The Peru Gazette

The adirondack almanac reports 

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The Press Republican reports 

In an effort to inform our readers regarding the background and views of the three candidates for the two open Peru Town Council positions, the Peru Gazette asked each candidate five questions. The responses received from Brandy McDonald and Kregg Bruno appear below. The Peru Gazette does not have any record of receiving a response from candidate Geoffrey Spear.

The Press Republican reports 

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The Adirondack Daily Enterprise reports 

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• The Press Republican reports

The Press Republican reports 

The Times Union reports 

By Donald McBrayer

The Town Board held their regular meeting Monday, September 26. Everyone was in attendance.

The meeting included an update by the Town’s highway superintendent Greg Timmons reporting that the work on water mains on River Road & Locust Drive are completed. Timmons also requested $15,500 to allow the contractor to relocate a manhole and sewer lines on Locust Drive. “This would complete all the work on that street,” Timmons said. The board approved the request.

Highway superintendent Mike Farrell reported that the repairs to roads damaged by Tropical Storm Irene from Mudpond Road to Smart Hill are almost completed.  Farrell also informed the board that two 6’X8’ concrete box-culverts were soon to be installed on Mannix Road. They weigh 22 tons apiece, and will require a large hole be dug for installation. Farrell suggested a temporary red-light may be erected during the project. Farrell said, “I’d hate to have someone driving down the road at 55 miles-per-hour at night fall into a huge hole.” He then told the board that damage totals $265,000, and that FEMA money will take years to see.

In other action the board:

• Approved a bid of $173,333 to Northern Snow & Dirt, Inc. for sewer line replacement along McDonald Place, Locust Drive, and North Bend Street.
• Reported that NYMIR conducted a liability survey of town properties. Several repairs will need to be addressed including inspections of boilers at the town garages, repairs to the foot bridge at the Little Ausable Park, and the placing of signs with park rules at all public parks. Repairs will be completed in the next 60 days.
• Reported that DOT has approved a permit for the town to repaint the Main Street Bridge to cover graffiti. The W/S Department will do the painting. The paint will be supplied by DOT.
• Tabled a motion of appointments to the Board of Assessment Review when it was pointed out that no advertising for the positions were made public and no application process was conducted.
• Approved minutes for the September 12 meeting that can be viewed at: http://d1091839.domain.com/PeruTown/min11/2011-09-12-RM.pdf 

The meeting was adjourned at 8:55PM.

The Press Republican reports 

The Press Republican reports 

Rod Driscoll

By John T. Ryan

Peru Central’s school year began with an overall sense of optimism. The new Superintendent, Dr. Thomas Stapleford, addressed the teaching staff on Tuesday, September 6, 2011.  Peru students reported for class on Thursday, September 8^th. On September 9^th a school news release stated that Stapleford was on temporary leave for an indefinite period of time. No reason was given for the leave. On September 13^th the Board of Education named former Peru Central School Superintendent A. Paul Scott as Interim Superintendent.

Understandably many Peru residents have been asking why Stapleford is on leave.  The Peru Gazette asked School Board President Rod Driscoll why the board hasn’t released more information. Driscoll responded, “Any organization dealing with a personnel matter can’t release that information to the public. If we wanted to be reckless we could, but that could open our district up to liability. It’s a courtesy to the individual and a necessity for the district. When we can release more information we will. Our responsibility is to the district and the taxpayers and we take that seriously.”

Discoll went on to say the school board has always been good about releasing information. He cited this week’s news release informing the public that mold had been discovered in the Peru Intermediate School building. He is aware that many community residents want to know the exact nature of Stapleford’s departure.  At this point Peru residents have to rely on the good judgment of the Board of Education.

James Falvo, Vice Chair of the Town of Peru Zoning Board of Appeals, called the meeting of Wednesday, May 18^th, 2011 at 7:05pm to order. Read more »

From the Office of Congressman Bill Owens 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Paul Tonko, Congressman Maurice Hinchey and Congressman Bill Owens tonight made the following statement after voting against a Continuing Resolution to fund government operations through November 18, 2011. Included is $3.65 billion in disaster relief funding, which is about half as much as the nearly $7 billion in disaster relief approved by the U.S. Senate. The House measure was defeated, 195-230. Read more »

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The Adirondack Daily Enterprise reports 

By John T. Ryan

When Ann and Lynn Wilke looked out their upstairs windows this morning they saw children placing pinwheels at the entrance to Peru Central School.  They couldn’t help but wonder what the pinwheels signified. According to school officials the Middle School students were celebrating the International Day of Peace. It was established by a United Nations resolution in 1981 to coincide with the opening of the General Assembly. The first Peace Day was celebrated in September 1982.

Adele Douglas Photo

Middle School art teacher Tracey Laundry coordinates the Peace Day Program at Peru Central. She explained, “We introduced it into the school four years ago. The pinwheels are a non-political art project that emphasizes the International Day of Peace. Unfortunately, Peace Day goes unrecognized by many people.” Laundry develops lesson plans emphasizing the day. She said peace begins in the classroom and that lessons on bullying are one of the appropriate activities for the day.

Adele Douglas Photo

Interim School Superintendent A. Paul Scott said he watched the pinwheels rotating in the wind outside his office window.  He remarked, “They’re a sign of movement and hope for progress in finding peace. They spotlight the efforts of so many people who are working for peace in the world.”

Letter Regarding Intermediate School Basement September 20 2011