The Peru Gazette

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Police are searching for a man who repeatedly exposed himself at local swimming holes

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Altona stabbing Victim listed in stable condition with non-life-threatening injuries Wednesday morning

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(ESD News Release) Empire State Development (ESD) today announced the opening of the new Small Business Environmental Support Office (SBESO), designed to help small businesses understand and comply with federal and state environmental regulations involving air, water, solid and hazardous waste, petroleum and chemical bulk storage, and other important environmental standards. Governor Kathy Hochul first advanced this initiative in her 2024 State of the State address. The new office will provide direct one-on-one guidance to small businesses across the state regarding environmental regulations, balancing the State’s sustainability goals with New York’s economic development goals.  

Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Hope Knight said, “Small businesses are not just the backbone of our economy, they also are a partner in helping New York achieve our environmental goals. ESD’s new Small Business Environmental Support Office will be a resource for small businesses as they navigate an evolving environmental landscape. Small businesses in New York State now have a trusted advisor in understanding and complying with federal and state environmental rules.”

While environmental regulations are in place to ensure a clean and safe environment for all, regulations can also prove challenging for small business owners to interpret. The new SBESO expands the support and advice offered to small businesses, free and confidentially, regarding how to navigate regulations, avoid noncompliance, and remedy violations.

The SBESO offers the following types of assistance to any New York state business with 100 or fewer employees:

• COMPLIANCE – help with identifying which state and federal regulations apply to a particular business and providing assistance in drafting compliance plans. 

• MEDIATION – assistance with resolving complaints and disputes.

• OUTREACH – informing small businesses of new or changing regulations, compliance deadlines, and current issues that may impact business operations.

• BUSINESS SUPPORT – coordination with organizations representing business sectors, and engagement with regulatory agencies to provide feedback from the small business community.
• SUSTAINABILITY – providing resources to move small businesses beyond compliance through energy efficiency, resource conservation, pollution prevention, and sustainability.

The Small Business Environmental Support Office can be reached by calling (877) 247-2329 or emailing SBESO@esd.ny.gov. For more information, please visitesd.ny.gov/SBESO.

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(Please Share) November 19, 2024, Peru, NY—Peru residents learned about the solar farm on Mannix Road six years ago when the Hamilton family (Patti, Neil, Mark, and Ruth) applied for a building permit. At long last, there’s good news to report. By the end of December or early 2025, HamilSun Community Solar’s 5,200 panels should be feeding electricity into the grid. If the panels perform as planned, subscribers will receive NYSEG bill credits of 10% to 20% with no panels on roofs, service changes, or program enrollment costs.

Every Clinton and Essex County NYSEG customer is eligible. The project is unique because 60% of NYSEG’s credits will flow to low and moderate-income customers. Family spokesman Mark Hamilton commented, “We want this project to benefit the people who need it the most.” The first online enrollment period will open soon. A second message will update everyone on the project’s progress and open a second enrollment period.

Solar installations require technological knowledge and finance experience; the Hamiltons partnered with Apex Solar Power and RER Energy Group. Apex Solar has the installation expertise, while RER has the design and financing experience.

This solar farm is tiny compared to most; it takes up only ten acres in a former hayfield and, at 2.7 Megawatts, will produce enough electricity to power about 400 homes. The partners encountered many hurdles, including New York State changing its solar farm regulations and raising questions about the project’s feasibility. Mark Hamilton commented, “On a positive note, solar panel technology has significantly advanced over the past six years. We’ve installed much more productive panels at roughly the same cost.”

Until two years ago, a beautiful apple orchard surrounded what has become a solar farm. However, the trees were old and no longer productive, and the orchardist caring for them wasn’t interested in continuing. Uncared-for trees could have become diseased, endangering nearby orchards. 

Reflecting on the solar farm as it prepares to go online, Hamilton stated, “We felt a sense of loss when we had to remove the orchard. We love that land. This is farming in a different way.”

November 19, 2024 – Peru’s Water-Sewer-Parks Department personnel Luke Fessette, Mathew Houser, and Christopher Martineau erect Holiday Banners on Peru’s primary streets today. They always do it with a flourish.

It’s time for everyone to get into the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday spirit. Courtney Tetrault provided the photos. Thank you! 

L-R Becky Leahy (North Country Home Services), James Rolla (HCP), Assemblyman Jones, and Kathy Febraio (HCP)

Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay Lake) was recently recognized as the New York State Association of Health Care Providers (HCP) Elected Official of the Year during their annual meeting at Bolton Landing. This distinction is given to a local or State official who has made significant strides in advancing the interests of home and community-based care. The team at North Country Home Services nominated Jones.

            “I am extremely honored to be HCP’s Elected Official of the Year,” said Jones. “I am proud to support home care in our communities to make sure that everyone can age in place and to support all home care workers who ensure that our loved ones receive the care they deserve. I have seen firsthand how much our local home care agencies care about their patients and will continue to support them during my legislative efforts in Albany.”

            “Assemblyman Jones has represented the North Country Home Services’ area for nearly a decade,” said Rebecca Leahy, Chief Executive Officer of North Country Home Services. “His commitment to home care is not just professional; it is personal. Billy has been a tireless advocate, consistently supporting every issue we bring before him. His efforts have been instrumental in securing fair remote rural rates, a critical factor in ensuring that the unique needs of our community are met.”

            “Assembly Member Billy Jones has been an invaluable ally to the home care community, showing a deep commitment to addressing the challenges facing our industry,” said James Rolla, HCP Board Chair. “His advocacy has brought much-needed visibility to home care, and his support has been crucial in advancing our mission. We proudly recognize him as our Elected Official of the Year.”

            “Assembly Member Billy Jones exemplifies what it means to be a true advocate for the people of New York.,” said Kathy Febraio, HCP President/CEO. “His dedication to ensuring that quality home care is accessible and sustainable has positively impacted providers, caregivers, and the individuals we serve. We are honored to celebrate his leadership and commitment.”

Peru Gazette file photo

To adjust to spaçe requirements, Elmore SPCA closed seven of the ten municipal contracts 

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Thanksgiving Dinner 

Turkey

Potatoes 

Stuffing 

Squash 

Dessert

Served 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., take-out only, at St. Augustine’s Parish Center, 3030 Main St., Peru, NY 12972 

All are invited and welcome!

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Peru, NY—Come one, Come all! Peru’s 2024 Tractor Parade will occur on Friday, December 13, beginning at 6 p.m. Farmer Don Dimock will be the Grand Marshal. It’s a great family event.

It starts at the Irwin farm on Jarvis Road, left on River Rd., right on Laflure Lane, right onto Rt. 22, right over the bridge, right at Liberty’s on Union Rd., left on Cross St, left onto Route 22, back over the bridge to Stewart’s, left on Holden Ave, left on School Street to 22, and done.

Peru Gazette 2023 Parade Video

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This burn ban prohibits the starting of outdoor fires statewide for purposes of brush and debris disposal, as well as uncontained campfires, and open fires used for cooking. Backyard fire pits and contained campfires less than three feet in height and four feet in length, width, or diameter are allowed, as are small, contained cooking fires. Burning garbage or leaves is prohibited year-round in New York State. Several municipalities also have burn bans in effect.

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The Peru CSD Board of Education will hold its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, at 6:30 PM in the High School Community Room. It is anticipated that an executive session will take place immediately following the 6:30 PM start and that the Board will reconvene for open public session business at approximately 7:00 PM. The meeting will be recorded and will be available on the District’s website at www.perucsd.org.  The meeting is open to the public and current District, County, State and Federal safety procedures and protocols will be followed. The complete agenda will be available via BoardDocs on the District’s website (perucsd.org).

Currently, two (2) public comment opportunities are planned as follows:

First public comment:  Related to items on the agenda.  Comments are limited to three (3) minutes per speaker.

Second public comment:  Comments are limited to three (3) minutes per speaker.

Individuals who are unable to attend the regular meeting in person may submit public comments by emailing perucomments@perucsd.org no later than 12:00 Noon on Tuesday, November 19^th.  Online comments are also subject to the conditions stated above.

Anticipated topics include:

• Independent Audit
• Strategic Plan
• Bonds
• Appointment of Personnel
• Policy Review

Prior to this regular monthly meeting, the Board will hold a committee meeting and a retreat.

At 5:30 PM, the Board’s Audit Committee will gather.  It is anticipated that they will conduct an executive session. No other business is currently planned for this committee meeting.

At 6:00 PM, the full Board will gather for a retreat, for the purpose of training and self-evaluation.

The regular monthly and audit committee meetings are open to the public. However, the retreat, and the executive sessions of the regular mo. & committee meetings, are closed sessions and not available for public viewing.

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar today announced a new state record for smallmouth bass was set on Sept. 22, 2024. Using a soft plastic lure, Dante Piraino of Baldwinsville, Onondaga County, reeled in a nine-pound smallmouth bass from the St. Lawrence River while fishing in a bass tournament hosted in the city of Ogdensburg, St. Lawrence County. The record-breaking “smallie,” caught in 30 feet of water, surpassed the previous state record caught from Cayuga Lake in 2022 by eight ounces.

“New York provides some of the best bass fishing in the country and Mr. Piraino’s incredible catch is a testament to the outstanding angler opportunities across the state,” Interim Commissioner Mahar said. “There’s nothing better than spending time with family and friends on the water pursuing these exciting sportfish. DEC encourages those fishing in New York’s world class waters to check out the Angler Achievement Awards Program before their next trip.”

Pound for pound, smallmouth bass are considered one of the hardest-fighting freshwater fish in New York. When hooked, they will often take acrobatic leaps out of the water, making them a highly desirable sportfish for anglers. Smallmouth bass can be found across the state in cooler lakes, rivers, and creeks in rocky/gravelly areas. Aside from the famed St. Lawrence River, some of the best smallmouth bass waters in New York include Lake Erie/Upper Niagara River, Lake Champlain, Cayuga Lake, Oneida Lake, and Chautauqua Lake. Lake George, Mohawk River, Susquehanna River, Lower Niagara River, and Keuka Lake are also great options.

The smallmouth bass record comes only a few months after a new state record for largemouth bass was set on July 11, 2024. James Britenbaugh of Pennsylvania reeled in the record-breaking 12-pound, 6-ounce largemouth bass from Cayuga Lake, Cayuga County. Earlier this year, a new state record for longnose gar was set. On June 21, 2024, Chuck Zimmerman of Hilton, Monroe County, reeled in a 15-pound, 14-ounce longnose gar from Butterfield Lake, Jefferson County.

Mr. Piraino and the other record-holders submitted details of their winning catches as part of DEC’s revamped Angler Achievement Awards Program, which tracks state record fish. Through this program, anglers can enter freshwater fish that meet specific qualifying criteria and receive official recognition of their catch along with a species-specific sticker commemorating their achievement. The program’s three categories are: Angler Award, Youth Angler Award, and State Record. As part of the program revamp, anglers can now submit entries for qualifying catches from the convenience of their smart phones through an online entry form.

The program supports Governor Kathy Hochul’s “Get Offline, Get Outside” initiative, which was launched to promote physical and mental health by helping New York’s kids and families to put down their phones and computers, take a break from social media, and enjoy recreation and outdoor social gatherings.

For official program rules, eligible species and associated minimum qualifying lengths, visit the Angler Achievement Awards webpage.

For more information on where to find smallmouth bass, visit DEC’s Places to Fish and Warmwater Fishing webpages.

Anglers are also encouraged to check out ‘Tackle Box’ feature in DEC’s HuntFishNY App, which provides anglers one-stop shopping for waterbody-specific information on fishing regulations, stocking, and fishing/boating access sites.