The Peru Gazette

The Press Republican reports on severe flooding in the region

The Press Republican reports

At its special meeting of April 28, 2011, the Peru Central Board of Education passed a resolution appointing Dr. Thomas A. Stapleford to a three-year contract as Superintendent of Schools at Peru Central. Stapleford will start his service on July 1, 2011, according to A. Paul Scott, veteran Peru Superintendent, who is retiring at the end of this school year.

Peru Board President Rod Driscoll said “We are extremely pleased to announce the selection of Thomas Stapleford as the next Superintendent of the Peru Central School District. Dr. Stapleford has a wealth of experience which will serve him well in continuing the fine work done by retiring Superintendent A. Paul Scott.”

Stapleford’s experience includes prior service as a Superintendent of Schools in New York State and Pennsylvania. He brings to the position several years of higher education experience as well, with his work as Coordinator of Graduate Studies and Assistant Professor at Temple University in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

Current Superintendent A. Paul Scott’s intent is to engage with various representative Peru Central administrators, operations supervisors, faculty, support staff and school volunteers to provide a solid and well organized transition, with Dr. Stapleford’s July 1st start of service in mind.

The Free Press reports

Normally very placid Little AuSable River at 8:30 a.m. this morning

The Press Republican comprehensive report

Moriah hardest hit by flooding

People, pets evacuated in Keeseville

After testing the waters, the art programs at our local library have been a great success.  Because of the overwhelming support from the community, Greg Badger will be teaching art classes at the Peru Free Library every Wednesday and Friday after school (3:30-4:30).

There is a $10 per hour charge for each class, which includes materials. Please see the art poster for ages, dates, times and contact information. After testing the waters, the art programs at our local library have been a great success.  Because of the overwhelming support from the community, Greg Badger will be teaching art classes at the Peru Free Library every Wednesday and Friday after school (3:30-4:30).

There is a $10 per hour charge for each class, which includes materials. Please see the art poster for ages, dates, times and contact information. Call 643-8618 or email the Peru Free Library at perulib@gmail.com to sign up.

The Press Republican reports

The United Way of the Adirondack Region, Inc., will have their 11^th Annual Olympian Celebrity Golf Classic on Thursday, June 16, 2011 at Craig Wood Golf & Country Club in Lake Placid.

This unique event randomly pairs an Olympic athlete or other Celebrity with a registered three person team. The cost is $500.00 per team which includes greens fees, cart, free raffle gifts, a continental breakfast and Barbeque dinner. All proceeds from the golf tournament will go to support the United Way of the Adirondack Region, Inc. which serves Clinton, Essex and Franklin Counties.

Registration for a team and sponsorship forms are available at The United Way office, 45 Tom Miller Road, Plattsburgh, on the United Way web-site www.unitedwayadk.org, under the special events tab, or call 518-563-0028 to have one mailed or for more information.

The Press Republican reports

Christa Reyell and Allen Dixon welcomed the Easter Bunny

St. Augustine’s Parish celebrated its 4th Annual Easter Egg Hunt on Easter Sunday, April 24, 2011. Dozens of children searched for over 1,900 eggs scattered throughout the Parish Center classrooms.  The event was sponsored by the Peru Catholic Daughters of the Americas and St. Augustine’s Knights of Columbus Council 7273. (Click here for more photos)

The Times Union reports

The Times Union reports

The Press Republican reports

The Times Union reports

AGENDA, PERU PLANNING BOARD, Wednesday, May 11, 2011, 7:00 p.m., Peru Town Hall

1. CALL meeting to order.

2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE.

3. ROLL CALL.

4. APPROVAL of March & April Minutes.

5. OPEN floor to Public Hearing.

6. SUBDIVISION/MERGE

& SEQR: LEEWARD LAMOY

Minor 2 Lot Subdivision ~ Fuller Rd.

7. SITE PLAN REVIEW: ST. AUGUSTINE’S/ST. PATRICK’S CHURCH

Site Plan Review ~ Patent Rd.

8. ANY FURTHER BUSINESS.

9. CODES OFFICE REPORT.

10. ADJOURNMENT.

The Press Republican reports

The Utica Observer-Dispatch reports

The Watertown Daily Times reports

The Adirondack Daily Enterprise reports

Gazette file photo

By John T. Ryan

This evening’s meeting opened with a moment of silence in memory of former town supervisor Jerome Downs who passed away the morning of April 25th.

The Peru Town Board made a concrete step forward to improving the town’s water supply at its April 25, 2011 meeting. The Board hired A.E.S. Engineering of Plattsburgh to conduct a Disinfectant By-Product Engineering Study on the Peru water system. Phase One costs will not exceed $23,920. Five firms competed for the contract. Peru has received water quality violation notices from the Clinton County Health Department for about the last four years. (See previous story for details)

In an effort to reduce outside maintenance costs, the Board authorized a pay rate of $22 an hour for a MEO (Mechanic and Equipment Operator) position in the Town Highway Department. Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell said the person he plans on hiring is extremely well qualified. In-house maintenance should  reduce heavy equipment maintenance costs from $90+ per hour at V. S. Jerry and similar companies to $22 an hour. Farrell said, “This is a once in a lifetime chance to get someone like this.” The NYS Civil Service Commission authorized the MEO as a non-advertised position.

The Board also:

Approved an Eagle Scout Service Project proposal from James Downs of Peru Troop 49. Downs will oversee construction and attachment of flower boxes under the four hamlet welcome signs. Labor will be provided by Troop 49 and by volunteers. Downs believes that Troop 49 will be interested in the long-term maintenance of the boxes. Supervisor Pete Glushko asked Downs to consult with Lawrence Ewald Sr. of the Peru Lions Club since the Lions Club erected, paid for and maintains the welcome signs. Downs said he would complete the project this summer.

Set a date of May 9, 2011 at 6:15 p.m. for a Public Hearing on a proposed closing ordinance for all town parks. The Board is considering setting a sunrise and sunset closing time. The ordinance is related to park vandalism.

Set a date of May 9, 2011 at 6:30 p.m. for a Public Hearing on the Community Development Block Grant for the South Acres Mobil Home Park improvements.

Approved refinancing a $730,000 water department bond at a reduced interest rate.

Approved a Clinton County 911 Office request to change the starting point of Pleasant Street from the intersection of Route 22 and Pleasant Street to the intersection of Main Street and Pleasant Street.

Authorized the transfer of $6,455.68 from the snow removal account to the snow removal overtime account. Overtime costs have exceeded budgeted costs.

Received information from Ann Wilke on Peru Dog Park progress. Peru is competing in an Internet-based contest titled “Bark For Your Park.” The community demonstrating the most enthusiasm and commitment to its dog park has the chance to win $100,000. Community members are encouraged to submit comments in support of Peru at www.barkforyourpark.com. An informational meeting on the dog park project will be held on Friday, May 6^th at 7 p.m. at the Peru Community Church Fellowship Center. Peru Central Middle and High School art students are submitting logos and names for the park.  The winning logo and name will be chosen at the May 6th meeting.

The Board authorized payment of bills totaling $211,753 and the meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m.

Leon Blair, Chairman of the Town of Peru Zoning Board of Appeals, called the meeting of Wednesday, March 16th, 2011 at 7:00pm to order. Read more »

Peru Central’s Board of Education is slated to meet Thursday, April 28th at 7 PM in the community room, adjacent to the main entrance of Peru High School. At that time, the school board will consider proposed BOCES administrative budget for next school year, and consider lodging votes for several vacant seats on this region’s BOCES [Board of Cooperative Educational Services]. In addition, the Peru Board of Education will resume its executive session discussion of particular candidates for Superintendent of Schools, to replace veteran Superintendent of Schools A. Paul Scott, who retires on or about July 1st.

The Watertown Daily Times reports

The New York Times reports

The Times Union reports