Radio Bold News Pod

Sullivan County Fire Coordinator John Hauschild speaks with host Mikd Sakell about the NYS Burn Ban in effect from March 16-May 14 2025.

Catskills Conversations Host Mike Sakell speaks with Sullivan County Commissioner of Division of Community Resources Laura Quigley about the recent launch of Move Sullivan Transportatiion short loop routes introduced in Liberty and Monticello NY.

Catskills News Podcast Host Mike Sakell speaks with New Hope Community Director of Development Janae Myers about the New Hope Foundation, some highlights from 2024 and a look ahead to 2025 and the New Hope Community 50th Anniversary Celebration.

Catskills News Podcast host Mike Sakell speaks with Livingston Manor and Roscoe School Superintendent John Evans on the upcoming school merger vote scheduled for December 19th 2024. Dr. Evans discusses the reasoning behind this years updated merger study and the current information campaign taking place in both the Livingston Manor and Roscoe communities leading up to the merger vote. This is an extended conversation first presented as a Catskill Conversation on Ciliberto and Friends on Catskills News Talk 92.5 and 94.9 FM In Sullivan County NY.

Host Mike Sakell speaks with Vice President of the Wurtsboro NY Board of Trade Kelly De Guzman as Representatives from the State Department of Transportation (DOT) and Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) will be hosting a public forum in Wurtsboro on Wednesday November 20, 2024 at the Emma Chase School in Wurtsboro as the NYS DOT is getting closer to finalizing its plans for bringing Route 17 in line with federal standards to make it an interstate highway. De Guzman says she is interested in alternatives to the suggested closure of the exit, which would greatly impact local business in the Wurtsboro community.

Catskills News Director Mike Sakell moderates Catskills News Decision 2024 NYS 100th Assembly District Debate between Democrat Elaine Paula Kay and Republican Lou Ingrassia Jr.

Hear the Catskills News Conversation presenting both sides of the issue regarding voting on NYS Proposal One. Hear Sullivan County Democratic Committee Chair Ann Hart and Sullivan County Republican Chair Greg Goldstein make the case for voting Yes or No on Proposal One found on this years ballot.

Catskills News Director Mike Sakell sits down with NYS Senate Candidate Michele Frazier in conversation on the race for the 51st District.

The Boards of Education of the Livingston Manor and Roscoe Central School Districts will hold a joint meeting Monday, Oct. 7, 2024 in Livingston Manor. Roscoe and Livingston Manor Superintendent Dr John Evans talks with hist Mike Sakell about the key elements of the updated 2024 Merger Study Addendum recently approved by the State Education Department that the joint boards will consider moving forward for another merger vote.

Catskills News Podcast host Mike Sakell has an extended conversation with Museum at Bethel Woods director Neal Hitch on the removal of the Woodstock Festival "Message Tree." The more than 100-year old, 60-foot red maple, was removed due to its deteriorating condition. Now plans are in the works to purpose wood for the tree in an artistic way keeping its legacy alive.

Catskills News Director Mike Sakell moderates a debate with candidates for the NYS 100th Assembly District, Democrat Paula Elaine Kay and Republican Lou Ingrassia Jr.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued its star rating report and Hospice of Orange & Sullivan Counties is officially a 5-star rated organization. Catskills News Podcast host Mike Sakell speaks with Sandra Cassese CEO of Hospice of Orange and Sullivan about the 5-star rating, a direct result of the satisfaction expressed by caregivers of their patients regarding the quality of care as measured through Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS®) surveys.

This is the 2024 International Overdose Awareness Day Vigil event held on Auguts 28 2024 on the lawn of the Sullivan County NY Courthouse in the Village of Monticello.

Catskills News Director Mike Sakell speaks with Janna Walter, Supervising Community Health Nurse-Maternal Child/Healthy Families Program Manager at Sullivan County Public Health. August is National Breastfeeding Month and Public Health would like the community to know about their Lactation Consultants. Learn about the benefits of breastfeeding!

Catskills News Podcast host Mike Sakell speaks with Lynn Skolnick and Marvin Rappaport of the Ethelbert B Crawford Public Library in Monticello NY about their ongoing oral history project. The project is interviewing local individuals who have interesting personal stories and life experiences. Those being interviewed come from the service area of the library including the Towns of Bethel, Forestburgh and Thompson.

Catksills News Podcast host Mike Sakell speaks with Daniel Stroup, Founding President of the Shandelee Music Festival about this years upcoming 31st season taking place August 13th through August 24th 2024.

Catskills News Podcast host Mike Sakell speaks with US Army Veteran Matthew Kleman the Veteran Peer Services Coordinator for Vet 2 Vet of Sullivan County coordinated through Action Towards Independence in Monticello NY. Matthew Kleman speaks about the many services and information available through the program including the service dog program.

Catskills News Podcast host Mike Sakell Speaks with Daniel's Music Foundation co-founders Daniel and Ken Trush who will bring Hello Inclusion: A Festival of Possibilities to Bethel Woods Center for the Arts on Friday July 12, 2024 as part of Disability Pride Month. The foundation is inspired by Daniel who suffered a brain aneurysm at the age of 12, leaving him in a coma for 30 days with close to a year of rehabilitation. Today Daniel and the Daniels Music Foundation offer up to 50 weekly music classes for disabled individuals in New York City, as well as online. Hello Inclusion has nine featured artists performing on the Horizon Stage prior to an evening concert with Jason Mraz and the Superband, who is a supporter of the project.

Bold Gold Media Catskills News Director Mike Sakell spoke with members of the NYS Army National Guard as part of the statewide New York State Broadcasters Association July 4th Salute to Citizen Soldiers. Army National Guard SSgt Victor Ayala and SSgt Robert Mc Nair spoke about the role the Army National Guard plays close to home in New York as well as across the country and the world.

Garnet Health this week announced a restructuring. The move will impact 26 employees in the Garnet Health system. Speaking to Mike Sakell Catskills News Director, Garnet Health Catskills CEO Jerry Dunleavy insists the restructuring will have minimum impact in Sullivan County. Dunleavy breaks down the restructuring that includes inpatient palliative care services, Garnet Health Doctors outpatient Infectious Disease capacity and phasing out medical directorship to three local post-acute facilities, located in Orange County.

K and K Pharmacy in Liberty NY is offering a new weight loss managment program making available GLP-1 class drugs at low prices. K and K Pharmacist and Owner Sam Shah speaks with host Mike Sakell about the drugs, availability and weight management through diet and exercise.

Catskills News Director Mike Sakell Hosts the Decision 2024 Republican Primary Debate for the NYS 100th Assembly District featuring Camille Obrien and Lou Ingrassia Jr on topics of interest including the state budget and state spending; the drug crisis and mental health; housing and infrastructure; crime and bail reform; gun rights and migrants and more.

About a year after deciding on a new mascot for Liberty Central School District, the district has finalized a new Redhawks logo. Catskills News Director Mike Sakell speaks with Liberty Central School Superintendent Dr Patrick Sullivan about the process that included designs brought back to the district's student liaison teams in all three schools for input. After several rounds of redesign and student input. The new design will begin being put in use over the next several weeks.  

Catskills News Director Mike Sakell speaks with Steven Kelley, President and CEO and Ashima Butler, COO of Ellenville Regional Hospital. Ellenville Regional has recently embarked on a plan to replace their current facility, a $100 million dollar project. The project is dependent on a New York State Department of Health Transformation Grant, that is $50 million dollars to start.

Catskills News Director Mike Sakell speaks with Ryan Terracciano of The Catskills Outdoorsman and volunteer for the Jeffersonville First Aid Squad about their daylong fundraising event Saturday June 1st, 2024. This Emergency Funding Event is the result of a serious funding shortfall caused by the closing of the Jeff Adult Home. The community event includes music, food, activites and an evening Night Club DJ event for those 21+ starting at 8pm.

This is the complete recording of the Memorial Day Service held in the lobby of the Sullivan County Government Center in Monticello, NY on Monday May 27, 2024.

Cohen Dentistry has been providing the Catskill Mountains and surrounding areas with quality dentistry for over 35 years! Host Mike Sakell speaks with Dr Ari Cohen about Cohen Dentistry and their use of the most up-to-date and modern technology and equipment to always improve upon the patient's experience and overall results.  

The owner of Unity Ambulette, that serves Sullivan as well as Dutchess, Ulster and Orange Counties has written to Governor Hochul calling inadequate rate increases for medical transportation an untenable situation. Host Mike Sakell speaks with Joe Adamo of Unity who wrote the letter after the closure of several companies across the state.

The State University of New York Board of Trustees has appointed Dr. David Potash as president of SUNY Sullivan. Dr. Potash's appointment is effective on or before July 1, 2024 and Catskills News Podcast host Mike Sakell speaks with the incoming SUNY Sullivan President on his approach to building partnerships and the unique role community colleges play in offering residents educational opportunities. 

Share in a special Passover presentation with the Landfield Avenue Synagogue. During these troubled times share in the story of Passover including traditions, recipes and the importance of family. Landfield Avenue Synagogue Interim Rabbi Jacob Stern will talk about the story of Passover along with Synagogue Board of Directors Secretary Lori James sharing stories as well as presenting upcoming events at the Landfield Avenue Synagogue. This special Passover program is being sponsored by PN Alarm of Monticello. Find out about security and alarm services at PNAlarm.com

The housing crisis and homelessness are front and center in this conversation with Sullivan County NY Commissioner of Health and Human Services John Liddle with host Mike Sakell. One possible solution is working with SUNY Sullivan and upgrading a deteriorating dormitory to house families.

April 14th to April 20th the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) joins the country in celebrating National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, a time to honor and recognize 9-1-1 professionals who are frontline responders Host Mike Sakell speaks with Sullivan County NY E 911 Coordinator Alex Rau about the county employees that handle approximately 40,000 incidents a year and process nearly 100,000 phone calls per year.

Catskills News Podcast Host Mike Sakell speaks with John Kocijanski of Catskills Astronomy about the Monday April 8 Solar Eclipse and as well as the group that likes to get together and stargaze in Sullivan County. You will have the opportunity to view the partial solar eclipse with Catskills Astronomy at SUNY Sullivan on April 8 from 2-4:30pm. John Kocijanski from Catskills Astronomy will be on hand with solar filtered telescopes that will allow a safe observing of the sun.

Sullivan County Public Health Deputy Director Jill Hubert Simon speaks all about Public Health Services during this National Public Health Week April 1-7 2024.

Construction has begun on the main airport terminal at the Sullivan County International Airport in Bethel and last week, the Governor's office unveiled architect's renderings of the new facility. Host Mike Sakell checks in with Sullivan County Public Works Building Engineer Kristin Janowski to speak about the new 15,000-square-foot terminal building.

Host Mike Sakell has the latest Catskills Conversation with Bruce Davidson of the historic Liberty Theater to talk about the vision and restoration project that is bringing this "anchor building" back to life. Davidson plans to bring the Liberty Theater back to its original glory as an entertainment hub in the community and to encourage a renaissance along Main Street in Libety NY.

The face behind the Hurleyville General Store is Denise Lombardi, a parent of an adult son with autism and multiple disabilities, as well as the sister of a person with multiple disabilities. The Hurleyville General Store focuses on improving economic opportunities for people with disabilities, as well as sourcing products from companies that employ and support the disabled. Mike Sakell speaks with Denise Lombardi as she prepares to step away from her daily business but not from advocating for those with disabilities.

The Museum at Bethel Woods has been voted in the top 3 of USA TODAY's 10 Best Readers'Choice travel awards in the category of Best Music Museum. Museum Director and Senior Curator Neal Hitch calls it an honor and feels pride in working at such a prestigious location in conversation with host Mike Sakell. Hitch also outlines the current national ‘Living History” project collecting oral histories from those who attended the Woodstock Festival.

Host Mike Sakell speaks with new Center for Discovery CEO Dr Terry Hamlin on her 40 year career and new role at TCFD. Dr Hamlin discusses the upcoming opening of The Center for Discovery Childrens Specialty Hospital and other short term and long term priorities. Dr Hamlin also speaks to the role of TCFD as the largest employer in Sullivan County NY and it's commitment to the community.

Hudson Valley Credit Union (HVCU) recently announced that it has entered into a definitive merger agreement with Catskill Hudson Bank and its parent company Catskill Hudson Bancorp. Catskill Hudson Bank will merge with and into HVCU, with HVCU as the surviving institution in a series of transactions. Catskills News Director Mike Sakell speaks with Mario L. Martinez, Chairman & CEO of Catskill Hudson Bank about the transition and partnership. Under the merger agreement, Mr. Martinez will serve as a Senior Market President. The merger is expected to be completed during the second half of 2024.

This year's 98.3 WSUL Heart A Thon focuses on Education, Prevention and Treatment. Mike Sakell speaks with Jerry Dunleavy CEO Garnet Health Catskills about their mission and need for State of the Art Echocardiogram Equipment .

This year's 98.3 WSUL Heart A Thon focuses on Education, Prevention and Treatment. Mike Sakell speaks with Gary Seigel about the Steam Fund's Full Steam Ahead with Healthy Habits Initiative.

This year's 98.3 WSUL Heart A Thon focuses on Education, Prevention and Treatment. Mike Sakell speaks with Sullivan 180 CEO Denise Frangiapane about the Empowering a Healthier Generation program and Healthiest Fire Department Challenge Turtle Awards.

This year's 98.3 WSUL Heart A Thon focuses on Education, Prevention and Treatment. Mike Sakell speaks with A Single Bite Director of Operations Sara Hazelnis about A Single Bites Real Food Education Program.

Listen to the Catskills News Talk 92-5 and 93-9 special Chanukah presentation with the Landfield Avenue Synagogue. During these troubled times share in Shine Your Light of Peace This Chanukah Season and Celebrate A World With No Place for Hate. Host Mike Sakell speaks with Landfield Avenue Synagogue Interim Rabbi Jacob Stern about the story of Chanukah along with Synagogue Board of Directors Secretary Lori James. discussing No Place for Hate as part of this special program

Host Mike Sakell of Catskills News speaks with Marty Colavito and Dana Halprin of SALT about this weeks (10/25/23) LGBTQIA+ Community Town Hall at the Hurleyville Performing Arts Center. The goal of this event is to provide a safe and inclusive space for our audience to learn more about the community, discuss issues, provide important feedback, and receive helpful information on available resources.   

SULLIVAN COUNTY LEGISLATURE DISTRICT 9 DEBATE Terry Bernardo; Republican line. George Nikolados; Democratic and Sullivan United lines. Moderated by Mike Sakell, News Director Catskills News

SULLIVAN COUNTY DISTRICT 8 DEBATE Amanda Ward; Republican line. Justin Picciotti; Democratic and Sullivan United lines. Moderator: Mike Sakell, News Director Catskills News

SULLIVAN COUNTY LEGISLATURE DISTRICT 5 DEBATE George Conklin, III; Republican line. Cat Scott; Democrat and Sullivan United lines. Moderated by Mike Sakell, News Director Catskills News

SULLIVAN COUNTY LEGISLATURE DISTRICTS 6 AND 7 CANDIDATE CONVERSATIONS Mike Sakell, News Director Catskills News, sits for individual conversations on the issues with unopposed District 6 Legislator Luis Alverez (D) and District 7 Legislator Joe Perello (D/R).

SULLIVAN COUNTY LEGISLATURE DISTRICT 4 DEBATE Nicholas Salomone Jr.; Republican/People First Lines Maryallison Farley; Democrat/Mamakating First LInes Moderated by Mike Sakell News Director, Catskills News