The clock is ticking for the federal government to avoid a government shutdown tonight.

Senate enate leaders reached a deal with the White House on Thursday on the massive spending package after Democrats pushed for reforms to ICE following national outrage over the deaths of Alex Pretti and Renee Good. Both were U.S. citizens killed by federal ICE agents.

Radio Catskill’s Kimberly Izar spoke to New York’s 19th Congressional District Representative Josh Riley this morning about where the federal package is and the impact Minneapolis’s escalating immigration raids are having locally.

Agnes Van Put, a beloved fixture of Livingston Manor’s fly-fishing community and a longtime presence at the Catskill Fly Fishing Center & Museum, died January 21, 2026. She was 109 years old.

For decades, Van Put welcomed anglers, visitors, and neighbors with warmth, humor, and homemade food — becoming as much a part of the Catskills fly-fishing experience as the Beaverkill itself.

Her daughter-in-law, Judy Van Put, said Agnes lived with uncommon energy and generosity.

“I was fortunate to have gotten to know Agnes when I was in my early 20s,” Judy said. “I fell in love with her son Ed Van Put, and we married — and I had Agnes in my life for 48 years.”

Agnes, she said, defied easy description.

“She was an enigma,” Judy said. “She was tough and fair and kind and just filled with love.”

Much of that love came through food. Agnes was known for her baked goods, preserves, and the soup she made each year for opening day of trout season at the Catskill Fly Fishing Center — a tradition remembered fondly by generations of anglers.

“She gave love in so many ways,” Judy said. “So often it was with food. But if you were in Agnes’ net — which extended very wide — you certainly felt the warmth of her love.”

Agnes worked at the Catskill Fly Fishing Center & Museum well into her 100s, greeting visitors in the gift shop and attending community events across the region.

“She just had this incredible will to keep going,” Judy said. “She enjoyed life. She had a real joie de vivre.”

When asked about the secret to her longevity, Agnes kept it simple.

“She’d say, ‘I do whatever I like whenever I like, and I eat whatever I like whenever I like,’” Judy recalled.

That philosophy included a legendary sweet tooth.

“She’d say, ‘I didn’t feel like making dinner, so I had a banana split,’” Judy said, laughing.

The Van Put family is planning a public celebration of life in August at the Catskill Fly Fishing Center & Museum. Details will be announced at a later date.

Memorial contributions in Agnes Van Put’s name may be made to the Catskill Fly Fishing Center & Museum.

Roscoe, N.Y. — This Saturday, Roscoe Mountain Club is embracing winter with Winterfest, a full afternoon of ice skating, snowshoeing, live music, and craft beer, hosted in partnership with Roscoe Beer Company. The festival runs from noon to 5 p.m., with an after-party until 8 p.m.

“Winterfest is kind of like our love letter to the Catskills,” said Tiffany Conklin of Roscoe Mountain Club. “It’s about leaning into the season instead of hiding from it. Adults and kids can just relax and have some good outdoor fun.”

Visitors can enjoy ice carving, horse-drawn carriage rides, sledding, bonfires with free s’mores, and a snowman-building contest. “The ice skating rink and live music is the most lively and festive part of the day,” Conklin said. “Snowshoeing and carriage rides offer a quieter way to enjoy the landscape.”

Live music starts at 12:30 p.m. with Far Beyond Gone at Wolf Lodge, followed by BJ Hendrickson at the barn at 1 p.m. The festival also features local artisans, pop-ups, fire pits, and indoor crafts for kids, plus dog-friendly areas.

“This is the 12th annual festival from Roscoe Beer Company,” Conklin said. “It’s a great way to support local artists, connect with the community, and show off everything the Catskills have to offer.”

For details, visit roscoemountainclub.com or follow their social media channels.