The Local Edition

Peter Kowey, MD. is an esteemed Cardiologist at the Lankenau Institute. His book, "Failure to Treat: How a Broken Healthcare System Puts Patients and Practitioners at Risk," discusses the issues affecting people seeking healthcare: mainly, financial waste. However, argues Dr. Kowey, the waste isn't where politicians seem to think it is. During his time as a doctor, he's seen outrageous administrator salaries, pharmaceutical sales practices, and advertising budgets. But in his opinion, the proposed cuts to insurance subsidies by federal Republicans are missing the source of the problem.

He told Radio Catskill over Zoom:

"One of my daughters works for the government. Nobody wants the government workers to suffer. That's a terrible situation. However, what the Democrats in this situation are arguing for is to change the drastic nature of the cuts in Medicaid and Medicare, and also in the supplements for Obamacare. They're right. If those things go into effect as they're currently in the bill, it will be a catastrophe for healthcare."

He elaborated, "The big loser's going to be the hospitals. And the hospitals right now in this country are in (a) very tenuous financial situation."

The "Fall Salt Snapshot" is being measured from October 1-15 this year across Delaware County. The Stroud Water Research Center is trying to determine how salinized the area's waterways are outside of winter, when road salt is most prevalent. David Bressler, who leads community science initiatives at Stroud, says bringing in outside help gives them more access to crucial data. " You need actual people to go out to streams and collect samples. There's a big time component involved that is simply just about the actual simple logistics of moving around the landscape and getting into the stream, or lowering a bucket from a bridge." He says accessing waterways, collecting samples, and measuring results takes resources the Stroud Center wouldn't otherwise have.

Some areas are in particular need of volunteers but measurements from all over are being sought after. A notice sent out in July by Bressler is addressed to the "stream monitoring community in PA, DE, NJ, MD, and NY" and reads: "The Stroud Center is planning this community science stream monitoring event to characterize salt pollution levels and patterns in streams and rivers to better understand the accumulation of road salt across a wide variety of landscapes. The primary goal of this effort is to generate the best data possible to illustrate the year-round presence of road salt contamination in our watersheds and use these data to help start local conversations and bring the pervasive salt pollution issue more into the public eye. Road salt is an especially local issue because private applicators and municipalities are major sources of road salt, and this means that local data are important, if not vital, in this conversation."

By Patricio Robayo | Radio Catskill | Hispanic Heritage Month Series

As part of Radio Catskill’s continuing Hispanic Heritage Month series, Radio Catskill’s Patricio Robayo spoke with María Hinojosa, the longtime host and executive producer of Latino USA, which now airs Thursdays at 2 p.m. on Radio Catskill.

Hinojosa, born in Mexico City and raised in Chicago, has spent more than three decades reporting stories that often go unheard in mainstream media — stories that highlight the lives, struggles, and achievements of Latino communities across the United States.

She is the founder and CEO of Futuro Media Group, a nonprofit newsroom based in New York City dedicated to elevating diverse voices in public media. Over her career, Hinojosa has earned multiple Emmy and Peabody Awards, the Robert F. Kennedy Journalism Award, the Edward R. Murrow Lifetime Achievement Award, and a Pulitzer Prize for audio reporting for the podcast Suave. She is also the author of Once I Was You: A Memoir of Love and Hate in a Torn America.

Hinojosa on Hispanic Heritage Month

During the conversation, Hinojosa reflected on how her view of Hispanic Heritage Month has evolved over the years.

“I was not a big fan of Hispanic Heritage Month,” she said. “I don’t even use the word Hispanic to describe myself. But now, given our reality, I’m a big fan of Latino Heritage Month. We need to celebrate who we are — and tell the truth about who we are.”

Hinojosa said the celebration has taken on new urgency in recent years, as misinformation and political rhetoric have distorted public perceptions of Latino communities.

“For basically a decade, the Republican Party and Donald Trump have created a narrative about us that is not true,” she said. “We have to do the hard work to tell the truth about who we are. Look around — the Latinos in your community are not who this administration says we are.”

Independent Journalism and the Fight Against Misinformation

Hinojosa described Latino USA as “100 percent independent,” produced by the nonprofit newsroom Futuro Media, which relies on listener support rather than corporate or political influence.

“You can’t fire us,” she said with a laugh. “The only people who can fire us are our listeners.”

That independence, she said, allows her team to pursue “journalism with heart” — fact-based reporting that balances seriousness with humanity.

“We never set out to be activists,” Hinojosa said. “We just wanted to be journalists. But now, the truth itself has become our mission.”

Hinojosa said the program seeks to reflect the full spectrum of Latino life — not just hardship, but also joy, humor, and culture.

“We don’t only want to do journalism that’s sad or depressing,” she said. “Our responsibility is also to bring humor, laughter, and culture. That’s why people trust us.”

A Changing Community, A Changing Show

After more than 30 years on the air, Latino USA continues to evolve. Hinojosa said the Latino population in the United States is growing rapidly and diversifying, and her newsroom is adapting to reflect those shifts.

“We have to be curious about how the Latino and Latina population keeps changing,” she said. “We’re flexible, and that helps us tell these stories well.”

Looking ahead, Hinojosa said she hopes to expand Latino USA’s presence on social media and explore producing visual versions of the program to reach new audiences.

“We’re always evolving — that’s what’s kept Latino USA on the air for three decades,” she said.

Hope for the Future

Despite growing challenges — from political division to misinformation — Hinojosa said she remains optimistic.

“There is no bad from which good cannot come,” she said. “Out of this moment, leaders will emerge — young people whose lives are being shaped right now. They’re going to redefine what it means to be Latino in America.”

Hinojosa said she sees the next generation as key to shaping the country’s future and urged those with privilege or visibility to speak out and support democracy.

At the close of the conversation, she and Robayo reflected on the importance of representation in public media.

“You are one of the reasons I fell in love with public media,” Robayo told her. “There was a voice that spoke to my community — one I wasn’t hearing anywhere else.”

Hinojosa replied, “Each one teach one — and others will follow you. That’s how we keep this going.”

Fire Prevention Week is underway across the country, running from October 5th through the 11th, and this year’s theme from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is “Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home.”

Radio Catskill’s Patricio Robayo spoke with Sullivan County Fire Coordinator John Hauschild about the growing concerns surrounding lithium-ion batteries and how residents can protect themselves from the potential risks these batteries pose.

Before diving into the week’s theme, Hauschild reminded listeners that New York State remains under a temporary burn ban through October 15th, due to unusually dry fall conditions that have increased the risk of wildfires. Under the ban, most open burning — including brush and yard waste — is prohibited, though small, contained campfires and cooking fires are still allowed.

The Risks of Lithium-Ion Batteries

Hauschild explained that lithium-ion batteries are everywhere — from phones, laptops, and tablets to e-bikes, power tools, and even toys — and while they’re efficient and convenient, they can pose serious fire hazards if damaged, improperly charged, or paired with uncertified equipment.

“These batteries store a large amount of energy,” Hauschild said. “If they’re not used properly, it does pose a threat to people.”

He stressed the importance of buying batteries and chargers that are UL (Underwriters Laboratories) certified and avoiding cheap replacements sold online. “That’s where we see the problems — off-brand batteries that overheat or fail.”

Charging and Disposal Safety Tips

Hauschild offered several key precautions:

• Use the correct charger. Stick to the one that came with the device or a manufacturer-approved replacement.
• Avoid overcharging. “People think they have to charge overnight, but these are rapid chargers,” he noted.
• Keep devices uncovered while charging. Charging phones or laptops under pillows or on soft surfaces traps heat — a leading cause of battery fires.
• Charge e-bikes and scooters outside whenever possible, and never near an exit door.
• Dispose of damaged or old batteries properly. “Never throw lithium-ion batteries in the trash,” he warned. “Search for recycling locations — many manufacturers and retailers will take them back.”

Hauschild added that toxic smoke from these batteries can be extremely dangerous, especially if a fire starts indoors. “If you see smoke coming from a battery, unplug it and move away. If it ignites, call 911 immediately.”

Local Fire Trends

While New York City has seen a surge in fires linked to e-bikes and lithium batteries, Sullivan County has had a few close calls. “We’ve had incidents with laptops and e-bikes — some small, some that caused serious damage,” Hauschild said. “It’s becoming more common as more of these devices are out there.”

Everyday Fire Safety

Beyond lithium batteries, Hauschild emphasized that fire prevention is an everyday responsibility, not just one week a year.

“Practice fire safety in your home,” he said. “Have exit drills, store flammable liquids safely, and talk to your local fire department — they’re always happy to help or even welcome new volunteers.”

As we get deeper into fall, the risk of RSV is only rising in children and their families. This highly contagious and common virus has been detected in as many as 80,000 children under the age of five and will infect nearly all children under the age of two.

Fortunately, vaccines have been shown to significantly lower the risk of RSV hospitalizations and are the best way to help protect little ones, their parents and even their grandparents. The American Lung Association is leading a national campaign to get all expectant birth givers and children under the age of 5 vaccinated.

Radio Catskill’s Genevieve Hartnett spoke with Dr. Juanita Mora, a leading U.S. immunologist and the National Spokesperson for the American Lung Association about the importance of vaccinating early to keep our communities safe.

By Patricio Robayo, Radio Catskill
October 6, 2025

As the November election approaches, the Ulster County Board of Elections is urging residents to get informed, get registered, and get out to vote. Commissioners Ashley Torres and John Quigley spoke with Radio Catskill to share key dates, changes to polling locations, and what goes on behind the scenes to make Election Day run smoothly.

A Busy Season for Local Democracy

With more than 144,000 registered voters across Ulster County, election season is a hectic time for the Board’s 14-person staff.

“We’re issuing absentee and vote-by-mail ballots, testing voting machines, training over 650 election inspectors, and making sure everything is ready for Election Day,” Torres said. “It’s a lot of moving parts, but the goal is simple — a fair, smooth, and accessible election.”

Key Dates to Remember

• October 25: Early voting begins — and it’s also “Golden Day,” the last day to register to vote for this election.
• October 25–November 3: Early voting continues. Most days are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with late hours noon to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 28, and Thursday, Oct. 30.
• November 4: Election Day — polls are open 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Early voting sites are open to any voter in the county, regardless of where they live. Sites include:

• Olive: American Legion in Shokan
• Kingston: Midtown Neighborhood Center on Broadway
• Ellenville: Ellenville Public Library
• New Paltz: New Paltz Community Center
• Highland: New location — Highland American Legion (formerly Marlboro Community Center)
• Saugerties: Saugerties Senior Center at the Cantine Field Complex

Visit VoteUlster.com
for details and updates.

Behind the Ballots

Quigley says a “successful election day” means every polling site opens on time and every voter has a positive experience.

“New York has one of the longest election days in the country — 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.,” he said. “We make sure poll sites are ready for anything, from power outages to a hot day where inspectors need water. By 10:30 or 11 p.m., we usually have 99% of results reported.”

Unlike online voting systems, results in Ulster County are physically transported on secured USB drives — not sent digitally — to ensure integrity. Early and absentee ballots are typically the first results reported after 9 p.m.

Counting Every Vote

Even after Election Day, the counting isn’t over. Torres emphasized that all valid mail-in and affidavit ballots are included, even if the race isn’t close.

“We process ballots postmarked by Election Day and affidavit ballots starting November 10,” she explained. “If there’s a tight race, we conduct an automatic hand count. We can recount every ballot in Ulster County in about five to seven days.”

The Board invites the public to observe these counts. “It’s an open process — transparent from start to finish,” Torres added.

A Right That’s Never Denied

Quigley reminded voters that in New York, no one can be denied the right to vote.

“If you ever feel you’re being turned away, you can always request an affidavit ballot,” he said. “We’ll verify and resolve it afterward. Your voice will still be heard.”

For More Information

Visit VoteUlster.com
to:

• Register to vote
• Find early voting sites and hours
• Track your absentee ballot
• View sample ballots

Early voting begins Saturday, October 25, and Election Day is Tuesday, November 4.
Make your plan, know your site, and make your vote count.

New York Focus reported about the half-billion dollar bond Sullivan County is issuing to reinvigorate the Resorts World Catskills Casino in Monticello. The county is promising investors major gains, but reports found by New York Focus and consultants on the deal say the numbers show decline.

Radio Catskill’s Genevieve Hartnett, who also reported on the deal last month, spoke with New York Focus Reporter Chris Bragg about the details that each of them found about this ongoing story, what investors are saying, and what it all means for Sullivan County’s economy.

As part of Radio Catskill’s Hispanic Heritage Month series, we welcomed back a familiar voice: J. Miguel Santiago Colón, who started his journey with us as an intern and is now producing stories at iHeart Media’s The Moment with Jorge Ramos and Ante Studios.

Colón spoke about his transition from Sullivan County to New York City’s media landscape, where his reporting now highlights Latino issues and communities across the U.S. He shared how his experience as a journalist in Puerto Rico—covering hurricanes, earthquakes, and political unrest—shaped his perspective, and how those lessons continue to guide his work today.

The conversation touched on Puerto Rican identity, the challenges of being both a U.S. citizen and part of a colony, and how cultural figures like Bad Bunny are helping to elevate Puerto Rican voices on a global stage. Colón also underscored the vital role of public media in giving space to Latino stories that too often go untold.

Hispanic Heritage Month: Activist Sandra Oxford on the Latino Experience in Sullivan Catskills

As part of Radio Catskill’s Hispanic Heritage Month coverage, Patricio Robayo sat down with longtime local activist Sandra Oxford to talk about the challenges facing the Latino community in the Sullivan Catskills, and the work she’s led over decades of advocacy.

Oxford, a self-described citizen activist, reflects on her upbringing in Queens and Long Island, her decision to raise her family in the Catskills, and the stark differences she found in rural life compared to the diverse urban communities where she grew up.

In the conversation, Oxford recalls the early days of her activism, which began in the late 1980s when she saw firsthand the exploitation of farm workers in the Hudson Valley. That work grew into decades of organizing for immigrant rights, language access, and fair treatment for Latino residents in the region.

She also spoke about the pandemic’s toll on essential workers, most of whom were Latino laborers in agriculture and food processing.

Oxford highlighted the growth of the Latino population in Sullivan County and the ongoing gap between demographics and representation in positions of power. Despite Latinos making up a majority of students in some districts, she said, language access and representation in local government remain lacking.

Looking forward, Oxford urged younger generations to ground themselves in history and family values, while not shying away from activism:

Oxford closed with an invitation for neighbors to take Hispanic Heritage Month as an opportunity to learn more about the Latino community in Sullivan County:

World Mental Health Day is coming up next month on October 10th, but we’re focusing on a group that often gets forgotten about in mental health advocacy - farmers.

With the increase in tariffs on foreign goods put in place earlier this year as well as the Trump administration’s broader economic policies that are cutting grants to mental health and sustainability initiatives, farmers all across New York state are talking about how their stress has only gotten worse.

Radio Catskill’s Genevieve Hartnett spoke with New York Farm Net at Cornell University as well as three farmers in Sullivan and Orange Counties about the stress they feel as food producers and small business owners, as well as the obligations they hold towards the communities they provide for and each other.

This piece contains mention of suicide.