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Voters in the Fallsburg Central School District will decide February 3 whether to approve a $56.5 million capital project aimed at addressing long-standing building issues, improving safety, and upgrading heating and cooling systems across district schools — a proposal district leaders say would come with no increase to local school taxes.

The proposal was the focus of a recent conversation on Radio Catskill, where Superintendent Dr. Ivan Katz outlined what’s being proposed, why now is the right moment, and what families should know ahead of the vote.

Years in the Making — and Prompted by Heat

Dr. Katz said the capital project has been years in the making, driven largely by deteriorating parking lots and the growing need to address extreme heat inside school buildings.

“We’ve planned for several years to fix our deteriorating parking lots,” Katz said. “We knew it would be expensive to do so, so we set up capital reserves.”

Those reserves — funds set aside specifically for major projects — were approved by voters in advance, particularly for heating and air-conditioning upgrades, which Katz described as the most expensive components of the proposal.

The timeline accelerated after a New York State law passed in 2024 set 88 degrees as the maximum allowable temperature for occupancy in public school buildings beginning in September 2025.

“That law prompted us to have to take action,” Katz said. “We needed to make sure that hot temperatures wouldn’t affect school attendance for kids.”

Heat Already Disrupting Learning

While a state-required Building Conditions Survey completed in 2023 identified a number of facility needs, Katz said the urgency became clear during last year’s heat waves.

“This past June, our school buildings were getting so hot — especially cafeterias and gymnasiums — that we had to close school early on several days,” he said.

Those early dismissals came during Regents exams and other end-of-year activities.

“Losing necessary school time was not something we wanted to have as an ongoing concern in the years to come,” Katz added.

Parking, Traffic, and Safety Improvements

A major portion of the proposal focuses on replacing and widening parking lots at both the junior-senior high school and Benjamin Cosor Elementary School.

The elementary school’s only entrance, Katz said, is currently about 40 feet wide — creating congestion during drop-off, pick-up, and school events.

“We often need police present to direct traffic,” he said. “Creating additional parking and changing the layout of the entrance by adding an additional lane will help address some of the congestion that we get.”

Smaller Projects With Immediate Impact

Beyond HVAC and parking upgrades, the project includes several smaller improvements expected to affect daily operations and security.

Among them is the installation of card-swipe access for classroom doors.

“Card swipes will make our classrooms safer,” Katz said. “Classroom doors will always be in a locked position and will eliminate the issues that happen when staff members lose or misplace their keys.”

Other upgrades include fuel tank replacements nearing the end of their useful life, masonry repairs, trash compactors, and updates to libraries and learning spaces.

How the District Plans to Avoid a Tax Increase

Despite the project’s size, Katz said it is structured to avoid any increase in local school taxes — now or in future budgets.

“This is the question I get asked most,” he said.

The $56.5 million project would be funded through three primary sources:

• About $41 million in New York State building aid
• Roughly $11 million from the district’s capital reserve funds
• $5.2 million in retired debt from previous projects

“When you add those together, you have a project equaling just under $57 million,” Katz said.

The district qualifies for approximately 72 percent state building aid, meaning the state would reimburse roughly 72 cents for every eligible dollar spent.

“Our past projects have also come in at a zero percent increase in taxes,” Katz said. “Past performance is the best indicator that I can offer.”

Second Proposition: Property Purchase Near Elementary School

Voters will also be asked to consider a second proposition to purchase a neighboring property near Benjamin Cosor Elementary School.

The purchase would allow the district to widen the school’s only entrance and exit — a change Katz said is especially important for emergency vehicle access.

“Our current entrance makes it very challenging for emergency vehicles to gain entrance at times when we have high traffic,” he said.

Like the main capital project, the property purchase would be funded through capital reserves and would not increase local school taxes, according to the district.

Timeline and What Voters Will See

If voters approve both propositions, major construction would begin during the summers of 2027 and 2028, with some work potentially extending into 2029.

“The roadways and parking lots would be very visible,” Katz said. “Air conditioning and other repairs would be taking place inside buildings and on rooftops.”

What Katz Wants Voters to Know

As voters head to the polls on Feb. 3, Katz said his message is straightforward.

“I really want our school community to come out and vote,” he said. “We’ve been listening to concerns about parking lots and the overall improvement of the district’s buildings and grounds.”

He emphasized again that the proposal would not raise taxes.

“This project will really have no additional impact on their taxes,” Katz said.

Voting Information

Voting on both propositions will take place February 3, with polls open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. in the Board of Education meeting room at the junior-senior high school.

More information is available at fallsburgcsd.net and on the Fallsburg Central School District’s official Facebook page.

With flu activity surging across the country, so is the flood of misinformation—especially online—about antiviral medications.

Viral TikToks are blaming Tamiflu for frightening side effects, homeopathic influencers are promoting so-called “Tamiflu tea,” and posts warning parents to never give their kids antivirals are getting thousands of likes.

To cut through the noise, we spoke with Dr. Jess Steier, a public health scientist and founder of Unbiased Science, who translates complex medical evidence into clear, practical guidance. She’s also a parent navigating flu season in real time.

What Flu Antivirals Do—and How They Differ From Vaccines

Dr. Steier explained the difference between prevention and treatment in everyday terms:

She offered a simple analogy:

Common Myths About Flu Medications

One viral myth claims that brewing teas like star anise can replace antivirals such as Tamiflu or Xofluza. Dr. Steier debunks this:

She also addressed fears about hallucinations and seizures:

Why Early Treatment Matters

Antivirals are most effective when taken early:

Even after the first 48 hours of symptoms, there may still be benefit for high-risk patients:

Practical Steps for Getting Treatment Quickly

Dr. Steier recommends rapid testing and acting fast, especially for high-risk groups:

She added that otherwise healthy adults may focus on symptom management rather than antivirals:

Warning Signs That Require Urgent Care

For children, Dr. Steier says urgent care is warranted if you see:

• Difficulty breathing or ribs pulling in with each breath
• Bluish lips or skin
• Severe irritability or trouble waking
• Not drinking fluids
• Fever with a rash

For adults, seek immediate care if you have:

• Shortness of breath or chest pain
• Confusion or inability to keep fluids down
• Symptoms that improve but return worse with fever and cough

Barriers to Early Treatment

Access remains a major challenge during this severe flu season:

She encourages individuals to plan ahead:

Choosing the Right Antiviral

Two main oral antivirals are widely used: Tamiflu and the newer Xofluza.

Layered Protection: Beyond Antivirals

Dr. Steier emphasizes a multi-layered approach:

She notes the importance of ventilation even in winter:

Key Takeaways for Flu Season

Dr. Steier, a parent herself, says her family is taking precautions:

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider about the best treatment for you and your family.

As ICE increases its immigration arrests nationwide, local residents have formed rapid response groups in cities, villages, and towns across the country – including in the Mid-Hudson Valley region. Rapid response groups are typically networks that mobilize residents quickly if potential immigration enforcement activities are suspected and document the activities.

The Ulster Rapid Response Network is a community-based deportation defense group in Ulster County, mobilizing people and resources to defend immigrants in Ulster County from ICE. Radio Catskill’s Kimberly Izar spoke with Diana Méndez, a member of the Ulster Rapid Response Network, to learn more.

On a recent morning, a group of middle schoolers delivered a lesson on nutrition not through a worksheet or a lecture, but through a hook.

“Don’t skip meals. Don’t skip meals. You’ll get cranky…”

The song, written and performed by students at Liberty Middle School, is part of The STEAM Fund’s Real Food Songwriting Program — an arts-based initiative that invites students to write original music about nutrition, wellness, and making healthier food choices. The program has just wrapped up its latest run, and now the songs are reaching a wider audience, with a new student-created music video released every Monday.

“The Real Food Songwriting Program is just one of the vehicles we use to deliver our mission,” said Gary Siegel, co-founder of The STEAM Fund, speaking alongside his wife and partner Judy Siegel via Zoom. “Our actual mission is to support musicians, artists, and the venues where they share their gift.”

Using Music to Teach Real-World Skills

At its core, the program blends songwriting fundamentals — rhyme, rhythm, and collaboration — with lessons about real food versus processed food.

“It’s a songwriting program where we incorporate music to present the concepts of real food versus processed food,” Gary said. “And then help the students that are participating make good, healthy choices.”

The idea grew out of an earlier collaboration with the organization A Single Bite, which resulted in a song called Real Food Rules.

In early versions of the program, students worked together to write new verses to that song. Teaching artists guided brainstorming sessions, helping students turn nutrition concepts into lyrics that rhyme and fit a melody. The current version takes things a step further.

“The new program that we’re doing now is sort of a hybrid,” he said. “The kids write their own original song about a topic that has to do with real food versus processed food and making good, healthy choices.”

From Lennon Tributes to Local Classrooms

For the Siegels, the move into arts education was sparked by a moment far from Sullivan County.

“We were at a John Lennon tribute in New York City,” Judy recalled. “The executive artistic director got on stage and announced they were bringing the John Lennon Real Love Project into public schools.”

Gary turned to her and said, “That’s it.”

“That was back in 2019,” Judy said. “We should bring arts and education programs into schools, and that’s really how it started.”

Gary’s background as a music educator made the connection feel natural.

“This was a great vehicle to deliver our mission of supporting musicians, artists, and venues,” Judy said.

The Real Food Songwriting Program also responds to local needs.

“Food insecurity is obviously a big issue in Sullivan County,” Judy said. “So it was important to us to help facilitate a better way to make choices.”

Songs With a Message

Each student-written song carries a clear takeaway. One recent release, Don’t Skip Meals, was written by a group calling themselves The Superb Strawberries.

“So remember,” the song concludes, “eating three balanced meals a day will give you the energy you need to be happy, healthy, and focused.”

“The coolest thing about these songs is that every one of them has a message,” Gary said. “Every one of them is promoting good, healthy choices through music.”

Learning Beyond the Classroom

The entire process — presentation, writing, rehearsal, and recording — happens quickly. The impact, he says, is already extending beyond music class.

“They’re actually using these assets on the morning announcements,” Gary said. “To promote the concepts of real food versus processed food and making good, healthy choices.”

The schools also receive video and audio materials they can continue using, helping reinforce the lessons long after the recording session ends.

“It’s really part of prevention and education,” Gary said. “To make good, healthy choices.”

Just as important, he added, is what students learn about their own voices.

“It teaches these kids at a young age that they can use music as a tool for all sorts of things,” he said. “We sent a message out because we wrote a song.”

A proposed ICE facility in Chester, New York, has raised concerns among immigrant families and community advocates in the mid-Hudson Valley. If built, it would become Orange County’s second immigration detention center, joining the existing facility at the Orange County Jail.

Reverend Richard Witt, executive director of Rural and Migrant Ministries, said the proposal has heightened fear among immigrant families. “They're already living in great fear of separation from their parents, of their children, and having such a facility just adds to that environment of fear,” he explained.

Community members have voiced concerns at local board meetings, highlighting potential impacts on quality of life, local reputation, and the economy. “When they've built facilities like this in other communities… people don't think of Batavia anymore as a beautiful town; they think of it as a repressive detention facility,” Witt said.

The nonprofit has also seen a surge in volunteer efforts to support immigrant families. “We recently had a volunteer donate 50,000 meals that could be delivered to folks,” Witt noted, citing increased need amid fears of raids and reduced social services.

Local leaders, including Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus and Congressmember Pat Ryan, have expressed opposition to the facility, reflecting a broader community concern. Witt emphasized the importance of public engagement: “People need to let their legislators know their feelings… the overwhelming majority of the people don't want to be living in a community that's based on oppression and fear, and economic ruin.”

Across the Upper Delaware region, residents are taking an active role in shaping the public spaces that define their communities — from a long-standing symbol overlooking Milford Borough to a playground in the heart of Honesdale.

In Pike County, a grassroots effort is underway to restore the illuminated star on Milford Knob, a display that dates back nearly a century. And in neighboring Wayne County, community members are weighing in on what should replace the former playground in Honesdale’s Central Park.

Liam Mayo, news editor for The River Reporter, says while the projects are distinct, they share a common thread: deep community investment.

A Star With a Long History

According to reporting by The River Reporter, commemorative displays have appeared on Milford Knob since the Civil War. The illuminated star itself dates back to the 1930s and was maintained for decades by the Milford Lions Club.

That changed in 2017, when the National Park Service — which owns the land — told the Lions Club the display could no longer be installed, citing concerns that it could be perceived as endorsing religion.

Supporters of the effort to bring the star back argue the symbol is cultural, not religious.

Among them is Milford Mayor Candace Mahalik, who co-chairs the Restore the Star committee.

Another organizer, Fred Weber, moved to Milford after the display was removed.

The Restore the Star committee has begun circulating letters, raising funds through the Greater Pike Community Foundation, and building local business support. The group’s Facebook page has attracted more than 300 followers.

Longer-term goals include illuminating the display at additional times of year, such as the Fourth of July or Veterans Day, and potentially powering it with solar energy.

A previous attempt to designate the star as a historic site was rejected in 2023 after a three-year review, citing insufficient community support.

Reimagining a Playground in Honesdale

In Honesdale, a different kind of community-led effort began after playground equipment in Central Park was removed. A report found that tire mulch used as ground cover could be harming nearby trees, and the equipment came out with little public notice.

That led to the formation of the People’s Playground Project, which has conducted surveys and pop-up workshops to gather ideas before narrowing down what’s feasible.

So far, more than 200 survey responses have been collected.

Other priorities include bathrooms, safety fencing, and accessibility features. Respondents were also asked about themes.

Some survey responses raised concerns about safety and vandalism, particularly involving teens. But organizers emphasized inclusion over exclusion.

Both projects, he added, reflect a broader trend.

More information about the efforts can be found at restorethestar.org and peoplesplaygroundproject.com. Coverage of both stories is available at riverreporter.com.

In rural Sullivan and Wayne Counties, a grassroots organization is using books to build community and support for transgender and gender-diverse people.

The Trans Support Initiative (TSI) hosts a monthly book club in Callicoon, bringing together trans people, gender-diverse community members, families, and allies to read and discuss trans history, memoir, and identity.

“We discovered that there were way more transgender people in the county than we thought,” said Luisa Santoro, a founder of TSI. “Our family’s involvement came with one of my grandchildren, and at the time there were very few resources around.”

Santoro said her family eventually found support — but only after navigating a difficult path.

“He is now a very successful person, a college graduate,” she said. “But it took a lot to find the resources to get there. We’d like to help other families do that without as much drama as we had.”

For Chana Pollock, the book club is both a cultural and political response to rising hostility toward trans people.

“If you can see it, you can be it,” Pollock said. “Given all the negative energy that’s out in the world currently about trans folks, we need to build a really stable, solid grounding in our history.”

Pollock said books offer both education and joy.

“Just because the world around you might seem really negative doesn’t mean you don’t have the opportunity to create joy,” they said. “There’s so much joy to be had in art and culture.”

The group’s discussions range from graphic memoirs like Gender Queer to classic and contemporary works such as Stone Butch Blues and Hijab Butch Blues.

“We open every book club by asking the simplest question: ‘What do you think?’” Pollock said. “And it just kind of takes off from there.”

Santoro said the book club has become a rare safe space in a rural setting.

“Some people are really afraid to come out, even to a small group,” she said. “But the books help people identify with others who have the same trials and tribulations — or whose children are going through them.”

Beyond the book club, TSI hosts movie nights, community brunches, and maintains a lending library. Meetings are held at St. James Episcopal Church in Callicoon.

“I have never been in such a positive, multi-generational room as when I walk into a TSI meeting,” Pollock said. “Without calling it a support group, it naturally becomes one.”

More information at transsupportinitiativenypa.org.

A federal judge has ruled that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement lawfully detained an Afghan refugee living in Ulster County, despite his arrest during an asylum interview and years of legal residence in the Hudson Valley.

Ali Faqirzada, a Bard College student and Afghan refugee, has been held in ICE custody since Oct. 14. This week, a federal judge in New Jersey denied his petition for release, finding that his detention does not violate due process.

“So Ali Faqirzada is not going to be able to come back to the Hudson Valley,” said Times Union reporter Maria Silva. “After this federal judge in New Jersey ruled that his detention is essentially lawful.”

Judge: ICE Acted Within Its Authority

The judge pointed to the terms of Faqirzada’s humanitarian parole, which allowed immigration officials to revoke his release at their discretion.

“When Ali Faqirzada was first apprehended by Border Patrol and then granted humanitarian parole, immigration officials made it clear they could terminate that parole at any time,” Silva said. “That’s what happened on October 14.”

ICE issued an administrative — not criminal — warrant for Faqirzada’s arrest. He has remained in detention since.

The court also rejected arguments that his detention violates due process.

“The judge said his detention does not violate due process because he has been in custody for less than three months, which courts do not consider arbitrary,” Silva said.

Under federal law, the judge ruled, Faqirzada must remain in custody until his asylum case concludes.

“He’ll stay detained until he’s either granted asylum or removed from the country,” Silva said.

Arrest Followed Credible Fear Interview

Faqirzada was arrested after attending a credible fear interview — a standard step in the asylum process.

“He went to an ICE facility in New Jersey on October 14 and attended a credible fear interview on Long Island,” Silva said. “His sister told us he passed that interview, and his lawyer said he showed credible fear of returning to Afghanistan.”

After an immigration officer told Faqirzada he had a valid asylum claim and gave him a court date, ICE agents arrested him in front of his attorneys.

“The reason given was that he crossed the southern border without permission,” Silva said. “But expressing fear of returning to Afghanistan is legal and part of the asylum process.”

Crossing the border without authorization is a civil immigration violation, not a criminal offense.

Family, Bard College Rally Support

Faqirzada’s family and supporters say his detention makes little sense. His parents and siblings, who crossed the border with him, have already been granted asylum.

“They all went through the same process,” Silva said. “The family doesn’t understand why Ali is being detained when everyone else was approved.”

The case has drawn bipartisan attention and strong support from Bard College, where Faqirzada studied computer programming and worked as a campus security guard.

“Bard College has held vigils and raised thousands of dollars to support his family,” Silva said. “Supporters describe Ali as generous, respectful, and someone who was contributing to society.”

Faqirzada’s asylum case is still pending.

As New York lawmakers debate ways to lower costs and confront climate change, environmental advocates say the state stands at a pivotal moment. Governor Kathy Hochul’s recent state of the state address included major investments in clean water and a defense of congestion pricing — steps that drew praise from environmental groups. Yet advocates caution the state still lacks a near-term plan to rapidly expand clean energy and cut pollution.

Vanessa Fajans-Turner, Executive Director of Environmental Advocates New York, joined NPR to break down what the state got right, where it fell short, and what the 2026 agenda calls for.

"We know that New Yorkers want climate action that's practical, affordable, and real," Fajans-Turner said. "The governor understands the pressure families are under, but climate leadership now means moving much faster on deploying solutions and clean energy at scale that will lower costs and protect New Yorkers’ health in the near and long term."

Investing in Water and Public Health

Among the highlights of Hochul’s address was a $3.75 billion, five-year clean water plan. Fajans-Turner called it a "historic investment" that will not only replace aging infrastructure like lead pipes but also safeguard communities from rollbacks at the federal Environmental Protection Agency.

"This is pocketbook protection," Fajans-Turner said. "By investing in large-scale public infrastructure, the state reduces costs for property taxes, municipal budgets, and household water expenses."

Clean Energy Gaps and Nuclear Concerns

Fajans-Turner praised the emphasis on affordability and safety but said the governor fell short on clean energy. "We did not hear about utility-scale solar or offshore wind deployment," she said. "Incremental wins are not enough. We need a statewide energy plan that accelerates New York toward its climate goals."

She also cautioned against overreliance on nuclear power. "Nuclear will cost billions more than solar or wind and take years to deploy," Fajans-Turner said. "It cannot replace shovel-ready clean energy projects that are essential today."

Housing, Data Centers, and Environmental Protections

Hochul also proposed streamlining environmental review to speed housing construction. Fajans-Turner urged a careful approach: "Reform should be a scalpel, not a chainsaw. Reviews must protect our water, air, and communities to ensure projects deliver more benefits than costs."

With rapid growth in energy demand from data centers, Fajans-Turner emphasized that "big load growth must come from binding clean energy and storage requirements. We cannot allow expansion of fossil fuel infrastructure."

2026 Action Agenda: PFAS, Clean Energy, and Resilience

Environmental Advocates New York recently released its 2026 action agenda, which Fajans-Turner described as "not a wish list, but the basic work of governing in a warming world." Key priorities include banning toxic PFAS chemicals in consumer products, investing in community resilience, and accelerating clean energy deployment.

"First and foremost, we urge the governor to commit an additional billion dollars for the Sustainable Future Program," Fajans-Turner said. "Second, we must continue to protect drinking water and accelerate clean energy. These steps will help New York remain a climate leader and keep costs down for residents."

Looking ahead, Fajans-Turner said success would mean a 2026 renewable energy plan that charts a clear path toward solar, offshore wind, and a zero-emission economy, along with programs that make polluters pay rather than burden taxpayers.

"If we follow through on these priorities, New York can accelerate its clean energy transition while protecting health, lowering costs, and safeguarding communities," Fajans-Turner said.

Learn more about Environmental Advocates New York and their 2026 agenda at eany.org.

Governor Kathy Hochul used her fifth State of the State address to position herself as a defender of New Yorkers’ pocketbooks — and a bulwark against what she described as federal overreach by the Trump administration.

Radio Catskill reporters Jason Dole, Kimberly Izar, and Patricio Robayo, who followed the speech closely, said the governor’s overarching message focused less on sweeping policy details and more on framing the political moment.

Dole said her key message seemed to be: “Re-elect Governor Kathy Hochul. She was presenting an image of stability and accomplishment.”

Affordability Takes Center Stage

Hochul repeatedly returned to cost-of-living pressures, highlighting energy bills, child care costs, housing shortages, and insurance premiums. She noted that the average New Yorker pays about $1,700 a year just to keep the lights on and pledged to rein in utility rate hikes.

“She talked a lot about affordability, especially energy,” Izar said. “But there were not a lot of specifics on how those rate hikes would actually be stopped.”

The governor said large energy users, including data centers, should “pay their fair share” so everyday consumers aren’t left shouldering higher costs.

Child Care Push Amid Federal Cuts

One of the biggest applause lines came when Hochul outlined plans to expand child care statewide, including universal pre-K for four-year-olds and a partnership with New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani to fund care for 2,000 children in the city.

But reporters noted the timing is complicated by federal cuts.

“We’re seeing federal cuts to child care under the Trump administration,” Dole said. “That’s going to make implementation challenging.”

Immigration and Federal Overreach

Hochul sharpened her criticism of federal immigration enforcement, proposing tighter limits on ICE activity in New York.

One proposal would require immigration officers to obtain judicial warrants before conducting enforcement actions in “sensitive locations” such as schools, hospitals, and houses of worship.

“The governor argues that without these protections, people are afraid to send their kids to school or seek medical care,” Robayo said. “State officials warn that this kind of avoidance can undermine public health and safety more broadly.”

Hochul said New York will not use state resources to assist federal immigration raids targeting non-criminal immigrants.

Housing, AI, and a Shift in Tone

On housing, Hochul renewed calls to streamline environmental reviews to accelerate construction, backing New York City’s plan to build 500,000 new homes over the next decade.

“Let them build,” she said.

She also announced a new AI research center at Binghamton University and proposed clear labeling requirements for AI-generated content, particularly in elections, alongside stronger data protections for children.

Reporters noted a tonal shift away from earlier law-and-order rhetoric.

“She’s moved away from bail reform framing,” Dole said. “Safety was discussed, but with more nuance.”

Political Stakes Ahead

Republicans criticized the address as heavy on rhetoric and light on results. Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay said “actions speak louder than words,” while State Sen. Peter Oberacker said families need lower costs and safer communities “not just speeches.”

As budget negotiations begin, reporters say the real test will be whether Hochul’s affordability agenda survives federal funding cuts and legislative bargaining.

“This is when they're all going to weigh in and that's why you're going to hear me talking to our news partners on there and saying what are people on the ground saying what who likes this idea who doesn't like this idea,” said Dole.