Radio Chatskill

New York has secured a U.S. Department of Agriculture disaster declaration for more than 30 counties, including Sullivan, Ulster, Orange, and Delaware counties. The declaration comes after a spring frost in April affected many fruit growers across the state.Radio Catskill’s Kimberly Izar spoke with Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger – whose county is the second largest apple producer in New York state – about what this designation means for farmers.

Sullivan County’s hospitality and leisure industry has plummeted by about 1,000 jobs in the past four years. A mix of weaker than usual seasonal hiring, consumer caution, an aging workforce, and immigration restrictions have contributed to the dip. Radio Catskill’s Kimberly Izar spoke with Laura Quigley, Sullivan County’s Commissioner of Community Resources, about the decline. 

The Town of Newburgh unanimously voted to oppose an ICE detention warehouse in the Town of Newburgh on July 13.The resolution comes after the federal government quietly leased a warehouse in the Town of Newburgh to a Texas-based contractor for $35.5 million without any local officials’ knowledge.On Monday, hundreds of people gathered in Newburgh ahead of the town board meeting. Radio Catskill’s Kimberly Izar spoke with Tim Bruno on Radio Chatskill about the rally.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced last week that the state has kicked off an $18 million project to improve safety along Route 17 in Sullivan County. That’ll include major safety upgrades to roadways between the Hamlet of Parksville and the Village of Liberty.State Route 17 becomes an increasingly busy highway during the summertime, carrying on average 19,400 vehicles daily during the summer months.Radio Catskill’s Kimberly Izar spoke with Sullivan County Legislator Luis Alvarez about what kinds of safety upgrades residents can expect. 

New York officials and residents are demanding answers after news broke that the federal government had leased a warehouse in Newburgh for $35.5 million. While the Trump administration hasn’t specified for what purpose, federal records suggest it could be for ICE.The news comes just five months after Orange County residents staunchly opposed a proposed ICE facility in Chester. ICE later told New York Assemblymember Brian Maher that they would not pursue those plans.More than 300 people rallied in Newburgh last night, according to organizers, to oppose ICE’s presence in the Hudson Valley. Radio Catskill’s Kimberly Izar has the story.

Local activists are doubling down on their efforts to end Orange County Jail’s agreement with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as new state laws prohibiting local cooperation with ICE go into effect and a new federal lease in Newburgh raises concerns.Radio Catskill's Kimberly Izar spoke with Vanessa Cid, For the Many organizer, about the push to end the county's ICE contract. 

Optum Health has announced it’s considering selling certain specialty practices affiliated with Optum Medical Care and Crystal Run Health to other large New York health systems. That includes orthopedics, general surgery, and urology, among others.A spokesperson for Optum Health said that they’ve signed or are negotiating letters of intent with some health systems – with the goal of closing sales by the end of 2026.But some Crystal Run Healthcare workers are worried about what this means for patient and worker care. Crystal Run workers, meanwhile, have been pushing for a stronger contract, including safer staffing and better healthcare benefits.Radio Catskill’s Kimberly Izar spoke with Anna Oman and Krystal Shorette with healthcare union 1199SEIU about the possible sale and what Optum workers are calling for.

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled earlier this week on Tuesday that states may ban transgender women and girls from participating in school and college sports.The decision marks a devastating blow for LGBTQ+ advocates around the country and is part of a series of state and federal rollbacks for trans protections.Radio Catskill’s Kimberly Izar spoke with Charlie Solidum, Director of Programs and Services at the Hudson Valley LGBTQ+ Community Center in Kingston, about what the court ruling means for transgender communities across New York state.

Jesse Ballew has been the emcee of the Callicoon Tractor Parade for 30 years. This year he is stepping away from the mic after one final year celebrating with the community. Jesse joins Radio Catskill reporter Rebekah Hendricks to tell us more about his time with the parade.

As many rural hospitals remain at risk of closure, a new community health model is coming to Barryville, New York. Radio Catskill’s Kimberly Izar spoke with Christopher Dickey, President and Director of Highland Health Initiative, about converting a former medical office into a rural health hub in Sullivan County.

Rural communities often struggle with access to public transportation options and limited scheduling. But Pike County Transportation is working to make public transit available for as many Pennsylvanians. Riders are still required to make a pick-up appointment to access but Pike County Transportation says they’re trying to upgrade its systems.Radio Catskill’s Kimberly Izar spoke with Robert Ruiz, Pike County’s Director of Transportation to learn more about their transit options and about increased ride fares.

A housing developer and Resorts World Catskills have signed a deal to build over 100 workforce housing units that will be located along County Route 17B near the Monticello Raceway. The contract was signed during Assemblymember Paula Kay’s workforce housing roundtable last week. Radio Catskill’s Kimberly Izar spoke with New York Assemblymember Paula Kay on Monday about the deal.

People gathered across the country to celebrate Juneteenth on Friday, including local celebrations in Sullivan County. Radio Catskill's Kimberly Izar has more.

Sullivan County Human Rights Commissioner Ramone Wilson says tenant-landlord tensions continue as some residents at the Evergreen Housing complex in Monticello allege years of agency mismanagement and harassment.Radio Catskill's Kimberly Izar spoke with Wilson who shared the latest on the issue.