The Peru Gazette

The Free Press reports

The Watertown Daily Times reports 

The Adirondack Daily Enterprise reports       Jason Larabie Obituary of August 9, 2011

The Press Republican reports

The Press Republican reports 

AGENDA TOWN BOARD REGULAR MEETING, August 8, 2011 7:00 PM

1. Call Meeting To Order
2. Pledge of Allegiance
3. Roll Call
4. MOTION:          Approval of Minutes for the Regular Meetings of July 11 and July 25, 2011 Read more »

From the office of State Senator Betty Little

Governor Andrew Cuomo has signed into law legislation that extends an exemption for jet ski and personal watercraft renters from New York’s boater safety course requirement. The measure (S.5372) was sponsored by Senator Betty Little.  The law, set to expire January 1, 2012, will be extended to January 2013.  Little said the exemption limits operation to a specified area where the watercraft is rented. “This is important for marinas and small businesses that rely on the rentals of personal watercraft to stay afloat financially,” said Little. “It’s a reasonable exemption in support of recreation and tourism and I am happy to see it continue.”

News from Peru VFW Post 309 

VFW Post 309 will be having it’s annual Field Day on 13 August.  It starts at 1 p.m. until whenever.  We will be having live music from Mike and Kim Clowning and F & G Karaoke.  We will also be having games, raffles, 50/50,  Pull Tabs and a Dunking Booth with the Peru Town Supervisor Peter Glushko or members of the town board and the Post Commander Thomas Fusco.  Hamburgers, hot dogs, Michigan’s, sausages, onions and peppers, fries, beer and soda will be served. Come one and all to 710 Pleasant Street (Rt 22B) between Peru and Schuyler Falls. Click headline to find find Facebook and Twitter.

The Clinton County Senior Citizens Council is sponsoring a trip to Baltimore and Annapolis from October 13th to October 16th, 2011.  It features a live Tony Bennet concert, a dinner theater Dream Girls production and tours of Annapolis Naval Academy, Fort McHenry, the Maryland Science Center and much more. Adults of all ages are welcome.  Click here for trip details  Click on story headline to share on Facebook or to Tweet. 

Peru Gazette file photo

By John T. Ryan

One of the North Country’s most exciting running events is only a few days away.  The Run for Jon will be held on Saturday, August 27th. Registration starts at 3:30 p.m with the run beginning at 5 p.m. People will be able to participate in a 2.5-mile cross-country run, a 1.25-mile non-competitive walk and a Kids Fun Run.  As usual, the Run For Jon will be held at Forrence Orchards on the Mannix Road in Peru.  All profits will assist families with a medical crisis. If you have questions call Scott Woodward at 518-834-7583.  Click here for more details and an entry form.    Click on story headline to share on Facebook or to Tweet. 

The Free Press reports 

The Watertown Daily Times reports 

The Watertown Daily Times reports 

The Times Union reports

The Adirondack Daily Enterprise reports 

August 1, 2011

WASHINGTON – Congressman Bill Owens released the following statement tonight after voting in favor of The Budget Control Act of 2011. The legislation passed the U.S. House of Representatives tonight by a vote of 268-161.

“Over the course of this debate, I have heard from concerned constituents across Upstate New York – from seniors, soldiers and veterans worried about receiving their earned benefits on time to middle class families and small business owners anxious about government spending and the health of our economy.   Although this was an unnecessarily ugly process that exposed the worst of Washington, tonight’s compromise will ensure that we avoid a catastrophic default while protecting Medicare and Social Security and making a serious down payment on deficit reduction,” said Owens.   Read more »

The Free Press reports 

The Adirondack Daily Enterprise reports

The Watertown Daily Times reports 

Lo-Hud.com reports 

Fitness Manager Jeremy Desroches and Susan Pohlemus

By John T. Ryan

Sometimes a name says it all and this appears to be the story at Peru’s new fitness center.   The facility once known as Hardcore Fitness has reopened under new ownership and a new name – Community Fit. Peru residents Susan and Kirk Polhemus purchased the facility at  3452 Route 22.  Susan Polhemus explained, “We’re trying to be community involved. It doesn’t matter whether you are age 16 or 82, there’s something for you here.”  Instead of focusing on bodybuilding, Community Fit will emphasize working out and getting healthy.

Jeremy Desroches is the center’s Fitness Manager. Desroches says, “I’ll be here to show people how to use the machines, to set up work-outs for people and to act as a personal trainer. If it’s anything to do with fitness, I’m here to help the customers.” Desroches says his working hours will be based on membership and clientele needs.  Jeremy has three years experience as a personal trainer at CVPH’s PARC Wellness facility.

Sue Polhemus said new programs would be offered to meet customer demand. She explained,  “We’ll be adding things as we go along. We’re trying to find out what people want at this point.”  Karate, kickboxing and marshal arts have been suggested. Polhemus hopes that toning and exercise classes will be included in the range of activities. She emphasized, “Activities will be geared to the different age groups.” Jeremy Desroches commented, “ For older folks we’ll be working on light muscle workouts, cardio and posture programs.”

Zumba classes are already scheduled for Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 5:30 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5 and 6 p.m. and on Saturdays at 9:30 a.m.

There’s no excuse for not finding time to work out. The center will be open from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Family, adult and senior memberships are offered. Call 643-9803 for information. Click on story headline to share on Facebook or to Tweet. 

The Watertown Daily Times reports

The Press Republican reports 

Peru Gazette file photo

By John T. Ryan

The Peru Town Board’s meeting of July 25, 2011 was brief but eventful. The Board discussed transferring $125,000 from the town’s unappropriated fund balance to the highway department’s fuel, parts and capital accounts. Clearing last winter’s heavy snow and repairing damage caused by spring and early summer flooding resulted in a budget shortfall. The fund transfer is expected to be voted on at the board’s next meeting. The town may still receive FEMA flood repair funds.  This would help restore the unappropriated fund balance.

Responding to a request for financial support from the Babbie Rural and Farm Learning Museum, the Board approved a donation of $1,200 to the museum. Roger Bonner, newly named to the museum’s board, addressed the Board at its June 27th meeting. He explained that the museum must have broad community support in order to fund its $25,000 annual budget. Before voting Council member Susan Polhemus asked if donating to the museum might trigger donations from several groups.  She was concerned about setting a precedent. Town Attorney Donald Biggs said towns often support museums and libraries. After discussion, Polhemus and the rest of the Board voted to fund the contribution.

Main Street residents Tom Powers and Michael Settevendemio addressed the board regarding serious sewage problems on their properties. Powers said his house has experienced several sewage back-up problems since the early 1980’s.   He claimed he reported three recent incidents to Water and Sewer Department Superintendent Greg Timmons and the department only responding to the first incident. On one occasion, 1.5 inches of sewage flooded his basement floor. Powers said that in July the sewer department jet-blasted a sewer line hoping to clear an obstruction and this resulted in sewage flying from his first floor toilet and hitting the ceiling. Mike Settevendemio said he had similar basement sewage flooding.  On the first occasion, not realizing the town sewer line was causing the problem, he called a plumber. The town later reimbursed him in the amount of $106. He said a subsequent overflow washed mortar from his basement wall. He asked the board to consider reimbursing him for this damage.

On July 25^th, Water and Sewer Department Superintendent Greg Timmons told the Gazette that the sewer pipe causing the problems dates to the 1920’s.  An engineering firm is drawing up plans, bids will be sought and installation of a new pipe should begin in September. The line will run from behind the Town Hall to North Bend Street. Timmons said, “Considering all that has to be done, the project is moving along rapidly.”  Timmons did not recall receiving three calls from Tom Powers. He said his men cleaned up Power’s basement on one occasion and he recalls Powers telling him that a clean-up following another incident was not necessary.

Powers also complained about water runoff from the Town Hall encroaching on his property.  He said the town had placed a dirt hill and six feet of pavement on his property. He closed his comments saying, “ I want it removed and I don’t mean in September.”

The CNN reports