The Local Edition

The Forestburgh Playhouse in the Sullivan Catskills is hosting its second Drag Me to the Catskills, a weekend-long series of events from June 13 to 15, focused on celebrating drag performance. Featuring a renowned cast of drag queens, who have been critical to the modern drag movement and drag’s rise in pop culture through shows like RuPaul’s Drag Race, Drag Me to the Catskills aims to bring this powerful form of LGBTQ+ expression directly to Sullivan County.

Radio Catskill’s Julia Kim had the chance to speak with Forestburgh Playhouse’s director Franklin Trapp about what the event has in store for audiences and then long-time queen Mrs. Kasha Davis on the importance of drag to both her own life and that of others — especially amid the federal government’s increasing hostility towards the LGBTQ+ community within the United States. Here’s Franklin…

Before the New York State Senate and Assembly leave for summer recess, Catskill Mountainkeeper is pushing for a statewide ban on toxic ‘forever chemicals’ in farm fertilizers.

An environmental advocacy group in Sullivan County, Catskill Mountainkeeper is sounding the alarm about the use of biosolids in fertilizers to grow food.  They are calling for supporters to contact their members of the New York State Senate and Assembly to vote "Yes" on the Management of PFAS in Biosolids Act before their legislative sessions end on June 12 and June 17 respectively.

High levels of PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, often referred to as “forever chemicals” in food, water, and packaging have been linked to a weakened antibody response to vaccines, increased cholesterol levels, and even certain cancers, including liver and testicular.

In response, this bill would require vital testing of soil, water, and sludge, in order to ban the use of forever chemicals on farmland. 

Radio Catskill's Genevieve Hartnett spoke with Wes Gillingham, Associate Director of Catskill Mountainkeeper about how PFAS contaminates farmland and whether or not the bill has a chance to pass before the legislative sessions end next week in Albany.

As the clock runs out on this year’s legislative session in Albany, lawmakers are trying to wrap up key bills and settle budget concerns before heading home for the summer.

The State Assembly will stay in Albany through June 17, while the Senate is set to finish by June 12.

To help explain what’s at stake and what it means for local communities, Radio Catskill’s Patricio Robayo spoke with David Lombardo, host of The Capitol Pressroom.

Aid in Dying vote leads the agenda

One of the biggest issues right now is the Medical Aid in Dying Act, which would allow terminally ill New Yorkers to end their lives with the help of a doctor.

Lombardo said, “This has the potential to be the one big issue that does get done here in Albany.”

While other bills are still in play, Lombardo said it is unlikely that prison reform or environmental bills will make it across the finish line.

Budget cuts could come later

Though the state passed a $250 billion budget this spring, it may face cuts if expected federal funding falls short.

The budget includes language to deal with more than $2 billion in potential federal cuts. But Lombardo said lawmakers might leave the hard decisions to the governor.

“My guess is that the state lawmakers will not necessarily want to own budget cuts. 'Cause budget cuts are not popular,” he said.

He added, “This is one of those times where the governor is likely gonna have to be the adult in the room, so to speak, and they'll be the one who is going to lead on these cuts.”

Local lawmakers working for home districts

In the Hudson Valley and Catskills, Assemblymember Paula Kay (D-100th District) is trying to move local bills, such as improving private school transportation in Sullivan County and a bill about bail eligibility for controlled substances.

Lombardo said, “She has a bunch of sort of local interest bills, some in which she carries with Republican State Senator Peter Oberacker.”

Another thing to watch is whether Kay can secure “bullet aid” for local projects.

“In the final days of the legislative session here in Albany, the Assembly will vote on a bunch of resolutions that will include different pots of money that Paula Kay might be able to steer to the 100th Assembly District,” Lombardo said.

State Senator Peter Oberacker (R-51st District) faces even more hurdles in moving big bills.

Lombardo said, “I wouldn’t expect him to be grabbing too many headlines between now and the end of the legislative session, given that he is a Republican in a body ruled by Democrats.”

Delgado’s run could shift politics

Looking ahead to 2026, Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado is running in the Democratic primary against Governor Hochul.

His platform includes ideas like universal healthcare.

Lombardo said, “If he's able to gain traction, if he's able to steer the agenda, if he's able to steer the media narrative, then sure, I think Governor Hochul is gonna have to be responsive. But he has a long way to go, many mountains to climb before he's a part of a serious conversation with regards to the gubernatorial election in 2026.”

“Right now, if I'm Governor Kathy Hochul, I'm more concerned with who my potential Republican opponent will be in the general election,” Lombardo added.

Prison reform loses steam

One issue that has lost momentum is prison reform.

Lombardo said, “Six months ago there was a major conversation about prison reform in New York following the death of Robert Brooks at a central New York prison. That conversation has died down to a whimper.”

“There's efforts by progressives in the legislature and in the criminal justice space to bring it back to life… but it really seems unlikely that there's going to be anything substantive done in that area,” he said.

Cuomo campaign casts a shadow

Final stretch

Lawmakers still need to finish work on hundreds of routine bills—such as local tax extenders—and possibly update the state’s temporary disability insurance and tackle single-use plastic packaging.

But with just days remaining, it remains to be seen how much more they can accomplish.

Lombardo said, “There's only so many days left and so many bills, so many hundreds of bills that they need to get done as a matter of course.”

The People for People Fund is a non-profit dedicated to providing interim financial assistance to residents of Orange, Sullivan, and Ulster counties who find themselves facing sudden financial emergencies. 

Whether it's covering the cost of essential textbooks, managing a hefty medical bill, or paying for an urgent car repair.

Radio Catskill’s Patricio Robayo spoke to Marsi Ann Clark, executive director for the People for People Fund, to learn more about the organization. 

As Albany Debates Plastics Crackdown, Industry Pushes Softer Alternative

The chemical industry is pushing to replace a sweeping plastics bill with a more business-friendly alternative.

In the wake of former President Joe Biden's announcement that he has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer that has metastasized to his bones , the conversation around prostate health has gained renewed urgency.

To shed light on this critical issue, Radio Catskill's Patricio Robayo spoke with Dr. Sheldon L. Axelrod, a urologist with Optum Health and Clinical Assistant Professor at the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell.

Early Detection is Key

Dr. Axelrod emphasized the importance of early screening for prostate cancer. "For individuals at average risk, starting screening at age 50 is reasonable," he noted. However, for those with higher risk factors—such as African American men or those with a family history of prostate cancer—screening should begin earlier, around age 45, or even 40 in some cases.

Silent Progression

One of the challenges with prostate cancer is its often silent progression. "Typically, early-stage prostate cancer doesn't present symptoms," Dr. Axelrod explained. "Symptoms like bone pain or urinary difficulties usually indicate more advanced disease." This underscores the necessity of regular screenings, even in the absence of symptoms.

Diagnostic Tools

The primary screening tools for prostate cancer are the Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test and the digital rectal exam. While an elevated PSA level doesn't definitively indicate cancer, it warrants further investigation. "If the PSA is elevated, we typically repeat the test and may conduct an MRI to assess the prostate's condition," Dr. Axelrod said. "Depending on the findings, a biopsy might be necessary."

Treatment Options

Treatment strategies for prostate cancer vary based on the disease's stage and aggressiveness. "For low-risk cases, active surveillance might be sufficient," Dr. Axelrod stated. "More aggressive cancers may require surgical removal of the prostate or radiation therapy." He also highlighted advancements in robotic-assisted surgeries, which have improved patient outcomes and recovery times.

Lifestyle and Prevention

While certain risk factors like age and genetics are non-modifiable, Dr. Axelrod advocated for a healthy lifestyle. "Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and maintaining a healthy weight can contribute to overall well-being and may help reduce cancer risk," he advised.

Dr. Axelrod's insights serve as a timely reminder of the importance of proactive health measures and regular screenings in the fight against prostate cancer.

Ulster County’s Department of Emergency Services is poised to take a larger role in supporting emergency medical operations across the region. This expansion comes after the county was granted a Municipal Ambulance Service Operating Certificate of Need by the New York State Department of Health.

The certification allows Ulster County to extend contracts with existing emergency medical providers and bring additional resources to areas where ambulance services are overburdened or strained.

Everett Erichsen, Director of the Department of Emergency Services, spoke with Radio Catskill’s Miguel Santiago Colón about what this change means for local residents. According to Erichsen, the move ensures that critical emergency services will be more consistent and better equipped to respond when minutes matter most.

The expanded capabilities aim to improve patient outcomes and alleviate pressures on current providers who are experiencing staffing shortages and rising call volumes.

The new certification is viewed as a step forward in building a more resilient and responsive emergency care system throughout Ulster County.

Shadowland Stages in Ellenville is celebrating a major milestone—its 40th anniversary season. They’re kicking it off with a production of Herb Gardner’s classic Broadway comedy I’m Not Rappaport, starring Tony Award-winner Judd Hirsch and directed by Tony nominee Neil Pepe.

To learn more about the play and the legacy of the theater, Radio Catskill’s Patricio Robayo spoke with Shadowland’s Artistic Director, Brendan Burke. Patricio began by asking: What does it mean to celebrate 40 years of Shadowland Stages?

I’m Not Rappaport tells the story of two octogenarians, Nat and Midge, who meet regularly on a bench in Central Park. Nat is a cantankerous communist whose daughter wants to put him in a home for seniors. Midge is an apartment building superintendent hiding out from disgruntled tenants. Together, they’ll do whatever it takes to avoid being put out to pasture.

In Ulster County, students are being invited to leave their mark on local democracy—literally.

The “I Voted” Sticker Design Contest is now open to young artists between the ages of 9 and 18. The winning design will be printed on the official stickers handed out at polling sites across the county during the November 4th General Election.

Originally launched in 2020 by Ulster County Board of Elections Commissioner Ashley Torres, the contest was inspired by a simple yet powerful idea: make voting more engaging, especially for younger generations.

Radio Catskill’s J. Miguel Santiago Colón spoke to Torres, who reflected on the initiative’s impact. “It’s a fun, creative way to connect young people to government,” she said, highlighting how civic participation can begin well before the first ballot is cast.

The contest is more than just a competition—it’s a chance for students to be part of the democratic process and see their work celebrated by thousands of voters.

Submissions are open now. For full contest details, visit Ulster County Elections: Student Resources.

A controversial proposal to establish a landfill in Ulster County has been placed on indefinite hold following sustained public opposition and mounting environmental concerns. The Ulster County Resource Recovery Agency (UCRRA) announced the decision last week, halting its search for a site after residents in Wawarsing—where one location had been under consideration—pushed back strongly against the plan.

To better understand the impact of this shift, Radio Catskill's Patricio Robayo spoke with journalist Chris Rowley of the Shawangunk Journal, who’s been reporting on the issue extensively. You can read the full article from the Shawangunk Journal https://shawangunkjournal.com/news/2025/05/22/wawarsing-wins-ucrra-gives-up/482OKl

“The pressure was building,” Rowley said. “Wawarsing residents were deeply concerned, and this proposal had become politically toxic. No one wanted to carry it forward.”

For years, Ulster County has relied on Seneca Meadows, a sprawling landfill near the Finger Lakes, to dispose of its waste—roughly 150,000 tons each year, transported daily by truck at an annual cost of around $11 million. But with questions surrounding Seneca Meadows’ long-term viability, UCRRA sought a more local solution.

That search led to Wawarsing, a town in Ulster’s southwestern corner, bordering Sullivan County. But the proposal faced immediate criticism—not just on environmental grounds, but on equity. Wawarsing is one of Ulster’s lowest-income municipalities, and many viewed the proposal as yet another example of siting undesirable projects in economically vulnerable communities.

“This has become a broader conversation about environmental justice,” Rowley said. “It mirrors patterns we’ve seen across the country where landfills and incinerators are disproportionately placed in poorer areas.”

For now, UCRRA and Ulster County officials say they’re refocusing on waste reduction. County Executive Jen Metzger emphasized the need to minimize overall volume before considering any new infrastructure. Emerging technologies—such as thermal decomposition or gasification—are being watched closely, but Rowley noted that these innovations are still in the experimental stage.

There’s also a political angle to consider. A potential shutdown of Seneca Meadows—whether from political change in Seneca Falls or the site reaching capacity—would leave Ulster and several neighboring counties scrambling for alternatives. Rowley believes that any long-term solution will ultimately require coordination at the state level.

“I think this is headed for the governor’s desk,” he said. “We’re talking about an issue that affects not just Ulster, but Sullivan, Dutchess, Orange, Columbia—half a million tons of waste a year. The region will have to act together.”

 The trucks keep rolling north to Seneca Meadows, and the conversation about how to responsibly and equitably manage waste in New York continues.