The Local Edition

In 2008, a gravesite was unearthed during an excavation beneath a school in Newburgh, New York. The remains date back to the mid-19th century. Today, the site is recognized as the Newburgh Colored Burial Ground, located at what is now the city courthouse. 

In October this year, an official marker was ceremonially unveiled at the burial ground. The inscription on the marker reads: “The final resting place for the thriving free black community in what was the village of Newburgh.”

Radio Catskill’s Nia Watson spoke with Ramona Burton, Director of SUNY Westchester Mount Vernon Extension Center, about her involvement with the Newburgh Colored Burial Ground Committee and spiritual connection to the site. 

Watson also met Dr. Andrea Frohne, author of The African Burial Ground in New York City: Memory, Spirituality and Space, to discuss the history of these burials in the state of New York.

Laura Palermo, also known as "Madame Manatease" on the Mid-Hudson Misfits Roller Derby team, recently spoke with Radio Catskill’s Patricio Robayo to promote an upcoming event—a charity scrimmage supporting Toys for Tots - Jingle Jams 

Madame Manatease discusses the inclusivity and diversity of the roller derby community, shared insights for beginners looking to join the sport, and underscored the importance of giving back through charitable events during the holiday season.

The scrimmage will take place on Sunday, December 8, at Skate Time, located on Route 209 in Accord, New York starting at 6pm. 

For more details, visit MidHudsonMisfits.com

Spotlight PA is looking at the current discussions surrounding the allocation of $1.8 billion from opioid settlements.

The funds are intended for various uses, including medication-assisted treatment and public awareness campaigns. 

However, disagreements have arisen between state oversight and local governments over spending priorities, such as allocations for law enforcement and public defenders.

Investigative reporter Ed Mahon explores these disputes, transparency challenges, and how residents can monitor fund usage through Spotlight PA’s dedicated database. He discussed these issues with Radio Catskill’s Patricio Robayo.

Sullivan County’s new EMS fly car system is proving to be a game-changer for emergency response in Sullivan County. These non-transporting first response vehicles are designed to get medical providers to patients faster, delivering critical care on-site while waiting for an ambulance. Since their launch in mid-September, fly cars have responded to over 680 calls, cutting response times by an average of 15-20 minutes—a difference that can mean life or death in emergencies like cardiac arrests.

The initiative was born out of a study commissioned in 2019 by the Benjamin Center at SUNY New Paltz, which highlighted the need for improvements in our EMS system. With many of the county’s emergency services relying on overstretched volunteers, the fly car program is helping to ease the burden, particularly in rural areas where long travel times can delay care.

Sullivan County currently has four fly cars—two offering basic life support (BLS) and two providing advanced life support (ALS)—strategically stationed across the region. Beyond emergency response, these vehicles support community events, aid volunteer crews, and assist in training efforts.

This is just one piece of the puzzle in improving EMS services, but it’s already saving lives and making a real impact for residents.

Alex Rau, Deputy Commissioner for Public Safety, speaks to Radio Catskill's Patricio Robayo about this program and its success so far.

Pattern for Progress, a research organization based in the Hudson Valley, recently released a report titled “When Hotels Become Home.” The report highlights how the housing crisis is forcing some families in Ulster, Duchess, Orange and Sullivan Counties to live in hotels and motels—including families with young children. 

Radio Catskills Nia Watson spoke with Sullivan County Commissioner for Health and Human Services John Liddle about the report and how this crisis is affecting families in the area. 

 New York faces the risk of increasingly frequent and severe wildfires, but the state lacks adequate forest rangers and firefighters to address this escalating challenge. Nathan Porceng from NY Focus discusses potential solutions with Radio Catskill's Patricio Robayo. 

The United Way of Sullivan County serves over 5,500 individuals annually and has witnessed a growing demand for housing and clothing support in the wake of the pandemic. 

Offering programs such as Emergency Food & Shelter Assistance, the organization plays a crucial role in meeting the community's needs. 

Radio Catskill’s Patricio Robayo recently spoke with Chief Professional Officer Julian Dawson to reflect on the past year and discuss the organization's current needs. 

Small Business Saturday, first launched in 2010 by American Express, Small Business Saturday was created to support small businesses and bolster communities during the holiday shopping season. Since then, it has grown into a nationwide movement, reminding us all that when we shop local, we’re doing more than just buying a gift—we’re investing in the heart and soul of our neighborhoods.

Ashley Leavitt, the President and CEO of the Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce shared insights on how this day impacts small businesses right here in the Sullivan County. 

She talked about the importance of shopping small, some tips for maximizing your budget while supporting local businesses. 

After years of scaled-back operations due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Federation for the Homeless in Monticello is returning to full capacity for its annual Thanksgiving luncheon. This community event, which provides a warm holiday meal and a sense of togetherness, will once again be fully open to all.

Kathy Kreiter, director of the Federation for the Homeless, recently spoke with Radio Catskill’s Patricio Robayo about this year’s Thanksgiving plans. She shared insights into the preparations, the significance of the event for those in need, and ways the community can support the Federation.

A review of Trump’s first term, along with his campaign promises and details found within Project 2025, indicate what’s to come in New York.

Bianca Fortis from NY Focus speaks with Radio Catskill's Patricio Robayo