York Knicks 107 at Washington Wizards 93; Tyson Chandler 25 points for Knicks.
NBA: Detroit Pistons 99 at New Jersey Nets 92; Deron Williams 34 points for Nets.
NCAABB: Duke Blue Devils 85 at North Carolina Tar Heels 84.
Schedules
NBA: Los Angeles Lakers at Boston Celtics, 8 p.m. (TV: TNT)
WGXC Program Notes
Special Programming Thu. Feb. 9:
• “Radio Theatre,” 3 p.m.: “The Dating Game: A Fractured Remake II,” a Radio Theater Production from KZGM via the Pacifica Radio Network.
• “WGXC Afternoon Show,” 4-6 p.m.: Artist Irene Wiley discusses her work with hosts Ellen Thurston and Richard Roth. Richard Roth will also talk with Laetitia Hussain about her installation at Basilica Hudson this weekend. And Peter Krug highlights Greene County events, and Thurston looks at Columbia County events this weekend.
Audio clips for WGXC programmers
This information is not meant to be read on-air.
The information below are options of pre-recorded material hosts can choose to play.
Audio clips to play
New PSAs/STATION IDs
• A OFF PSA 20120210 Coop Ext – Maple Syrup workshop
• A_OFF_PSA_20120313_irene_lee_flood_grants
Audio headlines for top of the hour
• 5 a.m.: WGXC News 5:17 PLAY CLIP also International Network News (INN), through Audioport 3:19
• 6 a.m.: WGXC News 5:17 PLAY CLIP also International Network News (INN), through Audioport 3:19
• 7 a.m.: WGXC News 5:17 PLAY CLIP also International Network News (INN), through Audioport 3:19
• 9 a.m.: WGXC News 5:17 PLAY CLIP also International Network News (INN), through Audioport 3:19
• 4 p.m.: International Network News (INN), through Audioport
• 5 p.m.: Free Speech Radio News headlines, through fsrn.org
• Midnight: International Network News (INN), through Audioport
Tags: town meetings
Another winter week without real snow on the mountains, and higher temperatures. Catamount Ski in Columbia County has 30 trails and four lifts open with 16-36″ of snow. Windham Mountain has a snow base between 14″ and 44″ on 40 trails with six lifts open. Hunter Mountain has up to 18″ to 72″ of snow on 45 trails with seven lifts. All three mountains are offering Super Bowl-weekend specials.
(Note to hosts: 10-second Ski report bumper is available in Campcaster for intro/outro.)
Tags: Catamount Ski, Hunter Mountain, ski, skiing, snow, Windham Mountain
Mountain conditions
All three mountains got a little snow this week. Catamount Ski in Columbia County was closed Friday because of the rain, but reopens Saturday with 16-36″ of snow. Windham Mountain has a snow base between 16″ and 48″ on 40 trails with five lifts open. Hunter Mountain‘s snowtubing is closed Friday, but back open Saturday. The mountain has up to 18″ to 72″ of snow on 45 trails with six lifts.
Tags: Catamount Ski, Hunter Mountain, snow, Windham Mountain
Listen to Jack Ross-Pilkington with an audio ski report here. PLAY CLIP
Meanwhile, Chris Valdez in the Windham Journal reports that at Windham Mountain this weekend, the Adaptive Sports Foundation holds its eighth annual Learn to Ski and Ride Festival for the veterans of the Wounded Warriors Project. The free festival, formerly known as Support the Troops, is a three-day event introducing disabled veterans to skiing, snowboarding, tubing and ice skating on the slope side of Windham Mountain. “It’s one more step for our vets to transition back into civilian life,” volunteer ski instructor and media coordinator Karen Feldman said. “It gives them confidence to try other things, expand their comfort zone and understand their abilities. When they see that they can do this, it empowers them to try other things.” Read the full story in the Windham Journal.
Mountain conditions
All three mountains got a few inches of snow this week. Catamount Ski in Columbia County reports 25 of 33 trails are open, with four of six lifts running, and 16-32″ of snow. Windham Mountain has a snow base between 16″ and 44″ on 41 trails with six lifts open. Hunter Mountain has up to 12″ to 50″ of snow on 41 trails with six lifts.
Tags: Catamount Ski, Hunter Mountain, skiing, snow, Windham Mountain
W. T. Eckert in The Daily Mail reports that 41-year-old Brian Mattice of Gilboa, a Hunter Mountain Ski Resort staff member, died Wednesday, falling 200 feet from a ski trail. Working with snow-making equipment in the morning, Mattice slipped on ice, slid down an embankment near the Milky Way ski trail, state police said. striking a tree and rock. “Mattice was wearing a helmet and ‘crampon’ style foot gear attached to his boots,” Eckert wrote. Read the full story in The Daily Mail.
Tags: Brian Mattice, Hunter Mountain
Weather right now
Hosts: Please announce the current temperature in Hudson, which is in Studio A in Hudson. Please properly credit any other local temperatures you announce on the air. The temperature on the far left is from the Hawthorne Valley Farm Weather Page; the two others are Cairo and Catskill Weather Underground pages.
Please credit the above temperatures: From the Hawthorne Valley Farm Weather Page; and from Cairo and Catskill Weather Underground pages.
On the Hawthorne Valley Farm Weather Page, when the computer at Hawthorne Valley is turned on, the Hawthorne Valley Farm Weather Page reports weather information live from Harlemville. Check dates and times at bottom of image to see whether reports are live or from when the computer was last turned off. Please properly credit any other local temperatures you announce on the air.
Local weather forecast
Today’s forecast is specific to Livingston, in Columbia County.
The National Weather Service predicts for Tuesday in Livingston there will be freezing rain, possibly mixed with sleet before 8 a.m., then rain with a high near 41. Tuesday night there will be rain and snow showers before 4 a.m., gradually becoming partly cloudy, with a low around 27. West wind gusts as high as 31 mph. The forecast for the rest of the week:
• Wednesday: A slight chance of snow showers between 7 a.m. and 1 p.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 30.
• Thursday: A slight chance of snow showers after 1 p.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 29, a low around 14.
• Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 30.
Town meetings today
Today is the third Tuesday of the month.
ALBANY Gov. Andrew Cuomo gives 2012-13 Budget Proposal at 2 p.m. at Hart Theatre, Egg Center for Performing Arts, Albany.
COLUMBIA COUNTY Health and Medical Services Committee meets at 4 p.m. at 401 State St. in Hudson.
DURHAM Town Board meets at 7:30 p.m. at Town Building, 7309 State Rt. 81, East Durham (239-8260).
GREENE COUNTY Greene County Soil and Water Conservation District and the New York City Department of Environmental Protection co-sponsor “In the Wake of Irene” as the annual Schoharie Creek watershed conference this January. The day’s program covers all sorts of water and stream issues in the Catskills. 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Hunter Elementary, 7794 Main St., Hunter.
HILLSDALE Meeting at 7:30 p.m. at Town Hall on Main Street (325-5073).
HUDSON 5 p.m. Finance Committee meeting; 7 p.m. Regular Common Council meeting at City Hall, 520 Warren Street, Hudson (828-1030).
HUNTER Meeting at 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 5748 Route 23A, Tannersville (589-6150).
LEXINGTON Town board meeting at 7 p.m., at Municipal Building, 3542 Route 42, Lexington, (986-6303).
TAGHKANIC Planning Board workshop meeting at 7 p.m. at Town Hall on Route 82 in West Taghkanic (851-7638).
The skies above
SUNRISE/SUNSET 7:18 a.m./ 4:54 p.m.
MOONRISE/MOONSET 1:34 a.m. / 11:47 a.m.
Today’s big games
(Hosts: Read scores in the a.m. only, and schedules in the p.m.)
Scores
NBA: Orlando Magic 102 at New York Knicks 93
NBA: New Jersey Nets 91 at Los Angeles Clippers 101
Schedules
NHL: Nashville Predators at New York Rangers, 7:30 p.m.
WGXC Program Notes
Special Programming Tue. Jan. 17:
• “Vocal Chords,” Noon-2 p.m.: Andrew Sosnowski host two hours of vocal music.
Audio clips for WGXC programmers
This information is not meant to be read on-air.
The information below are options of pre-recorded material hosts can choose to play.
Audio clips to play
New PSAs/STATION IDs
• A_OFF_PSA_20120122 Ghent Playhouse auditions
Audio headlines for top of the hour
• 5 a.m.: WGXC News 4:49 PLAY CLIP also International Network News (INN), through Audioport n/a
• 6 a.m.: WGXC News 4:49 PLAY CLIP also International Network News (INN), through Audioport n/a
• 7 a.m.: WGXC News 4:49 PLAY CLIP also International Network News (INN), through Audioport n/a
• 9 a.m.: WGXC News 4:49 PLAY CLIP also International Network News (INN), through Audioport n/a
• 4 p.m.: International Network News (INN), through Audioport
• 5 p.m.: Free Speech Radio News headlines, through fsrn.org
• Midnight: International Network News (INN), through Audioport
Tags: town meetings
Windham Mountain's first snow of 2012. From Windham Mountain website.
This past Tuesday, new Windham Mountain General Manager Chip Seamans joined WGXC’s Nancy Marron on her “Social Graces” show and here he explained how Windham Mountain’s winter has been so far. PLAY CLIP
Tags: Chip Seamans, ski, skiing, snow, Windham Mountain
Weather right now
Hosts: Please announce the current temperature in Hudson, which is in Studio A in Hudson. Please properly credit any other local temperatures you announce on the air. The temperature on the far left is from the Hawthorne Valley Farm Weather Page; the two others are Cairo and Catskill Weather Underground pages.
Please credit the above temperatures: From the Hawthorne Valley Farm Weather Page; and from Cairo and Catskill Weather Underground pages.
On the Hawthorne Valley Farm Weather Page, when the computer at Hawthorne Valley is turned on, the Hawthorne Valley Farm Weather Page reports weather information live from Harlemville. Check dates and times at bottom of image to see whether reports are live or from when the computer was last turned off. Please properly credit any other local temperatures you announce on the air.
Local weather forecast
Today’s forecast is specific to Hillsdale, in Columbia County.
The National Weather Service predicts Thursday in Hillsdale there will be rain, freezing rain, and sleet, becoming all rain after noon. High near 39. Thursday night there is chance of rain, mainly after 11 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 33. The weekend forecast:
• Friday: Rain showers likely before 1 p.m., then a slight chance of rain and snow showers, then a slight chance of snow showers after 4 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 40. Overnight low around 16.
• Saturday: A slight chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 26, a low around 4.
• Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 16, a low around -1.
• M.L.King Day: Sunny, with a high near 25.
Town meetings today
Today is the second Thursday of the month.
CHATHAM The Village of Chatham Board of Trustees holds a public hearing to discuss the changes at the intersection of Main Street and Hudson Avenue. The regular monthly board meeting will immediately follow. 7 p.m. at Village Hall, 77 Main Street, Chatham (392-5821).
COPAKE Town Board meeting at 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 230 Mountainview Road, Copake (329-1234).
GALLATIN Town Board meeting at 6:30 p.m. at Town Hall, 667 Route 7, Ancram (398-7519).
GREENE COUNTY Finance & Audit committee meets at 5 p.m. at County Building, 411 Main St., Catskill (719-3270).
GREENE COUNTY State Senator James Seward (R/C/I–Oneonta) is touring his senatorial district to outline his legislative agenda, as the new session in Albany begins. Seward will highlight the need for additional economic development initiatives, mandate relief, education aid reform, and continued flood recovery at 2 p.m. at the Greene County Office Building, 4th floor, Room 430, in Catskill.
KINDERHOOK Planning Board Workshop meeting at 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 4 Church St, Niverville (784-2233).
LIVINGSTON Town board meets at 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 119 County Route 19.
RENSSELAERVILLE Rensselaerville Hydrofracking Committee meeting. At 7 p.m. at Rensselaerville Town Hall, 87 Barger Road, Medusa.
STUYVESANT Organizational meeting at 6:30 p.m., Town board meets at 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 5 Sunset Drive, Stuyvesant (758-6248).
TANNERSVILLE Village trustees meet at 7 p.m. in their Village Hall on Route 23A.
WINDHAM Town board meets at 8 p.m. at Town Hall, 371 State Rt. 296, Hensonville (734-4170).
The skies above
SUNRISE/SUNSET 7:19 a.m./ 4:49 p.m.
MOONRISE/MOONSET 8:54 p.m. / 9:01 a.m.
Sports scores and schedules
(Hosts: Read scores in the a.m. only, and schedules in the p.m.)
Scores
NBA: Philadelphia 76ers 79, New York Knicks 85
NBA: Dallas Mavericks 90, Boston Celtics 85
Schedules
NBA: New York Knicks at Memphis Grizzlies, 8 p.m.
WGXC Program Notes
Special Programming Thu. Jan. 12:
• “Radio Theatre,” 3 p.m.: Spike Jones, Steve Earle, and Dan Seward?
• “WGXC Afternoon Show,” 4-6 p.m.: Richard Roth and Ellen Thurston co-host from Hudson.
Audio clips for WGXC programmers
This information is not meant to be read on-air.
The information below are options of pre-recorded material hosts can choose to play.
Audio clips to play
New PSAs/STATION IDs
• A_OFF_PSA_20120122 Ghent Playhouse auditions
Audio headlines for top of the hour
• 5 a.m.: WGXC News 9:03 PLAY CLIP also International Network News (INN), through Audioport 2:56
• 6 a.m.: WGXC News 9:03 PLAY CLIP also International Network News (INN), through Audioport 2:56
• 7 a.m.: WGXC News 9:03 PLAY CLIP also International Network News (INN), through Audioport 2:56
• 9 a.m.: WGXC News 9:03 PLAY CLIP also International Network News (INN), through Audioport 2:56
• 4 p.m.: International Network News (INN), through Audioport
• 5 p.m.: Free Speech Radio News headlines, through fsrn.org
• Midnight: International Network News (INN), through Audioport
Tags: town meetings
Weather right now
Hosts: Please announce the current temperature in Hudson, which is in Studio A in Hudson. Please properly credit any other local temperatures you announce on the air. The temperature on the far left is from the Hawthorne Valley Farm Weather Page; the two others are Cairo and Catskill Weather Underground pages.
Please credit the above temperatures: From the Hawthorne Valley Farm Weather Page; and from Cairo and Catskill Weather Underground pages.
On the Hawthorne Valley Farm Weather Page, when the computer at Hawthorne Valley is turned on, the Hawthorne Valley Farm Weather Page reports weather information live from Harlemville. Check dates and times at bottom of image to see whether reports are live or from when the computer was last turned off. Please properly credit any other local temperatures you announce on the air.
Local weather forecast
Today’s forecast is specific to Jewett, in Greene County.
The National Weather Service predicts it will be mostly sunny Monday in Jewett, with a high near 35. Monday night should be mostly cloudy on the mountaintop, with a low around 25. The forecast for the rest of the week:
• Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 38, low overnight around 23.
• Wednesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 45, overnight low 34, a 50 percent chance of rain after 1 a.m.
• Thursday: A 50 percent chance of rain, with a high near 44, and overnight low of 26.
• Friday: Mostly cloudy and breezy, with a high near 32.
Town meetings today
Today is the second Monday of the month.
ASHLAND Town Board meeting at 7:30 p.m. at Town Hall, Main Street, Ashland (734-3636)
CATSKILL Village meeting at 7 p.m. at the Firehouse, 1 Central Ave. (behind Walgreens) (943-3830).
COPAKE Environmental Committee meeting at 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 230 Mt. View Road, Copake (329-1234).
GREENE COUNTY LEGISLATURE holds Buildings & Grounds, Conservation, Public Safety, Highway, Government Operations, and Finance committee meetings at 6 p.m. at County Building, 411 Main St., Catskill (719-3270).
HILLSDALE The Planning Board of the Town of Hillsdale holds a public hearing to consider a three-lot subdivision for William Stratton, Route 7D LLC, on Route 7D in Hillsdale. 7:30 p.m. at Hillsdale Town Hall, Main St., Hillsdale, 518-325-7563.
HUDSON Common Council workshop meeting at 7 p.m., City Hall, 520 Warren Street, Hudson (828-1030).
HUDSON SCHOOLS Hudson School District meeting. The board will meet in the HHS library. Questar III BOCES Superintendent James N. Baldwin will be the featured guest. 7 p.m.
HUNTER The Village of Hunter Board of Trustees holds a Public Hearing to discuss a proposed Property Tax Cap Law of 2012. Village meeting at 8 p.m.
NEW BALTIMORE Town meeting at 7:30 p.m. at 3809 Rt. 51, Hannacroix (756-6671)/
PRATTSVILLE Town meeting at 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 14517 Main St., Prattsville (299-3125).
The skies above
SUNRISE/SUNSET 7:20 a.m./ 4:45 p.m.
MOONRISE/MOONSET 5:31 p.m. / 7:19 a.m.
Full Moon: 2:31 a.m.
Sports scores and schedules
(Hosts: Read scores in the a.m. only, and schedules in the p.m.)
Scores
NFL: Atlanta Falcons 2, New York Giants 24. Giants play at Greene Bay Packers next Sunday.
NFL: Pittsburgh Steelers 23, Denver Broncos 29 (OT). Broncos at New England Patriots next week.
Schedules
NCAA: LSU Tigers and Alabama Crimson Tide, national championship game, 8:30 p.m.
NBA: Atlanta at New Jersey, 7:30 p.m.
NBA: Charlotte at New York, 7:30 p.m.
WGXC Program Notes
Special Programming Mon. Jan. 9:
• “Monday Musical Matinee,” noon-2 p.m.: Lincoln Mayorga hosts two hours of music and more.
Audio clips for WGXC programmers
This information is not meant to be read on-air.
The information below are options of pre-recorded material hosts can choose to play.
Audio clips to play
New PSAs/STATION IDs
• A OFF PSA 20120128 Post Office Stories
Audio headlines for top of the hour
• 5 a.m.: WGXC News 6:11 PLAY CLIP also International Network News (INN), through Audioport n/a
• 6 a.m.: WGXC News 6:11 PLAY CLIP also International Network News (INN), through Audioport n/a
• 7 a.m.: WGXC News 6:11 PLAY CLIP also International Network News (INN), through Audioport n/a
• 9 a.m.: WGXC News 6:11 PLAY CLIP also International Network News (INN), through Audioport n/a
• 4 p.m.: International Network News (INN), through Audioport
• 5 p.m.: Free Speech Radio News headlines, through fsrn.org
• Midnight: International Network News (INN), through Audioport
Tags: town meetings
The local ski resorts did not get the snow they want this past week, but the bitter cold mid-week did allow them to add a lot of artificial white stuff to the mountains. Catamount Ski in Columbia County reports 22 of 33 trails are open (they expect 25 open by Saturday), with four of six lifts running, and 12-30″ of artificial snow. Windham Mountain has an artificial snow base between 12″ and 38″ on 25 trails with six lifts open. Hunter Mountain has up to 12″ to 50″ of mostly artificial snow on 36 trails with seven lifts.
Tags: ski report, skiing, snow
The local ski resorts are certainly bemoaning the lack of real snow so far this holiday season, save for that freak pre-Halloween storm. They are all making lots of artificial snow, and the colder temperatures this past week are helping those efforts. Catamount Ski in Columbia County reports 16 of 33 trails are open, with four of six lifts running, and 10-20″ of artificial snow. Windham Mountain has an artificial snow base between 10″ and 34″ on 19 trails with six lifts open. Hunter Mountain has up to 44″ of mostly artificial snow on 29 trails with nine lifts. There are holiday discounts available this weekend.
Catamount Ski in Columbia County opened last weekend, and will be back open this weekend in Hillsdale with 8″ to 20″ snow base on 15 trails with four lifts. On Windham Mountain‘s second weekend open, more than 200 Santas on skis raised more than $2000 for the local food pantry at Hope Restoration Church in Windham on Sun., Dec. 18. Windham Mountain has an artificial snow base between 6″ and 25″ on 14 trails with three lifts open. Hunter Mountain has up to 44″ of mostly artificial snow on 23 trails with five lifts.
Tags: Catamount Ski, Hope Restoration Church, Hunter Mountain, Santa, ski conditions, skiiing, Windham Mountain
Weather right now
Hosts: Please announce the current temperature in Hudson, which is in Studio A in Hudson. Please properly credit any other local temperatures you announce on the air.
Please credit the above temperatures: From the Hawthorne Valley Farm Weather Page; and from Cairo and Catskill Weather Underground pages.
On the Hawthorne Valley Farm Weather Page, when the computer at Hawthorne Valley is turned on, the Hawthorne Valley Farm Weather Page reports weather information live from Harlemville. Check dates and times at bottom of image to see whether reports are live or from when the computer was last turned off. Please properly credit any other local temperatures you announce on the air.
Local weather forecast
Today’s forecast is specific to Ghent, in Columbia County.
The National Weather Service says Ghent will be mostly sunny Thursday, with a high near 48. Thursday night there could be rain and snow, becoming all snow after 4 a.m. Low around 31. Little or no snow accumulation expected. The weekend forecast:
• Friday: A chance of snow showers before 10am, then a slight chance of rain showers between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Cloudy, with a high near 40. Friday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 24.
• Saturday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 35.
• Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 22.
• Christmas Day: Partly sunny, with a high near 40.
Town meetings today
This is the fourth Thursday of the month.
ATHENS The Town of Athens Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals hold a joint public hearing on applications for a site plan review and a height variance for installation of two asphalt storage tanks at Peckham Asphalt Resale Corp, located at 763 Schoharie Turnpike in the Town of Athens. 7 p.m. at Athens Village Hall, 2 First St., Athens.
CHATHAM Village Board meeting at 7:30 p.m. at Village Hall, 77 Main Street, Chatham (392-5821).
COLUMBIA COUNTY Budget/Salary Committee at 10:00 a.m.
Public Works Committee at 6 p.m. at County Office Building, 401 State Street, Hudson.
COPAKE Zoning Board of Appeals meeting at 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 230 Mt. View Road, Copake (329-1234).
GERMANTOWN Planning Board meeting at 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 50 Palatine Park Road, Germantown (537-6687).
HUDSON Historic Preservation Committee at 6 p.m. at City Hall, 520 Warren Street, Hudson (828-1030).
HUNTER The Village of Hunter Zoning Board of Appeals holds a public hearing to consider an application for an area variance submitted by PPWH, Inc. for the property located at 7527 Main Street, Tax Lot #164.15-2-16. The applicant is seeking a variance from the required Side Setback and Mean Lot Width distances in order to obtain site plan approval from the Village of Hunter Planning Board to operate a restaurant on the premises. 6 p.m. at Hunter Village Hall, 7955 Main St., Hunter.
STUYVESANT Greenway Committee meeting at 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 5 Sunset Drive, Stuyvesant (758-6248).
href=”http://www.townofwindham.com”>WINDHAM Town Board meets at 8 p.m. at Town Hall, 371 State Rt. 296, Hensonville (734-4170).
The skies above
SUNRISE/SUNSET 7:17 a.m./ 4:32 p.m.
MOONRISE/MOONSET 4:58 a.m. / 2:41 p.m.
WGXC Program Notes
Special Programming Thu. Dec. 22:
• “Radio Theatre,” 3 p.m.: Laurence Olivier leads “A Christmas Carol” and Spike Jones plays “Jingle Bells.”
Audio clips for WGXC programmers
This information is not meant to be read on-air.
The information below are options of pre-recorded material hosts can choose to play.
Audio clips to play
• Roundup of New Year’s Eve events in Greene and Columbia counties. Produced by Ron Diamondstein. PLAY CLIP 2:05
• Kellie Darling, Executive Director of the Catskill Community Center, discusses the center’s annual Christmas Dinner. Interview by Ron Diamondstein. PLAY CLIP 3:27
• Peter Krug and Matt Bua duet of “Angels We Have Heard on High.” Recorded on WGXC Afternoon Show. PLAY CLIP 2:59
• Catskill’s Lydia Daniels performs “O Holy Night” at Catskill Community Center. Recorded by Matt Bua on WGXC Afternoon Show. PLAY CLIP 4:31
• Brian Dewan plays two holiday songs at ‘Live from the Red Dot Open Mic’ holiday sing-a-long, “Hard the Herald Angels Sing,” and an original composition, “Mistletoe.” Hosted by Rob Johanson. PLAY CLIP 6:21
• Stephen Bluhm sings ‘Blue Christmas’ at ‘Live from the Red Dot Open Mic.’ PLAY CLIP 2:04
New PSAs/STATION IDs
• A_OFF_PSA_20111226 Catskill High School Cat Camp.mp3
Audio headlines for top of the hour
• 5 a.m.: WGXC News 5:33 PLAY CLIP also International Network News (INN), through Audioport 3:06
• 6 a.m.: WGXC News 5:33 PLAY CLIP also International Network News (INN), through Audioport 3:06
• 7 a.m.: WGXC News 5:33 PLAY CLIP also International Network News (INN), through Audioport 3:06
• 9 a.m.: WGXC News 5:33 PLAY CLIP also International Network News (INN), through Audioport 3:06
• 4 p.m.: International Network News (INN), through Audioport
• 5 p.m.: Free Speech Radio News headlines, through fsrn.org
• Midnight: International Network News (INN), through Audioport
Tags: town meetings
Weather right now
Hosts: Please announce the current temperature in Hudson, which is in Studio A in Hudson. Please properly credit any other local temperatures you announce on the air.
Please credit the above temperatures: From the Hawthorne Valley Farm Weather Page; and from Cairo and Catskill Weather Underground pages.
On the Hawthorne Valley Farm Weather Page, when the computer at Hawthorne Valley is turned on, the Hawthorne Valley Farm Weather Page reports weather information live from Harlemville. Check dates and times at bottom of image to see whether reports are live or from when the computer was last turned off. Please properly credit any other local temperatures you announce on the air.
Local weather forecast
Today’s forecast is specific to Philmont, in Columbia County.
The National Weather Service says Philmont will be sunny, with a high near 36. Tuesday night will bring increasing clouds, with a low around 23. The forecast for the rest of the week:
• Wednesday: A slight chance of rain, snow, and sleet before 10 a.m., then rain likely. Cloudy, with a high near 44.
• Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 47.
• Friday: A chance of rain and snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 40.
• Saturday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 41.
Town meetings today
This is the third Tuesday of the month.
COLUMBIA COUNTY Health and Medical Services Committee meets at 4 p.m. at 401 State St. in Hudson.
DURHAM Town Board meets at 7:30 p.m. at Town Building, 7309 State Rt. 81, East Durham (239-8260).
HILLSDALE Meeting at 7:30 p.m. at Town Hall on Main Street (325-5073).
HUDSON 5 p.m. Finance Committee meeting; 7 p.m. Regular Common Council meeting at City Hall, 520 Warren Street, Hudson (828-1030).
HUNTER Meeting at 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 5748 Route 23A, Tannersville (589-6150).
LEXINGTON Town board meeting at 7 p.m., at Municipal Building, 3542 Route 42, Lexington, (986-6303).
TAGHKANIC Planning Board workshop meeting at 7 p.m. at Town Hall on Route 82 in West Taghkanic (851-7638).
The skies above
SUNRISE/SUNSET 7:16 a.m./ 4:31 p.m.
MOONRISE/MOONSET 2:34 a.m. / 1:07 p.m.
WGXC Program Notes
Special Programming Tue. Dec. 20:
• “WGXC Afternoon Show,” 4-6 p.m.: Mariel Fiori hosts the “WGXC Afternoon Show” with local and international news updates, interviews, features, music, and more.
Audio clips for WGXC programmers
This information is not meant to be read on-air.
The information below are options of pre-recorded material hosts can choose to play.
Audio clips to play
New PSAs/STATION IDs
• A OFF PSA 20111219 CCC Christmas dinner
• A_OFF_PSA_20111226 Catskill High School Cat Camp.mp3
Audio headlines for top of the hour
• 5 a.m.: WGXC News 3:11 PLAY CLIP also International Network News (INN), through Audioport 3:10
• 6 a.m.: WGXC News 3:11 PLAY CLIP also International Network News (INN), through Audioport 3:10
• 7 a.m.: WGXC News 3:11 PLAY CLIP also International Network News (INN), through Audioport 3:10
• 9 a.m.: WGXC News 3:11 PLAY CLIP also International Network News (INN), through Audioport 3:10
• 4 p.m.: International Network News (INN), through Audioport
• 5 p.m.: Free Speech Radio News headlines, through fsrn.org
• Midnight: International Network News (INN), through Audioport
Tags: town meetings
The Greenville Mountain View Pioneer (no website) tracks taxes and budgets each town in Greene County, and lists which raised or lowered next year’s budgets. Five towns — Ashland, Catskill, Durham, Greenville, and Halcott — exceeded the new two-percent state property tax cap next year. And, the unbylined story also notes, that while the county has been slashing its spending to meet budget restraints, spending rose in two departments: the Probation department added $34,845 in its personnel budget and new County Administrator’s office added $29,269 to its budget. The breakdown by towns:
• Ashland: 5.6 percent tax increase
• Athens: 1 percent increase
• Cairo: .3 percent decrease
• Catskill: 4.7 percent increase
• Coxsackie: 1.2 percent increase
• Durham: 4.8 percent increase
• Greenville: 2.8 percent increase
• Halcott: 5.6 percent increase
• Hunter: .9 percent decrease
• Jewett: 1.8 percent increase
• Lexington: .6 percent decrease
• New Baltimore: 1.2 percent increase
• Prattsville: 1.2 percent decrease
• Windham: 1.9 percent decrease
From Windham Mountain's website.
Tags: Hunter Mountain, skiing, snow, Windham Mountain
Local weather forecast
Today’s forecast is specific to Hunter.
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for Western Greene County through 6 a.m. Thursday. Ten to 14 inches of snow are possible on the Greene County mountaintop, while two to four are predicted for the valleys. Thursday should be mostly sunny, with a high near 35, with wind gusts as high as 28 mph. Thursday night should be mostly cloudy, with a low around 20. The rest of the weekend forecast:
• Friday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 42.
• Saturday: Partly sunny, with a high near 30.
• Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 31.
Weather in Harlemville
From the Hawthorne Valley Farm Weather Page. When the computer at Hawthorne Valley is turned on, the Hawthorne Valley Farm Weather Page reports weather information live from Harlemville. Check dates and times at bottom of image to see whether reports are live or from when the computer was last turned off.
Town meetings today
This is the second Thursday of the month.
CHATHAM Village meeting at 7:30 p.m. at Village Hall, 77 Main Street, Chatham (392-5821).
COPAKE Town Board meeting at 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 230 Mountainview Road, Copake (329-1234).
GALLATIN Town Board meeting at 6:30 p.m. at Town Hall, 667 Route 7, Ancram (398-7519).
GREENE COUNTY Finance & Audit committee meets at 5 p.m. at County Building, 411 Main St., Catskill (719-3270).
KINDERHOOK Planning Board Workshop meeting at 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 4 Church St, Niverville (784-2233).
LIVINGSTON Town board meets at 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 119 County Route 19.
STUYVESANT Town board meets at 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 5 Sunset Drive, Stuyvesant (758-6248).
TANNERSVILLE Village trustees meet at 7 p.m. in their Village Hall on Route 23A.
WINDHAM Town board meets at 8 p.m. at Town Hall, 371 State Rt. 296, Hensonville (734-4170).
The skies above
SUNRISE/SUNSET 7:07 a.m./ 4:28 p.m.
MOONRISE/MOONSET 3:07 p.m. / 5:17 a.m.
WGXC Program Notes
Special Programming Thu. Dec. 8:
• “Tell It Like It Is,” 10 a.m.: Richard Grossman, a local activist and organizer who died on November 22, 2011, is profiled.
Audio clips for WGXC programmers
This information is not meant to be read on-air.
The information below are options of pre-recorded material hosts can choose to play.
New PSAs/STATION IDs
• A_OFF_PSA_20111209_dot_holiday_concert.mp3
• A OFF PSA 20111226 Coop Ext Little Theater in the Woods.mp3
• A_OFF_PSA_20120119_farm_film_fest_4 in Chatham at Crandell Theatre.mp3
• A_OFF_PSA_20120128_catskill_filmvid_fest.mp3
Audio headlines for top of the hour
• 5 a.m.: WGXC News 7:12 PLAY CLIP also International Network News (INN), through Audioport 3:09
• 6 a.m.: WGXC News 7:12 PLAY CLIP also International Network News (INN), through Audioport 3:09
• 7 a.m.: WGXC News 7:12 PLAY CLIP also International Network News (INN), through Audioport 3:09
• 9 a.m.: WGXC News 7:12 PLAY CLIP also International Network News (INN), through Audioport 3:09
• 4 p.m.: International Network News (INN), through Audioport
• 5 p.m.: Free Speech Radio News headlines, through fsrn.org
• Midnight: International Network News (INN), through Audioport
Tags: town meetings
Governor Andrew Cuomo’s Upstate Storm and Recovery Task Force announced Monday in Windham that they are indeed giving the Town of Windham a five-year, no-interest loan of $882,000. Last week voters in Windham approved the town taking out a million dollar loan to fix the Windham-Ashland-Jewett school damaged by the flooding associated with Hurricane Irene. At the meeting, Governor Cuomo also announced that he has asked Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano for FEMA to cover 90 percent of the recovery costs instead of the normal 75 percent. Many local towns including Windham and Prattsville are facing enormous clean-up bills if FEMA only covers 75 percent of the costs, and are wondering how they will ever raise enough to clean up all the damage. Cuomo also announced $1.5 million in grants to help small businesses in nine municipalities in three counties in the first round of awards from the $3 million Main Street Fund to help local businesses recover. Other items from the Upstate Storm and Recovery Task Force meeting in Windham:
• Main Street Fund
Greene, Schoharie, and Delaware counties are each receiving $500,000 through the New York State Agricultural and Community Recovery Fund to provide money to Main Street businesses money to rehabilitate buildings for commercial and main street residential use, repair and replace permanent fixtures and equipment, as well as for inventory and working capital. In Greene County: Prattsville, Hunter, Windham, and Catskill will get funds; in Schoharie County: Middleburgh and Schoharie; in Delaware County: Margaretville, Fleischmanns and Sidney.
• Highway Repairs
More than 400 road segments and bridges were closed on the state highway system after Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee hit the area last summer. As of November 28, three highways and three bridges remain closed.
• Assistance for New York Farms
The State Department of Agriculture and Markets has issued contracts to 25 Conservation Districts for over 353 awarded farms ($4,519,817) using the $15 million Agricultural Community Recovery Fund. Construction and farmland restoration is underway on many if not all of the most devastated farms. The program also has a farm operations component to aid farmers who lost feed in the flood and farmers who have continued operation of their farm stands, farmers’ markets efforts and CSAs. For this program, 196 applications have been submitted, and grants will be distributed in the near future. Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: Andrew Cuomo, Hurricane Irene, schools, Tropical Storm Lee, Windham-Ashland-Jewett School District
Jim Planck in The Daily Mail reports that election canvassing to determine winners in local elections begins this weekend. Columbia County will begin a total count of all votes, absentee and otherwise, Friday, Nov. 18, and Greene County follows suit on Tuesday, Nov. 22, per a court ordered recount for a New York state Supreme Court 3rd Judge race. That office represents seven counties, including Columbia and Greene, and so the many close races that may be determined by absentee ballots have to follow the schedule. Planck cites the following local races that may still be undecided:
• Prattsville, write-in candidate Alan Huggins leads 155 to incumbent Democrat Kory O’Hara’s 140.
• Lexington, Democrat incumbent Lynn Byrne and Republican William Pushman are tied with 157 votes for the second council seat.
• Hunter, Democrat David Kukle leads with 419, over Republican and Common Sense candidate Paul Solodar, with 405 for the second council seat.
• Coxsackie, Republican Rick Hanse has 800 votes, while Democrat incumbent Donald Daoust has 790.
• Halcott, write-in Pete Ballard may affect the outcome, Planck hints.
• Hudson, for Mayor, Republican William Hallenbeck has 760 votes, versus Democrat Nick Haddad with 733, with perhaps 200 absentees ballots.
• Greenport, for Town Supervisor, Republican and Conservative John J. Porreca, Sr. leads 590 to Democrat and Independence incumbent Edward F. Nabozny’s 584.
• New Lebanon, the Town Justice so far is Democrat, Conservative, and Independence candidate Darcy L. Poppy with 350 votes, to Republican Jack Nevers’ 348.
Read the full story in The Daily Mail.
Tags: election results, elections
WGXC volunteer Elaine Fernandez, on her blog WiThePeople.com, talks regularly with folks affected by the weak economy. Here, she speaks with Justin Palmer, of Tannersville, and Rebecca Zindell, of Catskill, at Columbia-Greene Community College, where the local department of labor’s one-stop career center is located. Palmer was there in response to an unemployment mandate; Zindell is a student. Palmer lost his job about two months ago and receives unemployment insurance benefits. He is 33-years-old and he said he’s never had a problem finding work, until now. Zindell talks about her financial situation. Fernandez’s show “What’s Going On” with an interview with the founder of the proposed Acres Food Co-Op in Hudson, Peter Pehrson, airs at 3 p.m. today, Tue., Nov. 15 on WGXC 90.7-FM. Read the full story at WiThePeople.com.
Tags: Columbia-Greene Community College, education, local video, unemployment
Local weather forecast
The National Weather Service says there is a 30 percent chance of showers, mainly before 9 a.m. Tuesday. Then, mostly cloudy, with a high near 63. Tuesday night, there is a 30 percent chance of showers, mainly after 1 a.m. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 44. The rest of the week:
• Wednesday: A 50 percent chance of showers, with a high near 55.
• Thursday: A 20 percent chance of rain and/or snow showers before 10 a.m., with a high near 44.
• Friday: Sunny, with a high near 47.
Town meetings today
ATHENS Greene County Emergency Services Director John Farrell talks about the impact of Hurricane Irene on Greene County. Call 945-2700. At 11 a.m. at Rivertown Senior Center, 39 2nd St., Athens.
COLUMBIA COUNTY Health and Medical Services Committee meets at 4 p.m. at 401 State St. in Hudson.
DURHAM Town Board meets at 7:30 p.m. at Town Building, 7309 State Rt. 81, East Durham (239-8260).
HILLSDALE The Preliminary Budget of the Town of Hillsdale for the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2012, has been completed and filed in the office of the Town Clerk, Hillsdale, NY, where it is available for inspection by any interested persons at regular Town Clerk Hours. The Town Board of the Town of Hillsdale will meet and hold a Public Hearing where any person may be heard in favor of or against any item or items therein contained. PURSUANT to Section 108 of the Town Law, the proposed salaries of the following Town Officers are hereby specified as follows: Supervisor, $11,367; Town Council, four (4) at $4,102.50 each; Town Clerk, $16,471; Justices, two (2) at $9,195; Tax Collector, $4,259; Highway Superintendent, $53,681. Meeting at 7:30 p.m. at Town Hall on Main Street (325-5073).
HUDSON 5 p.m. Finance Committee meeting; 7 p.m. Regular Common Council meeting at City Hall, 520 Warren Street, Hudson (828-1030).
HUNTER Meeting at 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 5748 Route 23A, Tannersville (589-6150).
LEXINGTON Town board meeting at 7 p.m., at Municipal Building, 3542 Route 42, Lexington, (986-6303).
TAGHKANIC Planning Board workshop meeting at 7 p.m. at Town Hall on Route 82 in West Taghkanic (851-7638).
Columbia County gas prices
The Register-Star surveys Columbia County gas prices this week:
• Gulf, Valatie: $3.51
• Xtra Fuels, Valatie: $3.52
• Mobil, Hudson: $3.53
• Hess (2), Hudson: $3.53
• Sunoco, Hudson: $3.54
The skies above
SUNRISE/SUNSET 6:42 a.m./ 4:39 p.m.
MOONRISE/MOONSET 8:45 p.m. / 10:41 a.m.
Birthdays
November 15 Felix Frankfurter, Georgia O’Keeffe, Ed Asner, J. G. Ballard, Clyde McPhatter, and Ol’ Dirty Bastard.
WGXC Program Notes
Special Programming Tue. Nov. 15:
3 p.m.: “What’s Going On?” Elaine Fernandez talks to Peter Pherson about the proposed Acres Food Co-Op in Hudson.
Audio clips for WGXC programmers
This information is not meant to be read on-air.
New PSAs/STATION IDs
• A OFF PSA 20111117 Coop Ext Stream Spotters.mp3
• A OFF PSA 20111130 Coop Ext Water Wells.mp3
Audio headlines for top of the hour
• 5 a.m.: WGXC News 10:06 PLAY CLIP also International Network News (INN), through Audioport. 3:10
• 6 a.m.: WGXC News 10:06 PLAY CLIP also International Network News (INN), through Audioport. 3:10
• 7 a.m.: WGXC News 10:06 PLAY CLIP also International Network News (INN), through Audioport. 3:10
• 9 a.m.: WGXC News 10:06 PLAY CLIP also International Network News (INN), through Audioport. 3:10
• 4 p.m.: International Network News (INN), through Audioport
• 5 p.m.: Free Speech Radio News headlines, through fsrn.org
• Midnight: International Network News (INN), through Audioport
Tags: town meetings
Local weather forecast
The National Weather Service says there is a 40 percent chance of showers Monday, mainly after 11 a.m. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a high near 59. Monday night showers are also likely, mainly between 2 a.m. and 3 a.m. Cloudy, with a low around 50. The rest of the week:
Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 59.
Wednesday: A 40 percent chance of showers. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a high near 57.
Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 47.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 48.
Town meetings today
ASHLAND Town Board meeting at 7:30 p.m. at Town Hall, Main Street, Ashland (734-3636)
CATSKILL The Village of Catskill Board of Trustees holds a public hearing to consider a 10 percent increase to the current water and sewer rates. Rate increases to be as follows: Inside User Rate Units Water Sewer 0-10 $3.30/unit $3.52/unit 11-20 $3.93/unit $4.08/unit 21-40 $4.23/unit $4.53/unit 41+ $4.38/unit $4.81/unit Outside User Rate Units Water Sewer 0-10 $6.66/unit $6.64/unit 11-20 $7.87/unit $8.16/unit 21-40 $8.47/unit $9.07/unit 41+ $8.77/unit $9.63/unit (1 unit =750 gallons). Village meeting at 7 p.m. at the Firehouse, 1 Central Ave. (behind Walgreens) (943-3830).
COPAKE Environmental Committee meeting at 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 230 Mt. View Road, Copake (329-1234).
GREENE COUNTY LEGISLATURE holds Buildings & Grounds, Conservation, Public Safety, Highway, Government Operations, and Finance committee meetings at 6 p.m. at County Building, 411 Main St., Catskill (719-3270).
HUDSON Common Council workshop meeting at 7 p.m., City Hall, 520 Warren Street, Hudson (828-1030).
HUNTER The Village of Hunter Board of Trustees holds a Public Hearing at 7:30 p.m. to discuss a proposed Sign Law amending with certain modifications Local Law # 2 of 1994, a local law known as Village of Hunter Sign Law. Village meeting follows at 8 p.m. at Hunter Town Hall, 5748 23A, Tannersville.
NEW BALTIMORE Town meeting at 7:30 p.m. at 3809 Rt. 51, Hannacroix (756-6671)/
PRATTSVILLE Town meeting at 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 14517 Main St., Prattsville (299-3125).
TAGHKANIC The Town Board of the Town of Taghkanic holds a Public Hearing regarding the fire protection contract between the Town of Taghkanic and the Taghkanic Volunteer Fire Company No. 1, Inc. The proposed agreement will provide payment to the Fire Company to provide fire protection services. At 6:30 p.m. at Taghkanic Town Hall, 909 Route 82, Taghkanic.
Greene County gas prices
The Greenville Mountain View Pioneer surveys Greene County gas prices this week:
• Slater’s Smart Shop, Cairo: $3.61
• Cumberland Farms, Cairo: $3.62
• Cumberland Farms, Greenville: $3.67
• Stewart’s, Cairo: $3.67
• Cumberland Farms, Coxsackie: $3.67
The skies above
SUNRISE/SUNSET 6:41 a.m./ 4:40 p.m.
MOONRISE/MOONSET 7:44 p.m. / 9:59 a.m.
Birthdays
November 14 Joseph McCarthy, Wendy Carlos, P.J. O’Rourke, Condoleezza Rice, Tom Judson, and Curt Schilling.
WGXC Program Notes
Special Programming Mon. Nov. 14:
Audio clips for WGXC programmers
This information is not meant to be read on-air.
New PSAs/STATION IDs
• A OFF PSA 20111117 Coop Ext Stream Spotters.mp3
• A OFF PSA 20111130 Coop Ext Water Wells.mp3
Audio headlines for top of the hour
• 5 a.m.: WGXC News 6:18 PLAY CLIP also International Network News (INN), through Audioport. 3:04
• 6 a.m.: WGXC News 6:18 PLAY CLIP also International Network News (INN), through Audioport. 3:04
• 7 a.m.: WGXC News 6:18 PLAY CLIP also International Network News (INN), through Audioport. 3:04
• 9 a.m.: WGXC News 6:18 PLAY CLIP also International Network News (INN), through Audioport. 3:04
• 4 p.m.: International Network News (INN), through Audioport
• 5 p.m.: Free Speech Radio News headlines, through fsrn.org
• Midnight: International Network News (INN), through Audioport
Tags: town meetings
Jim Planck in The Windham Journal reports that repairs to Kaaterskill Clove on Route 23A will be finished in November, according to the New York Department of Transportation. “Route 23A is currently open to alternating one-way traffic, controlled by a traffic signal and flaggers,” DOT Senior Public Information Officer Carol Breen otold Planck. “One lane of traffic was compromised by a slope failure caused by excessive flooding in the creek that runs along the highway.” The road links Hunter, Tannersville, Palenville, and other mountain communities with the valley and leads into Catskill, and was damaged in the storms associated with Hurricane Irene. Read the full story in The Windham Journal.
Tags: Hurricane Irene, Route 23A
Local weather forecast
The National Weather Service predicts Tuesday will be partly sunny, with a high near 63. Tuesday night clouds move in, with a low around 43. Wednesday rain begins, mainly after 2 p.m. High near 57. New rainfall amounts between three quarters and one inch possible.
Town meetings today
CAIRO The Planning Board of the Town of Cairo holds a Public Hearing on the planned Hannaford Supermarket in Cairo on Tuesday, Oct.18. It will be held at the Acra Community Center, 645 Old Rt 23, Acra, NY (behind St. Edmond’s Church). Take Rt 23 West to Acra Manor, make a right and go to stop sign, make left onto Old Rt 23 and proceed to Acra Community Center. For more info call the Cairo Town Hall at 518-622-3120. 7 p.m. at Acra Community Center, 645 Old County Route 23, Cairo.
COLUMBIA COUNTY Health and Medical Services Committee meets at 4 p.m. at 401 State St. in Hudson.
DURHAM 7:30 p.m. The Durham Town Board opened a Public Hearing on August 2 for the following proposed Site Plan Reviews which will remain open until further notice: Property owned by Edward Armstrong, parcel 49.00-6-30 located at 1105 Hervey Sunside Road, Cornwallville consisting of approximately 54.80 +/- acres. Their wish is to place a 140’ wind tower on this parcel; And property owned by Robert Stefanko, parcel 63.00-3-8 located at 7591 Rt 23, East Windham consisting of approximately 17.10 +/- acres. Their wish is to place a 120’ wind tower on this parcel. The board meets the first and third Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. Town Board meets at 7:30 p.m. at Town Building, 7309 State Rt. 81, East Durham (239-8260).
HILLSDALE Meeting at 7:30 p.m. at Town Hall on Main Street (325-5073).
HUDSON 5 p.m. Finance Committee meeting; 7 p.m. Regular Common Council meeting at City Hall, 520 Warren Street, Hudson (828-1030).
HUNTER Meeting at 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 5748 Route 23A, Tannersville (589-6150).
LEXINGTON Town board meeting at 7 p.m., at Municipal Building, 3542 Route 42, Lexington, (986-6303).
TAGHKANIC Planning Board workshop meeting at 7 p.m. at Town Hall on Route 82 in West Taghkanic (851-7638).
The skies above
SUNRISE/SUNSET 7:09 a.m./6:13 p.m.
MOONRISE/MOONSET 10:49 p.m. / 1:01 p.m.
Birthdays
October 18 Chuck Berry, Mike Ditka, Laura Nyro, Terry McMillan, Martina Navratilova, and Rick Moody.
WGXC Program Notes
Special Programming on Mon. Oct. 17:
• 4-6 p.m.: On Tuesdays the WGXC Afternoon Show is hosted by Mariel Fiori and Antonio Flores-Lobos, who present news and features and interviews in English and Spanish.
Audio clips for WGXC programmers
This information is not meant to be read on-air.
New PSAs
A OFF PSA 20111030 Pledge Drive
A OFF PSA 20111029 North Chatham Rotary Halloween
A OFF PSA 20111029 Clermont Ghost Tours
Audio headlines for top of the hour
• 5 a.m.: WGXC News 9:58 PLAY CLIP and International Network News (INN), through Audioport.
• 6 a.m.: WGXC News 9:58 PLAY CLIP and International Network News (INN), through Audioport.
• 7 a.m.: WGXC News 9:58 PLAY CLIP and International Network News (INN), through Audioport.
• 9 a.m.: WGXC News 9:58 PLAY CLIP and International Network News (INN), through Audioport.
• 4 p.m.: International Network News (INN), through Audioport
• 5 p.m.: Free Speech Radio News headlines, through fsrn.org
• Midnight: International Network News (INN), through Audioport
Tags: town meetings
Local weather forecast
The National Weather Service predicts rain Thursday, with thunderstorms also possible after noon and a high near 64. Thursday night there is a chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 5 a.m., with a low around 58. Friday more rain is likely, with a high near 70.
Town meetings today
AUSTERLITZ Town of Austerlitz holds a Public Hearing to consider Local Law #3-2011, to override the tax levy limit of general municipal law 3-C. A copy of proposed Local Law #3-2011 will be available with the Town Clerk at the Town Hall. Meeting at 6:45 p.m. at Austerlitz Town Hall, 812 Route 203, Spencertown.
CHATHAM Village meeting at 7:30 p.m. at Village Hall, 77 Main Street, Chatham (392-5821).
COPAKE There will be an open workshop for the 2012 budget at 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 230 Mountainview Road, Copake (329-1234).
GALLATIN Town Board meeting at 6:30 p.m. at Town Hall, 667 Route 7, Ancram (398-7519).
GREENE COUNTY Finance & Audit committee meets at 5 p.m. at County Building, 411 Main St., Catskill (719-3270).
HUNTER The Town of Hunter Town Board conducts a Workshop to discuss the 2012 budget. At 6 p.m. at Hunter Town Hall, 5748 23A, Tannersville.
KINDERHOOK Planning Board Workshop meeting at 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 4 Church St, Niverville (784-2233).
LIVINGSTON Town board meets at 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 119 County Route 19.
STUYVESANT Town board meets at 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 5 Sunset Drive, Stuyvesant (758-6248).
TANNERSVILLE Village trustees meet at 7 p.m. in their Village Hall on Route 23A.
WINDHAM Town board meets at 8 p.m. at Town Hall, 371 State Rt. 296, Hensonville (734-4170).
The skies above
SUNRISE/SUNSET 7:04 a.m./6:21 p.m.
MOONRISE/MOONSET 6:53 p.m. / 8:35 a.m.
Birthdays
October 13 Lenny Bruce, Margaret Thatcher, Nana Mouskouri, Pharoah Sanders, and Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
WGXC Program Notes
Special Programs for Thu. Oct. 13:
• 3 p.m.: Radio Theatre. Today’s show features theme songs from classic radio shows such as “Lux Radio Theatre,” “Philco Radio Time,” “The Lone Ranger,” and others. Also, a horror story for Halloween.
Audio clips for WGXC programmers
This information is not meant to be read on-air.
Audio headlines for top of the hour
• 5 a.m.: WGXC News 5:35 PLAY CLIP and International Network News (INN), through Audioport.
• 6 a.m.: WGXC News 5:35 PLAY CLIP and International Network News (INN), through Audioport.
• 7 a.m.: WGXC News 5:35 PLAY CLIP and International Network News (INN), through Audioport.
• 9 a.m.: WGXC News 5:35 PLAY CLIP and International Network News (INN), through Audioport.
• 4 p.m.: International Network News (INN), through Audioport
• 5 p.m.: Free Speech Radio News headlines, through fsrn.org
• Midnight: International Network News (INN), through Audioport
Tags: town meetings
Columbus Day closings
The Daily Freeman provides this helpful guide to holiday closings:
Amtrak: Regular schedule
Banks: Closed
County offices: Closed
Federal offices: Closed
Financial markets: Open
Greene County Transit: No service
Mail delivery: None
Metro-North: Regular schedule
Schools: Closed
State offices: Closed
Trailways: Holiday schedule
Local weather forecast
The National Weather Service predicts patchy fog before 9 a.m. Monday. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 79. Monday night, again, there could be patchy fog after 4 a.m., and otherwise, mostly clear, with a low around 50. Tuesday should be mostly sunny, with a high near 76.
Town meetings today
ASHLAND Town Board meeting at 7:30 p.m. at Town Hall, Main Street, Ashland (734-3636)
CATSKILL Village meeting at 7 p.m. at the Firehouse, 1 Central Ave. (behind Walgreens) (943-3830).
COPAKE Environmental Committee meeting at 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 230 Mt. View Road, Copake (329-1234).
GREENE COUNTY LEGISLATURE Holds Buildings & Grounds, Conservation, Public Safety, Highway, Government Operations, and Finance committee meetings at 6 p.m. at County Building, 411 Main St., Catskill (719-3270).
HUDSON Common Council workshop meeting at 7 p.m., City Hall, 520 Warren Street, Hudson (828-1030).
HUNTER Village meeting at 8 p.m.
NEW BALTIMORE Town meeting at 7:30 p.m. at 3809 Rt. 51, Hannacroix (756-6671)
PRATTSVILLE Town meeting at 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 14517 Main St., Prattsville (299-3125).
The skies above
SUNRISE/SUNSET 7:01 a.m./6:25 p.m.
MOONRISE/MOONSET 5:27 a.m. / 5:41 a.m.
Birthdays
October 6 Thelonious Monk, Peter Coyote, David Lee Roth, Kirsty MacColl, Daniel Pearl, and Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Columbus Day activities
• The Hudson River Sloop Clearwater visits Hudson’s waterfront with a folk music singalong from 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m at Henry Hudson Riverfront Park, between the Amtrak Station and the Hudson River.
• Local band Voodelic performs at Club Helsinki Monday evening. CDs on shelf and songs in Campcaster.
WGXC Program Notes
• For Columbus Day the “WGXC Afternoon Show” explores the legacy of Christopher Columbus with interviews with University of Albany Professor Kitty Pelerin, indigenous community leaders, local community members and music from hip-hop artists, Antithesis, Head-Roc, and Alixa & Naima; as well as folk singer Buffy Sainte-Marie. Compiled by Cory Fischer-Hoffman, Eli Stogsdill, Kieran Riley, Shannekia McIntosh, and Greg Osofsky. Tune in the “WGXC Afternoon Show” Monday through Friday from 4-6 p.m.
Local audio clips for WGXC programmers
This information is not meant to be read on-air.
Audio headlines for top of the hour
Hosts of the WGXC Morning Show and WGXC Afternoon Show can play headlines from Media Minutes and International News Network at the top of the hour through Pacifica’s Audioport.
• 5 a.m.: Media Minutes, through Audioport
• 6 a.m.: Media Minutes, through Audioport
• 7 a.m.: Media Minutes, through Audioport
• 9 a.m.: Media Minutes, through Audioport
• 4 p.m.: International Network News (INN), through Audioport
• 5 p.m.: Free Speech Radio News headlines, through fsrn.org
With that you can package
• A Very Incomplete Calendar
Terry Doyle’s weekly roundup of Hudson Valley music events. From his show “Imprint,” Sundays at 11 p.m. on WGXC. PLAY CLIP
Long files you could also play today
• Ralph Nader’s speech at Occupy DC 2011 this past Sat., Oct. 8, from Pacifica through Audioport.
Tags: Columbus Day, Sloop Clearwater, town meetings, Voodelic
House to vote on delaying cement plant mercury rule
The Post-Star reports that the U.S. House of Representatives is expected to vote Thursday on legislation that would delay the implementation of a new federal Environmental Protection Agency regulation meant to reduce mercury emissions from cement plants. “We’re not striking them. But let’s delay them for 15 months and give the EPA time to repropose and finalize them. And also direct the EPA to make sure that these rules comply with the President’s executive order on regulations,” said Stephanie Valle, a spokeswoman for U.S. Rep. Chris Gibson, R-Kinderhook. The Holcim Cement plant in Catskill is in Gibson’s district. H.R. 2681, the Cement Sector Regulatory Relief Act of 2011, would, according to the Post-Star:
• Give the EPA at least 15 months to re-propose and finalize revised rules for cement manufacturing facilities;
• Extend compliance deadlines from three to at least five years to allow facilities time to comply with standards and install new equipment.
In February, Gibson voted for an amendment the House passed to suspend EPA funding for implementation and enforcement of the rule, but the Senate voted the amendment down. This time the House is voting on delaying implementation, but not suspending funding. Read the full story in the Post-Star.
Free Speech Radio News, which airs on WGXC at 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, aired a report on this issue on its newscast Wed., Oct. 5. Click here to listen to Free Speech Radio News report from Matt Lazlo. PLAY CLIP
Medicaid spending $173 million less in August
Governor Andrew Cuomo is touting his “Medicaid Redesign Team,” as its measures enacted in the state budget in April resulted in savings in August of $173 million, or 2.5 percent lower. Monthly, New York State spends $6.8 billion on the program. “Governor Cuomo’s initiative to reform Medicaid represents an unprecedented effort to bring the public into the process of improving health care, controlling health care costs, and reforming health care in New York State,” said Health Commissioner Nirav R. Shah, M.D., M.P.H in a press release. “With the hard work and dedication of the legislature, the industry, and the public, New York is becoming a model for the nation in improving health outcomes while controlling growth.”
GEIS and the ten-day waiting period
Carole Osterink reports in The Gossips of Rivertown that Common Council President Don Moore issued this statement to members of the Council and the press, though not WGXC, at 4:58 this afternoon:
“Regarding the ten day period called for by SEQRA, the City is required to wait ten days after the filing of a completed GEIS before agreeing on a Findings Statement, the summary of findings from the GEIS. The City filed its notice of completion of the GEIS with the involved agencies on October 4. The ten day period will end at the close of business Friday, October 14. During that ten day period, concerned parties may file comments with the City. The City does not have an obligation to reply to the comments as was the case during the official public comment period in early 2010.”
Monday, Sept. 26 Moore and the Common Council passed the GEIS without first allowing the public to speak at a special meeting at the Hudson Central Fire Station. Click here to listen to the entire meeting recorded by Dan Udell. PLAY CLIP
Seward in Catskill
New York State Senator James Seward (R/C/I–Oneonta) will attend the Greene County Department for the Aging Volunteer Recognition Luncheon at 12:30 p.m. Thursday, October 6 at the First Baptist Church in Catskill. The ceremony is to honor folks in the Retired & Senior Volunteer Program. First Baptist Church is at 20 West Main St. in Catskill.
Mountain Top Arboretum photo contest winners
The Mountain Top Arboretum announced the winners of its photo contest Wed., Oct. 5. Dustin Draffen took first place, Nicholas Spychalsky took second, and Zachary Tripsas won third place.
From left to right in photo provided by Mountain Top Arboretum, Principal of the Hunter-Tannersville Middle/High School Simon Williams, winners Dustin Draffen and Zachary Tripsas, and Executive Director of the Mountain Top Arboretum Joan Kutcher.
THURSDAY AUDIO
Click on titles or PLAY CLIP to listen to mp3 audio clips.
• Wall Street Song
Performed by Chris Neumann. PLAY CLIP
Tags: Andrew Cuomo, cement, Don Moore, GEIS, Holcim, Hudson GEIS, Hudson LWRP, Hudson waterfront, James Seward, Joan Kutcher, local audio, LWRP, Medicaid, mercury, Mountain Top Arboretum, Simon Williams
Anyone got a spare $10 million?
Earlier in the week in The Daily Mail Greene County Administrator Shaun Groden said it would cost about $10 million to fix Greene County’s roads and bridges damaged from the storms associated with Hurricane Irene. Similarly, Michael Ryan in the Windham Journal has a long story looking at Prattsville’s future, and Town Supervisor Kory O’Hara estimates it will take $10 million to return the town to normal. And it is not as simple, or difficult, as finding huge sums of money. Political fingerpointing has already begun, budgetary constraints may delay repairs for years, and many residents have left or are considering leaving as winter approaches.
Ryan’s story paints a grim picture in Prattsville. The Prattsville Relief Fund has collected $112,000 in donations, and are about to begin distributing the funds to needy locals. Prattsville is considering borrowing $2 million in low-interest bonds. The Young’s Agway Store in town is selling everything for half price. The New York Times recently painted a vivid tale of life at the Prattsville Tavern, which has stayed open even without a bar. The town has begun holding meetings every Monday evening. “A lot of people are holding up their hands, saying they’re going,” Ryan reports one resident said. “What incentive do we have to stay when this can all just happen again?” O’Hara warns that Prattsville is a small town, and if it loses 30 homes, there could be a 30 percent increase in taxes for anyone left. Soon it will be cold, making staying that much more difficult.
Jim Planck in The Windham Journal reports that there is some money coming to help. The Catskill Watershed Corporation diverted $5 million from its Catskill Fund for the Future, for direct aid to storm-damaged businesses and towns. “That ($5,000,000) was then divided among the (five) watershed counties,” County Legislator and Hunter town attorney Larry Gardner told Planck. Greene County gets $930,500 in total, with Prattsville getting $600,000, roughly, Windham about $250,000, and Hunter receiving $90,000. Ashland, Jewett, Lexington, and Halcott, Planck reports, have indicated no businesses eligible for the funds. The Greene County Industrial Development Agency has also set aside $100,000 in another program.
Thursday, Sept. 29, the New York City Department of Environmental Protection added $1 million to that CWC fund, Mid-Hudson News reported, so those town figures should all rise in proportion. The DEP says it has also provided $1 million in in-kind contributions of manpower, equipment, and materials to assist Catskills communities flooded by the storms. The $1 million donation announcement comes in the face of heavy criticism of the DEP from people in Prattsville. “Folks are angry about the streams, claiming DEP won’t let the town maintain them right,” Ryan writes in The Windham Journal. “O’Hara said he talked to DEP Commissioner Carter Strickland shortly after the storm. ‘I told him what we think they did to us and that we needed money to fix our problems. It’s been thirty days and we haven’t heard anything from them,’” O’Hara told the reporter. It looks like O’Hara is now hearing Prattsville might be getting about $120,000 from the DEP, a drop in the bucket, to pardon the pun, of the $10 million Prattsville needs.
Groden, the new Greene County administrator, is using the storm to attack Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s two-percent property tax cap. “Our requirement under the two percent cap means we couldn’t increase the tax levy by more than $350,000. So, we can’t make repairs with the cap, unless the residents are willing wait four to five years,” said Groden. The math is that if the bill is $10 million, the county has to pay for $1,250,000 of that, and the tax cap only allows the county to raise $350,000 per year.
Concert for the Catskills
The Catskill Glee Club, Phil Brown (of Little Feat), members of the Allman Brothers Band, Kitty Kelly, Peter Head, The Trapps, Voodelic, the Jonny Monster Band, Abby Lappen, Steve Charney, Rhett Tyler, and the dancers from the Mike Farrell School of Irish Dance are among the many performers at the “Concert for the Catskills” Oct. 1-2 at the Michael J. Quill Irish Cultural Center (2267 Route 145) in East Durham which benefits storm victims. Performances take from noon until 10 p.m. Saturday and noon until 7 p.m. Sunday, and styles range from Irish to rock to country to folk to comedy and dance. Community Action of Greene County will make sure all of the money raised goes to Greene County storm victims.
Tags: Hurricane Irene, Kory O’Hara, Larry Gardner, Shaun Groden
The National Weather Service predicts showers, mainly before noon, high near 67 on Tuesday. Overnight should be mostly cloudy, with a low around 55. Wednesday, the prediction is a slight chance of showers after 2 p.m. Otherwise partly sunny, with a high near 74.
Town meetings today
COLUMBIA COUNTY Health and Medical Services Committee meets at 4 p.m. at 401 State St. in Hudson.
DURHAM Town Board meets at 7:30 p.m. at Town Building, 7309 State Rt. 81, East Durham (239-8260).
HILLSDALE Meeting at 7:30 p.m. at Town Hall on Main Street (325-5073).
HUDSON 5 p.m. Finance Committee meeting; 7 p.m. Regular Common Council meeting at City Hall, 520 Warren Street, Hudson (828-1030).
HUNTER Meeting at 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 5748 Route 23A, Tannersville (589-6150).
LEXINGTON Town board meeting at 7 p.m., at Municipal Building, 3542 Route 42, Lexington, (986-6303).
TAGHKANIC Planning Board workshop meeting at 7 p.m. at Town Hall on Route 82 in West Taghkanic (851-7638).
The skies above
TIDES Hudson: High, 8:59 p.m./Low, 2:44 a.m.
SUNRISE/SUNSET 6:41 a.m./6:58 p.m.
MOONRISE/MOONSET 11:58 p.m. /2:20 p.m.
Last Quarter Moon: 8:40 a.m.
Birthdays
September 20 Upton Sinclair, Jelly Roll Morton, Anne Meara, Sophia Loren, and George R. R. Martin.
Tune in today
WGXC MORNING SHOW Philip Grant presents the morning news, music, other features, agriculture reporting, and more. 6-8 a.m.
DEMOCRACY NOW! Hosted by Amy Goodman. 8 a.m.
WGXC MORNING SHOW Philip Grant updates of the morning news. 9 a.m.
AL JAZEERA ENGLISH International news. 11 a.m.
VOCAL CHORDS Andrew Sosnowski hosts. Noon-2 p.m.
YOUTH RADIO 3:30 p.m.
WGXC AFTERNOON SHOW Ann Forbes Cooper and Richard Roth host. 4-6 p.m.
AL JAZEERA ENGLISH 6 p.m.
FREE SPEECH RADIO NEWS 6:30 p.m.
JMOORE Jeff Moore hosts. 7 p.m.
BATTLEFIELD EARTH Dan Seward plays all sorts of music. 9:30 p.m.
TRANSMISSION ART Radio theater, experimental sound, field recordings, radio art, mash-ups, shortwave radio news, and more midnight through 6 a.m. Wednesday morning.
Tags: town meetings
The National Weather Service predicts a 30 percent chance of showers, with a high near 75. Rain should cease by midnight, with a low overnight around 58. Tuesday should be sunny, with a high near 77.
Town meetings today
ASHLAND Town Board meeting at 7:30 p.m. at Town Hall, Main Street, Ashland (734-3636)
CATSKILL Village meeting at 7 p.m. at the Firehouse, 1 Central Ave. (behind Walgreens) (943-3830).
COPAKE Environmental Committee meeting at 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 230 Mt. View Road, Copake (329-1234).
COXSACKIE The Village of Coxsackie holds a Public Hearing on September 12, 2011 at 6:45 p.m. for Local Law #1 of 2011 entitled “Administration and Enforcement of the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code Law” which will repeal in its entirety the current Chapter 66 of the Village of Coxsackie Code and create a new Chapter 66. At 6:45 p.m. at Coxsackie Town Hall, 16 Reed St., Coxsackie.
GREENE COUNTY LEGISLATURE holds Buildings & Grounds, Conservation, Public Safety, Highway, Government Operations, and Finance committee meetings at 6 p.m. at County Building, 411 Main St., Catskill (719-3270).
HUDSON Common Council workshop meeting at 7 p.m., City Hall, 520 Warren Street, Hudson (828-1030).
HUNTER Village meeting at 8 p.m.
NEW BALTIMORE Town meeting at 7:30 p.m. at 3809 Rt. 51, Hannacroix (756-6671)/
PRATTSVILLE Town meeting at 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 14517 Main St., Prattsville (299-3125).
STOCKPORT The Town Board of Stockport holds a public hearing to approve or not a contract for completion of the latest phase of the Colmbiaville Ballfield Project and possibly authorize more work or anything else that comes before the board. 6 p.m. at Stockport Town Hall, 2787 Atlantic Ave., Stottville.
The skies above
TIDES Hudson: High, 3:18 p.m./Low, 9:23 a.m.
SUNRISE/SUNSET 6:33 a.m./7:12 p.m.
MOONRISE/MOONSET 6:58 p.m. / 6:48 a.m. / Full Moon: 4:28 a.m.
Birthdays
September 12 H. L. Mencken, Jesse Owens, George Jones, Leonard Peltier, and Barry White.
Tune in today
WGXC MORNING SHOW Philip Grant presents the morning news, music, other features, agriculture reporting, and more. 6-8 a.m.
DEMOCRACY NOW! Hosted by Amy Goodman. 8 a.m.
WGXC MORNING SHOW Philip Grant updates of the morning news. 9 a.m.
AL JAZEERA ENGLISH International news. 11 a.m.
MONDAY MUSIC MATINEE Lincoln Mayorga plays classical music. Noon-2 p.m.
THE AG SHOW Kieran Reilly talks agriculture. 2 p.m.
YOUTH RADIO 3:30 p.m.
WGXC AFTERNOON SHOW Kaya Weidman and Greg Osofsky updates storm recovery news, and other news. 4-6 p.m.
AL JAZEERA ENGLISH 6 p.m.
FREE SPEECH RADIO NEWS 6:30 p.m.
COWBOY MYSTERY HOUR Kurt and Doug host, and play everything from folk to country to rock. 7 p.m.
LIVE FROM SPOTTY DOG DJ Lunar Moss usually plays vinyl records in this time slot, but tonight is playing a live show at Spotty Dog Books & Ale in Hudson with Barn Owl and Silent Isle. A webcast of the show will begin at 8 p.m. live at wgxc.org, and the show will be live on 90.7-FM at 9:30 p.m. until it ends.
TRANSMISSION ART Radio theater, experimental sound, field recordings, radio art, mash-ups, shortwave radio news, and more midnight through 6 a.m. Tuesday morning.
Tags: town meetings
Columbia County election information
Primary votes are being held Tuesday, September 13, from noon until 9 p.m., and every election district in Columbia County will be voting. Depending on the municipality, voters enrolled in the Democratic, Republican, Conservative, or Independence parties may have a primary election in which they may cast a ballot. Eligible voters are those who have been enrolled in those parties for some time or those who changed their enrollment to those parties earlier than mid-October of 2010. The Columbia County Board of Elections is open for absentee voting today, Fri. Sept. 9 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 10, from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m., and Monday, Sept. 12, from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.
• There are countywide races on the Republican and on the Independence Party lines for County Judge. Additionally, there is a citywide opportunity-to-ballot race for mayor on the Democratic line.
• An opportunity-to-ballot race is one in which no candidate’s name appears on the ballot, providing an opportunity for enrolled Democratic voters, in the case of the City of Hudson, to write in the candidate of their choice. All other primary races similarly offer an opportunity for write-ins, as well. Commissioners Virginia Martin, Democratic, and Jason Nastke, Republican, confirm that, as New York State is a “voter intent” state, they will recognize as valid votes reasonable variations in candidates’ names as they may be written in by voters, or slight deviations in where on the ballot the voter writes in the candidate’s name. Each ballot provides a separate row, under the party row, that says “Write In,” which is where a write-in name is intended to be entered.
• 108th Assembly District (Chatham, Kinderhook, New Lebanon, and Stuyvesant), Independence, for Judicial Delegates and for Judicial Delegate Alternates
• Hudson 1-1, Democratic, for Supervisor and for Alderman
• Hudson 3-1, Democratic, for Supervisor
• Copake, Independence, for Justice
• Gallatin, Republican, for County Committee
• Greenport, Independence, for Supervisor and Highway Superintendent
• Kinderhook, Conservative and Independence, for Justice
• Kinderhook, Independence, for Tax Collector
• New Lebanon, Independence, for Supervisor
• Stockport, Independence, for Supervisor and Town Council
• Stuyvesant, Independence, for Supervisor and Town Council
• Voters have been notified of the many changes in pollsites in Chatham, Claverack, Copake, Ghent, Greenport, Hudson, Kinderhook, Livingston, Stockport, and Stuyvesant. Updated election-district maps are at columbiacountyny.com/depts/elections/districts.html. The Board of Elections can be reached at 828-3115.
COLUMBIA COUNTY REPUBLICANS WEBSITE
COLUMBIA COUNTY DEMOCRATS WEBSITE
COLUMBIA COUNTY INDEPENDENCE PARTY
COLUMBIA COUNTY CONSERVATIVE PARTY
Greene County’s Board of Election website offers no information about upcoming primary elections.
Mountain Top Arboretum acquires 156 acres in Tannersville
The Mountain Top Arboretum, in Tannersville, is acquiring 156 acres adjoining its existing 23 acres of nature preserve through a conservation easement with the Department of Environmental Protection of the City of New York. “This land is beautiful and unspoiled Catskill native forest with streams and marsh” said Larry McCaffrey, Chairman of the Mountain Top Arboretum, in a press release. “It fits perfectly in our mission to present varied natural environments from woodland to wetland to forest for our visitors. These diverse landscapes provide perspective on the entire ecosystem and its role in water conservation.”
Cuomo likes Obama jobs plan
Governor Andrew Cuomo made this statement last night after President Obama’s speech about jobs:
“Tonight, President Obama laid out a real plan to jumpstart the economy and put Americans back to work. The President realizes that it is essential that creating jobs be the top priority at all levels of government. As the President said, politics cannot come before the urgent need to put Americans back to work. This is a plan that can and should be supported by officials of all political stripes and we need to see the Congress move this nation forward.”
Cairo history gets political
The Cairo Historical Society dunk tank at the “Temperance & TommyGuns” event Sept. 17 on Main St. Cairo will include all sorts of local political figures. Both candidates for Town Supervisor: incumbent Republican John Coyne and Democrat challenger Ted Banta. There is also John Gallagher facing local dunking, who is on the Zoning Commission, which has faced intense criticism in town, and “Unk” Slater who also seems to arouse controversy sometimes at Cairo town meetings. Here’s the line up: 11:30 a.m.: Unk Slater; noon: John Coyne; 12:30: Heather Maasmann; 1 p.m.: John Gallagher; 1:30 Hillary Higgins; 2 p.m.: Steve Rumph; 2:30: Jerry Buckley; 3 p.m.: Derick Hasenkopf; 3:30: Adam Reese; 4 p.m.: Ted Banta; 4:30: Karey Quinn.
Storm recovery updates
• Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Thu. Sept. 8 that damage from Tropical Storm Lee that last several days will probably match or exceed damage from Hurricane Irene last week.
• Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) announced Thu. Sept. 8 that Columbia County is now eligible for Individual and Public Assistance following the destruction done by Hurricane Irene.
• Greene County Emergency Services announced Greene County schools will stay closed through Mon., Sept. 12, when an announcement will be made if they will open Tuesday or Wednesday, or some other day.
Grants available for agriculture damage
Soil and Water Conservation Districts began assessing damage in agricultural disaster areas to identifying projects to restore farms and farmland this week, part of Governor Andrew Cuomo’s $15 million Agricultural and Community Recovery Fund (ACRF).
There are three parts of the program:
• Farm Operations Match Program: This will match farmers’ dollars for the purchase of feed for animals and produce from other New York producers to allow the farms operations to continue;
• On Farm Capital Needs Program: This will provide grants and deferred and low/interest loans to meet the immediate and long-term needs of farmers devastated by Hurricane Irene; and
• Main Street Business Assistance Program: This will provide a combination of grants and low interest loans to help Main Street Businesses get back in operation in eligible counties.
“The land is a farmer’s greatest resource. The conservation component released today will help farmers who have had their land devastated by Hurricane Irene recover,” said Darrel J. Aubertine, Commissioner of Agriculture and Markets.
Fundraisers/ways to help
• If you want to volunteer in Windham, email helpwindham@gmail.com to register and receive instructions.
• Volunteers are desperately needed to help clean up the Prattsville area. Come with protective clothing, N-95 or higher dust masks, goggles, cleaning supplies, gloves, boots, flat shovels, wheelbarrows and pails. Call 734-4938 to volunteer first and ask where you should report for duty.
• Free Shopping Spree for storm victims at the Catskill Elks Club this weekend, Sept. 9-10 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Anyone in need can get what they want at the Catskill Elks Club, 45 North Jefferson Ave. Call 518-943-0989 for more information.
• Janet Schwarzenegger is organizing a cookie bake for the National Guard stationed in Leeds. If you would like to contribute home-baked cookies for delivery on Friday evening please contact Janet at 622-9647 or pdjanet@aol.com. Cookies can be dropped off at the Cairo Library, Kaaterskill Associates at 517 Main St., in Cairo, or at Janet’s home or arrange for a pick up.
• Performers announced for the Oct. 1-2 fundraiser for Greene County storm victims at the Michael J. Quill Irish Cultural Center in East Durham include the Catskill Glee Club, The Lustre Kings, Michael Packer, Kirsten Thein, Kitty Kelly, Lara Hope & The Champtones, Alexis P. Suter with Connor “The Kidd” Kennedy, Tas Cru, Prof. Louie & The Crowmatix, Phil Brown (of Little Feat) with Rhett Tyler are among the bands Sat., Oct. 1. Solo or duos Saturday include Peter Head, Andrew & Stephanie AKA Lex Ridge, David Kraii, Keith & Joy, Thomas Earl, and Finley & Pagdon. Sunday’s full bands include Michael Farrell School Of Dance, The Michael Louis Band, The Jonny Monster Band, Voodelic, The Five Points Band, Shorty King, John Cerbone, Rhett Tyler Trio, with solo and duos including Abby Lappen, John Holt, Wet Paint, Nick Bukuvalas, Peggy Atwood, and Mike Herman.
Tags: "Unk" Slater, Adam Reese, agriculture, Andrew Cuomo, elections, farming, farms, Heather Maasmann, Hillary Higgins, Hurricane Irene, Jerry Buckley, John Coyne, John Gallagher, Karey Quinn, Mountain Top Arboretum, Ted Banta, Tropical Storm Lee
Task force created to ease flooding never met
Brian Nearing in the Albany Times-Union reports that a high-level state task force created to study flood mitigation after the major New York flood in 2006 never met. The task force never took a single step to prepare for future floods, like the ones that are currently affecting much of New York state. “A Cornell University professor [Susan Rhia, earth sciences] named to the group gave up in frustration after repeatedly asking the state Department of Environmental Conservation when the first meeting would be held,” Nearing writes. That was nearly three years ago and “that was the last I ever heard of it … I have been wondering whatever happened to the task force,” said Rhia, director of the New York State Water Resources Institute. “Spokesmen in DEC and the state Canal Corp., which were among eight state agencies in the task force, had no comment Friday when asked what had happened to the group,” Nearing writes. Read the full story in the Albany Times-Union.
Widespread flooding
In Greene County, and much worse farther west and south in New York’s interior, there was widespread flooding Wednesday. The Susquehanna River was expected to exceed the flood stages it reached in 2006, and major parts of Interstate 88 and 90 may still be closed Thursday morning. At midnight the DOT announced:
“The New York State Thruway Authority has announced that due to heavy rain and rising water conditions along the Mohawk River, the Authority anticipates closing the Thruway between Interchange 24 (Albany) and Interchange 33 (Verona) along I-90. Motorists should avoid travel within the Mohawk Valley Region, and seek alternate routes outside of this region, as widespread flooding of area roads is expected. Motorists are advised to visit www.511ny.org to check status the of other roads. Currently, I-88 in Binghamton is closed between Exit 3 and Interstate 81; and I-81 is reduced to one lane, just north of Binghamton, between Exit 6 and Exit 8.”
Other news:
• A small culvert washed out, not a bridge, and has been repaired on CR 10, the alternate way into Prattsville.
• Two teens were rescued from the Hannacroix Creek.
• Greene and Columbia counties Flood Watches were set to end at 6 a.m. Thursday morning, while Albany and Rensselaer counties extends to 6:29 a.m., Ulster to 8:29 a.m., Delaware to 9:16 a.m., and Schoharie until 10:03 a.m.
Boil water orders
• Prattsville: BWO remains in effect. Water restored-temporary line installed not ready to sample.
• Tannersville: BWO remains in effect. Sampling was to begin Sept. 2, no results available yet. Filtered water turbidity levels have been good since late yesterday afternoon. The operator plans to collect bacteria samples from the system on Wed. Sept. 7 and Thu., Sept. 8. If all samples are satisfactory the boil water will be lifted.
• Windham: BWO remains in effect. Water service fully restored, but not ready to sample.
• Hensonville: BWO remains in effect. Water restored but with low pressure, leaks being repaired. Not ready to sample.
School in Greene County?
Previously, Greene County officials said that this afternoon they would announce whether schools there would open on Monday or not. Tue. Sept. 6, Greene County officials delayed opening schools that would have began Wed., Sept. 7. Greene County officials wanted to inspect bridges and roads before making the decision, and since then it has rained more, and flooded more. If Greene County officials do make an announcement WGXC will have that news on the “WGXC Afternoon Show” from 4-6 p.m.
Capital Region Economic Development Council Meeting at Columbia-Greene Community College
WGXC Town Recorder (and Hudson Alderman) Ellen Thurston recorded the public meeting of the of the Capital Region Economic Development Council Tuesday, Sept. 6 at Columbia-Greene Community College. The group — just formed by Gov. Cuomo to spur economic growth regionally — includes Columbia, Greene, Albany, Schenectady, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Washington, and Warren counties. They are supposed to create a five-year plan to improve the area’s economy. Thurston recorded the entire meeting and you can play any part of it just by clicking on PLAY CLIP.
Fundraiser fetes GOP same-sex marriage senators
Jimmy Vielkind in the Albany Times-Union’s Capitol Confidential reports that Republican Senator Steve Saland of Poughkeepsie — who represents Columbia County in Albany — is getting large cash donations because of his vote in favor of same-sex marriage. Saland was the thirty-second senator to announce he would vote for the bill, assuring it would pass. “New York City’s billionaire mayor, Michael Bloomberg, will co-host a fundraiser next month for Republican Senators Steve Saland of Poughkeepsie, Jim Alesi of Rochester, Roy McDonald of Saratoga and Mark Grisanti of Buffalo. Tickets for the Manhattan soiree run as high as $16,800, the maximum amount allowed under the current election law,” Vielkind writes. Hosts for the party include Tim Gill, a software magnate, and Paul E. Singer, the founder of Elliott Management and chairman of the conservative Manhattan Institute as well as gay rights groups Marriage Equality New York, the Gill Action Fund and the Human Rights Campaign. Likewise, the National Organization for Marriage is working to defeat the four senators because of that vote, and campaign spending for his seat will be much larger this campaign. Read the full story in Capitol Confidential.
One less media voice
Marilyn Bethany and Dan Shaw of the blog Rural Intelligence are shutting down the source for news among the well-monied in Columbia, Dutchess, and Litchfield counties. “Our goal to create an online culture-and-lifestyle magazine that would unite four counties in three states was and remains, as far as we know, unique,” they wrote in their final post last week. “We are proud of the work we’ve done and that we’ve succeeded in fostering a sense of community across state and county lines among full- and part-time residents, as well as visitors.”
Performers announced for storm relief
Performers were announced for the Oct. 1-2 fundraiser for Greene County storm victims at the Michael J. Quill Irish Cultural Center in East Durham. The Catskill Glee Club, The Lustre Kings, Michael Packer, Kirsten Thein, Kitty Kelly, Lara Hope & The Champtones, Alexis P. Suter with Connor “The Kidd” Kennedy, Tas Cru, Prof. Louie & The Crowmatix, Phil Brown (of Little Feat) with Rhett Tyler are among the bands Sat., Oct. 1. Solo or duos Saturday include Peter Head, Andrew & Stephanie AKA Lex Ridge, David Kraii, Keith & Joy, Thomas Earl, and Finley & Pagdon. Sunday’s full bands include Michael Farrell School Of Dance, The Michael Louis Band, The Jonny Monster Band, Voodelic, The Five Points Band, Shorty King, John Cerbone, Rhett Tyler Trio, with solo and duos including Abby Lappen, John Holt, Wet Paint, Nick Bukuvalas, Peggy Atwood, and Mike Herman.
Tags: benefit, flooding, floods, fundraiser, Hurricane Irene, local audio, music
The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch through 6 a.m. Thursday and predicts showers Thursday with a high near 71. By Thursday night the chance of showers drops to 40 percent, with a low around 61. Friday there is just a 30 percent chance of showers, with a high near 80.
Town meetings tonight
MEETINGS IN TOWNS AFFECTED BY THE STORM MAY OR MAY NOT BE HAPPENING AS SCHEDULED
CHATHAM Village meeting at 7:30 p.m. at Village Hall, 77 Main Street, Chatham (392-5821).
COPAKE Town Board meeting at 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 230 Mountainview Road, Copake (329-1234).
GALLATIN Town Board meeting at 6:30 p.m. at Town Hall, 667 Route 7, Ancram (398-7519).
GREENE COUNTY Finance & Audit committee meets at 5 p.m. at County Building, 411 Main St., Catskill (719-3270).
KINDERHOOK Planning Board Workshop meeting at 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 4 Church St, Niverville (784-2233).
LIVINGSTON Town board meets at 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 119 County Route 19.
STUYVESANT Town board meets at 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 5 Sunset Drive, Stuyvesant (758-6248).
TANNERSVILLE Village trustees meet at 7 p.m. in their Village Hall on Route 23A.
WINDHAM Town board meets at 8 p.m. at Town Hall, 371 State Rt. 296, Hensonville (734-4170).
The skies above
TIDES Hudson: High, 12:59 p.m./Low, 7:07 a.m.
SUNRISE/SUNSET 6:29 a.m./7:19 p.m.
MOONRISE/MOONSET 5:11 a.m. / 2:45 p.m.
Birthdays
September 8 Jimmie Rodgers, Peter Sellers, Patsy Cline, Bernie Sanders, and Neko Case.
Tune in today
WGXC MORNING SHOW Mariel Fiori and Antonio Flores-Lobos present the morning news, music, other features, agriculture reporting, and more. 6-8 a.m.
DEMOCRACY NOW! Hosted by Amy Goodman. 8 a.m.
WGXC MORNING SHOW Sara Kendall updates of the morning news, with Ellen Thurston previewing weekend events. 9 a.m.
TELL IT LIKE IT IS Hosted by Christina Malisoff. 10 a.m.
AL JAZEERA ENGLISH International news. 11 a.m.
CROSSROADS Alan Skerrett hosts. Noon-2 p.m.
THE PASSAGE Hosted by Richard Roth.
RADIO THEATER 3 p.m.
YOUTH RADIO 3:30 p.m.
WGXC AFTERNOON SHOW Jack Ross-Pilkington and Tom Roe update storm news, and other news. 4-6 p.m.
AL JAZEERA ENGLISH 6 p.m.
FREE SPEECH RADIO NEWS 6:30 p.m.
THE JAZZ DISTURBANCE Cheryl K. may play President Obama’s economic speech live and discuss it. 7 p.m.
69 The Magic Stranger plays psychedelic music from 1969. 9 p.m.
TRANSMISSION ART Radio theater, experimental sound, field recordings, radio art, mash-ups, shortwave radio news, and more midnight through 6 a.m. Friday morning.
Tags: town meetings
Latest Greene County storm recovery update
The Greene County Emergency Services office released this statement Tue., Sept. 6:
“By order of the County of Greene, all Greene County school districts are hereby directed to cancel classes for the week of September 6, 2011 through September 9, 2011. This decision is not solely based upon condition of school facilities, but upon road and bridge infrastructure that has not been adequately inspected and may be compromised. The state of emergency in Greene County is still in effect and travel is limited, particularly in the townships of Ashland, Lexington, Windham and Prattsville. This decision to cancel classes is relative to Article IIB of NYS Executive Law. Further information is to follow to all school districts and state education by Thursday afternoon, which will allow for final determination to re-open schools on Monday September 12, 2011.”
• Windham-Ashland-Jewett schools say they will not open until Sept. 19.
See complete storm recovery update below.
Locavore Cotler wins Locavore Prize
Lisa D. Connell in the Register-Star reports that Amy Cotler, the founding director of Berkshire Grown, won the second annual Victoria A. Simons Locavore Award. Cotler wrote “The Locavore Way,” and received $1,500 from the award, named for the late journalist and first woman on the board of the Columbia County Agricultural Society. Other nominees included: Liz Beals of Beth’s Farm Kitchen; Anna Dawson of Kinderhook, a cook and commercial food preparator of Harvest Kitchen; Amy Locke, a leader behind the Nassau Cooperative Community Food Compact; Ellen Poggi of Hand Hollow Farm in East Chatham; David Robinson of Chatham, a driving force behind the Columbia County Bounty of the County dinner event; Lori J. Selden, of CEO Mexican Radio Restaurant and Co-Founder, Columbia County Bounty. Read the full story in the Register-Star.
Voters settle cops’ fate
Diane Valden in The Columbia Paper says Copake voters will decide whether or not to eliminate the seven local part-time police force this fall. After $118,000 in unexpected expenses set the town back in July, some residents hope to offset that with $106,980 in savings from eliminating the police department and relying on the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office and the State Police. There will be a public hearing on the proposed local law at 6:20 p.m. Thu., Sept. 8 at Copake Town Hall, before the regular board meeting. “The board expects to conduct one or more information meetings to provide facts about Police Department services, a cost/benefit analysis and crime rate statistics so voters can make an informed decision. Meeting dates and times will be announced,” Valden writes. Then voters will decide Nov. 8. Read the full story in The Columbia Paper.
Athens FD heads to Schoharie
Athens Fire Department reports on its Facebook feed that it is being deployed to Schoharie County to help with storm recovery. The crew will be deployed on Wed. Sept. 7 and expected to stay for two days.
Greene County bridge closures
• Rte. 23A has alternating one-way traffic over Kaaterskill Creek in Hunter.
• Rte. 42 in Lexington, two bridges over the West kill are closed.
• Rte 23 over Schoharie Creek is closed.
• Rte. 32 over Kaaterskill Creek is closed.
Greene County road closures
• Rte. 23A is open to local traffic only between 296 in Hunter and Rte. 23 in Prattsville.
• Rte. 42 in Lexington is closed from CR 13A to Ulster County Line.
• Rte. 23 is open to local traffic only between Rte. 296 in Windham and Rte. 23A in Prattsville.
• Rte. 23 in Prattsville is closed between Rte. 23 over the Schoharie Creek and Rte. 23A. With no access west of the bridge.
• Rte. 32 in Catskill is closed between Rte. 23A and High Falls Rd.
Albany County road closures
• Rt. 145 and Rt. 81 intersection is shut down, bridge there flooded in Preston Hollow.
Water news
• Boil water order in effect for Windham, Hensonville, and Tannersville.
• The Agroforestry Resource Center, Rt 23 in Acra has water testing kits available. Call 622-9820 for details.
Surveying Greene County
New York State Senator James Seward and Assemblyman Pete Lopez will not tour Prattsville (9:30 a.m., specific location not disclosed), Windham (11:30 a.m., specific location not disclosed), Hunter (1:30 p.m., specific location not disclosed), and Cairo Wednesday, Sept. 7, as excessive rain cancelled their tour.
To donate
There is not much need for food and clothes anymore, but more specific items are needed: batteries of all types, pressure washers, large raincoats, flashlights, tools, and other items. WGXC recommends you call a specific donation collection center and ask what they need, or donate funds to help. The Watershed Post has a Google spread sheet with many different places to donate.)
• GREENE COUNTY Greene County has specific requests for reconstruction equipment, such as circular saws, cordless drills, crowbars, hammers, screws, shovels, rubber gloves, work gloves, dust masks, wheelbarrows, extension cords, large fans and more. These items can de dropped off at the former Sawyer Automotive location on Route 9W in Catskill, near the Route 23 interchange, on Tuesday and Wednesday, Sept. 6-7, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• $10,000 MATCHING DONATION Unk Slater grew up in Prattsville. After taking food out there this week, he is being told they have more then enough, what they need is cash. So his Great American supermarket in Cairo is now collecting cash donations, and will match the first $10,000. That makes $20,000 for storm victims in Greene County. Slater’s Great American Marketplace is at 241 Main St., in Cairo. Sunday, 7 a.m.-10 p.m., Mon.-Sat.: 7 a.m.-11 p.m.
• CAIRO Big Top Tent Rentals in Cairo is accepting donations destined for needy folks in Prattsville. They are accepting any common sense items that folks displaced by the storm might need: non-perishable food items, water, batteries, hand sanitizer, baby diapers, wipes, etc. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., at 88 Grove St., Cairo.
Tags: bridges out, education, Greene County schools, Hurricane Irene, road closings, schools
Catskill, Sunday, Aug. 28. Photo in by Ann Forbes Cooper.
Hurricane headlines
Wednesday morning, Aug. 31, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, Congressmen Chris Gibson Greene County Legislature Chairman Wayne Speenburgh, Greene County Administrator Shaun Groden, and other local officials and first responders for a briefing on the flood damage and current conditions in the Catskills at 7:45 a.m. at the Town Highway Facility, 240 W. Main St., in Catskill. WGXC will try to phone in as much of the press conference as possible, and may get a short interview with Rep. Gibson or other officials. The officials are trying to secure federal aid from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
WGXC audio
• New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and Rep. Chris Gibson hold a press conference about the storm and federal help in Catskill.
Recorded by Tom Roe near corner of W. Main St. and Bridge St. in Catskill. PLAY CLIP
• Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand and Rep. Chris Gibson speak to Catskill Village President Vince Seeeley.
Recorded at the corner of Bridge St. And W. Main St., Catskill. PLAY CLIP
Public events
• Informational Meeting: The Village of Catskill holds an informational meeting about the storm and flooding in Catskill Fri., Sept. 2 at 6:30 p.m. at Catskill High School.
Greene County road closures
• Route 23A from CR 18 to Route 32A Town of Hunter, bridge damage
• Rte 23 at Hickory Hill Rd, Town of Windham, due to flooding
• Route 23 at Hickory Hill Rd in Town of Windham, closed due to flooding
• Route 42 in Village of Spruceton, Town of Lexington, bridge washout
• Rte 296 in Town of Hensonville and between Co Rte 23C and Fort Hill Rd
• Rte 145 is closed from Rte 81 to Broome County. The Route 145/Route 81 intersection in Preston Hollow is closed, as the bridge is out.
• Rte 214 is closed from Hunter to Phoenecia
• Route 81 between Maple Ave and School House Rd, Town of Durham, closed due to trees/wires down
• Route 32 at Route 23A, Catskill, bridge washout
• RTE 23 Closed from Country Rd 4 to RTE 23A in the Town of Prattsville due to Flooding
Media sources
• Watershed Post
• WRIP 97.9-FM
• The Daily Mail
Town updates
• Prattsville is completely closed down, and early reports are of massive devastation, with most of the buildings destroyed.
• Ashland is still accessible mainly to locals.
• Windham is now accessible, as State Route 23 is open until you get there. Electricity and cell phone service reportedly returned late Tue., Aug. 30.
• Lexington is very isolated as SR 42 is closed with several bridges out.
• Haines Falls is now more difficult to reach, as State Route 23A is closed.
Boil water advisories
• All county residents on public water systems are encouraged to boil their water before use as a precaution.
• Boil Water Orders are in effect for Windham, Hensonville, Tannersville and Hunter, the Village of Arkville, Coxsackie, and the Village of Catskill.
Fundraisers/donations
• Big Top Tent Rentals in Cairo is accepting donations destined for needy folks in Prattsville. They are accepting any common sense items that folks displaced by the storm might need: non-perishable food items, water, batteries, hand sanitizer, baby diapers, wipes, etc. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., at 88 Grove St., Cairo.
• Nickel Social Friday, Sept. 2, to benefit families on the mountaintop, including those in Windham, Hensonville, and Maplecrest. Money will be given to area fire companies, who’ll in turn give out supplies to needy families. Nickel Social from 6-9 p.m. at Resurrection Lutheran Church in Cairo. For more information or to volunteer, contact Erica DeLong at 845-542-6101.
* Bela Fleck and the Flecktones Irene Benefit Concert sponsored by the Belleayre Convservatory performing to aid flood victims of the Central Catskills. The concert is 8 p.m. Sat. Sept. 3 at Belleayre Ski Center, upper lodge. Tax deductible donations can be made out to:
The Belleayre Conservatory, PO Box 198, Highmount, NY 12441
Facebook resources
• Hurricane Storys group – Photos and news.
• Delaware and surrounding Counties Flooding – Hurricane Irene, August 2011 — Photos and news.
• Catskill Flood disaster group — for locating people.
• Irene in the Catskills relief coordination group.
• Shandaken-Irene Facebook page.
• Windham-Irene Facebook page.
Tags: boil water advisory, flooding, Hurricane Irene, storm, weather
The bridge in Haines Falls was destroyed in the storm. Photo by Dharma Dailey at 2 p.m. Sun., Aug. 28.
Dry ice distribution
Central Hudson will distribute dry ice at the following locations today, Tue., Aug. 30.
• Cairo (Greene County) – Angelo Canna Park, Mountain Ave., Cairo (adjacent to Greene County Office of Emergency Preparedness) .
• Ellenville (Ulster County) – Ellenville Village Hall, 81 North Main St., Ellenville.
• Lake Katrine (Ulster County) – Grace Community Evangelical Church, 160 Seremma Ct, Lake Katrine.
Central Hudson reports that 9,800 folks in Greene County lack power still, with no prediction on when that might change. In Columbia County, 300 lack power, which is expected to return by Wed. Aug. 31.
General bulletins
• A state of emergency has been declared in Greene County due to flooding.
• A boil water order is in effect for Tannersville, Hunter, and the Village of Arkville.
• Dial 211 for local recovery assistance information.
• Access to Village of Margaretville restricted to residents and emergency personnel only.
From Dharma Dailey:
“Word from T-Ville Firehouse this AM: All the bridges out of the Town of Hunter have some damage. Telling people to stay put. Power and net just back.” From Monday, Aug. 29.
Catskill shelters
• First Baptist Church on West Main Street
• Second Baptist Church on Main Street
• Firehouse on Central Ave.
Columbia County shelters
• Stuyvesant Fire House on Route 26A
• New Lebanon Fire House on Route 20
• Churchtown Firehouse
Greene County road closures
Greene County
• Route 23A from CR 18 to Route 32A Town of Hunter, bridge damage
• Rte 23 at Hickory Hill Rd, Town of Windham, due to flooding
• Route 23 at Hickory Hill Rd in Town of Windham, closed due to flooding
• Route 42 in Village of Spruceton, Town of Lexington, bridge washout
• Rte 296 in Town of Hensonville and between Co Rte 23C and Fort Hill Rd
• Rte 145 is closed from Rte 81 to Broome County
• Rte 214 is closed from Hunter to Phoenecia
• Route 81 between Maple Ave and School House Rd, Town of Durham, closed due to trees/wires down
• Route 32 at Route 23A, Catskill, bridge washout
• RTE 23 Closed from Country Rd 4 to RTE 23A in the Town of Prattsville due to Flooding
Albany County road closures
• COEYMANS, per WRIP: NY 32 closed north of the Alcove, Town of Coeymans, Albany Co.
Greene County power outages
• Central Hudson Electric & Gas: 19416 customers offline (69 percent) as of 10 p.m. Mon. Aug. 29.
• New York State Electric & Gas: 2689 customers offline (59 percent) as of 10 p.m. Mon. Aug. 29.
Damage reports and FEMA
• Email reports to Liz Higgins at the Ashokan Watershed Stream Management Program. More info here.
Facebook resources
• Hurricane Storys group – Photos and news.
• Delaware and surrounding Counties Flooding – Hurricane Irene, August 2011 — Photos and news.
• Catskill Flood disaster group — for locating people.
• Irene in the Catskills relief coordination group.
• Shandaken-Irene Facebook page.
• Windham-Irene Facebook page.
Web resources
• Flooding Recovery info from Cornell Cooperative Extension.
• From NYS Archives – There are several resources in New York to assist your organization recover from Hurricane Irene. The State Office of Emergency Management provides assistance, including access to products and recovery services. Go to: http://www.dhses.ny.gov/.
• The State Library and State Archives have resources to assist you. Contacts, services, and resources are listed below by your organization type. The State Library and State Archives are also responsible for gathering information about the extent of damage to your building and/or collections as well as recovery costs. Contact Barbara Lilley (blilley@mail.nysed,gov) or Maria Holden (mholden@mail.nysed.gov) to report the impact of the storm on your organization.>
Libraries
• State Library staff are available to provide advice on recovering collections. Contact the State Library at (518) 486-4864. For additional resources, go to http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/libdev/cp/index.html.
State agencies
• Archives staff are available to provide advice on recovering damaged records. When agency records are believed to constitute a hazard to human safety or health or to property, the agency records management officer may request authorization from the State Archives to destroy or dispose of such records immediately. Contact the Archives at (518) 474-6926 or (518) 473-4254. For a complete listing of State Archives disaster services and resources, go to: http://www.archives.nysed.gov/a/records/mr_disaster.shtml.
Local governments
• The State Archives Regional Advisory Officers are available by phone/email to provide advice on recovering archives and records and to assist you in applying for a recovery grant. Local governments may be eligible for up to $20,000 in disaster recovery funding for damaged records. Contact your Regional Advisory Officer http://www.archives.nysed.gov/a/directories/dir_staff.shtml#Advisory or call the Archives at (518) 474-6926 or (518) 473-4254. For a complete listing of State Archives disaster services and resources, go to: http://www.archives.nysed.gov/a/records/mr_disaster.shtml
The Hudson River spilled over into the Athens Waterfront Park. Photo by Sam Sebren.
Red Cross Needs Immediate Volunteers for Storm Relief
Three opportunities for the four-hour fast-track disaster relief training sessions offered by the American Red Cross of Northeastern New York for those who wish to assist with the current disaster relief efforts throughout Northeastern NY, stretching from Poughkeepsie to Plattsburgh. Any person interested in responding to disasters caused by Hurricane Irene who: Is 18 years of age or over; Is able to lift at least 35 pounds; Has a valid driver’s license and can travel throughout Eastern New York; Will consent to a background check (free of charge); Is available for several days over the next two to four weeks. Of particular interest are volunteers who may work for the State of New York and are therefore eligible to invoke NY State’s Disaster Leave Law, which may allow them to be released from work for up to three weeks without penalty. Three opportunities for fast-tracked disaster training will be offered by Red Cross staff and volunteers on Wednesday, August 31, 2011 from 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm in Albany, on Thursday, September 1, 2011 from 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm in Poughkeepsie, and again on Tuesday, September 6, 2011 from 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm in Poughkeepsie. (Please note: only one training session is required). Following the training, new volunteers will be deployed regionally to the areas in need from Poughkeepsie to Plattsburgh.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011 – 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm
United Way of the Greater Capital Region
1 United Way, Albany, NY
Thursday, September 1, 2011 – 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm
Nubian Directions Building
248 Main Street Poughkeepsie NY
Tuesday, September 6, 2011 – 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm
Nubian Directions Building
248 Main Street, Poughkeepsie, NY
The American Red Cross needs many additional volunteers to assist in the response to unprecedented flooding, evacuations and power outages following Hurricane Irene. With more than 35 shelters currently open, and the potential for additional shelters in the coming days, volunteers are needed in shelter operations, feeding, bulk distribution of supplies (comfort kits and cleanup kits, etc.), recovery information distribution, disaster assessment, counseling and emotional support, disaster public affairs, disaster nursing, and many other support areas.
Please call the American Red Cross of Northeastern NY at (518) 458-8111 to register.
Tags: disaster, emergency, Hurricane Irene, Red Cross, state of emergency
On The Air
WGXC is on 90.7-FM now, at full-power, 3300 watts. We cover all parts of Greene County except parts of the mountaintop, and all of Columbia County except for a bit of Western Columbia County south of Germantown. WGXC also covers a large part of southern Albany County. We have heard reports that the signal is getting from Delaware County to Great Barrington, from Selkirk to Saugerties, from Pine Plains to the I-90 extension.
Local weather/webcams
National Weather Service, Albany
Hawthorne Valley Farm Weather Page
When the computer is turned on, the Hawthorne Valley Farm Weather Page reports weather information in Harlemville. Check dates and times to see whether reports are live or from when the computer was turned off.
Greene County webcams:
Catskill webcam: Thomas Cole House Claude Mirror
Nearby webcams:
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