In Wawarsing –
Those politicians who made it to the local business chamber's mixer last week had much to say about how Kingston's teaching towns and villages, as well as the chances for congressional candidate Zephyr Teachout in the area. Biggest news may be a growing sense that the community college is eying possibilities in the area, from a possible satellite campus to the number of potential students in Napanoch, given state politicians don't nix the possibility of inmates getting SUNY educations.

In Pine Bush –
One source has been going around telling television newscasters that a murder weapon has been found and that there is a suspect in the New Year's eve murder, with only a DNA match being waited open, while reports are also being printed about the wildness of the party where former PBSD star athlete Justin Speights was murdered, and many in the community object.

In Sullivan County –
Remember China City? Turns out the dormant project, which has maintained presence through ads and donations while it awaits word on its EB5 tax status, just settled with its former lawyer, Jacob Billig, who had sued them for unpaid fees after getting fired last autumn. The root of the problem? Seems management and attorney couldn't agree on what needed being done first.

Congressionally Speaking –
Town of Livingston councilman Will Yandik, a Columbia County farm manager, will continue his run against the afore-mentioned Teachout while lame duck congressman Chris Gibson told a crowd in Kingston recently that he'll decide whether to run for governor this coming autumn. Meanwhile, down in the 18th District candidates are lining up to challenge Democrat incumbent Sean Maloney.

Throughout the Region –
The lack of snow's affecting ski areas, including the Gunks' first planned cross country race, while work has started to make the heroin overdose antidote Narcan available without prescription. Furthermore, next Tuesday, February 9, is Catskill Awareness Day up in Albany, where a coalition of organizations and citizens is looking to build on the half a million in new funding and gubernatorial commitment they got after lobbying efforts last year. We'll be there.