The Local Edition

New York Governor Kathy Hochul recently announced a $1.9 million grant to EverGreen Meadow Academy to establish a residential treatment center and a specialized middle school for girls at risk of self-harm due to trauma. 

The new facility, to be located in Rock Hill, Sullivan County, will provide therapeutic care, education, and support for girls in grades 6-8 from across New York State.

Radio Catskill’s Patricio Robayo spoke with Stacey Millman, founder and president of EverGreen Meadow Services, about the grant and the next steps in bringing this project to life.

Governor Hochul’s 2025 State of the State agenda originally included a one-year deadline for greenhouse gas regulation rules, but the deadline was removed in the final version. Environmental advocates criticized the change as a setback for climate action. Hochul stated the extended timeline allows for gathering necessary data to ensure the program is well-designed. 

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has proposed several measures aimed at easing the financial burden on working and middle-class residents, including a tax cut, increased childcare subsidies, and a new grant for families following the birth of a child. These initiatives were highlighted during her State of the State address on Tuesday.

Radio Catskill's Jason Dole sought reactions to the proposals and spoke with Assemblymember for the 100th District Paula Kay for her perspective.

A fire broke out at the historic Nevele Hotel in Ellenville, NY, on Saturday morning, January 11, 2025. Firefighters from multiple local departments quickly responded, containing the blaze to the main lobby area. The incident marks the second fire at the site in less than a year, with authorities suspecting arson due to the abandoned property being frequented by trespassers and lacking utilities. No injuries were reported, and the cause is under investigation by the New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control. 

The property, recently purchased by Arrowhead LLC, is under discussion for improved security measures. Local officials expressed gratitude for the quick response that prevented further damage to the historic complex. 

Shawangunk Journal's Reporter Chris Rowley spoke Radio Catskill's Patricio Robayo about the fire. 

Paula Elaine Kay was officially sworn in as Assemblymember for New York's 100th District on January 5, 2025, succeeding Aileen Gunther. The ceremony, held at Thompson Town Hall, was attended by local officials and supporters, with Judge Anthony Kane administering the oath of office.

In her address, Kay emphasized unity and bipartisan collaboration, stating, “This is about people over politics.” Her top legislative priority is addressing public safety and bail reform. Kay announced her first bill, developed with the district attorney's office and state police, aiming to amend aspects of the 2019 bail reform law to better balance fairness and public safety.

Beyond bail reform, Kay highlighted plans to tackle housing, healthcare, and childcare shortages in Sullivan County, including efforts to establish a Head Start program. She also announced her district office relocation to 461 Broadway in Monticello for improved accessibility.

Thompson Supervisor William Rieber praised Kay’s campaign, noting her dedication to bringing integrity to politics. Kay closed with a call for ongoing community involvement: “We are here for you.”

Dr. Jessie Moore has been named Sullivan County’s new Public Health Director. With experience overseeing healthcare services at Garnet Health and a background in public health education, Dr. Moore says she brings knowledge of both clinical operations and community health needs to her new role.

Radio Catskill’s Patricio Robayo spoke to Dr. Moore and discussed her experience working with healthcare providers, addressing gaps in specialist care, and identifying resources to improve health outcomes in rural areas.

As Public Health Director, Dr. Moore will oversee a team of 60 staff members responsible for delivering public health services across Sullivan County.

New York Governor Kathy Hocul will be laying out her vision for the next year in the Empire State at her State of the State Address next month, kicking off the budgeting process in Albany.

In preparation, climate, health, and environmental activists across New York are calling on Hochul to take decisive leadership on climate and affordability by including funding for the NY Home Energy Affordable Transition Act (NY HEAT Act) in her proposed executive budget. 

To find out more about Heat, Radio Catskill’s Patricio Robayo spoke to Lisa Marshall, Advocacy and Organizing Director New Yorkers for Clean Power about the bill. 

New York’s home care workers are suing insurance companies for systematically underpaying them for grueling, around-the-clock work.

To help make sense of this is reporter for NY FOCUS Julia Rock speaks with Radio Catskill's Jason Dole. 

This Sunday, December 8, 2024, Damascus Citizens for Sustainability (DCS) will host a "Sustainable Sing-Along" at their Main Street storefront in Narrowsburg, NY. The event, focusing on environmental awareness through music, invites community members to join in preserving clean air, land, and water as fundamental rights.

Ahead of the event, Radio Catskill’s Patricio Robayo spoke with DCS co-founder Jane Cyphers and musician and educator Lucas Rotman on The Local Edition. They discussed how music can inspire sustainability efforts and foster a stronger connection with the environment.